September 8 Owl Post

Hello STEM Community,

Grades 1-8 completed their first few days of school and we are excited to welcome PK and K students today! During the first days of school, teachers spent time connecting with their students and teaching routines. One practice that classrooms at STEM take part in is creating classroom charters. A classroom charter is a collection of values and expectations created by teachers and students that promotes a positive and respectful learning environment. Charters address how students want to feel at school, ways to support those feelings, and how to handle conflicts or situations when those feelings are not experienced by everyone. I have included a picture of a charter created by a 5th grade classroom.

School starts at 8:55 a.m. everyday. At 8:35 a.m., the school building is open to all students to come to the cafeteria for breakfast. Middle school students can spend time on the back blacktop and elementary students should wait for their teachers in the south-end blacktop. There is no supervision before 8:35 a.m. so we ask that you wait until after then to drop students at school. Remind children that personal play equipment should stay at home. On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, school ends at 3:25 p.m.. School ends at 2:10 p.m. on Wednesday.

Curriculum Night is scheduled for September 25, from 6-7:30 p.m.. At that event, you will be able to meet your child's teachers and learn about what they will learn this year. Reach out to classroom teachers with additional questions. I hope to see you there!

Thank you,

Adrienne

Louisa Boren STEM K-8 is a safe place for everyone.

• All students are welcome here, no matter where you or your family comes from.

• We don’t ask about immigration or citizenship.

• Immigration officers (ICE) are not allowed in our schools unless a judge says so, and even then, the District’s lawyers must review it first.

• Our job is to make sure you can learn, feel safe, and be supported every day.

You can confidentially reach out to our school social worker, Dana Fink, if you’re worried, have questions, or would like to be connected to immigration resources. She can be reached by email at dmfink@seattleschools.org, by Talking Points, or by phone at 503-766-3648.

• Immigration Guidance Review FAQ – Amharic

• Immigration Guidance Review FAQ – Cantonese
• Immigration Guidance Review FAQ – English
• Immigration Guidance Review FAQ – Somali
• Immigration Guidance Review FAQ – Spanish
• Immigration Guidance Review FAQ – Vietnamese

School Supplies at STEM

Instead of having families purchase school supplies for children, we ask that families contribute to our school supply budget. Our request is for $55 contributions for families that are able. Please purchase school supplies by signing onto the Source and going to SchoolPay.

Visitors Check in with the Office

If you have to come into the building for some reason, please stop by the office. There is a new kiosk to help us keep track of all of the wonderful people that are passing through. We are asking that all visitors and volunteers have a sticker or lanyard on while here.

STEM loves volunteers! Opportunities range from recess help, classroom organizers, 1:1 tutoring sessions, field trips, Enrichment parent chaperones and more! Before volunteering can begin, paperwork needs to be filled out and a background check completed through SPS. This process can take up to 3 weeks. All volunteer information and paperwork.

We are excited to share that our students will receive one free reimbursable breakfast and one free reimbursable lunch each school day, regardless of their individual eligibility.

What does “free reimbursable meal” mean?

Students get one free breakfast and lunch that meet program rules. To qualify, they must pick at least three of five items: grain, protein, fruit, vegetable, and milk. Additional items like extra milk, snacks, or second entrees are not included and will be charged at à la carte prices.

Why complete a meal application if meals are free?

Although meals are free for all students, submitting a free and reduced-price meal application helps our school maintain funding for critical programs. We encourage families to complete one online. If you need a paper copy, please contact your school’s main office.

Questions? Contact Culinary Services using Let’s Talk.

Louisa Boren STEM PK8

Hey Owls,

This year MS Girls Soccer will start on September 11. Practices will be Tuesdays 7:15-8:15 a.m. at Delridge and Thursdays 3:30-5 p.m. at STEM.

MS Ultimate frisbee will start on September 16 .Practices will be Tuesdays 3:30-5 p.m. at STEM and Thursdays 7:15-8:15 a.m. at Delridge

Every student that wants to participate must bring back their athletics packet filled out. Anyone who didn’t get a physical exam last year will need to get a physical this year and will not be able to play in games until they do.

Athletic Form. Please print and return to school.

Physical Form

Soccer – Guardian Release & Warning Forms

Ultimate Frisbee – Guardian Release & Warning Forms

Get involved, stay connected and participate in important school conversations by becoming a PTA member (it's Free!) and joining our monthly General Membership meetings. Meetings will be held in the STEM Library and via Zoom- hope to see you there! General membership is open to all teachers, staff, students, parents, caregivers, grandparents and community members.

** Learn More About our PTA and to Become a Member **

We're looking forward to celebrating the new year with our whole community! Lincoln Park - North Playground - Shelter #1. Volunteer for the Bash.

🎭 See here for class descriptions and to register on the 15.

🎨 Parent volunteers are needed! VIP’s (Very Important Parent Chaperones) receive discounts on their student’s class. Additional info on becoming a VIP, financial support and all about STEM’s Enrichment program.

🏅 Girls on the Run- registration open NOW! Fall season begins September 29. Financial assistance is available. Register and for more info on GotR at STEM.

📝 Opportunity for Middle School Spanish Enrichment program! Middle School families please fill out a questionnaire if you have interest in participating.

Questions? Please reach out to enrichment@stemk8pta.org.

• September General PTA Meeting- Thur 9/18, 6:30-8 p.m.: Join us in the STEM Library or via Zoom to discuss the new year and participate in important discussions that help shape our school support! Join the Zoom General PTA meeting. Hope to see you there! president@stemk8pta.org
• Taco Tuesday with Chipotle- Tues 9/23, 4-8 p.m.: Eat at Chipotle and support STEM at the same time! Order between 4-8 pm and 25% will go directly back to our PTA. Mention "STEM fundraiser" or use online code "WEP7PJZ" at time of purchase. *This location ONLY: 4730 California Ave. SW
• Understanding FBAs & BIPs Training with WAA- Thur 10/9, 5-7 p.m.: Join Washington Autism Alliance for a Free informative training session designed to empower parents & guardians in advocating for positive behavior support for their children in public schools. Additional information FBAs & BIPs Training with WAA and to register. sped@stemk8pta.org
• Skate Party @ Southgate Roller Rink- Sun 10/12, 5-7 p.m.: Join us for roller skating at Southgate Roller Rink brought to you by the PTA and 2nd grade! Cost is $12-$20 per skater, pay what works for your family and any additional proceeds will benefit the STEM PTA. Pre-pay for a skater. Please reach out to president@stemk8pta.org for financial assistance.
• Staff Appreciation Event- Tues 10/14: Help celebrate our amazing staff with yummy food and treats! Signup Genius to come. staffappreciation@stemk8pta.org
• SPED Support Group- Thur 10/23, 7-8 p.m.: Families and caregivers are invited to join a Zoom meeting to discuss, support, listen and share resources. sped@stemk8pta.org
• STEM Day @ Ounces- Sat 11/8, 2-5 p.m.: Join us & Girls Rock Math for STEM family friendly activities, community fun and good brew & food at local partner, Ounces! % back to our school.

* Stay in the know by viewing our calendar at any time *

If you have an espresso machine to donate or have any experience to share about working in a coffee shop please reach out to Middle School teacher, Mr. Jeff: jimckenzie@seattleschools.org.Thanks!

If you're interested in ways to be more involved and support our STEM community, we're looking for folks to join our team!

Current Full Board open positions: Co-Race, Equity & Inclusion, Co- LGBTQ+, Membership, Field Trip Coordinator and Garden Club Coordinator. Please reach out to president@stemk8pta.org for additional info on these roles.

If you're interested in becoming the Room Liaison for your child's classroom this year, please reach out to our Room Liaison Coordinator: roomliaison@stemk8pta.org. Room Liaisons play a vital role in helping to keep families informed with all things PTA and important school communications while helping to support classroom teachers throughout the year.

Check out our website for updated PTA & school activities, contacts for our Executive & Full Board, our PTA's Mission & Values, financial details, ways to support our PTA, updated Enrichment info and MORE!!

💻 Facebook | Instagram | communications@stemk8pta.org

Principal: Adrienne Ollernshaw amollerensha@seattleschools.org

Assistant Principal: Andrea Stowell anstowell@seattleschools.org

Administrative Secretary: Latisha Ellis ljellis@seattleschools.org

School Social Worker: Dana Fink dmfink@seattleschools.org