Sand Point Squirrel Spotlight
Week of Monday, October 20
Principal's Message
What a meaningful and productive week we’ve had at Sand Point! Most of our students completed their first round of MAP testing, providing us with a valuable baseline to understand where each learner is starting this year. This information helps teachers tailor instruction so every Squirrel can grow, stretch, and shine in their learning.
As we continue building strong routines, I want to emphasize the importance of on-time attendance. Our day begins at 7:55 a.m., and missing even one day of school can take a student up to three days to catch up on learning and classroom connections. Your partnership in getting students to school on time truly makes a difference.
Please also be on the lookout for Conference Sign-Ups coming soon. These family conferences are an essential part of our Sand Point learning community—an opportunity for us to share academic progress, celebrate strengths, and partner together on ways to support positive growth at home.
And now, the excitement is building…
On Friday, October 24 – rain or shine! we’ll host our beloved Move-A-Thon! In 20 minutes, our Squirrels will run, jog, walk, or roll as many laps as they can around the playground—moving with energy, determination, and school pride. Prior to the event, students are invited to collect pledges from family, friends, and neighbors to help raise funds for our amazing school.
Every cent counts, and every act of support strengthens our Sand Point community. Donate now on Givebacks! We can’t wait to see a sea of Squirrels moving with joy and HOPE.
Thank you for your partnership, your presence, and your belief in our students. Together, we are moving forward... one step, one lap, one act of hope at a time.
With appreciation,
Dr. Stephanie Zikopoulos
Principal, Sand Point Elementary
📆 Upcoming Events 📆
- Wednesday, October 22: Early Release 1:10 p.m.
- Friday, October 24: Move-a-Thon 1 p.m.
- Monday, October 27: Spirit Week
- Wednesday, October 29: Early Release 1:10 1 p.m.
- Friday, October 31: Assembly and ATATS 1:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 5: Early Release 1:10 1 p.m.
- Tuesday, November 11: No School Veterans Day
- Wednesday, November 12: Early Release 1:10 1 p.m.
🏁 Sand Point PTA MOVE-A-THON 🏁
Calling all Squirrels!
Sand Point Elementary’s 2025 Move-a-Thon fundraiser is on Friday, October 24!
Mark your calendars for Sand Point Elementary’s 15th annual Move-a-Thon! This all-school event is a fun and healthy way to raise crucial funds for our Sand Point students and staff.
On Friday, October 24 - rain or shine! – our Squirrels will participate in the Move-a-Thon by running, jogging, walking, or rolling as many laps as possible around our playground in 20 minutes.
Prior to the event, students can collect pledges from family, friends, and neighbors to help raise money for their Sand Point Elementary school. Every cent counts!
Please share the fundraiser donation link below with friends and family!
All students and staff will receive an official 2025 Move-A-Thon t-shirt!
Now Enrolling: Sand Point Elementary Preschool!
Do you have a 3–5-year-old ready to start their learning journey? Sand Point Elementary’s Seattle Preschool Program classroom has several immediate openings!
We focus on learning through play, helping children develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills in a fun, hands-on way.
SPP at Sand Point includes:
✅ Experienced and caring teachers
✅ Culturally responsive, play-based curriculum
✅ Low student-to-teacher ratios
✅ Nutritious meals and snacks
✅ Tuition on a sliding scale based on family income
Limited spots available – apply now!
📍 Located at Sand Point Elementary
📅 Full school day – preschool class times follow the Sand Point bell schedule
📞 Questions? Contact Theresa Benson, tabenson1@seattleschools.org, 206-507-5500
We can’t wait to welcome your child to our preschool community!
Social Emotional Learning @ Sand Point Elementary
October’s theme of the month is Identity! October is also Disability Awareness Month, and we will learn about the History of Disability Rights. Next week’s word of the week is Unique.
We will celebrate people's unique strengths and learn how to include everyone in a safe and positive way. Students will listen to the read aloud, I am Enough by Grace Byers and What I am by Divya Srinivasan.
We are also learning about the Zones of Regulation as part of our Social Emotional Curriculum. Next week we will focus on body messages that can help us identify which zone we are in such as heart rate, energy level, and how our body feels.
Event Information
Dear SPS families and staff,
Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is excited to invite you to a series of upcoming engagement sessions this fall! These gatherings are a chance for families, staff, students, and community members to come together, share ideas, and help shape the future of Highly Capable services in SPS.
The district is especially thrilled to introduce Dr. Paula Montgomery, the new Director of Highly Capable Services. Come meet Dr. Montgomery and be part of the conversation as we work to create more equitable, enriching learning experiences for all students.
Your voice matters, and your feedback will help us grow and improve. We hope you will join us at one of the sessions listed below:
Regional Meetings (6:30–7:30 p.m., specific location details will be shared soon):
- Tuesday, Oct. 14 – Northeast Region
Virtual Session (6:30-7:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, Oct. 28
In-Person at John Stanford Center (11 a.m.-noon):
Saturday, Nov. 8
Want to share your thoughts ahead of the meetings? Please provide feedback via ThoughtExchange.
Need interpretation services at the engagement sessions? Please fill out an interpreter request form.
We look forward to hearing your stories, ideas, and hopes for the future. Let’s work together to make SPS a place where every student thrives. Questions? Email us at HiCap@seattleschools.org.
🏫 Drop-Off & Pick-Up Routines 🏫
👍 Volunteer at Sand Point 👍
In order to chaperone or volunteer for Seattle Public Schools, families must complete a volunteer form with the school and district.
Please connect with the front office or your classroom teacher if you are interested in being a volunteer so we can help get you set up to support Sand Point!