Evergreen Family Bulletin

Great school attendance is essential to academic and social success in school. Below are some helpful tips for families.

• Talk to students about how going to school every day will help them do well in school and achieve their hopes and dreams.
  

• Keep an attendance chart at home to track absences. Consider using the attached calendar.

• At the end of the week, recognize students for attending school every day with (i.e. a visit to the park, a new book, a break from doing chores, a special treat, etc.).

• Ensure sure students is in bed to allow 9+ hours of sleep and set the alarm clock for plenty of time to wake up and prepare to be at school on time.

• Find a relative, friend or neighbor who can transport students to or from school if the normal mode of transportation is unable.
  

• Set up medical and dental appointments for weekdays after school or on breaks.

• If student shave a slight stomachache, headache or allergies, and doesn’t have a contagious illness including Covid-19, send students to school. Call the school or a health provider for advice the studentst

• If a student cannot avoid missing school, contact the teacher for tips and resources to support the missed learning.

Our mission: Together, we ensure every student, will meet or exceed proficiency in core academics while demonstrating Safety, Ownership, Achievement, and Respect! We are Evergreen Eagles!

Together we SOAR! Go Eagles!

Ms. Whitmire & Team Evergreen

SEPTEMBER

21st - 1 Hour Late Start

25th - Popcorn Friday

28th - 1 Hour Late Start

30th - Fall School Picture Day

OCTOBER

2nd - 4th Grade Field Trip to Pioneer Farms

2nd - WingShop

5th - 1 Hour Late Start

9th - Popcorn Friday

12th - 1 Hour Late Start

16th - NO SCHOOL - Waiver Day

19th - Early Dismissal @ 11:15am

23rd - WingShop

26th - REGULAR START TIME MONDAY * Early Dismissal @ 11:15am * Conferences

26th - 30th * Early Dismissal @ 11:15am * Conferences

29th - PTA Fall Festival

Please remember, arrival begins at 8:25 am and at 9:25am on Late Start Mondays. This is the time when active supervision of the arrival process begins. Students need to remain in vehicles or off campus until 8:25am (or 9:25am). If your child walks to school, please ensure they remain home and arrive at school between 8:25-8:40am, so they have adequate adult supervision.

Thank you for your cooperation and helping to keep safety at the forefront for our Eagles!

Online ordering is available before and after Picture Day.

Shipping and handling charges may apply to orders placed after Picture Day.

Website: JosiePhoto.Inter-State.com

Enter order code: 0470TB

Exclusive savings and offers delivered straight to your inbox.

Questions?

We're here to help!

Inter-State Studio | 3500 Snyder Ave. | Sedalia, MO 65301

In accordance with Washington State law and the AIDS Omnibus Act, school districts must provide a curriculum preview opportunity before a student can be excused from HIV/AIDS prevention instruction. The purpose of this preview is to give all parents and guardians the chance to review the materials that will be used in HIV/AIDS education later this school year.

You can view the curriculum independently by clicking here. https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/hivaids-parent-preview

After reviewing the curriculum, you may submit the opt-out form, which can be found in the link above.

You have the option to attend a brief Zoom session to learn more about the HIV/AIDS curriculum if you still have questions after reviewing the materials. Each meeting will last approximately 15 minutes. Please register in advance; you will find the dates and times of the previews in the parent letters. Once you register for a session, a confirmation email with the Zoom link and meeting details will be sent to the email address you provided.

Click the link below to see what your student(s) are learning in Art, Library, Music, and PE!

https://app.smore.com/n/18ag2z

Mrs. Sinclair would love some volunteers on Wednesday mornings from 9:45-10:30AM. Helpers would be reading with students and engaging them with games and puzzles. Volunteers do need to have a current district approval. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Mrs. Sinclair at hsinclair@bethelsd.org or 253-800-8295.

BEAR: Be Enthusiastic about Reading

Schoolwide Reading Incentive Program

We are excited to announce our new BEAR Reading Incentive Program. Our purpose is to increase students’ reading skills and enjoyment. Here’s how it will work:

Grades 1, 2 - Students will bring home a reading log. Please use the log to record the books your child reads at home and return it to your child’s teacher. Students will earn a bear paw sticker for each book they read. Once they have five stickers, they will earn an Eagle Feather. Once they have twenty stickers, they will earn a small bag of gummy bears. (Other prizes are available if students cannot eat gummy bears.) Students may earn up to 3 packs of gummy bears in one quarter (ends November 6). Students will also earn recognition at an awards ceremony if they read more than the other students in their grade level.

Grades 3, 4, 5 - Every time a student finishes reading a book, they will complete a BEAR Paw Print Book Report form and give it to their teacher. Every Thursday, the teachers will submit the form to Mrs. Sinclair in the library. She will record the points and hang the BEAR Prints in the hallway outside the classroom. The students in the class with the highest number of points by the end of the quarter will receive a pack of gummy bears each AND an extra recess. Some teachers are creating other incentives too.

Kindergarten - Our youngest students will join the program soon.

Questions? If you have questions about our BEAR program, please contact your child’s teacher or Evergreen’s teacher-librarian, Mrs. Sinclair. It is easiest to reach Mrs. Sinclair via email at hsinclair@bethelsd.org, but you may also try calling 253-800-8295.

We need your help. 😃

We are raising funds to support student enrichment programs and activities.

It's as simple as 1, 2, 3!

1. Create your Family Dashboard by registering at https://www.shopfund.com Our Group Code: UXUAW

*Online supporters only need to shop one time to support all participants in your family!

REGISTER-SHARE-WIN: When you register and share, each participant will earn coins on their dashboard that unlock chances to win from over 1,000 prizes worth over $100,000 including Apple AirPods, MacBook Pros, Visa Gift Cards, and more!

Register and ADD 10 contacts to receive a Delicious Donut Squish + Llama Chimichanga Fiesta Snack Pack!

Fundraiser Links:

* Kick-Off Videos -2026 Fall Kick Off Video

* How To Videos -(https://vimeo.com/588531296)
* Parent Letter -(https://grpsvcs.link/Y5dM3y)

* Prize Program -(https://grpsvcs.link/FEE1hf)

• Shop online with participants personal shopping link.
• Shop through the catalog using the paper order form. Pay by cash or check.
• Checks are to be written out to Evergreen PTA.
• Order forms WITH PAYMENT are DUE no later than Thursday, October 8th.
• Local orders should arrive for pick up the week of November 16th. We'll send notices in advance.
• Out of town family and friends can support your sale by ordering online and having non-frozen items shipped to their home!
• Donations count toward student prizes. Every $30 donated under this fundraiser counts as 1 item sold.

REGISTER on September 17th! Students that register tonight will receive one FREE "Foodiez" collectible tomorrow!

On behalf of myself and Evergreen Elementary PTA, thank you for helping to make our fundraiser a success.

We will continue alternating between Popcorn Fridays and Wing Shop Fridays.

Students can purchase popcorn for $.50 per bag or use the voucher(s) they've purchased with Eagle Feathers at the Wing Shop.

There is a limit of two bags per student.

Please send popcorn money to school with your student(s) on Popcorn Day!

September:

25th - Popcorn

October:

2nd - Wing Shop

9th - Popcorn

23rd - Wing Shop

November:

6th - Popcorn

13th - Wing Shop

20th - Popcorn

December:

4th - Popcorn

11th - Wing Shop

18th - FREE POPCORN

Why join the PTA?

Your membership supports the PTA in our mission to advocate for every child, along with being able to provide academic enrichment activities for students, such as field trips, book fairs, and picture day; while also putting together staff appreciation events! The PTA also creates fun, family friendly events throughout the school year. Some of these include the fall festival, trunk-or-treat, the block party, the student holiday shop, spirit gear, and school fundraisers.

Do I have to volunteer as a PTA member?

Your participation as a PTA member is very flexible to your personal schedule. Volunteering and attendance at membership PTA meetings is not a mandatory requirement for PTA members. While volunteering is an important part of being able to put on PTA events throughout the year, we appreciate any amount of time families are able to give, big or small!

Membership Fees:

Individual Membership $15 Double Membership (2 members) $25 Membership Donations Welcome

Please make checks payable to Evergreen PTA or use the link below to join!

https://evergreenpta.givebacks.com/shop

Second Step is our social-emotional curriculum.

U1, L3: Another way to keep going when mistakes happen is to change your thinking. Negative thinking can make you want to give up, but staying positive will help you to keep going. Roadblocks always come up. If you have a plan to stay positive and look at how far you have come, you can adjust your plan and keep going!

Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communites beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more.

Our first Behavior Challenge of the new school year is to ensure every student knows and understands our Essential Academic and Social Behavior Standards. We call these, our SOAR expectations. SOAR stands for Safety, Ownership, Achievement, and Respect. Every classroom explicitly teaches and practices these behaviors with our students to help them be successful in all areas of our school and beyond.

Our staff is so impressed with the positive behavior of our students. Our Eagles really are terrific! To reinforce the fabulous SOAR behavior this past week, our staff recognized students with ...

• Eagle Feathers to spend at our Wing Shop this coming Friday.
• Class Compliments
• 11 SOAR Slips, which are individualized positive office referrals for demonstrating exceptional Safety, Ownership, Achievement, and Respect that result in a positive call home with the principal, a small certificate, and a SOAR pencil!
  

Way to go Eagles!

Our elementary school lunch menus can be found at:

https://www.bethelsd.org/programs-departments/meals

Coffee with the Superintendent: September 24
The next Coffee with the Superintendent event will be September 24 from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Educational Service Center (516 176th St. E, Spanaway, WA 98387). We will also be hosting other events in November and March! Invite your neighbors! Everyone is welcome.

South Sound Pow Wow: September 26

The annual South Sound Pow Wow will be one of the first big events held at the NEW Bethel High School this fall! Mark your calendars for music, food, free school supplies, and traditional Pow Wow dancing and signing! The event is FREE and runs from 1 to 7 p.m. Grand Entry is at 1 p.m. and Educator Honoring is at 3 p.m.

Paraeducator Hiring Event: September 29, 2026

We’re hosting a hiring event geared towards Special Education Paraeducators, including 1:1 Instructional Paras! Come join our team to support teachers and students in special education classrooms. Responsibilities include assisting with classroom activities, working one-on-one or in small groups with students, and supervising student activities. These part-time roles are perfect for parents, grandparents and community members looking for work that aligns with school schedules. Enjoy working the same days students attend school, with the same breaks off, and make a difference in students’ lives. The next hiring event will be on September 29 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Educational Service Center (516 176th Street East, Spanaway, WA 98387).

All Bethel Community Day: October 3
ABC Day, our annual community event, is Saturday, October 3rd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the new Bethel High School!

Upcoming School Board Meetings
School Board meetings begin at 7 p.m. and will be held at Bethel School District's Educational Service Center (ESC), 516 176th St. E., Spanaway, WA 98387 unless otherwise noted. The public is welcome! To join via Zoom, visit https://bethelsd.diligent.community/portal/

• September 22: School Board Meeting

• October 13: School Board Meeting

• October 27: School Board Meeting

FAMILY REMINDERS

Free Breakfast and Lunch For ALL Students

ALL students in ALL schools in the Bethel School District qualify for free breakfast

and lunch again this year! To maintain our qualifications, ALL Bethel School District families must complete the Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit Application at https://emealapps.bethelsd.org. By submitting this application, households may qualify for reduced fees for programs and activities. You must check “YES! Please share my child’s income eligibility” for each program you wish to receive discounts for.

Every Day In School Matters

Mornings are hard. Between lost shoes, missed alarms, and the constant race against the clock, just getting your kids out the door can feel like a victory. But every single day your child makes it into the classroom matters more than you might think. It’s easy to view an absence here and there as no big deal. But missing just two days a month adds up fast. That’s 20 days, or a full month of missed school, in a single year. https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/why-every-day-in-school-matters

Interpretation and Translation

All families have the right to information about their child’s education in a language they understand. We can provide an interpreter or translated documents, free of charge, when you need them. For information on accessing interpretation services, please contact Special Services at 253-800-2300, or contact your school office.

Community & Crisis Resources

When challenges feel overwhelming, knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference. Our Community & Crisis Resources page has contact information for trusted crisis support services, including mental health counseling, suicide prevention, substance abuse resources, and specialized assistance for youth and families in Pierce County and beyond. https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/community-crisis-resources

Safety Study Hall

The Washington State Department of Health has developed the Safety Study Hall website, a place for schools, students, and families to learn about safety topics: https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/schools/safety-study-hall

Bethel Educators are Rewriting Discipline

Across our district, classrooms are moving away from traditional, reactive punishments. Instead, teachers and administrators are working side-by-side to help every student thrive by building real-life skills, teaching them how to navigate conflicts, and creating a sense of belonging in our schools. The results of this shift speak for themselves: an impressive 70% reduction in elementary suspensions districtwide. A huge part of that success comes down to educators supporting educators. https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/how-bethel-educators-are-rewriting-discipline

ParentVUE is the Bethel School District's secure online tool where families can stay connected to their student’s education, monitor progress, and complete required updates. ParentVUE is your Direct Line to the Classroom

"We acknowledge that the Bethel School District resides on the traditional lands of the Nisqually, Steilacoom, and Puyallup Tribes. These lands are also known as "Incommon Lands" because they were shared lands. These tribes have lived on and cared for these lands and these waterways Since Time Immemorial, and continue to do so today. We make this acknowledgement to open a space of recognition, inclusion, and respect for our sovereign tribal partners and all indigenous students, families, and staff in our Bethel Community."

Bethel School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, disability, neurodivergence, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, age, and honorably discharged veteran or military status and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Compliance / Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator, Darius Alexander, dalexande@bethelsd.org, 253.800.2019; Title IX Coordinator, Mel Boyd, mboyd@bethelsd.org, 253.800.2029; and 504 Coordinator, Melissa Munson-Merritt, mmunsonmer@bethelsd.org, 253.800.2301. All individuals may be reached at this address: 516 176th Street East, Spanaway, WA 98387.

Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Information about the nondiscrimination and sex-based discrimination policies and grievance procedures, and how to report a concern or complaint: bethelsd.org.

El Distrito Escolar de Bethel no discrimina en sus programas ni actividades por motivos de sexo, raza, etnia, color, religión, credo, nacionalidad, orientación sexual, expresión o identidad de género, falta de hogar, estatus migratorio o de ciudadanía, discapacidad, neurodiversidad, uso de perro guía entrenado o animal de servicio, edad, condición de veterano o militar con baja honorable. Asimismo, ofrece igualdad de acceso a los Boy Scouts y a otros grupos juveniles especificados. Los siguientes empleados han sido designados para atender consultas y quejas de supuesta discriminación: Cumplimiento de los Derechos Civiles/Coordinadora Escolar de Inclusión de Género, Darius Alexander, dalexande@bethelsd.org, 253.800.2019; Coordinador del Título IX, Mel Boyd, mboyd@bethelsd.org, 253.800.2029; y Coordinadora 504, Melissa Munson-Merritt, mmunsonmer@bethelsd.org, 253.800.2301. Todas las personas pueden ser localizadas en esta dirección 516 176th Street East, Spanaway, WA 98387.

Las consultas sobre el Título IX también pueden dirigirse a la Oficina de Derechos Civiles (OCR) del Departamento de Educación de los Estados Unidos. Para más información sobre las políticas de no discriminación y discriminación por razón de sexo, los procedimientos de reclamación, y sobre cómo comunicar una preocupación o queja visite: www.bethelsd.org.

Email: ev_elementary@bethelsd.org
Website: https://www.bethelsd.org/ees
Location: 1311 172nd Street East, Spanaway, WA 98387
Phone: (253) 800-8200