September 15 Owl Post

STEM Families! There were so many highlights this last week! I saw teachers and students working hard to prioritize creating strong relationships with one another. Elementary School kicked off the year with a handful of grade band assemblies where we focused on safety and community. Something I said during the assemblies was that we are safe when our bodies and hearts are free from harm. I am so optimistic that this community can be a safe one for our students.

Hispanic Heritage Month starts today, celebrating the rich cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities. In classrooms, students will get to learn about the traditions and achievements of these communities. Honoring this month helps us build respect and pride in our community.

Our Building Leadership Team came together this week to approve our school plan for the year. One way we do this is with our Instructional Vision. Another tool we use is the Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP), which will be reviewed soon. In our school's Instructional Vision, we prioritized learning about effective Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). A Professional Learning Community is when teams of teachers come together with the same goal: making sure that students are learning what we are trying to teach. PLCs improve student learning outcomes and create a collaborative culture. Teachers talk about essential standards, design common assessments, and implement interventions for students. We are committed to PLCs because we know that better collaboration leads to better instruction.

I want to thank all the volunteers who have come through the school in the last few weeks. Parent support has been present in the library, keeping staff nourished and hydrated, handing out devices to students, making sure our walkies are working, helping in the lunchroom, and also in classrooms. The event at Lincoln Park was a wonderful way to wrap up an amazing first full week. Thank you! STEM parents and caregivers are some of the best in the district. I’m so appreciative.

Adrienne/Ms. O

Supporting Every Student’s Safety at STEM

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

September 25, 6-7:30 p.m.: STEM Curriculum Night

October 10: District Training Day, No school

SPS School Calendar

Looking for volunteers for the Free Food Program

The West Seattle Food Bank provides free food for students weekly. We're looking for volunteers to help with distribution. Please email Dana Fink dmfink@seattleschools.org with interest or for additional information on this program. Thank you!

Attendance Matters! Our school is better when your child is here. Showing up for school has a huge impact on a student's academic success starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students get to school safely every day and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and in life. If your child is not going to make it to school, please let our attendance office know. 206-252-8450.

Beginning of Year Packets

Expect to see a packet of information coming home in your child's backpack. We are hoping to have all forms collected by the end of the week.

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.

The Source is Seattle Public Schools’ online communication tool that allows parents, guardians and students access to schedules, attendance, assessment scores, and more. RIght now, less than half of our Middle School families have signed on to The Source this year.

Below are some links to some tutorials about The Source.

• Learn more about features in The Source
• How to View Grades and Attendance for Secondary Students
• How to View Attendance for Elementary Students

We had an amazing turnout for our annual B2SB at Lincoln park! Thank you to our community that came out to celebrate the new year together, those that brought food & treats to share, and to ALL of the volunteers that made this event happen. We have a wonderful STEM family!!

🎭 See here for class descriptions and to register.

🧵 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 information on GotR at STEM.

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

🏆 Chess club will take place Mondays after school, 3:30-4:30 p.m., from Oct 6-Dec 8. Discount opportunities on chess classes off campus and info on tournaments at STEM!

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

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. We have lots of great things in the works to share and look forward to hearing what is important to our community! Join the Zoom General PTSA meeting. Hope to see you there!

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

⚽ Playground

The STEM Playground can be pretty rough on equipment and we always love to recycle! If you happen to have extra equipment from sports camps or teams that need a new home, we would love to put them to good use!

• Soccer balls - We're always in need of size 3, 4 & 5

• Basketballs - We're always in need of size 5, 6 & 7

• Other equipment - Have something else that you think we might be able to use? Reach out and ask!

If you have balls to donate or if you have any questions, please email Paula Clement pjclement@seattleschools.org before dropping off. Thanks!

🧁 Staff Lounge

We’re looking for large food storage containers for the Staff Lounge. Anything from large Tupperware style containers to cake carriers. If it can hold a lot of food and it seals, it would be incredibly helpful! If you have items to donate or if you have any questions, please reach out to staffappreciation@stemk8pta.org. Thanks!

☕ Student-run Coffee Shop

Mr. Jeff is looking to start a student-run coffee shop! 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!

• 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 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 $5-$25 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.

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. General membership is open to all teachers, staff, students, parents, caregivers, grandparents and community members.

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 (grades 5-8) and Garden Club Coordinator. Please reach out to president@stemk8pta.org for additional info on these roles or with interest!

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

The Taste of West Seattle, benefiting the WS Food Bank, is September 25 @ The Hall at Fauntleroy. A food festival with delectable bites and sips from dozens of eateries in West Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods, benefiting the WS Food Bank! See participating restaurants, additional info and to purchase tickets. The West Seattle Food Bank partners with several SPS schools, including STEM, to provide a Free Food Bag program for families- thank you WSFB!

Special thanks to STEM staff member Aeryn Gray for directing us to an opportunity to collect 124 bags of donated groceries and household items for STEM families!

It's been a few weeks since this happened, but the check was dropped off at school today which reminded me that we needed to share this with staff. Coach Sonya was recognized at a STORM game and earned our school some money and themself some recognition for the amazing work they do with our students!

• Girls soccer practice after school will be until 5:30 p.m. instead of 5.
• First Ultimate Practice is Tuesday, September 16 from 3:30-5 p.m. at STEM.

Coach Sonya is our Athletic Director. Please reach out to them with questions. soglaspy@seattleschools.org

Fill out the The School Meals Application. It collects household income information that helps our school receive federal and state funding. It does more than just support our cafeteria.

Principal: Adrienne Ollerenshaw 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

STEM partners with the YMCA to provide an on-site before and after school program. See here for additional information or contact our Site Director, Anna Hofmann, at ahofmann@seattleymca.org.