Sand Point Squirrel Spotlight

Hello Sand Point Families,

A BIG thank you to our PTA and the entire Sand Point community for all of the love and support shown during Teacher Appreciation Week. The thoughtful snacks, treats, notes, and encouragement truly lifted staff spirits and helped make the week feel extra special. We are so grateful to be part of such a caring and supportive community.

This coming week, we will begin our spring testing season. Throughout the newsletter below, we have included additional information and family supports connected to testing, healthy routines, sleep habits, attendance, and ways to help students feel confident and prepared as they show off all the learning they have done this year.

I also want to take a moment to celebrate our incredible Sand Point team. Sand Point Elementary has been recognized by the Washington School Recognition Program for our performance during the 2024–2025 school year, specifically for the growth of students receiving special education services. This recognition is a tremendous honor and reflects the dedication, care, and hard work of both our students and staff. Schools across Washington work tirelessly to support student growth, and Sand Point is among only a small percentage statewide to receive this recognition. Congratulations to every Squirrel, staff member, and supporter who helped make this possible, and a very special thank you to our dedicated Special Education team—we appreciate all that you do for our students and families.

What a gift these sunny spring weeks have been as students practiced bike riding skills during PE, and our K–2 students were able to explore Woodland Park Zoo. It has been wonderful seeing our Squirrels learning, growing, and enjoying time together outdoors.

Families, please take a moment to complete your volunteer paperwork if you are interested in volunteering here at Sand Point. We still have a few exciting opportunities coming up this year, including helping support Field Day on Monday, June 15.

And finally, please mark your calendars for our Sand Point Talent Show and Carnival on Friday, June 12. We are looking forward to celebrating together as a community.

Warmly,

Dr. Stephanie Zikopoulos

Principal, Sand Point Elementary 🐿️

smzikopoulos@seattleschools.org

As we begin our state testing season, I want to take a moment to share a few thoughts about how families can help students feel confident, calm, and prepared.

At Sand Point, we know that a test score is only one small piece of a child’s story. These assessments help schools better understand academic progress and identify areas where students may need additional support, but they cannot measure creativity, kindness, curiosity, perseverance, or all the other wonderful qualities that make our students who they are. Testing is simply one opportunity for students to demonstrate some of the learning and growth they have worked so hard on throughout the year.

One of the most powerful things families can do during testing season is help create routines that support healthy bodies and calm minds.

Ways Families Can Support Students During Testing:

Keep communication open
Students may feel excited, nervous, or unsure about testing. Giving them space to talk about their feelings and reminding them that they are supported can go a long way in building confidence.

Help set a calm tone
Children often take cues from the adults around them. When we approach testing as just one part of learning—not something to fear—students are more likely to feel relaxed and capable.

Prioritize rest and routines
Consistent sleep schedules, healthy meals, movement, and arriving at school on time all help students feel more prepared and focused during the school day.

Reduce screen time when possible
Limiting video games, phones, tablets, and other screens—especially before bedtime—can improve sleep quality, attention, and overall regulation. A little less screen time during testing weeks can make a big difference in helping students feel rested and ready to learn.

Focus on effort and growth
The best message students can hear is: “Do your best.” Encouraging patience, perseverance, and confidence helps students approach testing with a healthy mindset and reminds them that their effort matters most.

Our Sand Point Squirrels have learned and grown so much this year already, and we are incredibly proud of them. Thank you for partnering with us to support students not only academically, but emotionally as well.

• Wednesday, May 6: Early Release 1:10 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 13: Early Release 1:10 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 20: Early Release 1:10 p.m.
• Monday, May 25: No School - Memorial Day Holiday
• Wednesday, May 27: Early Release 1:10 p.m.
• Friday, May 29: Assembly and ATATS 1:45 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 3: Early Release 1:10 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 10: Early Release 1:10 p.m.

Our theme for May is Self-Care.

Our word this week is Mindful. Mindful means paying close attention to what is happening right now. It’s about being aware of your feelings, thoughts, and surroundings without rushing or judging.​ This week we will also practice regulation strategies around mindful breathing.

Dear SPS Families and Staff,

The events of the past few weeks in Minneapolis and across the country weigh heavily on our hearts. Our immigrant students and families are valued and beloved members of our SPS community. We are committed to ensuring our schools are places of safety and belonging for every student.

We understand that in the current landscape, fears and concerns about immigration enforcement in our own Seattle community are heightened. We have put together some guidance for our schools and resources for our families.

Guidance to Schools

If a school leader is made aware of a rumor or report of immigration enforcement activity near one of our campuses, they will notify the district’s Safety and Security office. The report will be assessed by Safety and Security, and next steps will be determined in partnership with the school leader.

If immigration enforcement agents attempt to access our school buildings, they will not be granted access unless Seattle Public Schools legal counsel is able to verify a judicial warrant. More information can be found in Superintendent Procedure 4310SP.B – Limiting Immigration Enforcement at Schools.

Resources for Families

Families and community members can find resources and supports on our website. These include links to know your rights materials, the City’s rapid response program, legal resources, and family preparedness planning.

Emergency resources can also be found by calling 844-724-3737 to report immigration enforcement activity or get connected to emergency resources.

We are grateful for our community’s partnership in upholding our students’ sense of security and their right to an equitable education. We ask that any reports of immigration enforcement presence near our schools be provided via Safe Schools Hotline at 206-252-0510. The Safety and Security Department is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Community members can make reports of safety issues impacting schools to District staff. In an emergency, reports should be made directly to 911.

Every day SPS students are offered a nutritionally balanced breakfast and lunch!

Please use the link below to view daily school menus.

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!