McClure Middle School

Welcome to the Week, Maverick Families!

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we move through an exciting and busy fall season at McClure. Our students are engaged in learning, building community, and demonstrating what it means to be a Maverick every day.

We also encourage families to support our PTSA fundraiser, which helps provide valuable programs, resources, and enrichment opportunities for our students and staff. Every contribution helps strengthen the experiences we can offer our Maverick community. Exciting news - the fundraiser has hit the $30K halfway point for the Fall Fundraiser! YAY!!

As always, thank you for your support of McClure Middle School. Together, we are creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment where all students can learn and thrive.

Have a great week, Mavs!

Ann Jennings

Principal / McClure

Families will be able to order school pictures through the Yuen Lui view-and-order portal once photo corrections have been completed. Yuen Lui is currently making adjustments to photos, including removing glare and other image issues. The photos should be available to view soon. For answers to common questions, please visit the School Photo FAQ . The code requested on the Yuen Lui page is "MCCLURE." if you have additional questions please contact Amy Schumer or Lisa Blau (emails below).

Picture Retake Day: November 3rd. If your student missed picture day or would like a retake, please plan to participate on that date

Digital Citizenship Week: October 19-23

Throughout Digital Citizenship Week, students will participate in daily learning focused on being safe, responsible, and respectful online. Topics include respecting copyright laws, standing up against cyberbullying, using technology intentionally, identifying reliable information before sharing it, and protecting personal privacy. Students will also learn the importance of thinking critically about online content, maintaining healthy digital habits, and seeking permission before sharing information about others. We encourage families to continue these conversations at home as we work together to help students become thoughtful, empowered, and responsible digital citizens both online and offline.

Cell Phones & Backpacks
Please remind your student that cell phones and backpacks must be stored in lockers upon arrival and remain there throughout the school day, including 6th period. Students should carry daily materials in a laptop case or small tote bag and bring their six essential items: laptop, folder, notebooks, writing utensils, water bottle, and a reading book. Students who repeatedly bring backpacks to class may be assigned to the PRIDE Room during lunch, and families will be contacted for support.

Gym Safety
We have seen an increase in students and staff being hit by basketballs and volleyballs that are thrown or kicked unsafely during lunch. Students are expected to use equipment appropriately, be aware of others, and avoid reckless behavior. Students who misuse equipment may lose gym privileges for one week. Our goal is to keep lunch safe, fun, and welcoming for everyone.

Restroom Safety & Respect
Every student deserves access to restrooms that are safe, respectful, and clean. We have recently seen incidents involving large groups gathering in restrooms, vandalism, and inappropriate behavior. Please encourage your student to follow our PRIDE expectations by respecting others' privacy, keeping hands and feet to themselves, using restrooms appropriately, and taking care of school property. If students witness vandalism or behavior that makes others feel unsafe, they should report it to a trusted adult. Together, we can ensure our shared spaces remain safe and welcoming for all.

A Guide for Parents: Is My Child Too Sick To Go To School?

Keeping ill students at home, encouraging frequent hand washing, and covering coughs protects everyone, including those with fragile immune systems.

Reasons to stay home and NOT go to school:

APPEARANCE/BEHAVIOR- unusually tired, pale, no appetite, hard to wake, or confused.
EYES- If there is drainage, vision change, and/or redness of the eyelid, itching, pain or sensitivity to light. This may be a sign of "pink eye" (conjunctivitis) and the student should be checked by a health care provider.
FEVER- temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees C) or higher. Students need to be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school WITHOUT medications to reduce the fever.
BAD COLD AND/OR COUGH – Students need to be able to cover their cough to be at school. If a cough or cold persists for more than 2 weeks, the student may need to be seen by a health care provider.
DIARRHEA- 2 or more watery stools in 24 hours, especially if the student acts or looks ill. Students should stay home for 24 hours after the last watery stool.
VOMITING- vomiting 2 or more times in 24 hours. Student should stay home for 24 hours after the last time they vomited.
RASH- Bothersome body rash, especially with fever or itching. Some rashes may spread to others and should be checked by a health care provider.
INJURY/SURGERY - if students are unable to concentrate due to pain or pain medication, they should stay home. Please have your health care provider contact the school nurse to help your child safely return to school with any medications and support they may need. Letting the school nurse know in advance of any planned surgery will be helpful.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS about whether or not your student is healthy enough to come to school? Contact the school nurse or your child's health care provider.

Students are expected to participate in all parts of the school day including recess or PE. If your doctor has restricted activity please send a doctor's note, for example: "No contact sports x 1 week."

Thank you for your support to keep students and staff safe & healthy.

Partner in health,

Kyla McClure, RN, BSN (she/her)

School Nurse, McClure Middle School (M-F, 8:30-4:00)

Lunch Club

Lunch Club will be starting this week! Lunch Club is an inclusive space to play games, have fun, and meet new people. If you are interested, please bring your lunch and join us in Room 109/Makers Space at lunch on Fridays.

Art Club

Art Club will be starting up next week! Every other Monday, Ms. Collings and Ms. Pillers will be hosting Art club during lunch in Room 109/Makers Space. Art Club is an inclusive space where students can do arts and crafts, eat their lunch, and make new friends. Every other week the art project and craft will change, so come with your lunch, an open mind, and creative spirit. No prior art experience is necessary!

Consejo activities during lunch at McClure on Wednesdays:

From Ted at Consejo: Hola, Consejo meets with interested students every Wednesday to engage in hands-on activities that celebrate and explore Latino culture. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. To allow your child to participate during their lunch period, we kindly ask that you complete a permission slip. We collaborate with various schools and age groups to provide enriching, culturally relevant experiences.

If you have questions or want to learn more about programs/supports at Consejo, please contact Ted Duran at TDuran@consejocounseling.org.To pick up a permission slips, please have your child pick one up from their counselor or email Ms. Collings (lmcollings@seattleschools.org): 7th grade and 6th A-K, Ms. Pillers (kjpillers@seattleschools.org) : 8th grade and 6th L-Z.

New Beginnings Healthy Relationships Group for 7th and 8th grade students:

The goal of the 12-week Crushin’ It curriculum is to increase students’ abilities to choose healthy relationships and take on leadership roles around issues of friendship and bullying, sexual harassment, healthy relationships and dating violence. The Crushin’ It curriculum was designed to create space for children ages 12-14 to have meaningful conversations about these topics. All groups will be facilitated by Victoria Orcutt (vorcutt@newbegin.org), Prevention Educator at New Beginnings, and an MSW Practicum Student from the University of Washington. Permission slips can be picked up from your child’s school counselor. Ms. Collings (lmcollings@seattleschools.org): 7th grade and Ms. Pillers (kjpillers@seattleschools.org) : 8th grade. A group will begin in the next few weeks so if you child would like to participate, please email your child’s counselor for a permission slip or have your child pick one up.

Mental Health and Substance Use Support Services

Community Based Providers and Crisis Support resources: https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/mental-health-services/

Free online support and therapy for Seattle youth is offered through Talkspace (https://www.talkspace.com/coverage/seattle). The teen and young adult years can be a lot to navigate, so the City of Seattle is stepping up to give Seattle residents ages 13-24 access to Talkspace therapy and self-guided support at no cost.

CNEEB Survey - please complete!

All students are now able to provide city-funded free meals: one complete breakfast and one complete lunch per student per day.

All students must enter their information at the point of sale, either with a bar code or with their student ID number. McClure staff having been providing guidance to students about their student ID number.

Reminder: Every Family Should Complete the CNEEB Form

SPS encourages every family at every school to complete the Child Nutrition Education and Benefits (CNEEB) application.

The information helps schools receive important funding and resources and may qualify students for additional educational benefits. Families who do not wish to provide income information can select the new "Decline Benefits" option.

ASB Activity Fee

McClure ASB Activity Fee. $30 gives your student access to as much FUN as we can fit into a school year and it’s a LOT. ASB helps pay for our school dances (minimum 2 per year, snacks and drinks provided), Spirit Weeks, Field Day, Sports uniforms and equipment and many other celebrations throughout the school year. Help us replenish our ASB fund so we can keep the FUN alive for our students. Financial Assistance is available, and no child will ever be left out of the fun. Reach out to our Social Worker, Nora Jungbluth for assistance. nojunblurth@seattleschools.org.

McClure-Yearbook-2027

McClure Mavericks Annual Yearbook Place your order now to guarantee your yearbook for the Spring. We did sell out last year! $45 If you're able to provide additional contributions above $45, they will be used for yearbook scholarships. If you need a yearbook scholarship, please contact Ms Collings, Ms Pillers or Ms Jungbluth. Thank you! Your Yearbook Team

if you are interested in student and family resources including supports like Weekend Food Bags through the Ballard Food Bank, picture day vouchers, or school spirit wear, please fill out the Student and Family support form. Responses will be received directly by Nora Jungbluth, school social worker. You can also contact Nora on Talking Points or by email at nojungbluth@seattleschools.org if you have additional questions.

More information about the Weekend Food For Kids Program: This program provides students with a free bag of food to take home for the weekend. There are no requirements to participate and we can accommodate several dietary restrictions and allergies. This year there are two types of bags: Standard contains 3 dinners, 2 lunches, and 2 breakfasts including fresh fruits and vegetables. Most items are ready-to-eat or can be prepared in a microwave. Family meal contains 2 lunches, 2 breakfasts, and fresh fruits and vegetables plus 2 full size items to help make a meal for the whole family (like peanut butter, pasta, pasta sauce).

Admin and Counselor Contact Info

Ann Jennings / Principal / apjennings@seattleschools.org

Amy Acquino / Assistant Principal / amacquino@seattleschools.org

Lisa Blau / Registrar / lmblau@seattleschools.org

Amie Schumer / Office Manager / amschumer@seattleschools.org

Kyla McClure / Nurse / kimcclure@seattleschools.org

Leslie Collings / Counselor - All 7th and A-M 6th Graders / lmcollings@seattleschools.org

Katie Pillers / Counselor - All 8th and N-Z 6th Graders / kjpillers@seattleschools.org

Nora Jungbluth / Social Worker / nojungbluth@seattleschools.org

Hello Mavs Families!

We just met the halfway point of raising $30K of the $60K goal, and that means we will be celebrating with a school-wide POPSICLE PARTY! 🎉

Thank you to the families who have already donated. We are grateful for your support!

Now we are looking to meet the next goal of reaching $40K and celebrating with a school-wide Popcorn Party!!

Please make a donation today to help get us closer to this goal.

Suggested amount is $250 per student — or be a Mavericks Champion with a $500 donation. Of course any donation amount you can give is appreciated!

AMPLIFY YOUR GIFT! Many employers will match your donation, and some even double or triple it! See our current list of companies or check if your employer will match and maximize the impact of your gift.

**NEW** Student Celebrations when we hit our goals!

$30K - School-wide popsicle party! ✔ woo hoo!!

$40K - School-wide popcorn party!

$50K - School-wide Jammie and Movie during lunch

$60K - GOAL! - We will open the PRIDE Store for a full week, Monday - Friday!

Your contribution directly benefits all McClure students, because it supports our teachers and staff, our school, and our families.

WHAT DOES THE FUNDRAISING GO TOWARDS?

Did you know the PTSA funds student activities such as the Ethnobotanical Garden at the front of McClure?

The 7th grade students spent time out in McClure’s ethnobotanical garden this month with

Mrs. Johnson and Mr. Hall. The students use this garden to learn about the culture of Indigenous tribes. The plants in the garden are important food and medicine sources for local tribes. The students spent time trimming, weeding, laying down a weed barrier, spreading compost and wood chips. They also did some planting, including 100 camas bulbs to build a camas prairie in front of the building. Funding for garden materials comes from PTSA each year and Ballard Dirt Exchange generously donated the wood chips this year.

The PTSA also funds programs such as:

💛 Staffing Grant

🤍 Curriculum & Departmental Needs

Classroom Supplies

Professional Development

💛 Science Fair

🤍 Grade Level Field Trips 💛 The P.R.I.D.E. Store

🤍 Field Day

💛 School Dances

🤍 8th Grade Promotion Celebrations

💛 The Maker Space

🤍 School Clubs

💛 Staff Appreciation And so much more!

Beyond the classroom, the PTSA fosters a strong sense of community by organizing family-friendly events and programs.

And through the McClure Cares program, we can support families in our school community experiencing financial hardship and in need of extra support by covering school-related expenses, as well as providing food assistance.

THANK YOU! YOUR DONATION HELPS MCCLURE THRIVE!

🎃ASB HALLOWEEN DANCE - CHIPS AND CANDY DONATIONS NEEDED 🎃

The dance is coming up soon and we still need chips and candy donated please! Please sign up here!

McClure’s Associated Student Body (ASB) is prepping for a spooky-fun school-wide Halloween Dance on Friday, Oct 30! Thank you for helping to make this event a fun experience for all our Mavericks!

MCCLURE NIGHT AT THE KRAKEN - 11/4 at 7pm!

Join us on Nov 4 at 7PM for McClure Family Kraken Night at Climate Pledge Arena, and get ready for some thrilling hockey action and community, as the Kraken take on the Calgary Flames.

We will be seated in sections 215 and 216. Tickets are $58.33 and $5 will be donated to our PTSA! Purchase Kraken Tickets here

🦃TURKEY BINGO - 11/10, 6-7:30pm - PLEASE DONATE DESSERTS AND PRIZES!

Save the Date for our annual Turkey Bingo night at McClure on November 10th from 6-7:30pm! All families are welcome and no cost to attend. Come, have fun, hang out with friends, win some prizes and enjoy some Pizza!

We need volunteers to provide some desserts for our bake sale and also provide fun Bingo prizes! Please sign up here to help. Gobble Gobble!

PTSA REFLECTIONS ART PROGRAM - SUBMISSIONS DUE 11/20!

McClure is participating in the PTA Reflections Art Program, which offers students a platform to express their unique perspectives and interpretation of a student-created theme. For the 2026-2027 school year, the theme is "What My Culture Means To Me".

McClure will be submitting entries for the following categories this year:

- Visual Arts

To submit an entry:

- Follow the category guidelines (links above).

- Complete the entry form. If you do not have access to a printer or scanner, you can find copies of the entry form at the front office.

- Submit an electronic copy of your entry to April Saunders by 3PM on Friday, Nov 20. - Then, drop off your entry to the front desk by 3PM on Monday, Nov 23, 2026.

Questions? Email April Saunders.

Last year, Maddox Marsden and Yuli Small received awards in the Visual Arts category.

This is a really fun program – we hope you will join in this year!

FRIENDS OF MCCLURE SKI BUS - EXTRA SPOTS OPEN

We have 4 spots available on the Ski Bus, and are also holding 5 spots for Scholarships! 🚨Help us spread the word!

Jan 8 – Feb 12: Six Fridays. One epic winter.

Available to anyone in grades 6-8 (ages 11-14) Departs McClure at 4pm, returns at 11pm Choose your adventure:

● Bus + Ski/Snowboard Lessons — perfect for learning or building your skills (Cost: $868)

● Bus Only — hitch a ride and hit the slopes with friends (Cost: $546)

Whether you’re a total beginner or already love to ski or ride, this is your chance to make Friday nights the highlight of your winter.

MCCLURE MAVS SPIRIT WEAR!

Shop & Save at the online McClure Mavericks Spirit Wear Store! Choose from hoodies, sweatshirts, tees, hats, accessories… Oh my!! Multiple colors, styles, logos, and personalization options are available!

PTSA MEMBERSHIP - YOUR VOICE AND MEMBERSHIP MATTER

We are currently over 100 members strong. Help us continue to grow by joining the PTSA! Together, we show up for your student and every student, through the ABC’S:

● Amplify your voice and vote at PTSA meetings

● Build an understanding of what our students and staff need to thrive

● Connect and contribute to make McClure programs and events possible

● Strengthen PTSA advocacy efforts for our students

Membership does not mean an automatic volunteer commitment. Simply join, stay informed, and share your voice to support our students. If you do have time or can get involved, we’d love to have you!

Annual Membership Options: Family $40, Individual $20, Teacher/Staff $10.

Become a PTSA Member or Renew Your Membership by 10/31!

MCCLURE LUNCHROOM VOLUNTEERS WANTED!

McClure is looking for volunteers to help with lunch supervision throughout the year! Get ready for a busy but fun time to build community and support our students. Volunteers can choose to support one lunch period only, or more. Please note, you will need to be an SPS approved volunteer.

● 1st Lunch: 11:24am – 11:54am

● 2nd Lunch: 11:54am – 12:24pm

● 3rd Lunch: 12:24pm – 12:54pm

Interested and available to help? Email Carrie Brennan (cabrennan@seattleschools.org)

COMMUNITY EVENTS:

BALLARD HIGH SCHOOL - LIL’ BEAVS CHEERLEADING CAMP!

Who: Elementary and middle-school aged children.

When: Wed, Nov 11 (Veteran's Day)

Time: 9AM-12PM | 1:30-4:30PM

Registration: $50 per child. Register here

QUEEN ANNE FARMERS MARKET NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

QAFM is looking for volunteers for their Saturday Harvest Markets on October 31 and November 21. The needs include our set-up and breakdown, as well as coverage during market hours, with shifts from 7am through 5pm each day. The min. age for unaccompanied volunteers is 12. Thank you so much in advance! Sign up at qafm.org/volunteer.

VOLLEYBALL TRYOUTS

Puget Sound Regional Middle School Club Volleyball tryouts begin Oct 24! Check out the list of all volleyball clubs with links to their tryout information. Please check the age chart for eligibility.

Recently, McClure students have played for Cascade, WVBA, Sudden Impact, Ignite, West Seattle Reign, Ballard VC, and Blue Royals.

Many of these clubs offer fall and winter clinics, and in-house leagues for those who want more practice, but not the full travel ball commitment. Scholarships for financial assistance are available.

The HEART of the HILL

Since 1972, Field 3 at Big Howe (QA3) has hosted Queen Anne Little League baseball and softball, SCQA soccer, Lincoln HS softball practices, and countless pickup games. It’s where 37,000 Queen Anne residents including McClure students have played, coached, cheered, and built memories.

Despite its legacy, QA3 is an underutilized community asset, and after five decades, it’s time to reimagine this field for the next generation.

Thanks to the generosity of Queen Anne families, Little League alumni, local businesses, and community supporters, Heart of the Hill has secured approx. $1M toward transforming QA3. Now we’re within striking distance of the whole field and have a final fundraising push through Dec 15, 2026.

Support is needed to:

Turf The Outfield | $300K

Extend the synthetic surface so the field can be used more consistently through rainy months.

Light Up The Field | $750K

Install six (6) light poles, increasing opportunities for players to play, and the community to gather.

Complete The Fan Experience | $150K

Add a scoreboard, cover the bleachers, and provide a 10-year maintenance allowance.

We need one last big swing to finish Field 3 for Queen Anne’s baseball and softball players, families, and neighbors.

❤Make a donation here, or connect with our team via heartofthehill@qall.org about other funding opportunities. Thank you!

McClure Middle School