Licton Springs K-8 3/23/26

Update on MAC Registration

We wanted to let you know that the MAC program has reached full capacity. We’ve hit our limit of 25 students and, at this time, we’re unable to accept any additional registrations. We know this may be disappointing for those who haven’t yet signed up, but we’re truly thrilled to see so much enthusiasm and interest—your excitement helps us plan for even more opportunities next year!

If you would like to be added to the waitlist in case a spot opens up, please turn in your permission slip. We’ll reach out if space becomes available.

Thank you for your understanding and support!

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Movers and Creators (MAC), named in honor of our late principal, Ammon “Mac” McWashington and run by our school staff and PTO. This 9-week program is designed to give students space to move their bodies, explore creativity, build skills, and connect with one another in a supportive and fun environment.

Dates: March 16–May 19

Days: Monday & Tuesday

Time: 2:25–4:25 p.m.

Throughout the program, students will engage in a mix of active, creative, and skill-building experiences such as movement-based games, hands-on projects, homework help, practical life skills, and nature-based exploration. Activities may take place indoors or outdoors depending on the day and focus.

Licton Springs will be holding all-school events on the last Friday of each month. Parents/Families are invited to attend these events.

March

Who: LSK8 students

What: “Through the Looking Glass” (Alice in Wonderland-themed) dance

Where: LSK8 gymnasium

When: Friday, March 27, 1:30-2:15 p.m.

Students are encouraged to dress up in themed costumes (Alice, rabbits, mad hatters, Queen / King of Hearts, etc.)

Salmon (and students) in the wild
The fish tank is on the 2nd floor. We started with 200 salmon eggs. Katherine’s class is caring for the eggs, alevin, and soon to be fry. They have just started feeding the fish, testing the water for ammonia and nitrates, changing the water and cleaning the tank.
There are approximately 195 salmon fry.

We will have an field trip for the 2nd and 3rd graders on March 31 to release them into a holding pond in Carkeek Park, when they are ready, they will be released into the creek to start their journey to the ocean!

Ms. Sharma posts a Middle School challenge outside of her classroom each week, while elementary math problems are distributed to their teachers. Students who submit a correct solution with all work shown are declared the winners for their group.

Last week’s winners for the Math Problem of the Week are:

Jeremiah (MS Math Problem)

Oscar (Elementary 4/5 Math Problem)

Elementary Question of the week

We call a year Harmonious if the sum of its digits is a divisor of the year itself. For example, the year 2025 was Harmonious because 2+0+2+5= 9, and 2025 is divisible by 9.

Whereas 2026, is clearly not Harmonious as 2+0+2+6= 10 does not divide 2026. What are the next three Harmonious years after 2026? Justify your answer or show the work.

Looking for interested parents that could help with putting together the yearbook. Please let Carole in the office know if you are interested in taking on formatting a page or two!

Please send Yearbook photo submissions to Carole at cljohnson@seattleschools.org

If you are at school or on a field trip, check out a camera from the office and take some photos for the school yearbook!

WIDA testing

WIDA tests will be administered on Wednesdays in March

SBA and WCAS Testing

3rd Grade
May 4 -SBA ELA CAT
May 5 – SBA ELA PT
May 6 – SBA Math CAT
May 7 – SBA Math PT

4th and 5th Grade
May 11 -SBA ELA CAT
May 12 – SBA ELA PT
May 13 – SBA Math CAT
May 14 – SBA Math PT
April 28 – WCAS (Science)

7th and 8th Grade
April 6 – WCAS (Science) *8th grade only*
April 7 -SBA ELA CAT
April 8 – SBA ELA PT
May 19 – SBA Math CAT
May 27 – SBA Math PT

Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA)
Washington state requires all districts to administer the Smarter Balanced assessments each spring. These tests:

• Measure how well students are meeting College and Career Readiness Standards
• Help teachers, schools, and districts identify which students need more support
• Cover Math and English Language Arts (ELA)
• Take about 3-4 hours per subject
• Are given to students in grades 3 through 8 and 10
• Are required for federal and state accountability

(WIDA) World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment

Each year, students in English learner programs take an English language proficiency test. This test is called the WIDA Access.

The test measures academic language skills for students in Washington state who are learning English.

The test will not affect student grades, but it can help determine whether the student will continue in the English language development program at school.

This year, WIDA testing will take place during the school day between January 29 and March 22.

The Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) is a test given in the spring to all 5th, 8th, and 11th grade students. The WCAS is administered online during the same window as Smarter Balanced and uses the same state assessment platform.

The WCAS measures student performance on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) that were adopted by our state in 2013.

How can I best prepare my child for the assessments?

Our teachers’ engaging daily lessons are the most effective preparation for students because the assessments are designed to match classroom learning goals.

Families may take practice tests at home if they’d like, and students tend to perform best when they are well fed and well rested. No additional family preparation is necessary other than a positive attitude and growth mindset.

Practice Tests are available for ELA and math
Training Tests are available for science

Answers to the practice tests are available.

We Need Your Help to Keep Our Students Safe!

Ensuring a safe and smooth drop‑off and pick‑up experience for every family is one of our top priorities. Recently, we’ve had a few safety concerns during parent pick‑up, including a formal complaint to the city. To keep all students safe—and to avoid further issues—we’re asking for your cooperation with our traffic flow procedures.

🚗 Drop‑Off & Pick‑Up Guidelines

Please enter 68th Street from 32nd Avenue, and use the south side of the street (the school side) for letting students in and out of vehicles. Once your student is safely dropped off or picked up, please continue toward 30th Street to keep traffic moving.

If you plan to park and walk your child in, parking on the north side of the street is absolutely fine.

🚫 Why Is This Important?

Loading or unloading students on the north side of 68th Street means they must cross the street, and we do not have crossing guards during these times. This creates unsafe conditions for students and drivers alike.

By following the designated traffic flow, we greatly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safer environment for all.

📄 Want More Details?

More detailed information—including maps and diagrams—is available on the school website under the “About” → “Traffic Flow & Parking” section.

Licton Springs PTO Website

The next PTO meeting will be, April 6 @ 6 PM. We’ll be meeting online, and we hope you can join us to hear updates, share ideas, and help shape plans for the year.

Join PTO Meeting via Zoom Meeting

3/16-5/19: (Monday and Tuesdays) Movers and Creators (MAC) Afterschool program

3/24: Assembly - Performance by Tango Cowboys @1pm

3/27: Last Friday all-school event - School Dance - Weird and Odd

3/31: Field trip - Katherine and Maddy's classes are going to release the Salmon

April

4/6: PTO Meeting (6pm)

4/7: End of Quarter 3 (middle School)

4/13-4/17: No School - Spring Break 🌺

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Families can subscribe to the district and/or school website online calendars. Your personal calendars update automatically when a change is made or when a new event is added. How to subscribe:

1. Click the calendar link(s) below:
   • Licton Springs K-8 School Calendar
   • Seattle Public Schools Calendar
2. Scroll to the bottom of the calendar page.
3. On the right-hand side, under Subscribe to Calendar, select a subscribe option.

SPS Seattle Preschool Program, Head Start, and Developmental Preschool Programs are accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year starting on Monday, March 16. SPS Preschool programs provide high-quality, evidence-based early childhood education for 3- and 4-year-old students.

Please see the Preschool Locations Map for SPS preschool programs offered near your home. You may be able to apply for a preschool classroom in your child’s elementary school! Families with 3- and 4-year-olds can visit the Early Learning website to learn more and apply.

Click on the preschool program links below for more information, program contacts, and how to apply.

Developmental Preschool Peer Program (located at Licton Springs)

Seattle Public Schools offers half-day preschool classrooms that include peer models and students with IEPs. Peer spots are free, and enrollment is ongoing throughout the year. Contact schools directly for more information or visit Early Childhood Special Education preschool peer information to learn more.

Seattle Preschool Program

In collaboration with the City of Seattle, the Seattle Preschool Program offers high-quality, affordable preschool to all of Seattle’s 3- and 4-year-old children on a sliding tuition scale. Applications submitted between March 16 – April 15 receive priority enrollment. Please direct families to the City of Seattle preschool@seattle.gov or 206-386-1050 with questions on application. Language support is available.

Head Start Preschool Program

Head Start is a federally funded child development program for income eligible children and their families. The Head Start programs in Seattle Public Schools offer preschool curriculum, family services and education, and transportation. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for eligible families

Parents and Caregivers,

Are you looking for a job that follows the Seattle Public Schools schedule?
Do you want to make a positive impact in your community while enjoying competitive pay and excellent benefits?

If so, Culinary Services might be the perfect fit for you!

Seattle Public Schools Culinary Services is actively hiring for a variety of positions ranging from 20 hours per week to full‑time. Whether you're an experienced food service professional or someone brand new to the field, there’s an opportunity for you:

• Manager & Assistant Manager Positions – Ideal for those with food service experience.
• Kitchen Assistant Positions – Great for individuals who are new to school nutrition but eager to learn and serve.

👉 Apply here: Come be part of the team that nourishes and supports the children of Seattle every day!

Please complete the Online School Meal Application form (linked below).

Families with multiple students will only complete this form once. The form is simple to fill out and confidential. The information will only be used to help your school receive funding from state and federal programs.

Online School Meal Application