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Hello Woodside Families!

We are off to a wonderful start to the 2026–27 school year! It has been so exciting to welcome our Toucans back to Woodside and to see classrooms filled with learning, laughter, and new connections.

The beginning of a school year is always full of energy as students learn new routines, meet new classmates, reconnect with friends, and build relationships with their teachers. Our focus during these first few weeks is on creating a strong sense of belonging, connection, and community so that every student knows they are an important part of our Woodside family.

We also welcomed our kindergarten students to Woodside this month! We know starting school is a big milestone for our youngest Toucans and their families, and we are looking forward to watching them grow, learn, and SOAR throughout the year.

This month, students will continue learning and practicing our SOAR expectations—Safety, On Task, Academic Attitude, and Respect & Responsibility. These shared expectations help us create a school environment where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Woodside SOARs Above!

Speak to your students about our school-wide expectations. Our Toucans are expected to demonstrate SOAR in all areas of the school:

• S – Safety
• O – On Task
• A – Academic Attitude
• R – Respect & Responsibility

September is also a busy month at Woodside! Be sure to check the calendar and school communications for important dates, including our Open House on September 23 and our upcoming early-release Fridays. We look forward to seeing many of you at these events and opportunities to connect with our school community.

Mark your calendars!

Woodside’s Open House will be held on Wednesday, September 23rd, from 4:30–6:00 p.m. Families are welcome to drop in anytime during these hours. Students will have the chance to guide you on a tour of our beautiful campus, and every student will receive a popsicle treat at the end!

We also invite you to consider joining our PTA this year. Membership is a meaningful way to:

• Advocate for your child and all children

• Access valuable resources and discounts

• Connect with other families and educators

• Support our school through fundraising and volunteer opportunities

Joining is simply a show of commitment to your child’s education—it does not require meetings, committees, or volunteer hours (though those options are available if you’d like to get involved!). Membership information can be found here: https://wspta-00023310.givebacks.com/shop.

Visitors & Volunteers

We love volunteers! If you're interested, please coordinate with your child's teacher to explore opportunities. Note: All volunteers must complete a district background check, which can be done by clicking HERE to begin the application process on the Everett School District website.

Arrival & Dismissal Procedures

Morning Drop-Off

• Use the drop-off lane (yellow) whenever possible to avoid walking through the parking lot.
• Valet students will assist — please stay in your car.
• Students may arrive after 8:05am, when supervision begins.
• First bell: 8:30am | Final bell: 8:35am
• If walking your child, please say goodbye at the family drop-off sign.

Afternoon Pick-Up

• Dismissal is at 2:50pm (Fridays at 1:35pm)
• Meet your child behind the signs in the courtyard or use the car pickup lane (yellow).
• We appreciate your patience and courtesy during busy times

Why Attendance Matters

We miss our students when they’re not here! Regular attendance is key to success at every grade level. Here’s how families can help:

Make School Attendance a Priority

• Talk about the importance of being at school every day
• Schedule appointments outside of school hours
• Promote healthy habits (sleep, nutrition, handwashing, immunizations)
• Keep children home only if they’re truly sick (headaches/stomachaches may signal anxiety)

Set Up Consistent Routines

• Stick to regular bedtimes and morning routines
• Prepare clothes and backpacks the night before
• Have a backup plan for getting to school (family, neighbors, etc.)

Did You Know?

• All absences can impact academic success
• 10% of the school year (18 days) = chronically absent
• By 6th grade, absenteeism is a leading predictor of dropping out
• By 9th grade, attendance is a better graduation predictor than test scores
• It takes 3 days to catch up for every 1 day missed
• Missing 3+ days per month can set a student back 2 full years over time

🙌 Let’s SOAR Together!

Thank you for trusting us with your children and for partnering with us throughout the school year.

We are grateful to be on this journey together and can't wait to see all the ways our Toucans will SOAR this year!

In partnership,
Danielle DeJong
Woodside Principal

Every Day Matters at Woodside!

Regular attendance is an important part of helping your child feel connected, build relationships, and be successful at school. Every day at Woodside is an opportunity to learn, grow, and SOAR!

We understand that children sometimes need to stay home because they are sick or for other important reasons. When your child is going to be absent, please remember to enter it on ParentVUE, email WoodsideAttendance@everettsd.org, or call our office. If your child will be absent for multiple days, please keep us updated so we can best support them. Extended absences have additional forms to complete.

When students attend school regularly, they have more opportunities to participate in classroom learning, build friendships, practice routines, and develop a strong sense of belonging. If your family is experiencing challenges that are making regular attendance difficult, please reach out to us.

We are here to partner with you and help remove barriers whenever we can.

Thank you for making school attendance a priority and helping your child make the most of every school day. We can't wait to see our Toucans SOAR!

September 11-(LIF) Learning Improvement Friday - 1:35 pm release

September 18- (LIF) Learning Improvement Friday - 1:35 pm release

September 23- Woodside Open House- 4:30-6:00 PM (come/go anytime within these hours)

September 25- (LIF) Learning Improvement Friday - 1:35 pm release

September 28- PTA Community Meeting - 6pm, Library

Find our student calendar for 2026-2027 HERE.

We are lucky at Woodside; all students have free breakfast and lunch, but the grant expires at the end of this year! ALL families are encouraged to submit the Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit (CNEEB) Application to see if their child qualifies for free meals and other benefits. This form helps schools get extra funding to support students. To have continued support, we need your assistance.

You can re-apply anytime if your family’s finances change during the school year.

The form is simple, confidential, and available to all students, regardless of immigration status. Applying helps your child and supports educational programs and services in our schools:

1. Increased funding to support student education
2. Additional funding for technology and discounts for internet and some utilities
3. Discounts for fees associated with college application process
4. Discounted fees for SAT, ACT & AP tests along with scholarship opportunities
5. Free healthy, nutritious student meals

Check your child’s backpack for a yellow post card with easy online application directions. Or you can click here and complete the Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit (CNEEB) application. It only takes 5 minutes!

www.myschoolapps.com/Application

Take advantage of these benefits today!

As always you can call us at 425-385-7800 if you have questions.

Please review the expectations with your child. It is imperative ALL students follow these expectations to ensure safety of the driver and passengers. The bus should be treated as any other mode of transportation. In addition, a video on seatbelts can be viewed here: https://496b.edulnk.com/e/42gkcz/e-xZ_A?__$u__.

Thank you for your continued support!

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