8.20.26 News from the Nest

To keep you connected and informed, we will send a detailed monthly newsletter sharing important school news, events, and updates. In addition, every week you’ll receive a quick snapshot called Nest Notes: Key 3, highlighting the top three things to know — perfect for staying up to date in just a few minutes.

I am so happy to be back for my second year at Arbor Heights! After a little time to rest and recharge this summer—including a camping trip with my husband to Rocky Mountain National Park and Great Sand Dunes in Colorado—I am excited to have our Junior Seahawks back in the building and begin another year of learning and growing together.

One of the best parts of returning has been reconnecting with our community. At Popsicles with the Principal on Tuesday, it was so much fun to see familiar faces, meet new families, hear about summer adventures, and get lots of hugs from students. It reminded me just how special it is to be part of this community.

Communication will continue to be a priority this year. Each month, you’ll receive a family newsletter with school news, events, celebrations, and important updates. Each week, I’ll also send Nest Notes: Key 3, a quick snapshot of the three most important things families need to know.

I’m looking forward to building on the strong community we created together last year and all that is ahead for our students. Below you’ll find important information to help your family start the year strong. Here’s to a wonderful year together!

💙💚 Principal Porto (she/her)

Every Monday: Junior Seahawk Pride, Wear your AHE Gear 💚💙

Every Friday: Fan Friday 🙌(no costumes)

Every Wednesday: Early dismissal, 1:10pm (excluding the first day of school)

August 26: Kindergarten Kick off, 9:00-11:00am (sign in begins at 8:30 at kinder gates off 105th)

September 1: Junior Seahawk Meet & Greet, grades 1-5, 2:00-3:00pm

September 2: First Day of School, grades 1-5, FULL DAY OF SCHOOL

September 2-4: PreK & Kindergarten conferences

September 7: Labor Day, NO SCHOOL

September 8: First Day of School, prek & k

September 17: PTSA Welcome Back Social, 5:00-7:00pm

Arrival begins at 7:35 a.m. when adult supervision is available. For everyone’s safety, please wait until 7:35 a.m. to drop off your child. Students who are dropped off earlier than 7:35 a.m. will not have access to the school, which is always locked, and must wait outside with an adult. At 7:35 a.m., students may enter the playground through one of the back gates or through the front door where they will be directed straight back to the cafeteria or playground. The first bell rings at 7:50 and all students will move to their designated class lineup spot on the playground. Teachers will escort their classes into the building when the second bell rings at 7:55 a.m. and all gates will be locked.

If students arrive after the tardy bell, an adult will need to come to the front office to sign them in. This helps ensure students are supervised once the front doors are closed and allows your child to head straight to class without waiting in line. Thank you for your support in helping us keep everyone safe and our school day running smoothly!

The office will be open from 7:15 am - 3:30 pm.

Main office number: 206-252-9250

Reporting Daily Absences and change of dismissal is required to excuse any absence-

Attendance Line: 206-252-9252

email: arborheights.attendance@seattleschools.org

If there is a change in your student's typical dismissal plan, please let the office know by 1:30 p.m. You can call the office or email arborheights.attendance@seattleschools.org.

You can find much more information about our school in the Arbor Heights Handbook.

Classroom placement decisions are made thoughtfully by our staff, who work to create well-balanced classrooms that support the success of all students. Please note that no classroom changes will be considered unless there are extenuating circumstances that may necessitate a change. If you feel a change is necessary, you may request a meeting with the principal. Please schedule with our office manager, Karen Ferraro by calling the main office or emailing her at klferraro@seattleschools.org.

The 2026-27 Homeroom teachers are:

• PK: Mimi Day and Julie Gardiner
• K: Sarah McAlpin, Jay Ogata, Erin Spiegel
• 1st: Vicki Golden, Adam Kratz, Elle Parsons, Gretchen Rubesch
• 2nd: Anna Coghill, Jen Crowell, Sydney Miller
• 3rd: Peggy Combs, Ruben Gonzalez, Adam Van Straten
• 4th: Hannah Armour Smith, Hannah Lortz, Amy West
• 5th: Angie Nall, Patti Sheed, Meghan Tavelli

Join us on September 1, 2:00-3:00 p.m. for Arbor Heights Junior Seahawks Meet and Greet.

Late next week, families will be receiving communication from teachers, introducing themselves as your students' teachers. The Meet and Greet is an opportunity for students to meet their teachers, visit their classroom and drop off supplies.

You can find list of school supplies on our website.

Kindergarten Supply List

At Arbor Heights, we are committed to ensuring a safe and smooth arrival and dismissal process each day. To help us maximize efficiency and keep all students safe, we need your support in following our established pick-up and drop-off procedures.

Please see the attached map for routes. You may drop your child off at the front entrance starting at 7:35 am. If you wish to walk into the building, you may park your car in a designated parking spot (sometimes our lot is full). In the drop-off lane (blue arrows), drivers must always remain in their vehicle. While there might be space for two lanes of traffic in the front drop-off area, only one lane is used during times of high traffic volume, just before and after school. If your student requires assistance exiting the car, please pull as far forward as possible, to allow for other families to use the drop off area.

Students who walk to school enter through the gates off 104th and 105th which are monitored by school personnel beginning at 7:35 am. Students may proceed to the cafeteria if they are eating breakfast or can remain on the playground until 7:50 am.

Kindergarten students will be greeted and supervised on the lower playground at 7:35 am.

Preschool families will be greeted at the Preschool gates and signed in beginning at 7:55am.

Safety is our top priority. School personnel wear bright yellow safety vests while monitoring students on the playground before and after school. We ask that all other adults remain on the sidewalk outside the playground between 7:35 a.m. and 2:35 p.m.

Get the 2026-27 school year off to a great start by being prepared with the information you need!

Please take some time to review the Start of Schools Forms and Information from Seattle Public Schools. Contact the office if you would like a hard copy of any form.

The following forms are required to complete:

• Survey to Identify Disabled Students (504-2) Form
• FERPA Opt-Out Forms — Forms become automatic OPT-IN on Oct. 1
• 506 Indian Student Eligibility Form — For new students only
• PPRA Notice (Grades 3–12 only)

We invite you to celebrate being a a Junior Seahawk every week.

Every Monday: Junior Seahawks gear, break out your Arbor Heights swag or Blue and Green💚💙

Every Friday: Fan Friday! Fridays are a day to celebrate everything you love. Show off what you love by wearing your favorite team jersey, your own team gear, or a shirt that represents something you’re a fan of—like Pokémon, Minecraft, Unicorns, or anything else that makes you smile.

We would love to have you volunteer in our building! Be on the look out for application process information in future communications.

You may have seen recent news that school meals will be available at no cost to all SPS students this year. We are still waiting for additional information about what this will look like at Arbor Heights, including any changes to our meal procedures.

We will share more information with families as soon as we receive guidance from the district. Stay tuned!

PTSA uses Hawkeyes to help keep families connected and informed. Very soon, you’ll get a note from your child’s teacher asking if you’d like to share your contact info with your classroom Hawkeye. This way, they can reach out to you about fun school events and classroom updates, so no one misses out and we can grow together as a community. Keep an eye out—it’s coming soon!

Join Arbor Heights PTSA