ELC Family Newsletter
Hello, ELC Families!
November is the month that we learn all about the character trait of “gratitude” at the ELC. We are so thankful for all our students and their families! It is also the month of changing schedules which can be a bit challenging for everyone at times. Please make sure that you make note of the days off and half days listed below under “Upcoming Dates” so you can add these to your family’s calendar and have the conversations at home to prepare your child for the “different” days.
From our School Nurse–Vision & Hearing Screening
Kindergarten Families,
Vision and hearing screenings will take place this Friday, November 6, 2026. If your child wears prescribed glasses or contact lenses, please make sure they wear them for accurate results.
It is very important that your child is at school and on time, as we have a limited window to screen all students.
Please contact Nurse Julie at (253) 891-4650, Option 3 with any questions.
November Purposefull People Character Traits: Gratitude & Kindness
**See attached Purposefull People Family Newsletter for Gratitude
**Students are recognized at the end of each month and ONE class per month is selected by our Specialists Mrs. Rawson and Mr. Barger to receive the Golden Bee award to display all month with pride.
Gratitude: Choosing to appreciate the people and things in our lives.
Kindness: Acting with understanding, generosity, and care.
Safety Update
November drill – Modified Lockdown drill on 11/23 (see attached for the Safety Companion Guide that teachers use as a visual to support safety instructions for our monthly drills)
NOTE: Sumner Middle School athletic events will begin again the week of 11/9 at 3:30pm, and spectators will begin accessing the parking lot behind SMS at 3:00pm so please plan for increased traffic at dismissal. **ELC families are always encouraged to arrive early on SMS game days this year so that they can be towards the front of the line of traffic on Willow.
From the District
Reporting Student Absences
If your student is going to be absent please contact your school via ParentSquare or by emailing or calling your child's attendance office. If prior notice is not possible, you may send a message through ParentSquare, email or phone call upon the student's return to school. When contacting the school, please include your child’s name, the name and contact information for the person providing the excuse and their relationship to the student, the reason for the absence and the date(s) of absence.
Please remember these important details:
Parents/Guardians must contact the school to excuse the absence(s).
If the absence meets one of the criteria in the WAC 392.401A-020, the absence will be excused.
The school principal (or designee) does have the authority to determine if an absence meets the criteria for an excused absence.
If your student misses a substantial number of days, the school may require qualified 3rd party documentation to excuse all future absences and early dismissals.
Definition of a qualified 3rd party documentation would be: a note from a doctor, dentist, therapist, etc. which includes the specific dates of absence(s) to be excused.
From our front office team
Contact info: ELC@sumnersd.org or (253) 891-4650
If you have a change in the regular dismissal plans for your child, please contact the main office by 2:30pm.
Bus schedules: Click here
Tues.-Fri. Student Day: 8:35-3:10 (drop off can begin at the Kindergarten doors at 8:20 when staff are present)
Mon. Student Day (late start day): 9:40-3:10 (drop off can begin at the Kindergarten doors when staff are present at 9:25)
Important District Dates for the 2026-27 School Year: LINK
26-27 SBLSD Student & Family Information Guide: Rights and Responsibilities
Free and Reduced Meals (link) – Although breakfast & lunch are free for all students this year, it will be important that families still apply for the 2026-27 school year to access other services. **More information on school meal service, menus, etc...link HERE.
SBLSD volunteer clearance process – please email our secretary Tari Littlefield if you are interested in volunteering in any capacity at the ELC
Right At School – before & after school care
Upcoming Dates
11/6 – Hearing & Vision Screening
11/10 – Picture make-up day
11/11 – Veterans Day (no school)
11/16 – Teacher Grading Day (No school for students)
11/18, 11/19, 11/20, 11/24 – Early Release Conference Days…Kindergarten student day 8:35-11:35am
11/25-11/27 – Thanksgiving Break
12/3 – Kindergarten Family Literacy Night (more info. to come!)
12/21-1/1 – Winter Break
PTA Contact Information
Please visit the PTA Facebook pages for Daffodil Valley and Maple Lawn to stay up on their different events as you build connections. DVE PTA Facebook & MLE PTA Facebook
Have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Scheerer, Principal
Please continue to follow us on Facebook