ELC Family Newsletter
Hello, ELC Families!
Now that we are all in good school routines, we thought it would be helpful to reshare our Early Learning Center Handbook for you to reference if you have any questions about our “Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Helpful” school expectations, procedural questions, etc. (see attached). Our students continue gaining stamina to maximize their learning throughout a full school day so “thank you” for all you are doing on the homefront to support consistent bedtime routines. Kindergarteners need 10 to 13 hours of sleep each night. Getting enough sleep improves their overall health and behavior, supports a stronger immune system, helps them perform better in school, and improves memory and overall mental well-being. (Please reach out to your child’s teacher or our school counselor Hannah Scroger if you have specific questions or would like to discuss additional resources for your family.)
October Purposefull People Character Traits: Responsibility & Kindness
**See attached Purposefull People Family Newsletter for Responsibility
**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.
Responsibility: Taking action and understanding the impact of our choices.
Kindness: Acting with understanding, generosity, and care.
Counselor’s Corner:
Please see attached Counselor Newsletter for October. 🙂
Safety Update
October drill – SBLSD participates in the Great WA Shakeout…Oct. 15 Earthquake Drill (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 be held next week at 3:30pm, and spectators will begin accessing the parking lot behind SMS at 3:00pm so please plan for increased traffic at dismissal on the following days: 10/12, 10/13, 10/14 and 10/15.
**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
State Law and required attendance
The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District and staff care about the well-being and academic achievement of each student. We know that daily attendance is one of the most powerful predictors of school success and on-time graduation. Our goal is to have every student at school on time, every day.
State law for mandatory attendance, called the Becca Bill, requires children from age 8 to 17 to attend a public school, private school or a district-approved home school program. Children who are 6 or 7 years old are not required to be enrolled in school. However, if parents enroll their 6 or 7 year old, the student must attend full time. And, school districts are required, under RCW 28.225.020 and RCW 28A.225.030 to take a series of actions when students accrue absences.
Also by law, we notify parents/guardians when their student is absent. If a student reaches a certain number of unexcused absences the school will contact parents/guardians to create a plan to support good attendance. Find information about excuse and unexcused absences, tardies and attendance procedures in the district’s Student & Family Information Guide and Policy 3122 Excused and Unexcused Absences.
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: tari_littlefield@sumnersd.org
Right At School – before & after school care
Upcoming Dates
10/9 – SHS Homecoming Parade at 4:30pm!
10/15 – Earthquake Drill…Great WA Shakeout
10/16 – Staff Training Day (No school for students)
10/23 – School Picture Day
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