Sand Point Squirrel Spotlight

What an incredible week at Sand Point! Thank you to everyone who joined us for Curriculum Night—the energy, curiosity, and partnership from our families truly filled the building with joy. It was a beautiful reminder that when families and staff come together with a shared purpose, our students feel supported, seen, and inspired to do their best. We are grateful for your engagement, thoughtful questions, and commitment to this learning journey.

Now, we’re lacing up for one of our most joyful community traditions: the Move-A-Thon on October 24! This is a beloved event where our entire school comes together to move, cheer, and celebrate health, teamwork, and school spirit. Whether students are running, walking, dancing, or skipping—every step is a step toward community, wellness, and fun! Please find more information in the newsletter below.

I also want to draw our attention to student attendance. As we settle further into our routines, we want to emphasize the importance of on-time attendance. Our school day begins at 7:55 a.m., and those first moments in the classroom are essential—they set the tone for the day, build community, and launch students into their learning. When students arrive on time, they don’t miss key instructions, connections, and learning opportunities that help them grow with confidence.

In partnership,

Dr. Stephanie Zikopoulos
Principal, Sand Point Elementary

• Tuesday, October 14: Highly Capable Engagement Session meeting (see below)
• Wednesday, October 15: Early Release 1:10 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 22: Early Release 1:10 p.m
• Friday, October 24: Move-a-Thon 1 p.m
• Monday, October 27: Spirit Week
• Wednesday, October 29: Early Release 1:10 p.m
• Friday, October 31: Assembly and ATATS 1:30 p.m

Do you have a 3–5-year-old ready to start their learning journey? Sand Point Elementary’s Seattle Preschool Program classroom has several immediate openings!

We focus on learning through play, helping children develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills in a fun, hands-on way.

SPP at Sand Point includes:

✅ Experienced and caring teachers

✅ Culturally responsive, play-based curriculum

✅ Low student-to-teacher ratios

✅ Nutritious meals and snacks

✅ Tuition on a sliding scale based on family income

Limited spots available – apply now!

📍 Located at Sand Point Elementary

📅 Full school day – preschool class times follow the Sand Point bell schedule

📞 Questions? Contact Theresa Benson, tabenson1@seattleschools.org, 206-507-5500

🔗 More information and application

We can’t wait to welcome your child to our preschool community!

October’s theme of the month is Identity! Next week’s word of the week is Empowered. Students will listen to the read aloud, The Day you Begin, by Jacqueline Woodson.

This week we will talk about what it means to be empowered! Students will identify their own abilities and strengths. Ask your students what they see as their strengths or something they are good at.

We are also learning about the Zones of Regulation as part of our Social Emotional Curriculum. Next week we will continue the game Guess the Zone where students will identify which zone others are in based on face and body cues.

Mark your calendars for Sand Point Elementary’s 15th annual Move-a-Thon! This all-school event is a fun and healthy way to raise crucial funds for our Sand Point students and staff.

On Friday, October 24 - rain or shine! – our Squirrels will participate in the Move-a-Thon by running, jogging, walking, or rolling as many laps as possible around our playground in 20 minutes.

Prior to the event, students can collect pledges from family, friends, and neighbors to help raise money for their Sand Point Elementary school. Every cent counts!

Please share the fundraiser donation link below with friends and family!

All students and staff will receive an official 2025 Move-A-Thon t-shirt!

• Move-a-Thon Frequent Asked Questions
• Move-a-Thon pledge sheets
• Donate now on Givebacks!

In order to chaperone or volunteer for Seattle Public Schools, families must complete a volunteer form with the school and district.

Please connect with the front office or your classroom teacher if you are interested in being a volunteer so we can help get you set up to support Sand Point!