Fairmount Park Community Newsletter

to connect every child to themselves, others, and possibilities

Hello Fairmount Park Families,

The final weeks of school are always filled with special activities, and this year was no different! Students shared their final performances in instrumental music and choir, and our 5th graders celebrated the end of their “elementary era” with a promotion ceremony led by their teachers.

We also began a new tradition by welcoming former Fairmount Park students who are graduating from high school this year back for a community grad walk. It was a meaningful moment for our students and staff to cheer them on and celebrate the lasting connections within our Fairmount Park community.

Of course, we could not end the school year without the much-anticipated Field Day, and Ms. McChesney did not disappoint! We know many classrooms also had their own fun and memorable celebrations as teachers worked hard to create lasting memories and say goodbye to another wonderful year together.

I wish all of you some rest, some sun, and a LOT of fun!

Have a wonderful summer!

In Partnership,

Sara Davis

Ms. McChesney organized and planned another FABULOUS Field Day for students at Fairmount Park. Among the favorite activities was the newly added car wash! Ms. McChesney plans and works for months to prepare all of the acitvities for students on this fun and special day.

Thank you to the 70ish volunteers that come and make this day possible and safe!

We finished off the day with the 2nd annual staff inflatable costume race. It is fun for staff and a hit with students.

High Point Community Center will be offering summer day camp programs and has openings available for this summer!

They will also be continuing to provide after school care in the 26-27 school year.

You can register for either or both by following this link. Click on the program you'd like to register in, and then scroll to find High Point Community Center.

SPS is currently soliciting applications for teachers, students, school leaders, other school staff, families, and community members to represent the diverse needs across our district on the adoption committee. The committee will work together throughout the 2026-27 school year to recommend which materials should be adopted by the School Board, in line with School Board Policy No. 2015.

Please share the adoption committee applications with staff, students, and families who might be interested. Applications must be submitted by June 17. Please note: Applicants must be able to attend all meetings (at least nine meeting days).

SPS Staff Application

SPS Student, Family, and Community Application

• Progress reports will be available for families to view in The Source by July 9, 2026.
• Guidance for The Source

As part of her support for students and their love of music, Ms. Teather offered an optional recess choir for 1st and 2nd graders this year. Students met during one recess each week to learn songs, practice together, and experience the joy of singing as a group.

On Tuesday, June 9, students performed for their families on our stage. It was a wonderful celebration of their hard work, confidence, and growing love of music. There is something truly special about hearing children join their voices in song.

We are grateful for your PTA contributions that help make Ms. Teather’s additional music services possible for our students.

Families filled the auditorium to celebrate a special elementary school milestone. Our 5th graders were presented with completion certificates by their teachers and shared a brief presentation highlighting each student.

We learned what inspires them, what they are proud of, and where their Fairmount Park journey began. We are so proud of each and every one of them, and we wish them the very best as they begin their middle school journey.

On Tuesday, June 16, West Seattle High School graduating seniors returned to Fairmount Park for a special community grad walk. As “Pomp and Circumstance” played, they walked our halls while Fairmount Park students and staff cheered, held signs, and celebrated their accomplishments.

It was especially meaningful to see staff reconnect with former students and to watch our current students see what lies ahead. This new tradition is a beautiful reminder of the strength of our community and the lasting ties that keep our elementary experiences close to our hearts.

SPS provided us with an updated staffing allocation on June 15. This process is based on student enrollment numbers and the teacher contract upheld through the Seattle Education Association union.

Based on our most current staffing allocation, we will not be adding Ms. Nguyen in the fall. Instead, we will serve students with the same number of classroom teachers we had this year. As part of this staffing model, we are required to create a split class with 3rd and 4th graders. This also means we will likely have additional split-grade classrooms next year.

We understand that split-grade classrooms may not be what many families hoped for. At the same time, we want to reassure you that our teachers take their role as educators very seriously. Students in split-grade classrooms will be held to the same high expectations and provided with meaningful instruction, care, and support, just as they would be in a single-grade classroom.

I am convening a small committee of teachers to carefully examine our options for classroom configurations. Our goal is to create the most balanced classrooms possible within the staffing model provided to us.

In the interest of equity for all students, we ask that families refrain from requesting a specific teacher or requesting that their child be kept out of a split-grade classroom. When teachers make classroom placements, they consider many important factors, including academic needs, peer relationships, classroom dynamics, social-emotional needs, and overall balance across classrooms.

Thank you for your understanding and partnership as we work through this process thoughtfully and with care for all students.

• September 1 - Meet Your Teacher (3-4pm)
• September 24 - Family Open House
• 5:30-6:15 – PreK-2

• 6:15-7:00 – Grades 3-5
• 5:45—6:45 – All Specialists
• March 16-19, 2027 - 5th Grade Camp

• Summer!

• 7:40 a.m. – Playground opens.
• 7:40-7:50 a.m. – Breakfast is served.
• 7:50 a.m. – Warning bell; students able to enter the building.
• 7:55 a.m. – School begins.
• 2:25 p.m. – Dismissal (1:10 p.m. on Wednesdays)
• 2:35 p.m. – Buses depart (1:20 p.m. on Wednesdays)

• Tardy - If your child arrives after 7:55 a.m. please go to the office to check in before they head to their classroom.
• Absence - Please contact our attendance office anytime your child will be absent from school.
• 206-252-9304
• FairmountPark.attendance@seattleschools.org

Friday's are for showing Falcon Pride! Purchase Falcon wear!

Please note that SPS Culinary Services does their best to follow the planned menu, but occasionally last-minute changes may occur.

Office hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Principal: Sara Davis sjdavis1@seattleschools.org

Admin Secretary: Ngoc Vo nmvo@seattleschools.org

Assist. Admin Secretary: Pauline Ashman pcashman@seattleschools.org

Fairmount Park website
Location: 3800 SW Findlay St., Seattle, WA, 98126
Phone: 206-252-9300