Laker Anchor

Greetings, Laker Families-

It is hard to believe that it’s now March and the first day of spring is just around the corner! With the unpredictable weather as we transition seasons, it will be important that students continue coming to school dressed in layers and with coats for recess. Speaking of coats, our lost & found is overflowing again! Please strongly encourage your children to check it for any lost items. All items will be donated to a local charity after we return from spring break on April 15.

Thank you again for the incredible support of our PTA with the Apex Glow Run fundraiser and thank you to all the volunteers that made it all happen! It was a huge success and so much fun for the students and staff. Our PTA helps fund so many enriching school and evening family events and provides grants for teachers to use for their classrooms, etc. The community effort is what makes Emerald Hills such a special place! 🙂

March is Women’s History Month. Each of our classroom teachers will be incorporating age-appropriate conversations and lessons into their instruction, and our Art Docents will build upon this theme as we celebrate women in the arts. We are also very excited that our PTA is bringing back the Pacific Science Center Space Odyssey to our school this month! As teachers make connections during their science lessons, they will be celebrating the many contributions that scientists have made, specifically women scientists.

Finally, we are thrilled to announce that our very own Laura Young (Laker Life Lab Specialist) was named Pierce Conservation District Educator of the Year! You can read more about why she has been honored on our school website linked HERE.

School Updates/Reminders

Cheryl Eldridge is continuing to provide administrative support here at Emerald Hills as our Dean of Students through Spring Break. If you have questions or concerns about your student and/or a situation that is brought to your attention by your child, feel free to reach out to her at: cheryl_eldridge@sumnersd.org or call our office at (253) 891-4750.

Very soon our intermediate grades will begin preparing for the spring state math and reading SBA, and 5th grade will also be taking the state science assessment (WCAS). Please watch for more specific communication from the 3rd-5th grade teachers as we get into the spring. NOTE: As you schedule family vacations and appointments for your children, please keep in mind that students will need to be present during our SBA testing window which will be April 29 - June 7.

From our front office team

Contact info: EHE@sumnersd.org or (253) 891-4750
If you have a change in your regular dismissal plans for your child (bus, car pick-up, or parent pick-up), please contact the main office by 3:00pm.
Bus schedules: Click here

Tues.-Fri. Student Day: 9:00-3:45 (drop off can begin at 8:45)
Mon. Student Day (90-min late start day): 10:35-3:45 (drop off can begin at 10:20)
Important District Dates for the 2023-24 School Year: LINK
Free and Reduced Meals – apply for the 2023-24 school year to access services **More information on school meal service and loading money on accounts...link HERE.
Volunteer applications – we would love to welcome you at school during the school day! Please feel free to get your district 23-24 volunteer clearance started now. (As a reminder, to volunteer during the school day in ANY capacity, you need to be cleared as a volunteer by the district’s Human Resource Department. This process can take two or more weeks to complete so please start the process online now if you have not already.)

Updates From the District

SBLSD to participate in regional lahar exercise March 21

In our ongoing commitment to safety and preparedness, the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District is participating in a regional lahar exercise, which is designed to test and improve the ability to evacuate or shelter students and staff in the event of an incoming lahar from Mount Rainier. The drill is only for schools, not the general public or surrounding residences.

WHEN

The lahar exercise will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 21. There will be some staggered start times for operational effectiveness.

HOW

All schools will participate by either evacuating or sheltering in place, depending on their location in the valley or on the hill.

Evacuation (valley)

Schools: Sumner HS, Elhi Hill HS Program, Sumner MS, Daffodil Valley Elem, Maple Lawn Elem, Sumner Early Learning Center, Community-Based Transition Program.
Under staff supervision, with assistance from local police personnel, students will follow a designated evacuation route on flat, paved sidewalks with one street lane closed.
Students will complete about 80 percent of the route, stopping before gaining significant elevation with an end at the Gordon Family YMCA.

Buses will transport students back to their school where they’ll complete the remainder of their school day as normal. Total time for the drill is approximately one hour.

Shelter in place (hill)

Schools: Bonney Lake HS, Lakeridge MS, Mountain View MS, Bonney Lake Elem, Crestwood Elem, Donald Eismann Elem, Emerald Hills Elem, Liberty Ridge Elem, Tehaleh Heights Elem, Victor Falls Elem.
Students will shelter in place by remaining at school inside their classroom.
Teachers have the option to deliver lahar-related lessons and activities, sharing more about lahars and what to expect should we experience one.
The shelter-in-place drill should last no longer than five minutes.

Community Cultural Celebration

Join us for an enriching experience at the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District Community Cultural Celebration event on April 20, 2024, from 11am to 2pm at Sumner High School's new Phase 1 building. Immerse yourself in cultural performances, engaging activities, enlightening workshops, and captivating art exhibits, which are all student and community organization led! This event offers a unique opportunity to celebrate and learn about the diverse cultures of students and families within our community. Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable celebration and our commitment to our promise: to know, value, and support ALL students!

**The General Public Dashboard includes links for the general public to participate in: Volunteer Link, Cultural Booth Link, and Cultural Workshop Link.

*FREE* Love & Logic Parenting Series at Emerald Hills (see flier attached)

Our counselor, Ms. Rendahl, will be facilitating a FREE Love & Logic parenting series starting March 7. This five week series includes time-tested solutions for building healthy relationships with children while setting firm limits.
Free childcare will be provided for school-age children. Snacks will be provided, you are welcome to bring your own dinner if you would like.
When: Five Thursdays starting March 7 (March 7, 14, 21, 28 and April 4)
Time: 5:30-7:00
Where: Emerald Hills
You can also contact Ms. Rendahl if you are interested by calling the main office at 253/891-4750 or emailing tawny_rendahl@sumnersd.org

Kindergarten Registration

Now OPEN for online registration (see district website)
View the kickoff video HERE.

Important Upcoming Dates for EHE

**Please see attached PTA March newsletter & fliers for more details on PTA events.

3/5 – Spring Class Picture Day
3/8 – Spirit Day: Dress as your favorite book character day! (Read Across America week)
3/12 – PTA Membership Meeting…6:30pm
3/14 – 1st Grade Concert at EHE…7:00pm
3/18 – Kindergarten RoundUp for 2024-25 Kindergarten families…5:30pm at EHE
3/18-3/20 – PTA Round Table Pizza Dine Out Nights
3/21 & 3/22 – PTA bringing the Pacific Science Center “Science on Wheels” Space Odyssey back to EHE!
3/25-3/29 – PTA Scholastic Book Fair (see attached flier)
3/27 & 3/28 – Early Release at 12:15 for spring conferences (lunches will be served)
4/3 – PTA Mod Pizza Dine Out Night
4/8-4/12 – Spring Break
4/16 – Kids Heart Challenge kicks off
4/20 -- Community Cultural Celebration at SHS

PTA Contact Information

In order to stay up on our PTA, please make a note of the following contact information:

2023-24 PTA Executive Board

President - Jenn Dery eheptaprez@gmail.com

Co-Vice President - Bonnie McDonald & Trina McKinstry eheptavp@gmail.com

Secretary - Sarah Fisher emeraldhillspta@gmail.com

Treasurer - Heather Forbis eheptatreasurer@gmail.com

PTA website: https://ehe-pta.square.site/

Our March Laker Purposefull People Character Trait is “Cooperation…Working together and helping others.” Your follow up at home reinforcing your child as they demonstrate “cooperation” each day would be a wonderful home-school connection. The background for our Laker Purposefull People Character Traits can be accessed through the Character Strong website. Thank you for raising such amazing children that desire to be Purposefull People and for your continued support of our school community.

Have a wonderful March!

Mrs. Scheerer, Principal

Please learn more about our school by linking into the website and continue to follow us on Facebook and http://instagram.com/emeraldhillselementary

Laker Anchor

March 4, 2024

Greetings, Laker Families-

Emerald Hills Elementary