Sand Point Squirrel Spotlight
Week of Monday, September 15th
Principal's Message
We are now heading into our third week of school (and second week for our preschoolers and kindergartners), and I continue to be so proud of the joy, curiosity, and hard work our Squirrels bring into the building each day. Classrooms are buzzing with learning, friendships are growing, and our community feels stronger every day.
This past week, our PTA Ice Cream Social was a huge success! It was wonderful to see so many families, students, and staff connecting, laughing, and enjoying time together outside of the school day. Events like these remind us how special the Sand Point community truly is.
As a reminder, while we have a lot of fun and joy in our learning, items such as toys, trading cards, and stuffed animals should stay safe at home. This helps ensure that our classrooms remain focused learning spaces and that personal items donβt get lost or damaged. Thank you for your support in helping students bring their best selves each day.
Iβm grateful for your partnership as we continue building a school year filled with hope, belonging, and growth.
π Upcoming Events π
- Wednesday, September 17: Early Release 1:10 p.m.
- Friday, September 19: Welcome Packet forms due back to teacher or Main Office
- Wednesday, September 24: Dental Clinic (new date)
- Wednesday, September 24: Early Release 1:10 p.m.
- Tuesday, September 30: Picture Day (individual)
- Wednesday, October 1: Early Release 1:10 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 8: Early Release 1:10 p.m.
- Thursday, October 9: Curriculum Night 5:30-8 p.m.
- Friday, October 10: No School - State in Service Day for Educators
- Tuesday, October 14: Highly Capable Engagement Session meeting (see below)
- Wednesday, October 15: Early Release 1:10 p.m.
Event Information
Yuen Lui Studio will photograph individual portraits at Sand Point Elementary on Tuesday, September 30. Families can preorder portraits here: 2025-26 Sand Point Elementary Picture Day 9/30. Print orders will be delivered to the school in 3-4 weeks after picture day; digital orders will be sent via email from no-reply@imagequix.com. Contact Yuen Lui Studio with any questions. Thank you!
Event Information
Dear SPS families and staff,
Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is excited to invite you to a series of upcoming engagement sessions this fall! These gatherings are a chance for families, staff, students, and community members to come together, share ideas, and help shape the future of Highly Capable services in SPS.
The district is especially thrilled to introduce Dr. Paula Montgomery, the new Director of Highly Capable Services. Come meet Dr. Montgomery and be part of the conversation as we work to create more equitable, enriching learning experiences for all students.
Your voice matters, and your feedback will help us grow and improve. We hope you will join us at one of the sessions listed below:
Regional Meetings (6:30β7:30 p.m., specific location details will be shared soon):
- Tuesday, Oct. 14 β Northeast Region
Virtual Session (6:30-7:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, Oct. 28
In-Person at John Stanford Center (11 a.m.-noon):
Saturday, Nov. 8
Want to share your thoughts ahead of the meetings? Please provide feedback via ThoughtExchange.
Need interpretation services at the engagement sessions? Please fill out an interpreter request form.
We look forward to hearing your stories, ideas, and hopes for the future. Letβs work together to make SPS a place where every student thrives. Questions? Email us at HiCap@seattleschools.org.
π« Drop-Off & Pick-Up Routines π«
Friendly Reminder: The staff parking lot is not for student drop-off or pick-up.
What time does school start and end?
School begins at 7:55 a.m.
- On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, school ends at 2:25 p.m.
- On Wednesdays, school begins at 7:55 a.m. ends at 1:10 p.m.
When and how can I drop my child off for school?
Morning drop-off begins at 7:30 a.m.
- Option 1: You may drive to the front of the school and let your child out of the car, curbside, starting at 7:30 a.m. Be sure to drive carefully around the corner.
- Option 2: You may park in the neighborhood (NE 61st Street is a good option) and walk your child up to the main entrance. Please do not use the staff parking lot for student drop-off or pickup.
Morning Drop-Off Routine:
- Before 7:40 a.m. β Students stay in the cafeteria for breakfast, coloring, or school games.
- 7:40β7:55 a.m.β With staff supervision, students may go to the playground or remain in the cafeteria.
- 7:55 a.m.β Bell rings. Students go to their classrooms.
After-School Pick-Up Routine:
Students have assigned dismissal spots based on their transportation plan.
π Car Pick-Up (Curbside)
- Follow the car line route (see arrows on the map).
- Students will wait on the playground with their class.
- A staff member will radio for your child when your car arrives.
- Please remain in your car, quickly load your child, and avoid parking in the load/unload zone.
- Park on NE 61st Street and walk down the steps to the playground.
- Parking near the school is very limited.
- If you arrive late, your child will be waiting in the office.
π³ FAQs π³
How do I manage my student's lunch account?
- The first step to managing your childβs account is to complete the Child Nutrition form in your welcome packet and return to school. We are required to submit one for each family. Translated School Meal Applications, if you have any questions about the process, you can view the Seattle Public Schools website.
- Sand Point Elementary is a free breakfast and lunch site for the 2025-26 school year.
When are meal and snack times?
- Breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m.
- Snack for K-2 is from 9:30-9:40 a.m.
- Snack for 3-5 is from 9:40-9:50 a.m.
- Lunch for K-2 is from 11:10-11:30 a.m.
- Lunch for 3-5 is from 11:30-11:50 a.m.
For additional information please see our FAQs 2025.26
π Volunteer at Sand Point π
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!