September Newsletter

Welcome back, Silver Firs families!

It has been a wonderful start to another great year of learning, growing, and building new friendships. As Dr. Haule and I have walked through classrooms, we are seeing teachers building intentional opportunities for the students to get to know each other. From "two truths and a lie" to favorite song lyrics (and why) to "find someone who" bingo; there were so many ways connections were being made.

I also saw plenty of smiles and laughter - buzzing like a bee around the room for 10 seconds, reading books about those early days of school, trying to untangle themselves from a human knot, and posing for a silly group photo. Finally, there was also a strong undercurrent of teaching procedures and creating classroom norms. From how we go through the lunch line to where we put our completed papers in class, there are many procedures in a given day. While these are not the most "fun" part of the day, they ensure that each area of the school can run smoothly.

For families who may be new to Silver Firs, PRIDE is an acronym for our schoolwide expectations.

P - Polite

R - Respectful

I – Independent manager

D – Do your best

E – Everybody working cooperatively

By showing these, students not only help make the community a happier, healthier place to be, but they can also earn PRIDE tickets. Once a month, these tickets are drawn and students whose names are called will now have a choice in their reward. These may vary but include extra recess and donut with the principal, among other options.

The photo was from our first assembly, held last Friday. In it, Dr. Haule and I competed to see who could spell PRIDE first, providing examples along the way. The last letter I flipped over was the E, so Dr. Haule and I read it cooperatively. We also had several sillier tasks if we did not turn over a letter. I may never live down having to flex like a body builder. Ha! That's okay, though. One strong way we can build a community is through coming together, sharing moments of joy, and laughing. Shared memories are powerful! Kindergarten students - do not worry, your assembly will be this coming Friday.

This week, I have also started seeing initial academic assessments. These early check-ins - be they iReady, listening to a student read, or having them sort and count objects, all provide the starting point information for teachers to be able to set goals with students and determine how to extend or support the learning for kids. These aren't tests that determine grades or placement—they simply help teachers understand where each child is starting, so they can plan the best next steps.

This Friday, we will have our first safety drill. To help staff and students know what to do in the case of an emergency, we hold one drill each month. This first one will be a fire drill. During that time, the office will be unable to answer phones. We are also working on our family handbook, which will include many safety pieces. A link to this will be emailed within the next two weeks.

Finally, our staff has voted, and we can now officially share that Curriculum Night will be Wednesday, September 30th from 5:00-6:00 pm. It will be an open house style, teachers and curriculum will be available, and your kids are an important part of the evening as they will be your tour guides around the classroom and the building! There will be more information coming out over the next two weeks, but for now, if you are available – hold the date – we would love to see you here.

I love connecting with students and families at drop off/pick up and look forward to meeting so many more of you, be it around the school or at events including Curriculum Night.

Have a fantastic rest of September, and please reach out with any questions, concerns, or celebrations.

Working together,

Ally Nichol

Principal, Silver Firs Elementary

Anichol@everettsd.org

(425) 385-6500

Dear SFE Families,

Welcome to the Silver Firs community this school year! We are happy to partner with you and ensure your student comes to school each and every day. Regular school attendance positively impacts a child's ability to build friendships, learn and participate fully. Missing just one or two days of school each month can decrease engagement and academic progress. Please be sure to contact our attendance office at 425-385-6505 in case your student has to miss school for any reason. Thank you for being an active partner in your child's success.

Thank you,

Monica Haule, Ed.D.

Assistant Principal

MHaule@everettsd.org

9/2: First Day of School

9/8: First day of Kindergarten, ECEAP, and DPK

9/21: PTA General Meeting, 7:00 in the library

9/24: Popcorn Thursday

9/25: PTA Family Movie Night, doors open at 5:30

9/30: Curriculum Night, 5:00 - 6:00

9/30: Orange Shirt Day

If you are in need of assistance with housing, food or student clothing please reach out to our school counselor, Hannah Sands at 425-385-6510 or hsands@everettsd.org.