Sand Point Squirrel Spotlight

What an exciting week of learning and exploration at Sand Point! Our 1st graders enjoyed a hands-on visit to the Seattle Aquarium, discovering the wonders of marine life up close. Our 4th and 5th graders had an incredible opportunity to learn from Seattle City Light about renewable energy and how we can all play a part in protecting our planet, while also starting to dive into the Global Reading Challenge in partnership with the Seattle Public Library, an inspiring way to grow their love of reading, teamwork, and critical thinking!

We are also thrilled to share some amazing news: Sand Point Elementary has been selected as a 2025 AWSL “Culture Kick-Off Award” recipient! This recognition celebrates our school’s ongoing commitment to building a positive, inclusive culture where every student feels valued, connected, and empowered. This award belongs to our entire community—our students, staff, and families—who work together each day to make Sand Point a place where HOPE, kindness, and belonging thrive.

You can also help shine a light on the staff members here at Sand Point that are helping to create a sense of belonging in our school community by nominating them for the SPS Beacon of Hope award.

As we shift into shorter days and wetter weather, thank you for making sure our Squirrels come to school dressed warmly and ready for the rain. Please take a moment to check our Lost and Found to help coats and rain gear find their way back home.

A quick reminder: there will be no school on Tuesday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day. And as we move into November, please be sure to connect with your student’s teacher to schedule your family conference. These important conversations help us celebrate student growth and partner together to support learning at home.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and care, you help make Sand Point a place where every Squirrel can grow, explore, and shine!

With gratitude,

Dr. Stephanie Zikopoulos
Principal, Sand Point Elementary

• Tuesday, November 11: No School - Veterans Day
• Wednesday, November 12: Early Release 1:10 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 18: Picture Retake Day
• Wednesday, November 19: Early Release 1:10 p.m.
• Friday, November 21: Assembly at 1:10 and ATATS
• November 24, 25, 26: Family-Teacher Conferences- No School
• November 27 & 28: Thanksgiving & Native American Heritage Day - No School
• Wednesday, December 3: Early Release 1:10 p.m.
• Thursday, December 4: PTA All School Celebrate Cultures Potluck Gathering 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 10: Early Dismissal 1:10 p.m.
• Friday, December 12: Assembly and ATATS
• Wednesday, December 17: Early Release 1:10 p.m.
• Friday, December 19: 1-Hour Early Release 1:25 p.m.
• Monday, December 22: Report Cards available in The Source
• December 22 - January 2: Winter Break - No School

Seattle Public Schools Wants to Shine a Light on Beacons of Hope

The SPS All-Star Awards aim to highlight current staff who are positively impacting their school community. We want you to tell us about staff members who are helping to create a sense of belonging in their school community. Nominate a Beacon of Hope from your school by Nov. 21!

Help us celebrate the incredible individuals who make SPS shine!

Submit a Nomination

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!

November’s theme of the month is Empathy! Next week’s word of the week is Understood. Understanding ourselves helps students advocate for their needs inside and outside of school. This week, we’ll be working on our skills of listening to others. Ask your students, how can listening help someone feel understood?

Students will listen to the read aloud, The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld during Buddy Classrooms.

We are continuing to focus on Zones of Regulation as part of our Social Emotional Curriculum. Next week we will focus on body cues and body messages when we are in the red zone.

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!