THE Newsletter

Winter break is from 12/20-12-31. School resumes on Monday, January 3rd. Don't forget, Mondays are late start days so school doesn't start until 10:35am. Have a wonderful holiday and enjoy the winter break.

• Winter may bring weather conditions that require school schedule delays or closure. Deciding to cancel school is a difficult decision that the District takes seriously.

  How decisions are made

  When poor weather is anticipated, at approximately 2 a.m., designated transportation staff drive roads throughout the district to determine the ability to safely transport students, determine the status of arterials (major and minor) making note of specific challenging areas; and reviews existing and anticipated weather patterns throughout the area and consider decisions of surrounding school districts. Between 4 and 4:30 a.m., the Transportation Director and Superintendent’s Office determines the feasibility of safely transporting children to and from school. When at all possible, decisions regarding school delays or closures are made by 5:00 a.m.
  

  How we communicate

  In the event of snow, windstorms, earthquake or similar events, we may change school start or dismissal times for student safety. Here is how we will communicate school schedule changes:

  • Automated phone calls and emails: Make sure your contact information and communication preferences are up-to-date in Family Access
  • Website announcements: Be sure to bookmark the District's website (www.sumnersd.org)
  • Social media posts: Follow us on Twitter (@SumnerSchools), Facebook (@SumnerSchoolDistrict) and Instagram (@sumnerbonneylakesd)
    
  • SBLSD Emergency Hotline: Call the Emergency Hotline at (253) 891-6001 for updated information
    
  • Local TV/radio announcements

  What changes to expect

  Expect morning buses to be late during severe weather.

  • Schools open, limited transportation: Schools will operate and buses will stop at all regular stops with the exception of these routes.
    
    
  • 2-hour late start: All schools in the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District will operate 2 hours later than usual. No AM or PM preschool or ECEAP. Childcare will start 2 hours later than usual. No out-of-district transportation or transportation to the Elhi Hill High School Program. Breakfast and lunch will be served. For potential updates to afternoon bus transportation or after-school sports practices, monitor www.sumnersd.org or call the district hotline at (253) 891-6001.
    
    
  • Early dismissal and delayed start: In the event of a change in school operations due to inclement weather, the District will send families phone and email notifications. Information will be posted on the district website and social media. The Emergency Hotline, (253) 891-6001, will have recorded updates.
    
    
  • School closed: All school buildings in the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District will be closed. There will be no in-person learning, childcare, preschool or ECEAP. No out-of-district transportation or transportation to the Elhi Hill High School Program. A call will be made later in the day on the status of after-school sports practices. For potential updates, monitor www.sumnersd.org or call the district hotline at (253) 891-6001.

  How to prepare for changes to the school day

  Each family should have a plan covering what to do when children arrive home early due to an emergency or weather-related situation. Please develop a plan and practice it with your child. If you will not be home, instruct your child as to where he or she should go in the event of an early dismissal due to emergency conditions. What is the best route home if your child cannot be delivered to the normal bus stop? Where could your child go if he or she needed help? Who would care for him or her until you arrive? Is there someone your child could call to calm any concerns he or she might have?

Happy, Healthy Kids TIP:

Children thrive on consistency, structure, and predictability. Develop a morning routine that looks the same each day to help get you and your kids out the door with a smile!

Enjoy the holiday season! Looking forward to an amazing new year with your student(s)!

Let’s CONNECT!

vicki_johnson@sumnersd.org

253-891-6530

Please enjoy the fourth and fifth grade student's production of The Grinch. They have been practicing hard and it has paid off. Way to STEP UP (Whoville) Trailblazers!

*Happy Winter Break to all our Trailblazer families! We wish you lots of love, joy and holiday magic in the weeks ahead! See you in 2022!

*Update on pre-packaged Comfort Kits purchased through the PTA website: these have been received, tagged with your student's name and filed with your teacher's emergency supplies in their classroom. You'll receive all student emergency supplies back at the end of the year to use again in the future.

*Call for yearbook photos! In January, our PTA Yearbook Team will get to work planning for our school yearbook! But we need your help with content - send us all your photos from Back To School Night, First Day of School, Spiritwear and spirit days to yearbook@tehalehheightspta.org. Your involvement is greatly appreciated!

*All students are invited to participate in the National PTA “Reflections” arts recognition program! This year’s theme is “I Will Change the World by …”! Students submit their completed works of art in one or all of the available arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts. Student winners from the local level have the opportunity to move up through their district, region, council and state PTA programs to the national level. National Reflections winners are announced in May and celebrated throughout the following year, starting at National PTA's Convention in June.

Visit our PTA website at http://www.tehalehheightspta.org for complete details and registration form! Turn in your project and registration to your teacher no later than January 12! Questions? Contact president@tehalehheightspta.org

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Email: THE@sumnersd.org
Website: sumnersd.org/the
Location: 17520 Berkeley Parkway East, Bonney Lake, WA, USA
Phone: (253) 891-6530
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tehalehheightselementary
Twitter: @tehalehheights1