Puma Newsletter

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to introduce myself. My role at school this year is new. My job is called Head Teacher, and my job is supporting our teachers in supporting our students. Part of what that looks like is co-teaching classes, pushing in to support kids, covering classes so teachers can get out to learn from other teachers and attend professional development. I also am the 504 Coordinator for the building and am a member of the Building Leadership Team, Multi-tiered System of Supports Team, and Racial Equity Team. When kids are having big emotions and need support, I also help them calm down and talk through the problem with peers and teachers.

I have taught every grade from preschool through fifth grade except third grade and love them all for different reasons. With the littles you see growth so quickly and with the older kids they can surprise themselves with what they can do. I have taught in Oregon, Washington, New York, and Michigan in the United States, and I’ve also taught in Japan and Korea. I am loving being a part of the Concord Community, working with our dedicated staff, and getting to know you and your amazing kids. In my own time, I love spending time with my family, including my almost two-year-old son, curling up with a good book, and exploring nature and my local community. I look forward to getting to know you all better, please reach out at any time and I look forward to seeing you at future school events!

Best,

Sarah Gouge

Head Teacher

As we move into the winter months, it’s important to make sure all students are up to date on their immunizations. Vaccines play a vital role in keeping our school community safe by preventing outbreaks and protecting our children, especially those who may be more vulnerable.

Please note that immunization exclusions will begin 12/19/25. I have reached out to all families who still need to update records. If you have received a call from the nurse, please ensure your child’s vaccines are completed as soon as possible to avoid interruptions to their school attendance.

This time of year also brings an increase in cold and flu illnesses. To help keep our classrooms healthy, please keep your child home if they are experiencing:

• Fever
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Persistent cough or difficulty breathing
• Sore throat with fever
• Eye drainage or symptoms that prevent participation in school
• Any illness that makes them unable to comfortably take part in activities

Keeping your child home when they are sick not only prevents the spread of illnesses to others- it also gives your child the time they need to rest and recover faster, helping them return to school feeling their best and ready to learn.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our students safe and thriving!

💝 How we Help

This is the season of giving and sharing, which is why Giving board has been placed at the school entrance with tags. Please Take one and donate the item written on it.

These will be divided into two sections: 1. Clothing for a student 2. food for them and their family for a Holiday dinner.

The request is due Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025.

🆘 Need Support?

Request assistance online or in person.

🎁 Donation Requst

Backpacks, winter coats, hygiene supplies welcome.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me, is always a pleasure to connect with you.

Sandra Bracamontes

Family Support Worker

slbracamonte@seattleschools.org

I am originally from Venezuela, but I lived in Alaska for 15 years. Another fun fact is that I like dancing so much that I even dance to the Happy Birthday song 😊

I currently coach a top 10 ranked high school wrestling team and I am the father of 5 daughters!

In my 40 years of teaching, I’ve been fortunate to guide more than 1,000 students; each one has taught me something too!

I have a bachelor's degree in oceanography. In Mexico I worked with marine mammals. Here I am working with manatees in Veracruz, Mexico

Starting this month, we will hold a monthly Awards Assembly during the last week of each month.

Each classroom teacher will recognize three students with awards in ELA, Math, and the Character Trait of the Month. The Character Trait of the Month is Positivity 🌟

Families of students receiving awards will be invited to the assembly so we can celebrate together!

Hello Concord families! We have noticed that during lunch hours there is a lot of food being wasted. We would love your help with reminding students that if they get a meal to please eat it. The last thing we want is for a child to go hungry so please remind the children to please eat the food that they take. Thank you so much for your support!

• All students arriving before 7:55 a.m. should go to the playground to meet their teacher.
• Students arriving after 7:55 a.m. must enter through the front door and check in with the office staff.
• Please pick up your students on time at 2:25 p.m. every day, except Wednesdays at 1:10 p.m. If you are running late, please call the office.