October Family Newsletter
10.07.2026
Dear View Ridge Families,
As we welcome October, we want to take a moment to celebrate the positive start to the school year. Over the last month, we have been impressed by the way our school community has embraced the year, with students demonstrating enthusiasm, engagement, and a willingness to get involved.
Over the past several weeks, students have been actively establishing the routines, expectations, and habits that support a safe and welcoming school environment. We have enjoyed watching students connect with peers, show care for one another, and grow in both confidence and independence each day.
With these strong foundations now in place, we are digging deeper into learning, encouraging students to challenge themselves, set goals, and embrace new opportunities for growth.
Tomorrow, Thursday, October 8th from 4:30 – 5:30pm is our Curriculum Night. Each classroom will offer the same presentation twice, at 4:30 and 5:00. Families will report to their student’s classroom at the time that works best for their schedule.
The Book Fair will also be open during Curriculum Night and families are welcome to attend both events.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to make this school year successful, engaging, and meaningful for every student. We hope to see you at Curriculum Night!
Sincerely,
Katherine Mayan
Principal, View Ridge Elementary
October 7th : Book Fair :3:30-5:00 pm
October 8th : Curriculum Night : Presentations @ 4:30p.m & 5:00p.m
October 8th : Book Fair : 3:30p.m-7:30p.m
October 9th : NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
October 16th: Family Game Night: 5:00p.m-7:00p.m
October 19th: PTA Meeting in VRE in Library: 4:00p.m-5:00p.m
October 20th: PICTURE DAY
October 23rd: Decorated Pumpkins DUE for Prize Entry in Library!
October 29th: Walk-a-THON
> Primary K-2: 1:30p.m-2:00p.m
> Intermediate 3-5 2:30-3:00
LOOKING AHEAD: 😶
November 2nd-3rd: NO SCHOOL Parent/Teacher Conferences
Missed Lessons = Falling Behind: Even one day can mean missing critical instructions and activities, making it harder for your child to catch up.
Impact on Future Success: Consistent attendance is a strong predictor of academic achievement and future opportunities.
Building Resilience: Regular attendance teaches your child the value of perseverance and responsibility—essential skills for success in life.
Stronger Friendships: Daily presence helps your child develop and sustain friendships, which are crucial for emotional and social development.
Healthy Routine: Attending school every day establishes a stable routine, promoting better mental and physical health.
We understand that children get sick. If your child is ill, please let us know using one of the following means to communicate your child’s absence:
- Using the ParentVue App
Emailing vreattendance@everettsd.org
Calling the Main Office at (425) 385-5400
Message line is (425) 385-5405
Some healthy habits that lead to 95-100% attendance include:
- Regular bedtime and morning routines
Scheduling medical and dental appointments after school
Vacations only during school breaks
Go to school– unless truly sick (fever or vomiting)
Reduce screen time and no screens two hours before bed
Have a backup plan – another trusted adult helps get child(ren) to school
Monday-Thursday Recess/Lunch Schedule
Friday Early Release Recess/Lunch Schedule
This Month in October: PUMPKIN FUN FOR EVERYONE:
Celebrate the fall season by creating a pumpkin inspired by your favorite book character!
Bring your decorated pumpkin to the library by Friday, October 23rd to enter the contest.
RULES:
1. ABSOLUTELY NO CARVED PUMPKINS. Please paint, glue, or decorate your pumpkin.
2. Your pumpkin should represent a book character. Be sure to include the book title and author on the entry form.
3. Do not write your name on the pumpkin. Turn in your pumpkin and entry for TOGETHER when you bring it to the library.
4. PRIZES: Winners in each grade level will receive Book Fair gift certificates for our Spring Book Fair:
1st place: $50
2nd place: $25
3rd place: $15.
Get your Entry Form from the LIBRARY TODAY!
Pumpkins must be picked up by Thursday October 29th! Any pumpkins left after that date will be discarded!
The Birthday Book Club is a fun way to create a lasting memory for your family at View Ridge and endow our library with exciting new books. A green colored BBC paper came home last week. With an online contribution of $20, a book will be carefully selected the month of your child’s birthday (or summer half-birthday). This is a new book is chosen that matches your child’s interests. A bookplate dedicating the book in your child’s honor will be placed inside. The book is presented to the student in class so that he or she can be the first to read it before it is returned to the library collection for all to enjoy. Your child's contribution will also be acknowledged in the monthly school newsletter.
Book Donations The library is always excepting book donations of gently used children’s books. These books are put directly in students’ hands through the library system, teacher’s classroom libraries or used for the Scholastic Book Fair pencil pull. Thank you for the donation consideration.
Book Fair Link/Information:
https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/viewridgeelementaryschool2
Highlights from September’s PTA Meeting
PTA members kicked off the year by approving budget increases for the school Food Pantry, fifth-grade camp scholarships, staff appreciation, and our end-of-year event. Thank you to everyone whose membership and participation make these investments possible!
Read the full meeting minutes: [link]
Bookmark the PTA website for updated information on volunteering and events. Subscribe to our Google Calendar or iCal Format.
Support the View Ridge Walkathon
Our 15th annual Walkathon is coming up on THURSDAY OCTOBER 29, 2026!
This fun community event is our biggest fundraiser of the year and contributes essential funds for enrichment, classroom support, family events, and other resources benefiting every View Ridge student.
Packets should be going home in backpacks TOMORROW! Instructions will also be posted on our PTA website and linked through our social media.
Structure is slightly different this year, with more emphasis on working together as a school and unlocking exciting school-wide experiences!
Register or donate: www.viewridge.pledgestar.com
Join the PTA—and Help Us Reach 200 Members!
We have already exceeded last year’s total membership! Help us keep the momentum going as we work toward 200 members and 100% staff membership.
There is also a little extra motivation: the Everett PTSA Council’s Slice into Membership contest runs through October 31. The PTA with the greatest percentage increase in membership compared with October 31, 2025, will select someone to throw a pie in Superintendent Dr. Salzman’s face—right at its school! The second-place PTA will get to pie a member of the Everett PTSA Council board.
Join the PTA Here: membership link
Family Game Night—Friday, October 16 from 5:00-7:00PM
Bring the whole family and join us for games and community fun!
Planning to Volunteer? Get Approved Now!
All school volunteers must receive district approval before volunteering. If you hope to help with the Walkathon, Book Fair, Family Game Night, or another activity this year, please complete the application early so you’re ready when opportunities arise.
Apply for district volunteer approval: [link]
Next PTA Meeting—Monday, October 19 at 4:00 p.m.
Our next PTA meeting will begin at the earlier time of 4:00 p.m. to make it easier for teachers and staff to attend. This is a trial time as we try to optimize attendance for everyone. Join us in person or virtually at this link. All parents, caregivers, teachers, and staff are welcome!
Everett Public Schools recognizes the growing popularity of electric bicycles (e-bikes) and e electric scooters as a modes of student transportation. The purpose of this guidance is to provide clear expectations for use on school property to:
· Protect the safety of students, staff, families, and visitors
· Support sustainable and active transportation choices
· Establish clear expectations and accountability
· Ensure compliance with state and local laws
· Minimize liability and property damage risks
Definitions:
· E-Bike: An electric bicycle as defined under Washington State law (RCW 46.04.169), including Class 1 (pedal assist up to 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle assist up to 20 mph), and Class 3 (pedal assist up to 28 mph). An e-bike motor will never exceed 750 watts of power.
· E-motorcycle: is powered solely by an electric motor and often doesn’t have moving pedals. They have foot pegs, other brackets or supports. Without moving pedals capable of propelling, or with pedals that can operate at speeds over 20 mph while powered solely by the motor, is classified as a motorcycle.
· E-scooter: any two- or three-wheeled device with handlebars and a floorboard, powered by an electric motor. Also known as "motorized foot scooters".
· School Grounds: All property owned, leased, or controlled by Everett Public Schools, including parking lots, athletic fields, courts, sidewalks, and interior spaces.
· Personal Transportation Device: any vehicle operated by an individual to carry them from place to place, including but not limited to bicycles, E-bikes, skateboards, scooters, hoverboards, etc.
- All state and local laws must be followed while operating e-bikes and other personal transportation devices on district property. This includes the use of helmets, yielding to pedestrians, and operating only legal e-bikes (NO electric motorcycles are permitted unless they are properly registered and operated by a legally licensed individual with a motorcycle endorsement).
