The Bear Essentials Weekly Bulletin
Laurelhurst Elementary School
www.laurelhurstes.seattleschools.org
Monday, February 9, 2015
Calendar
Monday, Feb 9
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Kid Mail Day – Look for mail coming home with your children today
PTA Board Meeting, 7 pm in the Library
Tuesday, Feb 10
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Instrumental music students, remember your instruments!
Instrumental Music Concert Assembly, 2:50 in the Cafeteria (4th & 5th grade inst. music students performing)
Wednesday, Feb 11
Thursday, Feb 12
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General PTA Meeting in the Cafeteria at 9:30 am **NOTE change in date and time
Deadline for submissions to this weekly newsletter is Midnight Tonight. Submit to: [email protected]
Friday, Feb 13
Upcoming Events
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Feb 16-17 – NO SCHOOL, Presidents’ Day & Mid-Winter Break Day
Feb 25 – Literacy Night, 6-8 pm in the Cafeteria
Feb 26 – Principal’s Monthly Chat “Tea With Talbot”, 9:40 am – Library
Literacy Month is Here!
Reading Log Calendars went home last week in Kid Mail with attached information for parents about upcoming activities. Our featured author is William Shakespeare and the featured illustrator is Maurice Sendak. Mr Brown will be having library lessons on Shakespeare and our amazing Art Explorers will be introducing Sendak.
Please mark your calendars for Wednesday February 25th for Literacy Night, 6 PM -8 PM in the cafeteria. The performance of Twelfth Night by
GreenStage will start at 7 PM. Let the wild reading rumpus start!
If you are interested in helping with Literacy Month, please contact Beth Cogan at [email protected] / 206-250-9559.
Instrumental Music Mini Performance this Tuesday, Feb 10th
The 4th and 5th grade Instrumental Music students have been working hard to learn to play their instruments. Please attend our “mini-performance”
on February 10 at 2:50 pm to see what we’ve learned so far this year!
PTA General Meeting on Thursday Morning
Join us on Thursday, Feb. 12th at 9:30 in the lunchroom for a General PTA meeting. We’ll share results from the survey, elect our Nominating Committee, and hear updates from our Safety Committee on building security measures. Coffee and treats provided!
Thanks, Amy Barss and Linda Chou, PTA Co-Presidents www.laurelhurstpta.com
Lost and Found
Any items that are left in the lost and found for more than 30 days will be donated on the first of every month. A lot of these items are items left on our
playground over the weekend. Please check the lost and found frequently.
Auction Update!
THANK YOU! We did it! We reached our procurement goal.
Thank you everyone for stepping up and donating amazing items, cash, and wine. We have a week in Palm
Springs and Mexico, a flag football party on the field at Husky Stadium, fun parties, tickets to a Sounders game, a
signed Russell Wilson jersey, a wonderful collection of wines and much, much more!
We truly came together as a team to support our community and our kids awesome school!
The auction is Friday, March 20th at Husky Stadium. We have an online auction, a traditional tailgate, cool items, and an after party to look forward
to.
Ticket sales will start at the end of the month.
After School Child Safety – From The Safety Committee
Isn't it lovely that the days are getting longer and we have more daylight, especially with our later 3:40 dismissal? We are so lucky to have great
playgrounds to help get wiggles out after the long school day, but we are finding that there are students playing without adult supervision/proximity.
This is a safety concern. Please make sure your child has and is aware of their adult contact at our 3:40 dismissal time.
Fifth Grade Leadership Teams
This year Ms. Dublin, Mr. Howard and Mr. Roos have started 5th grade leadership teams. Every 5th grader participates and have been divided into 3
committees: The Green Team, The Student Activity Committee and the School Climate Committee.
The Student Activity Committee is responsible for coming up with ideas or activities to enrich the student experience. So far they have planned: crazy
hair day, twin/multiples day, opposite/mismatch day, PJ day, and the recess ambassador program. Currently they are working on getting a schoolwide suggestion box, recess time at the park, school spirit day (though we’re not certain what our school colors are), establishing school colors, incorporating a talent show during lunchtime, and 5th grade movie night.
The School Climate team has been working hard to foster an environment of community and respect at Laurelhurst Elementary. Our 5th graders
have planned a campaign to encourage each student to participate in the theme of the month. The theme for December was, "Put on a Smile" and
January's theme is, "Make a New Friend." Look for signs around the school that will publicize each month's theme.
The purpose of the 5th grade leadership green team is to find ways to increase sustainability measures at school. The green team has spearheaded
the placement and maintenance of compost bins within classrooms. Also, we are in the planning phases of a school-wide Earthday celebration/activity.
This is a highly independent, motivated, driven group of students and we’re very excited to see what they’ll accomplish next.
Art Explorer News
In support of Literacy Month, during February we’re learning about Maurice Sendak, American born author and illustrator, most famous for his book
Where The Wild Things Are. Sendak is widely recognized for depicting the emotional characteristics of childhood and received the Caldecott Medal and the Hans Christian Anderson Award for his work. Each classroom will make a special project together so look for this in our hallways and ask
your "little artist" about it! Check out Sendak's biography on the Art Explorer's bulletin Board near the Staff Lounge!
Also, we are excited to have some actual set items and props from the just-retired "Nutcracker" ballet compliments of Pacific Northwest Ballet. Sendak designed this Nutcracker version with Kent Stowell in 1983 and the items we will have at school have been used for 32 years, 45 times a year.
These special things will be on display in the school's front hall cabinet for just a few weeks so please make an effort to see it with your children!
questions: [email protected] or [email protected]
Advanced Learning Office Status Update
For families who nominated their child for Advanced Learning Testing during the annual fall nomination period.
We are writing to update you on our Advanced Learning testing process at Seattle Public Schools. This year, we are processing more than 5,400
applications and are continuing to test students through the end of February.
If your child has not yet been tested, he or she will be scheduled during the coming weeks and we will contact you at that point.
Additionally, testing results and eligibility letters will be sent by early March.
Thank you for your patience during this long testing process.
Please visit our website www.seattleschools.org/advlearning for the answers to most Advanced Learning questions
Candids, Candids, and MORE Candids Needed!
The deadline for submitting pictures to the yearbook is April 12, 2015. We would love pictures from field trips, children in their Seahawks gear, pajama days, parties, recess, school assemblies…ANY picture that you would like to share. If you have pictures that you would like to share, please
email them to [email protected] Please include your child’s class/teacher with the photos.
Questions: Jincey Goggin [email protected]
Scrip News
Gift Cards on Sale! (“SCRIP”) : Place your next (or first!) SCRIP order online by Friday, February 6th at https://www.shopwithscrip.com/
What is SCRIP? You buy gift cards online, the PTA orders those cards, collects your check, and hands you the cards on 2/24. You receive the
FULL value of the cards and the retailer gives Laurelhurst PTA a percentage of their value. You support the kids without spending an extra dime!
More info at http://www.laurelhurstpta.com/scrip-2/
The PTA loves PCC Cards! PCC gift cards ($50 value) are on sale now for immediate receipt. Why do we especially love PCC Scrip?
You purchase this card from the PTA for $50 by check and the PTA receives 5% of its value. Here’s the exciting part: you can recharge your
gift card right at the PCC register using any means of payment (even credit card!) and 5% continues to go straight to the PTA. Effortless!
To purchase email [email protected]
SPS Open Enrollment is February 23 – March 6
The Open Enrollment period is your best opportunity to request a different school or program for your student. You must first register your student for
school, and then you can submit your Choice request between Feb. 23 and Mar. 6.
You can choose to apply for another attendance area school including K-8 schools; an option school; or programs such as Montessori, Spectrum,
and Highly Capable Cohort (formerly APP).
• School Choice Enrollment Process
• School Choice Application Instructions
• School Choice application forms will be posted Feb. 23, 2015
Do You Have A Child Headed to Middle School Next Year?
If you're thinking about middle schools for your child, please consider Hazel Wolf K-8. We are Seattle’s first E-STEM (environmentally-focused
science, technology, engineering, math) school, offering electives such as MESA, art, drama, music, choir, PE, and foreign language, all in a creative
and dynamic environment. Come join us for an open house tour — we’ll be showing off our new, temporary location near Greenlake, and talking all
about our groundbreaking E-STEM program. All families and students are welcome. See you there!
2015 Open House & Tour Schedule:
Morning Tours: 9:30-11:30am on Wednesday, February 18 and Monday, March 2
Evening Tours: 6:30-8:30pm on Thursday, February 26
Eckstein Middle School OPEN HOUSE FOR INCOMING STUDENTS
Thursday, February 26, 6:00-8:00pm, Eckstein Auditorium. Incoming or interested students and their families are invited to learn more about the
school at our evening open house on Feb 26th. The evening's agenda will include an informational presentation in the auditorium and an opportunity
to tour the school. No reservations necessary. Please note that Eckstein DOES NOT arrange student visits, tours or shadowing during the school
day.
New Auditorium Chairs!
Thanks to generous grants from Intermec Corporation and FOLF (Friends of Laurelhurst Foundation), we are thrilled to announce the arrival of
200 new stacking chairs and rolling storage carts. This investment in our school will positively impact generations to come. A HUGE THANK YOU!
Thank you Liz Becker for seeing this project through, and spending hours unloading, unpacking and stacking them upon delivery!!!
Science Fair 2015 is on Wednesday, April 8th From 6-8 pm
The 2015 Aki Kurose Laurelhurst Science Fair is happening on April 8th. This year’s theme is TRANSFORMATIONS IN SCIENCE. Students will
build and display experiments which have utilized the Scientific Method! Stay tuned. Registration packets will be out next month!
LASER NEWS
LASER Childcare
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Monday, February 16th, No Laser, President’s Day
Tuesday, February 17th, Camp Day at Sandpoint Elementary. 7am-6pm. Sign up will be out 1st week of February. $45 per child. For
more info contact Shawn at [email protected]
Friday, February 20th, Parent Night Out at Laurelhurst! $25 per child, $15 per sibling. 6pm-11pm. Email Shawn at [email protected] for more information.
LASER Leaps (Before/After School Enrichment Classes)
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Winter Leaps Session began the week of February 2nd. You can pick up a class list and sign up form in the LASER portable or the LEAPS
bulletin board in the Laurelhurst main entry hall. Note: Lego class is full.
Rising Stars Pre-K (Preschool)
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Pre-K Open Registration – we are still accepting applications for our Rising Stars Pre-K Kindergarten Readiness Program serving 4-5 year
olds. Download registration materials online at www.laserchildcare.org , stop by the LASER portable or call for more info and materials.
There is no deadline, but space is limited. If you sign up by January 31st you will receive a $100 credit towards the first month’s tuition in
the fall. Questions can email [email protected]
New At LASER
Clubs have started, centered on Common Core and Habits of Mind that give our kids a chance to dig deeper into topics of interest. Clubs are not a
given, they are an opportunity. The clubs are taking part during programming time from 4:45pm-5:30pm. These clubs are in addition to an
art/creative activity and group game options. Our clubs currently include:
• Monday-Masters of Painting with Tara.
• Tuesday-Cooking around the World with David.
• Wednesday-Outdoor Education with Eric.
• Thursday-Multicultural Exploration with Sebastian. They will be picking individual country projects.
• Friday-Comic book club with Travis
Check out our website www.laserchildcare.org to stay updated on LASER happenings!
Laurelhurst Bears Spring Ultimate for 3rd through 5th Grade Girls and Boys
Spring Ultimate Frisbee is just around the corner! This sport is available for third through fifth graders, and our team(s) will be organized through
DiscNW again this year. We will have the same great coaches as last year, Sam and Xander, two Northwest High School students.
Practices will likely be on Thursdays (as opposed to Friday, as earlier advertised) after school at Laurelhurst Park, about 3:45-5:15pm,
starting in early March. Games will be on Saturdays starting at the end of April through mid-June. To form a team, we need at least 5 girls and 5
boys (co-ed sports are great for all!) - and about 15 kids total. We will likely have two teams: one 4th-5th grade team and one 3rd-4th grade team,
and they will all practice together.
If your son or daughter is interested in playing, please email Tiffany Jay at [email protected] by February 11. Team size will be limited to ensure
playing time for all - first come, first served. (Find more info about the league here: https://www.discnw.org/events/SpringElementary/)
Ultimate Frisbee Summer Camp For New & Current Eckstein Students!
July 13th-17th at Magnuson Park, 9am - 3pm
Coached by world class players and coaches from the Seattle area, players will improve their individual and team skills while playing ultimate all
week! We accept novice-experienced players at camp and will cater to each individual’s level.
Cost - $250. Includes disc and jersey. Scholarships available.
To register: www.teamultimatecamp.com
Mid-Winter Break Basketball Camp
Mid-Winter Break 1-day Basketball Camp Feb. 17th 9am-3pm @ Concordia Lutheran Church in Wedgwood. This camp will be open for youth
boys and girls 2nd-8th grade and will be lead by coach Chase Young through Hoopaholics. To register please visit www.hoopaholics.com and click
on the CAMPS page and look for the Feb. 17th 1-day camp at Concordia. For any questions or group registrations please contact Chase Young at
[email protected]
School Day Off Hoops Camps!
Presented by One on One Basketball
Space is limited...register today!
February 17th from 9AM - 3PM
Boys and Girls ages 6-12
Only $60 per day
http://seattle-washington.1on1basketball.com/
The Bear Essentials Bulletin Deadline
To submit news for the next edition of this publication, please send your electronic information to:
lrl_schoolnews (at) seattleschools (dot) org by the weekly bulletin submission deadline - midnight this Thursday.