February Newsletter 2016

February 2016
Home of the Cougar Cubs
Susan Cotton, Principal
scotton@lwsd.wednet.edu
PO Box 40
N. Lakewood, WA 98259
17000 16th Dr. NE
Marysville, WA 98271
(360) 652-4520
Important Dates:
Dear families,
February 9th
PTA Skate Night
6:30-8:30pm
In the Leader in Me framework, the first three habits are all about
working on yourself. As a school, we have spent the first part of the
year learning how to be proactive, begin with the end in mind and
put first things first. I took a few moments the other day to stand in
front of one of our lovely school murals and reflect on a key
component of these first three habits: Carry your own weather.
February 10th
Late Start
Wednesday
February 12th
Full Day of School
February 15th
No SchoolPresidents’ Day
February 24th
Late Start
Wednesday
th
February 26
Popcorn Friday
This seems like a good moment to reflect on what that really
means. This time of year, our northwest weather veers from rain to
wind to sun in the space of a few hours, and sometimes it seems as
though we do too. The excitement of a new year has died,
summer is far away, and some kids are feeling increased worry or
pressure. Others are masters at carrying their own weather. You
may want to watch this video together and chat with your child
about it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AsYQNfk8Uk In
the video, Stephen Covey reminds us that each day we have a
choice. We can carry our own weather. We can choose our
response to any situation.
Often I will problem solve with kiddos, and we almost always come
to the same conclusion. No matter who started the problem,
everyone has the power to choose their response. For example, on
the playground, choosing your own weather might look like going
to another game or walking away.
When a child chooses to solve a small problem in a healthy way,
they gain confidence and self-esteem. The kids are learning that
they have the power and the freedom to choose – to create their
own weather – and that is a skill that will help them in school and
beyond. I encourage you to chat with your child and find out their
thoughts about carrying their own weather.
Be sure to save the date for our Leadership Day on March 4. More
information will be coming home soon, but it will be a great
opportunity for you to see and celebrate student leadership in
action!
Stay warm!
Susan Cotton, Principal
Library Learning Update
Our Learning Targets for the month of February will be:
I can understand and use the text features of a nonfiction book (e.g., key words, sidebars,
captions, table of contents) to locate information relevant to a given topic efficiently. (2nd-5th
grade)
I can compare and contrast two topics in a nonfiction text using a Venn diagram and statements
supported by the text. (1st-5th grade)
With prompting and support, I can describe the connection between two individuals, events,
ideas or pieces of information in a text. (Kindergarten)
**Please take the time to point out key text features next time you enjoy a nonfiction book with
your child!!
*** During the next two months I am introducing Washington state award nominated picture
books, nonfiction books and chapter books to our students. Through read-alouds and book talks
we will enjoy high quality literature that has been published in the past two years and toward the
end of March the students will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite authors. I find that this
really inspires a love of literature and encourages students to break away from their typical
reading choices!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ziemer, Librarian
P.E. News
February is American Heart Month! What does it mean to be heart healthy? Eating a healthy diet and
getting regular exercise are the 2 biggest ways you can be heart healthy!
The American Heart Association recommends getting at least 60 minutes of cardio exercise each day.
Cardio exercise is pretty much any physical activity that makes your heart beat fast, makes you hot &
sweaty, and makes you thirsty! Like running, jumping rope, jumping jacks and dancing. Be sure to drink
plenty of water when exercising.
We will be doing jump rope in PE this month. You can practice your jump rope skills at home to increase
your physical activity time each day or do other fun activities to get more heart exercise at home. Make it a
family activity to be heart healthy!
Mrs. Nelson, P.E. Teacher
Highly Capable Program
The Lakewood School District is now accepting referrals for students in first grade through high school to
be assessed for the 2016-2017 Highly Capable Program.
Referrals are accepted from teachers, parents, and community members. If you would like to pick up a
referral packet please stop by the district office or one our schools. All referrals are due February 29, 2016.
Please Note: There are important changes to the February calendar.
 Wednesday, February 10th is now a Late Start Wednesday.
 Friday, February 12th has been changed to a full day of school.
These alterations are due to the district closure on November 18th, 2015.
School Closure and Delays Update
Please note: The website to access current information has changed to www.flashalert.net.
Habit 7
Sharpen the Saw
Balance Feels Best!
Sharpen the Saw Clubs on Fridays are a big
hit with students! They are learning to try new
things and have created new friendships in the
process.
If you are interested in lending a hand, please
contact our school office for a volunteer packet.
We look forward to seeing you!
The Paradigm of Potential
“What is my honest paradigm of the worth and potential of each child I come in contact with?”
Mrs. Sharon Kanehen
As Lakewood Elementary School continues to learn and practice Leader in Me concepts one that is very important
in our school is POTENTIAL. We believe that every student has the potential to be a learner and a leader in some
area of his/her life. “Believe your student CAN, and they WILL!”
We all need to recognize that every person is talented and capable of achieving great things in leadership. Outside
of our school circle our students don’t always hear that message of you can do it! As staff, parents and concerned
adults, we need to let every student we come in contact with know that we believe they can be a learner and a
leader, and that is what they will become! In creating an environment that promotes respect and trust, it is amazing
to see kids blossom in leadership.
In my classroom every child has a choice of a job/task they can do for up to 6 weeks. We have seen great growth as
students learn to lead a line, put reports in order, sharpen pencils, water plants, etc. They are trained by other
students who have had those jobs and then they get to practice what they have learned. Through modeling and
training, students discover and believe “I Can” and will accomplish great things. We all help them become the best
leader they can be. As my students learn to take responsibility, they are rewarded by working up to their potential.
It is a win-win situation.
As a young mother and now enjoying my grandkids, I always find surprising inspiration in children’s literature. I
would like to close my reflections with this:
“If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together… there is something you must always remember. You are
braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
—The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne
Lakewood Elementary Reading Goal
One of our most exciting challenges this year is our school-wide goal of reading 14,000 books!
As of now, our students have read over 5,100 books!!!
s
Students enjoy silent reading time in the Library.
Check out our giant scoreboard!
No Parking or Idling Zone
In order to retain a clear entry during our busiest times of the day we are no longer allowing cars
to park along the sidewalk in front of the building during school hours. It is still okay to pull up and
drop students off, but if you are planning on walking your student into the building, picking your
student up after school, or need to wait for an extended period of time, please use one of the
parking lots located in front of our school.
Thank you in advance for your co-operation in providing a safe environment for our students.
You’re invited to
Family Skate Night
Tuesday, February 9th 6:30-8:30 PM
$6.50 includes entry and skate rental
(Speed skates and Inline skates are extra)
Location: Marysville Skate Inn
(7313 44th Ave NE)
MARYSVILLE SKATE INN POLICIES
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Speed skates or inline skates are an
additional $3 per skater.
No outside food or beverage allowed
into our facility.
No hats or scarves are allowed on the
skating floor.
All skates coming in will be inspected
at the ticket window. Exposed bolts &
hardware or skates that have been
worn outdoors will not be allowed into
our facility.
MasterCard, Visa & debit accepted.
Sorry-no checks.
Family Skate Night is sponsored by
Lakewood Elementary PTA, English Crossing
PTA and Cougar Creek PTA.
STUDENT NOTICE
NON-DISCRIMINATION NOTICE
Lakewood School District complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the
basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation (including gender expression or identity),
the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a
person with a disability and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. District
programs will be free from sexual harassment. This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in
educational programs and/or extracurricular school activities. Board Policy #3210 and associated procedures outline
the steps taken to secure an equitable solution to a justifiable complaint.
NON-DISCRIMINATION GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
Students, and/or parents, staff or other individuals acting on behalf of students of the district are eligible to participate
in the complaint procedure. The complaint procedure is designed to assure that the resolution of real or alleged
violations will be directed toward a just solution that is satisfactory to the complainant, the administration and the
school board. If you have questions, or need assistance with the process, please contact the District Compliance
Officer, Daniel Lee at 360-652-4500.
TITLE IX/RCW 28A.640 COMPLIANCE OFFICER
SECTION 504/ADA COORDINATOR
DISTRICT COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Daniel Lee, Director of HR & Administrative Services
17110 16th Dr NE
Marysville, WA 98271
360-652-4500