From Principal Bailey
Hello from 5th grade camp.
There are people who love camp, and then there are people like me. The constant company, the packed schedule I had no say in, the denial of privacy (“No cabin time without a chaperone!”) and the high energy of camp counselors are difficult for me and always have been.
I see my peeps in the crowd – the kids who sit during our evening sing-along around the firepit, tucked into their hoods and holding their hands squeezed between their knees, enduring. It’s a skill I had to learn to get through a childhood of long Sundays spent with mom at our Lutheran Church. Sit still. Get through it. It is a skill that has served me well through hundreds of staff meetings, trainings, delayed flights, and so many times when I needed to control my fidgety, introverted impatient self.
I love our students. Seeing them together at camp fills me with pride and joy, but I am clannish. Every year, the students from the other school feel like strangers. They annoy me. They aren’t as great as our kids. They don’t behave in the compassionate way our Hawks do. Arrowhead students have the gift of knowing children with different ways of being – students with gifts and disabilities, and disabilities that are gifts. They are comfortable in their own skin and in the many ways others think and behave. Some schools don’t offer their children those opportunities, and it shows.
As the first day of camp wears on, I feel my own resistance to the situation wear away. It always does. I spend time with the kids and parents from the other school and discover I like them. They are funny, quirky and interesting. They are kind. We eat dinner together and share stories. The stranger next to me says something funny and makes me laugh. I get over myself.
When we met with our classes on Day 2, Mr. Barstow and I had students share either a high point or a low point, and we had to guess which it was. Very few students shared moments from their outdoor education classes – what they shared were the highs and lows of living with strangers. The farts (which, frankly, could be a high point OR a low point, depending), the snoring, the late-night talking, the needing to be a bathroom buddy at 2am, the way a cabinmate flung their clothes, these were the moments they shared. It was the living together that stood out. It was being a family for a few days, with strangers, that stood out.
One of our Hawks struggled to hang in there as the cabin skits stretched into the second hour the evening of Day 2. I was struggling to hang in there too, to be honest. We left and went to sit on my cabin’s porch and listen to his favorite music. He is a dancer and a choreographer, and he tied his scarf over his face and danced. I will share his art because it is amazing and his face is covered. I want you to experience the beauty and love that was that moment.
As always happens, the magic of camp touched even grumpy old introverted me. I remembered the best thing we do for our children at Arrowhead is teach them to be their authentic selves, to challenge themselves, to advocate for what they need, to dance on a porch on a rainy night.
On Tuesday, April 22 we will hold our third Identity Night. We will gather at big tables in the gym and eat together. Please bring your family’s dinner – you can simply eat what you brought, or you can bring a little extra to put in the table’s center to share – your choice. We will share the dinner hour and talk to each other, like family. Maybe we’ll annoy each other at first or feel awkward, but I think by the end of the meal we will be a little closer.
Be your true self. Stretch yourself a little bit. Give yourself a little break when you need it. Learn what you need and honor that. Let others do what they need to do. When we talk about learning and growing, I think that's what it's all about.
Kristin
Thank you from Ms. Poe
Hello Arrowhead Family,
I am so grateful that I got the chance to see many of you during my two weeks back at work in March. As many of you know I had my amazing daughter (Lucia Cecilia Keefe) in December and was at home snuggled up with her for a few months.
I wanted to say a big THANK YOU to the entire Arrowhead community! You all have made this experience so wonderful for me and my little family. We are so grateful for the thoughtful gifts, the advice, the encouragement, and the love. So much LOVE. We are so touched by your kindness and make sure to remind her of how lucky she is to be a part of this nest.
With love,
Ms. Poe
Identity Night Craft Night April 15
Join us in the Library. This is an opportunity to create a poster or (other craft) that showcases something of importance to your family. Posters and story boards will be displayed in the gym at Identity Night. We will have lots of posterboard and supplies available, along with examples, but feel free to bring your own materials, too.
Drop in for a short time or stay for the whole evening!
Identity Night Craft Night April 22
Please join us for our annual Identity Night event! It will take place on Tuesday, April 22 from 5:30-7:00 p.m., in the gym. This is a celebration of the unique gifts each Arrowhead student and family brings to our community. Families will be invited to break bread together. Bring a family-favorite dinner (or snack), to be shared with the other Arrowhead families at your table.
Track & Field Season is here! Come join the fun!
Calling all 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders to participate! Practices begin after Spring Break, twice a week during lunch recess on Tuesdays and Fridays. There will be four meets at Kenmore Middle School beginning April 29 - May 20 every Tuesday at 5:00pm.
Registration and more information can be found on the district elementary sports web page.
If you have questions, please contact Coach Barstow or Coach Ginny.
For Touchbase online payments access, please reach out to the office staff.
Go Hawks!
From the Office
Arrowhead Website and Calendar
Kindergarten Enrollment is Open
Enrollment is completed online. Directions on how to enroll, including what documentation is required, can be found on the District enrollment webpage.
By enrolling in early for the 2025-26 school year, there are a number of benefits:
- Connection to your child’s school community including information about school tours and Kindergarten events
- Early enrollment helps the district correctly staff classrooms, services, and prepare for great learning environments for our students
If you need help enrolling your child or children for school, please contact your child’s future school for enrollment information and support. Your neighborhood school is based on your home address. You can find your child’s neighborhood school by using the Address Look Up Tool.
Kindergarten Open House
Welcome Kindergarten families! Join us Tuesday, May 27 from 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm to meet our Kindergarten teachers, see our classrooms, and play on the playground and make a new friend!
Counselor's Corner
School Counseling Intern joins Arrowhead
Hello Arrowhead Elementary Students, Families, and Staff,
My name is Amy Liu and I am in the second year of my Masters program in School Counseling at Seattle University. I am so excited to be a part of the Arrowhead community and am looking forward to meeting and working with all of you!
Prior to my current academic pursuit, I was working in corporations in the technology field as a recruiter. One of my favorite parts of my job was working with students, going to career fairs, and helping students find internship opportunities. I know this may seem like a very distant goal right now but it is never too early to explore or practice skills that can help set you up for future success. I am excited that my role is here to support you in building these life long skills!
I have always enjoyed learning about people and how to support their well being. As a parent, I also became fascinated in human development and particularly in children. This propelled me into pursuing a career in school counseling where I could combine the two passions. In addition to my current studies, I also hold a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from the University of Washington.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family. You can also often find me making arts and crafts, playing board games, or listening to audiobooks.
I am so grateful and excited for this wonderful opportunity to meet, work with, and learn from you and your families. If you see me around, please don’t hesitate to say hello! I am looking forward to a wonderful spring quarter together.
Sincerely,
Amy Liu
Health Room News
Illness reminder
To reduce the spread of illness at school, if your student is feeling ill, or they require medicine in the morning to feel better, please keep them at home. We continue to see a steady state of flu, colds, and other illness in our wider community. Frequent hand washing is always encouraged to prevent illness as well.
Students may not return to school after illness until they have been symptom free for at least 24 hours (no fever, vomiting, diarrhea etc. in the last 24 hours – without the use of medications - and general symptoms have improved). See the district link for more detailed information on when to keep a student home.
Please do not send your student to school with medicine in their pocket or backpack, this includes over the counter products; these can never be given at school without the required documentation in place
Free Family Resources
Are you or someone in your family struggling to access and/or afford health, dental or vision care? The community health event listed below may be able to help.
Upcoming Annual community health event from Seattle/King County:
Seattle/King County Clinic is a volunteer-driven, free health clinic that occurs for four days each year at Seattle Center. The Clinic welcomes anyone in the region who struggles to access and/or afford healthcare.
Thursday, April 24 through Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Seattle Center.
Download an informational flyer available in multiple languages: English | Amharic ( አማርኛ) | Arabic (عربى) | Chinese (中文) | Chinese (傳統的) | Dari (دری ) | French (Français) |Khmer (ខ្មែរ) | Korean (한국어) |Marshallese (Kajin M̧aje) | Oromo (Afaan Oromoo) | Portuguese (Português) | Russian (русский) | Somali (Soomaali) | Spanish (Español) | Tigrinya (ትግሪኛ)| Ukrainian (Українська) | Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt)
Read frequently asked questions
Mental Health and Crisis Support:
You are not alone. There are community supports for mental health, suicide prevention, substance abuse, self harm, and more. Click here for more information.
Nurse Anne Janssen, RN
425.408.4006
Library News
Soda Float Challenge Ends this Month– deadline the Friday after Spring Break (April 18)!
Is your 4th and 5th grader getting close to completing the challenge? Many students are in the home stretch of this year-long challenge of reading 13 or more of the chapter books on this year’s Soda Float list! Students were given the list of titles and choices in late Spring 2024. What an accomplishment for our Arrowhead readers! Our Reader Celebration and tasty Soda Floats will be Tuesday, April 22 end of day. For more details, see here. If you have any questions, please let Ms. Ginny know.
THANK YOU! The MOD Pizza Give Back Day/Night Fundraiser last month raised $475 for our library! Thank you for your support! What a win-win for our local business and our Arrowhead readers!
Books, Bikes and Baubles Bingo 2025!
- Let’s “rev up our reading” as we head towards summer!
- Two bikes have been donated to our school by Ashler Lodge #121 of Bothell. (one 20-inch for smaller, one 24-inch for taller)
- Starting April 30 through May 30, students read to fill out bingo card(s).
- Parents should sign off on each square.
- Turn in a fully completed bingo sheet for a chance to win and “bauble” or a sweet little treat!
- Students can do more than one card if they want.
- Bingo cards can be dropped off in the library or given to classroom teachers. (Teachers, please hand them off to Ms. Ginny)
- June 3 Bike Drawing and winners announced!
Arrowhead Library is open each morning at 8:35 am! Stop by and start the day with reading and exploring the library!
Check out our Library Website here!
Ginny Allemann, Teacher-Librarian
PE News
Technology Corner
Assessments
Spring is the time of year when our schools administer state required assessments. These assessments are used for state and federal accountability, to monitor student progress toward grade level standards, as well as an option for high school students to meet their Graduation Pathways requirement. The English/Language Arts (ELA) and Math Smarter Balanced Assessments are administered in grades 3 through 8 and 10, while the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) is administered in grades 5, 8, and 11.
The Spring assessment schedule can be found on the Arrowhead website. If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher or the assessment coordinator, Ben Abel-Bey at babelbay@nsd.org
Thank you, Volunteers!
We are so grateful to PTA and this amazing community for their support
A huge thank you to our 5th grade Camp Group Leaders who graciously shared their time supporting our students at Camp Cedar Springs!
Thank you Troy Domke for donating and fixing our flag pole hardware that was missing.
We would be lost on Class / Groups Photo Day without Rachel Blackburn, Katie Miller, and Sarah Skogsberg helping things go smoothly!
A huge thank you to Rosemary Warren who graciously hosted the Missoula Children's Theatre directors at her home the week of Missoula Children's Theater!
WE are blessed to have PTA and this community for our partners! PTA provided pizza and water for hungry Community Serve Day volunteers, hosted Kindergarten and all school play dates this summer and kicked off a great Welcome Back Event for families. They approved recent Staff and classroom funds, SEC grants for multiple field trip entry fees, Art Docent training and support for art in every classroom, OT/PT handwriting supplies, and more!
Field Trip and Classroom Volunteers
Our classes wouldn't be able to go on field trips without our numerous volunteers who chaperone students and assist school staff with small groups, projects and lead art docent lessons.
Library Volunteers
Our amazing Library volunteers keep our Library in top shape, checking books in and out, helping find that just right book, and assisting Ms. Ginny with special projects.
PTA Corner
Arrowhead Elementary Parent Teacher Associations mission is to positively impact the lives of all children and families within the Arrowhead community. We strive to support and advocate for our children by partnering with staff, families and the wider community to create a safe, inclusive and healthy learning environment allowing our students to excel personally, academically and socially.
No PTA General Meeting in April: Next PTA General Meeting will be Thursday, May 22nd at 6:45pm. Our last one of the year!
PTA Awards!
This is the time to recognize the exemplary volunteer service to the children at Arrowhead Elementary and our PTA. Nominate someone today!
Nominations are open for the 4 PTA Award categories:
- Golden Acorn (up to 5 recipients)
- Outstanding Advocate
- Outstanding Educator
- Honorary Lifetime Membership
Learn more about the nomination categories and nominate online HERE or use the form in the Arrowhead Office.
Nominations due April 25th. Awards will be presented at the May General Membership Meeting.
Join the Executive Board next school year
Seeking recommendations for the elected positions for the 2025-2026 school year: Secretary and Treasurer
Position descriptions available HERE
Recommend yourself or someone else for a board position! Email execteam@ptaarrowhead.org
Craft Night & Identity Night
Please join us for our annual Identity Night event! It will take place on Tuesday, April 22 from 5:30-7:00 p.m., in the gym. This is a celebration of the unique gifts each Arrowhead student and family brings to our community. Families will be invited to break bread together. Bring a family-favorite dinner (or snack), to be shared with the other Arrowhead families at your table.
You are also invited to our Craft Night, which takes place the week before. It will be held in the library on Tuesday, April 15 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to create a poster or (other craft) that showcases something of importance to your family. Posters will be displayed in the gym at Identity Night. We will have lots of posterboard and supplies available, along with examples, but feel free to bring your own materials, too. Drop in for a short time or stay for the whole evening.
All-school Dance!
Save the date April 25th 6:00pm-8:00pm in the Arrowhead Gym.
Dancing through the Decades: dress in your favorite 60s, 70s, 80s, or 90s gear! Live DJ, dancing games, food truck, ice cream, and more!
5th Grade Celebration!
Each year the 5th grade parents are tasked to fundraiser, plan, and facilitate a party for these graduating students. This year, we will be hosting a party on June 13 at school from 1:00-3:30 pm to honor our 5th graders.
In order to provide the kids with food, fun, games, and more – please consider donating. There are a few options to support: general donation, MOD Pizza night on May 4, or volunteer during the party.
Links to donate and volunteer can be found here: https://www.ptaarrowhead.org/5th-grade-celebration/.
Art Night and Auction May 16 - volunteers needed
May 16th will be Art Night and the Art Auction from 6-8pm in the gymnasium. It will be a night to celebrate all of the hard work that's gone into every single lesson this year. We'll celebrate the docents, the artists and the art. We'll make crafts, eat popcorn and raffle off some BEAUTIFUL pieces. So, join us for a night full of fun, family and art. And as always, please consider volunteering to help make the night run smoothly. Volunteer HERE
See you there!
Art Night and Auction committee
Save the Date for Carnival!
Arrowhead Elementary PTA's School Carnival is June 10th from 5-8pm. This will be an exciting evening full of carnival games, popcorn, cotton candy, lollipop tree, fishing, prize wheel, cake walk, face painting, hair coloring, food trucks & much more! Carnival needs more volunteers than any other PTA event. Please consider volunteering in order to continue to make this happen. You can volunteer and bring a sweet treat to contribute to the cake walk by signing up here: https://evite.me/xh39MzcBng
Highlights: Arrowhead PTA Weekly Newsletter
Our weekly newsletter provides the latest on what’s going on through the Arrowhead PTA and helps you stay connected! Subscribe HERE
PTA Meeting minutes:
View last month's minutes from the PTA General Meeting:HERE
Password: H@wksAw3s0me20
Arrowhead Hawks SOAR by being
Safe, Kind, and Responsible
At Arrowhead, we create resilient and empathetic learners who confidently navigate their world through being innovative, creative, critical thinkers.
Nondiscrimination
Northshore School District is enriched by the many experiences and perspectives each individual member brings to our District and community. Therefore, our District prohibits discrimination based on age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, cognitive, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.