Hawk Herald May 2024
Principal's Corner
Arrowhead family,
Look at this amazing 12/23/56 Seattle Times article Ms. Ginny found about the construction of our little school.
|
Kristin
Kristin Bailey, Principal
kbailey@nsd.org
Around the School
Attendance Policy
Attendance Policies - Did You Know?
- Arrowhead is required to send you a formal Attendance Letter if your child has 5 or more absences in a month—even if those absences are excused.
- We are required to send a formal letter for 1 UNexcused absence.
- If the number of absences continue and it may be having an impact, we will reach out and ask to meet.
- Lastly, if you know your child will be gone for more than 5 days in a row (e.g., for a trip) we ask that you fill out a Pre-Arranged Extended Absence Form and submit it to the Office at least 2 weeks prior to the absence.
We do value family experiences and we absolutely want you to keep an ill child home. So these policies may feel contradictory. However, the underlying purpose is good. It is good that we are giving you a heads-up reminder that absences are accumulating, because an absence—even for good reason may need remediation of some kind.
As we return from Winter break and return to school routines, it is a good time to remember the impact of attendance and tardiness on student growth and progress. Research shows that students do better and feel better when they start the day smoothly, with their class, unhurried and feeling confident they know what’s happening.
So, If you receive a letter, understand our purpose and intent, and if you have questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us.
Becky Fukuda
Dean of Students
School Items - please double check before your student leaves the house
We have noticed an increase in families dropping off items for the office to deliver to their student. We ask that you double check for the following items before leaving home:
- Lunches/Snack
- Water Bottles
- Jackets
- Backpacks
Ensuring that your student has these items before school starts will result in less classroom disruptions and more time for uninterrupted learning and fun! We appreciate you working with us on this matter.
JEDI Spring Donation Drive extended to May 21!
Hey Arrowhead! Are you ready to make a difference in someone's life? JEDI is back with our spring donation drive April 15 - May 21. This time we are collecting new, unopened, and unexpired boxes of cereal! All the boxes of cereal we collect will be donated to the food banks at Kenmore Senior Center, the Northshore Senior Center, and Cedar Park Church.
But that's not all! After we are done collecting boxes of cereal comes the most exciting part! On May 21, JEDI and the 5th grade class will set up the boxes in a domino formation and all of Arrowhead gets to watch as we knock them down! Our goal is to collect enough cereal boxes to encircle the whole school! Imagine being a part of this fantastic event and making a tangible impact on someone's life. Please help us reach our goal of 500 boxes!
Cereal Box Dominoes
JEDI at Kenmore City Council Meeting
The JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) team recently took part in a Kenmore DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) community gathering at Kenmore City Hall on April 17. Students from the group proudly represented Arrowhead, showcasing their organization's mission and engaging with community members. They passionately discussed their love for both their school and Kenmore, highlighting their vision for a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. As the meeting concluded, they received invitations to participate in upcoming city events such as pride celebrations, flag raisings, and Juneteenth observances. Excited about the collaboration, the Jedi team eagerly anticipates future projects with the city, including the unveiling of a dedicated book presentation center at the Kenmore library in the coming months.
Survive the Sound - Join Ms. Bowker's 3rd grade class project
Join Arrowhead Elementary to help save the Pacific Northwest's iconic salmon and steelhead – the fish orca need to survive!
Ms. Bowker's Third Graders are participating in Survive the Sound. This online game uses funny fish avatars to represent real steelhead (a fish similar to salmon) that were tracked during research efforts led by a local nonprofit, Long Live the Kings. The tracking data lets scientists understand why the fish are dying.
Join our team here: https://survivethesound.org/join-team?team=arrowhead-elementary-super-swimmers
Come pick your favorite fish at SurvivetheSound.org and join our team, Arrowhead Elementary Super Swimmers. A larger team increases our chances of winning with the most surviving fish. From May 6-10, we'll watch the fish migrate from their natal stream to the Pacific Ocean and see who survives. If you'd like to do even more, consider donating or signing up to volunteer with Long Live the Kings!
Field Day June 18 - Volunteers Needed
We have exciting news to share! Field day is just around the corner. Join us and volunteer on June 18th to help run games, set up, or clean up! We hope to make this years field day the best one yet, but we can't do it without you. Click here to sign up for a spot to volunteer.
*In order to volunteer you must have gone through the Northshore School District's background check. Click here to apply for your background check.
Smart Watches and other Devices at School Policy
Students may wear “SmartWatches” to school. However, they may NOT use these watches to do any of the following during school hours:
- NO texting or calling
- NO video or audio recording
Students who do not follow these rules may have their watch/device held by the principal until a parent or guardian picks it up. This rule is consistent with Northshore’s policies as stated on the NSD website:
Students using cell phones and other electronic devices irresponsibly during the school day may have the electronic device confiscated and be subject to disciplinary action.
If the student is involved in an administration interview or investigation, to maintain integrity throughout the process, a student may be asked to provide their cell phone to an office staff member or the investigating administrator. It will be returned to the student or parent at the conclusion of the interview/investigation.
Reasonable efforts will be taken to secure property that has been confiscated (i.e. lock the item in a drawer, take the item to the office to be secured in a locked area, etc.); in order to prevent the loss, damage, or theft of any electronic device as a result of being confiscated.
Parent Pick Up Reminders
A road closure on Juanita Drive at dismissal caused one of our buses to return to school with students earlier in the year. We noticed that we need to better communicate our caregiver pick up process. Thank you for your flexibility and understanding. Please note the process below:
- Students will be in a secure location with staff
- Communication may come from Transportation, Central Office, or Arrowhead
- Caregivers picking up students need to come to the main office with their ID
Student safety is our top priority. Once we've verified a caregiver's ID, we will release students to your care. We appreciate your adherence to this process.
Hawk Family Fitness Nights
Hey Hawks! There is only 1 Hawk Family Fitness Night left this year before Ms. Miller retires! Come join PE Specialist Ms. Miller for our last Family Fitness Workout at 7:00 pm!
- May 31 - Mission Impossible - Gym
Have fun together as we build community, learn and practice fitness, sports skills, and sportsmanship!
Bring your friends May 31 for Mission Impossible in the Gym!
Kindergarten Registration, Tours, and Open House
Kindergarten Registration has begun for the 2024-2025 school year. If you have any questions regarding enrollment at Arrowhead, please contact Secretary / Registrar Poe Joya, pjoya@nsd.org
Registration is now completed online. Please use this registration link to start the process.
Arrowhead Kindergarten Survey 2024-2025 Welcome! This survey will help us more accurately meet needs and plan ahead for program and services to support our Kindergarten learners. Our goal is to provide the best possible experience for your student.
Save the Date for our upcoming Open House!
- May 28, 5:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Kindergarten Open House followed by PTA Art Night and Auction 6:00 p.m.
Track and Field Update
Track & Field Season is in full swing!
Over fifty 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders are participating in Track & Field this year! Our first meet last week (at Kenmore Elementary) saw Arrowhead athletes take podium finishes in a variety of running and field events.The kids could be spotted easily across the venue in their brand new gold jerseys! (Thank you, Ms. Vedaa, for arranging this!)
This year we have 50, 75, 200 and 400m races, along with ball kick, ball throw, high jump, long jump, and triple jump. But it seems the favorite event is the running relays! We do our best to make sure all the kids get to participate in a relay event (4x50m).
Our goal is to introduce students to Track and Field events while providing individual instruction to develop their skills. Teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership are always emphasized. We practice Tuesday and Friday during lunch recess through our final meet.
HOME MEET: Arrowhead will be hosting on May 7 at Kenmore Middle School. We need parent volunteers! Please email the coaches if you would like to help out at our home meet and/or at the Junior Olympics Track meet at Inglemoor High School on Tuesday, May 21 - 5:30pm.
Arrowhead’s Meet Schedule: (Meets are Tuesdays @ 5:00 PM– students need to be there by 4:45pm!)
April 30 @ Kenmore Elem vs. Shelton View and Kenmore
May 7 @ Kenmore MS vs. Lockwood and Shelton View (Home Meet/HELP NEEDED!!)
May 14 @ Frank Love vs. Frank Love and Ruby Bridges
May 21 @ Inglemoor HS on Tuesday @ 5:30 PM - Junior Olympics Track Meet
vs – Kenmore, Lockwood, Shelton View, Moorlands, Westhill, and Maywood Hills.
GO Arrowhead Elementary HAWKS!! Please reach out if you have any questions!
Coach Barstow
sbarstow@nsd.org
and
Coach Allemann (Ms. Ginny)
vallemann@nsd.org
Shoreline Fire Department Open House Pancake Breakfast and Safety Fair
Save the date! June 1, Station 51 - Kenmore, 9:00-12:00 pm.
Station 51 Open House Pancake Breakfast and Safety Fair
NSD Early Childhood Programs Enrolling Now
NORTHSHORE SCHOOL DISTRICT PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS ARE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR!
Northshore preschool programs are now enrolling children, ages 3-5. The preschool years are among the most critical in a child's life that influence learning. The Northshore School District is committed to providing the support that our youngest learners need to prepare them to succeed in school, cultivate friendships, and create a sense of community and belonging. The district proudly offers a variety of inclusive general education learning environments.
Available preschool programs include both FREE and tuition-based options.
FREE Programs: Head Start and Ready StartEligibility is determined by the child’s age, family income, and opportunity gaps. These programs are located at Sorenson Early Childhood Center, Woodmoor Elementary, and Arrowhead Elementary. Spaces will be filled on a first come first serve basis for eligible families. Families are encouraged to complete an application as soon as possible. The information on the application is confidential and used only to determine a child’s eligibility for the programs. The District does not require, check, or report on immigration or DSHS status. View the applications for income-eligible free preschool.
Tuition Programming
The Ready Start programs are located at Sorenson Early Childhood Center and Woodmoor Elementary. Spaces will be filled on a first come first serve basis. Families are encouraged to complete an application as soon as possible. View the application for tuition-based programs.
To learn more about any of our district preschool programs, visit the Northshore Early Childhood District website.
Families who have questions can call 425.408.5517.
Counselor's Corner
Ms. Joan Gonda
Mental Health Specialist
jgonda@nsd.org
425.408.4024
May is Mental Health Awareness month!
Save the Dates! All sessions are free! Visit our website to learn more!
5/2 April Stepanian
Topic: Sleep
Appropriate or all age groups parents/guardians.
5/9 Forefront
Topic: Suicide Prevention
Appropriate for upper elementary - secondary parents/guardians. Please register in advance.
5/16 (2 sessions)
Micah Kurtz
Topic: Grief
Appropriate for all age groups parents/guardians
Runjhun Pandit
Topic: BiPOC Mental Health Issues
5/23 (2 sessions)
Smile Club/Taanvi Arekapudi (Youth presenters)
Topic: Anxiety
Appropriate for secondary students and families
Hannah Dickinson and Annelise Sullivan
Topic: Anxiety
Appropriate for elementary families
5/30Eating Recovery Center
Topic: Disordered Eating
Appropriate for all age groups parents/guardians
From the Library
Ms. Ginny Allemann
Librarian
vallemann@nsd.org
Soda Float Reading Challenge Celebration!
Congratulations to eighteen 4th and 5th graders who completed the challenge of reading 13 or more books from our 2024 list! This reading challenge encourages students to read widely for fun and to build confidence, reading stamina, and to help find new titles that may be “windows or mirrors.” Our celebration was held Friday, May 3 in the library. Please join us in congratulating the following students for completing this challenge:
| Name | Teacher |
| Mallory | 4 - Western |
| Kiyotaka | 4 - Western |
| Olive | 4 - Western |
| Oliver | 4 - Wolfe |
| Jaycelyn | 4 - Wolfe |
| Ashwin | 4 - Wolfe |
| Ella Grace | 4 - Wolfe |
| Mohammed | 5 - Barstow |
| Hunter | 5 - Barstow |
| Harper | 5 - Barstow |
| Milo | 5 - Barstow |
| Nico | 5 - Barstow |
| Aiya | 5 - Barstow |
| Mia | 5 - Borgers |
| Matthew | 5 - Borgers |
| Molly | 5 - Borgers |
| Avery | 5 - Borgers |
| Milla | 5 - Borgers |
Encourage your incoming 4th or 5th grader to take the challenge next year! More info to come soon. New titles for 2025 will be announced later this spring, so incoming 4th and 5th graders have nearly an entire year to complete the challenge.
Books, Bingo, Bikes & Baubles!
Our second annual May reading bingo event started May 1. Students read to get bingos. Parents initial card. With each bingo, they’ll get a ticket in the drawing for two new bikes, donated by the Ashler Lodge of Bothell! (Each completed card equals 12 tickets.)
Bingo cards (paper) will be distributed to all students. Turn them in to Ms. Ginny for tickets for the bike drawing at the end of the month! Every student who turns in a completed bingo card will also get a fun little something (bauble)!
Arrowhead Book Swap coming in June!
Do you have books and magazines suitable for K-5 students? Please donate your used books to our book swap! We are collecting from now until June, when we’ll be celebrating summer reading with a school-wide book swap! Bring them into the library or to the office and we’ll store them for the big event date TBD!
Arrowhead Library is open and ALIVE each morning at 8:35! Stop by and start the day with reading, legos, chatting about books, and of course, exploring the library! Library Website here!
Hope to see you soon @ the library!
From the Health Room
Nurse Anne Janssen
Registered Nurse
ajanssen@nsd.org
425.408.4006
Camp Cedar Springs, 5th grade
- All medication and over the counter products going to camp must be signed in with the nurse by Monday May 6.
- ANY medication or over the counter product, MUST have a medication authorization form completed and signed by both Health Care Provider and parent/guardian.
We cannot accept any medication without this form completed.
- Please make sure the name of the medication on the form, on the container or bottle, and on the pharmacy label match exactly and are not expired.
- Parents/guardians attending camp as volunteers who carry and dispense their own students’ medications, do not need to complete this form.
No medication will be accepted the day of camp departure
Please contact me if you have any questions regarding this policy or health services at camp.
Seasonal Allergies
The allergy season is starting very early this year, and predications are that it will extend longer than usual. Tree pollen - cedar, alder, birch and cottonwood are the major culprits in March and April.
We are seeing more students with allergy eyes, which is sometimes confused with pink eye which can be a viral or bacterial infection that is contagious.
Tips to Help Manage Your Allergies
- Shower after being outdoors To remove pollen you pick up outside, take a shower and change your clothes.
- Minimize indoor pollen Keep your windows shut and use your AC or a HEPA purifier to filter allergens.
- Check the Weather Learn when conditions such as the wind increase pollen levels, so you can prepare.
- Know your allergy relief options From medications to nasal sprays, talk to your doctor about your options.
https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/allergies/pollen-allergy/what-is-tree-pollen-allergy/
https://www.nwasthma.com/pollen-count/
https://weather.com/forecast/allergy/l/Seattle+WA?
https://weather.com/health/allergy/news/2024-03-07-home-remedies-for-allergies
Mental Health & 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.
Technology Tidbits
Mrs. Amy Smith
School Technology Specialist
asmith@nsd.org
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.
Arrowhead's testing schedule:
3rd grade Math and ELA: May 6th - May 10th
4th grade Math and ELA: May 13th - May 17th
5th grade Science: April 30th and May 2nd
5th grade ELA: May 22nd - May 24th
5th grade Math - Barstow: May 28th and May 30th
5th grade Math - Borgers: May 30th - May 31st
For a calendar view, click on this link.
Make sure your student brings a fully charged Chromebook to school every day they are testing.
If you have any questions about your student’s spring assessments or schedules, please feel free to contact their teacher or the testing coordinator, Amy Smith, asmith@nsd.org.
Chromebook damaged?
As we move through spring and the end of the school year, Chromebook damage tends to increase. Please remind your kiddos to transport their device to and from school in its case. Even in a case and backpack, Chromebooks can be damaged when mishandled. If you or your kiddo notice any damage, please bring the device to Mrs. Smith in the office ASAP.
Notes from the Office
Ms. Poe Joya, Secretary / Registrar
pjoya@nsd.org
425.408.4003
425.408.4002 fax
Ms. Kelly Vedaa, Office Manager
kvedaa@nsd.org
425.408.4001
arrowhead.nsd.org
23-24 Northshore District School Year Calendar
24-25 Northshore District School Year Calendar
| 1-21 | JEDI Spring Donation Drive |
| 1-31 | Bikes, Books, and Baubles Bingo! |
| 6-10 | 3rd Grade Math and ELA Assessments |
| 7 | All 5th Grade Camp luggage due to school by 10:00am |
| 7 | Home Track Meet at Kenmore Middle School 5:00pm |
| 7 | 2nd Grade Spring Concert, 7:00pm - Gym |
| 8-10 | 5th Grade at Camp Cedar Springs |
| 10 | PTA Popcorn Friday |
| 13-17 | 4th Grade Math and ELA Assessments |
| 13-17 | Staff Appreciation Week |
| 14 | Track Meet at Frank Love Elementary, 5:00pm |
| 21 | JEDI Cereal Box Domino Event |
| 21 | Track & Field Junior Olympics Meet - 5:30pm Inglemoor High School |
| 21 | PTA General Membership Meeting - 6:45pm, Library |
| 22 | Northshore Middle School Ice Cream Social for incoming 6th graders - 3-5:00pm |
| 22-24 | 5th Grade ELA Assessments |
| 28, 30, 31 | 5th Grade Math Assessments |
| 28 | Kindergarten Open House - 5:00-5:30pm |
| 28 | PTA Art Night & Auction - 6:00pm |
| 29 | Northshore Middle School incoming 6th grade Parent Night - 7:00pm |
| 31 | Hawk Family Fitness Night (Mission Impossible) - 7:00pm |
Important School Procedures
Arrival and Dismissal 2023-2024
Click here to view our Attendance Policies
Become a volunteer
ParentSquare and StudentSquare Communications Tool
Lost and Found
Please clearly label all of your child's belongings so they can be returned to them when lost. Please check for your student’s items when on campus. Our Lost and Found Rack is located outside the Library.
Update Emergency Numbers and Contacts
Parents are able to update their information and emergency contact information through ParentVUE . We ask that you have the most up to date information in our system in case we need to get a hold of you in an emergency.
If you need help logging into ParentVue, please contact the Office at 425.408.4000.
From the PTA
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
Spring PTA Events
| May 1 | Hawk Walk - PTA Spring Fundraiser |
| May 13-17 | Staff Appreciation Week |
| May 10 | Popcorn Friday |
| May 21 | PTA General Meeting - Awards announced + Board Elections |
| May 28 | Art Night |
| June 14 | Popcorn Friday |
| June 18 | Arrowhead Field Day |
| June 20 | PTA Carnival |
| June 21 | 5th Grade Party |
Staff Appreciation Week
To show the amazing staff at Arrowhead a little love this Spring, we are gathering items to stock the staff lounge for Staff Appreciation Week. Bring items to the office the week of May 13-17.
View items needed and sign up here.
PTA General Meeting
Our last PTA meeting of the year is just around the corner. Join us in the Library on May 21 at 6:45 pm. We will be announcing the recipients of this year’s PTA Awards and nominating next year’s executive board!
Art Night
Don’t miss this year’s Art Night! Join us, May 28 from 6:00-7:30 pm in the gym. There will be displays of artwork from every class from our Art Docent program, community art projects, crafts, and a raffle to win artwork created by each class. Raffle tickets will be available to purchase at the event. Bring the whole family for a night of creativity and fun!
Volunteers are also needed! View positions needed to help make the night run smoothly.
PTA Carnival
Save the date for this year’s PTA Carnival – Thursday, June 20, 5:00-8:00 pm!
Are you a carpenter or DIY master? Can you help us build small carnival games that can be used for years to come? If this is something you, or someone you know are interested in, please reach out to us so we can give you some ideas of what we need for carnival games!
Please Join/Renew your PTA Membership
Arrowhead Elementary is truly a community-supported school. We work together to provide important resources and events for classrooms and families. Some of these include classroom funds for needed supplies, enrichment programs like art and clay docent, various events throughout the year, staff appreciation, and more! A goal of the PTA is to have every family and classroom of Arrowhead represented. Please join the PTA or renew your membership! There is a lot of information about the benefits of doing so here on our website
Already a member? Consider providing a scholarship to a staff member.
Thank you Volunteers!
Camp Cedar Springs Adult Group Leaders
An enormous thank you to our 14 adult group leaders going to Camp Cedar Springs this year! We are grateful for your partnership making Camp great!
Hawk Walk Volunteers
A huge thank you to over 30 fabulous parents and guardians who shared part of their busy day to help with set up, cut open and hand out otter pops, cheer students on along the course, and clean up. We could not do it without you!
Staff Luncheon Volunteers
Thank you to all of the families who sent food in for our delicious Mexican themed lunch on May 1! We were stuffed and so grateful.
Chess Club with Mr. K.
We are delighted to have Zach K., share his time, equipment, and passion for Chess with our students every Thursday during primary and intermediate lunch recess!
PTA Art Club Volunteers
Thanks to Rachel B. and Sarah S., we're able to offer Recess Art Club every Friday
Art & Clay Docents
We are thrilled to have Art Docents in our classrooms teaching our students the principles of art and encouraging their creativity with wonderful projects!
Field Trip Volunteers
Field trips would not be possible without the time and patience of our wonderful field trip chaperones.
PTA
WE are blessed to have PTA and this community for our partners! Recent SEC Grants were approved for Kindergarten field trip to the Bellevue Art Museum, 3rd grade math manipulatives, new rolling art panels, 2nd grade math manipulatives, school planners in 4th and 5th grade, school wide student folders, school wide supplemental materials covering ELA, Math, Engineering, Technology, health, arts, field trips, 5th grade Playwriting Residency with Studio East, and our new totem pole carved by Eagleson Williams!
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.
We are so grateful to PTA and this amazing community for their support!
Champions
NOW ENROLLING FOR 2024 SUMMER CHAMP CAMP!
Did you know? Champions at Arrowhead has room for more students in both our before and after-school programs! Interested in care for the 24/25 school year? Champions also provides full day care during break programs, including Spring Break, and SUMMER!
SUMMER 2024 - Registration is OPEN!
Location: Lockwood Elementary
Dates: 7/1/2024 - 8/23/2024 (CLOSED 7/4 & 7/5)
Times: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Cost: $315 per week
FALL 2024 – Registration is now OPEN!
Please visit your family portal to register! Or, If you are a new family, then welcome! Please visit discoverchampions.com and sign up for a new family account. Then log in and register for the 24/25 school year.
For more information or to inquire about financial assistance, please contact Site Director, Bree Jenkins, at 425.281.9644, or ch001095@discoverchampions.com.
Bree Jenkins
Arrowhead Champions Site Director
District News
www.nsd.org
Need Mental Health Support?
You are not alone. There are community supports for mental health, suicide prevention, substance abuse, self harm, and more.
Learn More
Closures and Delays
If no schedule changes are posted, schools and buses are operating on normal schedules.
Emergencies such as inclement weather, power outages and hazardous road conditions can alter school schedules and affect bus transportation. The decision to close or delay schools is made by the superintendent as early as possible, usually around 5:30 a.m. Early dismissals will occur only if a delay in dismissal significantly increases hazards.
Northshore School District Closures and Delays
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.