November 2023
Principal's Corner
Arrowhead Community, I’m always so proud of our Hawks. Watching our students run hard, wherever they were in the pack, during cross country meets and practices, I’m inspired by their effort and sportsmanship. When I was their age, my school participated in an annual track meet. Because I was not fast, I was put in the 50-yard dash. It was the hold-all for the kids they didn’t know what to do with, and I lost every year. One year, randomly, they put me in the shot put. I have on 8mm film the moment I launched the shot with all my might and then scanned the distance, waiting for it to fall, only to realize it was on the ground behind me. In my family, winning and losing well were equally important. Every time I lost that 50-yard dash I knew my dad was looking for two things: how hard I tried and how I behaved after the finish line. I always found the winner and shook her hand. I did not cry, although it was excruciating every time. It was excruciating to know I would probably lose and to lose. I’m a competitive person and embarrass easily. It was very hard. When I see our Hawks competing, far back in the pack and giving it their all, or when Hawk parents cheer on kids from other schools and make sure the path is clear for the kids who are far behind, I am so proud of our community. That’s what it’s all about – being part of that. One year the girl who was supposed to run the mile got sick and my teacher told me to take her place. First lap, I was behind by so much distance the other girls and I weren’t even on the same side of the track. By the third lap, though, something amazing started happening. I was passing kids. As we came around the fourth and final lap, I had passed so many kids I lost track of where I was in the pack. I pulled to the side and looked for the winner, but there was no one there. They were still running with a lap or two to go. I had won the mile, and that was the day I realized I was a runner, just one whose legs needed more distance. At Arrowhead – and you have heard me say this a million times – we think every single child has gifts. Every single child. That means we need to treat every child like they are gifted, which they are. Some are good at math, some good at problem solving, some good at abstract thinking, some good at bringing people together. We’ve got kids for whom every task is an effort – walking, seeing, writing, reading – but you know what comes easily? Being kind, remembering names, and being happy. How many adults would love to have those gifts? We take seriously the task of preparing humans who will make our world a better place and who deserve to be happy and confident. That means their gifts need to be nurtured. It means they need to appreciate each other’s strengths and support each other’s weaknesses. I think our students do an excellent job of recognizing each other’s gifts and being both confident and humble about their own. Inclusion is not a place. Inclusion and belonging don’t happen with a room number – they happen with a culture, and the ability to recognize humanity thrives only with diversity of habit and thought. You can help us with this. Teach your child about things like Autism and Down Syndrome. Teach your children about things like gender expression, Tourette’s, speech impediments and how hard it can be to learn a new language. Teach your children that some people process things quickly and some process things slowly, and both are good. You don’t have to talk about specific children at Arrowhead, just take the opportunity when you’re out in the world to talk to your children about the wide variety of humanity. Just as our children give it their all running up that second lap on the course, understanding that there are faster and slower runners, they understand that some kids need to wiggle, some blurt out, some learn by touching, some learn more slowly. Our school is an inclusive place because of how it feels to be there. We’re the grown-ups. Let’s help each of our kids learn what course and distance they need to shine, and let’s make sure they have the strength and self-love to try hard on all on the races where they won’t cross the line first.
Kristin Principal Kristin Bailey 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 2 days in a row (e.g., for a trip) we ask that you fill out a “Pre-Approved Absence Request Form.”
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 head toward the busy holiday season, 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
Veteran's Day Assembly - Photos of Veterans Needed
Dear Arrowhead Families,
Out school has a wonderful tradition of honoring Veterans and those still serving our country. Our Veterans’ Day assembly is Thursday, November 9th at 2:30 pm in the Arrowhead gym. We have an amazing parent Andy Friedlander, who has volunteered to create a Veterans slide show for our Assembly. He needs photos and information of your Veterans, past or presently serving. Please invite a Veteran if you know one. Even include them if they live somewhere else so we can honor them. Please include the following along with your photo of your Veteran:
- Your student's name and teacher name
- Your Veteran's name and rank
- List their branch of the military
- List the dates they served
- List if your Veteran is an active service member, retired, or has passed on.
Please email your submissions to Andy Friedlander at andy.friedlander@gmail.com by November 6 and we look forward to seeing you at our assembly.
Thank-you,
Kelly Webb, Music Teacher
Parent Pick Up Reminders
A recent road closure on Juanita Drive at dismissal caused one of our buses to return to school with students. 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.
TerraCycle Recycling Brigade
Recycle with Terracycle
Do you eat Entenmann's Little Bites snacks? If so, you can recycle the wrapper at Arrowhead and earn money for our school! Starting on Monday, October 30th there will be collection boxes in the center room for your class and one in the office. For more information about this program please visit https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/littlebites. We will keep you updated you on our progress! Video of Jason asking for your help to recycle Little Bites pouches.
Thanks,
Jason
Ms. Rad's Class
Entenmann's Little Bites Pouch Free Recycling Program
Recycle Entenmann's Little Bites pouches and Entenmann's Minis film packaging.
Hawk Family Fitness Nights
Hey Hawks! Come join PE Specialist Ms. Miller for our Family Fitness Workouts at 7:00pm!
- Dec. 1 - Sleigh Ride - Gym
- Jan. 19 - Clean Your Room (throwing & target practice) Gym
- March 1 - Hunger Games (Nutrition education) Gym
- March 29 - Battle Pyramid (Math & Fitness) Gym
- April 26 - Pirates Gold (Strategy; ducking/fleeing) Gym
- May 31 - Mission Impossible - Gym
Have fun together as we build community, learn and practice fitness, sports skills, and sportsmanship!
Picture Retake Day is November 1
Picture retake day is after students arrive on Nov 1 for students who missed out original Picture Day or for those wishing to retake their photo. For retakes, please send in your original photo package with your student. New orders may be placed online at dorianstudio.com up to 4 days, through November 5.
Yearbook Sale and 5th Grade Yearbook Cover Contest
Yearbooks sales look a little different this year. We will only be hosting only ONE sale from October 18 - February 29 for $18.00. That means you must get your yearbook ordered before February 29th to receive one at the end of the school year. Payment can be made by exact cash, checks payable to NSD, or online at Intouch online payments.
Hey 5th Graders
Get excited, from November 1 - November 15 we will be accepting designs for the 2023-2024 yearbook cover! Your teachers will pass out special yearbook approved paper in class on November 1st. Please note that all submissions must be made on the Dorian paper given to you by your teacher.
Do your best to draw/color our Arrowhead Hawk in action! Remember the sky is the limit with this drawing contest. Turn in your entry to Mr. Barstow or Ms. Borgers by November 15th to be eligible for this awesome honor. Our judges will be looking for creativity, attention to detail, color, and overall Arrowhead Spirit.
Above all else, have fun!
Coaches Corner
Cross Country Season Wrap Up
Coach Allemann
vallemann@nsd.org
Coach Barstow
sbarstow@nsd.org
Great teamwork HAWKS!!!
The Arrowhead Cross Country season has wrapped up for 2023!
Our runners had a great meet in the cold and rain at Kenmore Middle School/Lockwood Elementary!
We had FIVE top-five finishes! There were two second place finishes (3rd Grade Boys and 4th Grade Girls), one fourth place finish (4th Grade Boys) and three fifth place finishes (5th Grade Boys, 4th Grade Boys, and 5th Grade Girls)! This is an amazing showing for our small school and small team. Arrowhead: Small and MIGHTY!
The kids worked hard coming out twice a week during their recess to practice. We saw lots of goals met and progress made in pacing, mental toughness and sportsmanship. The meets are a blast! We hope to see more kids next fall in Cross Country, and LOTS of kids out for Track & Field in the spring.
Thank you for your support of our Arrowhead Cross Country Runners! If your student is on the team, please be sure to wash and fold the t-shirt/jersey and return it to Ms. Ginny or Mr. Barstow right away. Thank you!
Coach Ginny & Coach Barstow
Counselor's Corner
Ms. Joan Gonda
School Counselor
jgonda@nsd.org
425.408.4024
From the Library
Ms. Ginny Allemann
Librarian
vallemann@nsd.org
Hello Arrowhead Families!
Book Fair
Visit the Secret Garden Book Shop BOOK FAIR during fall conferences, November 16-21 (excluding the weekend). This local, independent book store has been doing book fairs for many years. We hope you’ll stop by before or after your conference and browse the selection. The fair will be open before and after school November 16, 17, 20 and 21.
We need volunteers to help set up the fair, take it down on the 21st, and run the register and monitor the sale during the conference days. We would love your help! Contact Ms. Ginny if you’d like to help, our check the request in ParentSquare.
Junior League Art in Schools!
Our library is hosting a mini-museum of Pacific Northwest Art! The pieces are provided to us by Junior League of Seattle. Stop by to see Chihuly, Morris Graves, and George Tsutakawa, among others. We’ll be having a library lesson on one of the pieces, and Art Docents may incorporate them into their November sessions. As you know, the library is open before school. Stop by and get your art fix!
Hour of Code coming up!
We will be coding in library the first weeks of December!
Northshore Schools Foundation Grant Received!
Our library has received a grant from NSF for $1000 to update our sports, games and activity books! Look for the new books on the shelves within a month or two!
Volunteers!
We have 10 regular volunteers in our library. Thank you for your help! Reach out by emailing me at vallemann@nsd.org if you would like to help.
Arrowhead Library is open each morning at 8:35! Stop by and start the day with reading and exploring the library! Check out our 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
Hello Arrowhead families, Please do not send your student to school if they are ill. Please do not send any medication to school with your student in their backpack, lunch bag or pockets. Students may not self-medicate, and unidentified medication can never be given at school.
>>> This includes any over-the-counter product like cold medicine, cough drops, antacids, etc. Cold, flu, Covid type symptoms:
- If your student has any Covid type symptoms, you should test for Covid before sending to school. General colds, flu, and Covid symptoms can all be similar.
- See the DOH protocols below if your student tests positive for Covid.
Please note: The district is no longer supplying covid test kits. Please order your free tests from the following link, so you have them on hand when you need them: https://www.covid.gov/tests
DOH Covid Protocols: How to return to school after COVID illness:
If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others in your home in order to avoid spreading COVID-19 to others. Day zero is the day of the positive COVID test or symptoms:
If you tested positive for COVID-19 and had symptoms:
- Isolate for at least 5 days after you tested positive (this is day zero). You can leave isolation after completing 5 full days if:
- Your symptoms are improving 5 days after the start of your isolation, AND
- You have not had a fever for 24 hours without use of fever reducing-medication AND
- Close Contacts have been notified
If you tested positive for COVID-19 but have not had any symptoms:
- Isolate for at least 5 days after you tested positive for COVID-19. You can leave isolation after 5 full days if you have not developed any symptoms.
- If you develop symptoms later after initially testing positive without symptoms, your 5-day isolation should start over. Follow the recommendations above for ending isolation for COVID 19 symptoms.
Regardless of when you end isolation, take the following steps for the 10 days after you developed symptoms (or tested positive, if you never developed symptoms):
- Wear a well-fitting and high-quality mask or respirator around others at home and in public for at least 5 additional days (day 6 through day 10) after the end of your 5-day isolation period:
- Avoid people and settings where there are immunocompromised, those at high risk for severe disease or public places you are unable to wear a mask.
- If symptoms recur or worsen, you should restart your isolation period at day 0.
There is no requirement to test to return from isolation however, if a student or staff choose to test:
- Test when you plan to leave isolation, no sooner than day 6. Only start testing if you are fever free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved.
- If the test is positive, the individual may still be infectious. They should continue to isolate and wait 24-48 hours to test again.
- If the test is negative on two sequential tests each performed 24-48 hours apart, they can end isolation and stop wearing a mask before day 10.
- If no additional testing is done, the individual should continue to wear a well-fitting and high-quality mask for days 6-10.
For further information:
- See: What to Do If You Are COVID 19 Positive
- See: What to Do if Exposed to COVID 19?
- 2023-02/420456-COVID19DecisionTrees/Flowchart.pdf
Head Lice
As we head into the cooler weather and spend more time indoors with friends or bundle up more, this is a good time to remind everyone about how to keep your student lice free. The best way to prevent head lice is to check your child regularly, at least monthly. If your child has head lice, informing playmates, daycare, friends and family, and others your child is in contact with, is essential to limit the spread of lice.
Tips to help keep your child lice free:
- Teach your child never to share hats, combs, brushes.
- On sleep-over’s teach them to not share pillows or sleeping bags.
- Keep long hair up in a braid and use hair products. Lice don’t like hair products
- Do not wash hair every day, lice attach easier to a clean hair shaft.
- Check regularly, especially checking nape of neck and behind ears
- Recognize symptoms: itching scalp, red bumps to neck or scalp
- Lice neither jump or fly but require head to head contact
If your child has head lice please inform the school nurse. Once your student has been treated, please send them to school. We ask that you check in with the nurse on returning to school before going to class. The removal of nits (eggs) should be done daily for at least 2 weeks and until you are certain all nits are eliminated. We can go over how to do this if needed.
Clothing Resources
If you need clothing assistance for your students, please visit the following links for more information and shopping hours: Threads & Treads: For all NSD families - Canyon Park Middle School - Wednesdays 3-6pm: https://cpptsa.org/programs-activities/threads-treads/ Clothes for Kids: For all NSD families and Snohomish County residents: https://clothesforkids.org/
Technology Tidbits
Mrs. Amy Smith
School Technology Specialist
asmith@nsd.org
Student Devices
To offset the potential costs related to accidental damage, we have implemented a new assurance option for families called the Device Protection Program. This optional program costs $25 and provides discounts on damages to devices. Under the DPP, the first accidental damage will cost the family $0. The second will be 50% of the cost of the repair. All damage beyond the 2nd event will be full cost.
The DPP does not cover loss. If a student loses their device, charging cable, or bag, the family will be fined the entire replacement cost. DPP will also not cover obvious intentional damage to a device.
For more information, please visit the DPP page on the NSD website.
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
November
| 1st-15th | Yearbook Cover Contest for 5th Grade only |
| 1st-Feb 29th | Yearbook Sale, $18 |
| 3rd | 1st Quarter Ends |
| 5th | Daylight Savings - set clocks back 1 hour |
| 5th | PTA MOD Pizza Fundraiser |
| 6th-17th | PTA Fall Fundraiser, $18K goal |
| 7th | Election Day - Remember to Vote! |
| 9th | Veteran's Day Assembly, 2:30pm |
| 10th | Veteran's Day (observed) - No School |
| 14th | Conference Day Early Dismissal, 12:10pm |
| 14th | PTA General Membership Meeting via Zoom, 6:45pm |
| 15th | Early Release, 2:00pm |
| 16th | PTA Parents & Pastries, 8:30am, Gym |
| 16th-21st | Secret Garden Book Shop Book Fair |
| 16th-21st | Conference Day Early Dismissal, 12:10pm |
| 17th | PTA Reflections Art entries due to school |
| 22nd | Half Day Dismissal, 12:15pm |
| 23rd | Thanksgiving Day - No School |
| 24th | Native American Heritage Day - No School |
| 30th | 5th Grade Music Recital, 11:30am, Gym |
Arrival and Dismissal 2023-2024
| 8:45am | Students may arrive on campus |
| 8:57am | Welcome Bell |
| 9:00am | School Begins* |
| 3:30pm | Dismissal |
| 2:00pm | Wednesday Early Release |
| 12:10pm | Conference Day Early Release |
| 11:00am | Last Day of School Dismissal |
*Students arriving after 9:00 a.m. must check in at the office and get a pass before going to class.
Attendance
Late Arrival / Excused Absence
If your child will arrive late or be absent from school:
Please call our 24-hour Attendance line 425-408-4010 or email ahattendance@nsd.org and your student’s teacher by 9:00 a.m.
Prearranged / Extended Absence
In the event that your child will miss more than 2 school days in a row for a reason
other than a health or medical issue, please complete and return a printed copy of the Absence Request Form to the office or email a copy of the completed form to ahattendance@nsd.org.
Change in After School Plans
If your child is going to change from their normal method of getting home or has some other alternate plan, please complete and return a printed copy of the Change in After School Plan Form or send a note with your student.
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.
Volunteers
We love our volunteers! All volunteers in the Northshore school district are required to complete an online volunteer application before being able to volunteer in classrooms or on field trips. Volunteers must renew their application annually and will receive an email alert one month before their application expires. All field trip Chaperones must be Level 2 status to go on a field trip.
If you completed a Level 2 background check in the past, (required for field trip chaperones) you will only need to complete a Level 1 update to renew your volunteer status.
Please reach out to the office if you are unsure of your volunteer status, 425.408.4000.
ParentSquare and StudentSquare Communications Tool
What are ParentSquare and StudentSquare
ParentSquare (for families) and StudentSquare (for middle and high school students) is an easy-to-use communication tool that combines multiple communication streams into one interface for families, staff, and students.
Here’s what you can do with ParentSquare and StudentSquare this year.
- Receive information from the school via email, text, phone call, or mobile app notification
- Two-way messaging with translation between staff and families/students
- Choose to receive information as it comes, or all at once at 6 p.m. daily
- Communicate in your preferred language
How do I activate my ParentSquare account?
There are three different ways to activate or register your ParentSquare account so you can log in to the website. View our reference guide for details on each method or download the Getting Started - English or Getting Started - Spanish PDF guides for tips.
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 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.
Fall Fundraiser
November 6-17: Our fall fundraiser is here! This is our annual giving campaign to fund Arrowhead PTA programs and events. Donation page is live! Thank you for your support!
Is Pizza your thing? Mention ‘Arrowhead PTA fundraiser’ at MOD Pizza in TOTEM LAKE on NOV 5th to have 20% of your order come back to your PTA!
Reflections Art Contest - Call for Entries!
There’s still time to submit entries for this year’s Reflection Art Content – “I am hopeful because…”. Students are encouraged to create original pieces of art in the following categories: film production, music composition, visual arts, dance choreography, literature, and photography.
For more information, see the flyer sent home with students or visit this webpage.
Deadline for submission is November 17, 2023.
[Image files available to use: square theme or square full graphic ]
Parents n’ Pastries
Join us for the first Parents n’ Pastries of this school year! In the Arrowhead Gym, November 16th, 8:30-9:00 am. Come with your student(s) and enjoy something yummy treats provided by the PTA.
November PTA Events
| 11/5 | MOD Pizza Fundraiser at Totem Lake |
| 11/6-17 | Fall Fundraiser "Grow to New Heights" |
| 11/14 | November PTA Membership Meeting via Zoom (6:45pm) |
| 11/16 | Parents & Pastries - 8:30am-9am @Gym |
| 11/17 | Reflections Call for Entries Deadline |
For more event information, visit our calendar or follow us on Facebook.
Thank you and see you on November 14th!
Thank you Volunteers!
Picture Retake Day Volunteers
A huge thank you again to our incredible Picture day volunteers for their time and kindness with every student and helping us stay on schedule all day.
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 back 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 to provide students with 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 Before and After School Care
Did you know Champions hosts an all day Camp during school break times? You do not have to attend before and after care on campus in order to participate in break time programs. Keep reading for more details...
Dates | Monday, December 18 - Thursday, December 22 & tentatively, Wed Dec 27 & Thurs Dec 28
Hours | 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Locations | Canyon Creek Elementary; potential 2nd Location TBA
Interested families can sign up on our website, discoverchampions.com,
and/or connect with Arrowhead Champions at ch001095@discoverchampions.com
District News
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.
Arrowhead Elementary
6725 NE Arrowhead Dr
Kenmore, WA 98028
425.408.4000
425.408.4002 fax