Dear Redmond El Families,
 
This week, please join us in recognizing and celebrating our dedicated and amazing Classified Staff Members. Who are they?
 
•    They are the crossing guards who greet your child at crosswalks in all weather, or who welcome them when they arrive on the bus each morning.
•    They are the health room and front office staff who take care of bumps, upset tummies, and care for your child when they are not well, and who welcome each visitor to our school.
•    They are the kitchen staff arriving early to prep breakfasts and lunches, making sure every child has a delicious and healthy meal ready for them.
•    They are our classroom aides and paraprofessionals, aiding in coaching behavior and helping every student reach their best potential.
•    They are our custodians, who lovingly clean and tent the spaces our kids learn, eat, and play in, every day.
Please join us this week in saying thank you in any way you can – a smile, a card, a flower, or simply a “Thank you for what you do” when you see them. We are so lucky to have this dedicated crew!
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Below is the information sent out earlier this week – the LWSD’s plans to make up instructional time lost during our snowy adventures this year. Please let me know if you have any questions! Have a wonderful week!
~ Kirsten
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The district has finalized plans to make up for the days and time missed due to the February snow events. The 2018-19 calendar has been modified to reflect the changes. As a reminder, school districts can request a waiver from the state for missed school days during the Governor’s declared state of emergency. Districts are not allowed to seek a waiver that would impact the required K-12 average instructional hours of 1,027. After analysis of both requirements, it was determined that a total of 3.5 days must be made up to maintain compliance with both requirements. The 2018-19 calendar has May 28 built-in as a snow day, so a total of 2.5 days must be made up beyond the built-in snow day.
The following modifications will be made to the 2018-19 calendar:
1.    Wednesday, May 1: change from an early release to a full day for students
2.    Wednesday, May 8: change from an early release to a full day for students
3.    Friday, May 24: change from a non-school day to a school day for students
4.    Tuesday, May 28: change from a non-school day to a school day for students
5.    Wednesday, June 19: change from a half day to a full day for students
6.    Thursday, June 20: added as a half day for students (last day of school)
 
These changes were made in consideration of students, families and staff. It should be noted that high school graduation dates and times will not be affected by these changes. Families with preschool students will receive communication from their program about any changes. We appreciate your flexibility as we fulfill the state required hours.
 

Dear Redmond El Families,
 
This is a short reminder that this Friday, March 8, there is NO SCHOOL for students while teachers engage in professional development. This Friday, we will be learning together and from one another about Equity, SIOP (an instructional protocol to support English Language Learners across settings), Next Generation Science Standards and progress updates on our new Science Curriculum Adoption process.
 
Have a wonderful week!
 
Kirsten
 

The last few weeks certainly were exciting! Thank you to all of you who helped us with your patience, your understanding when weather impacted school, and your kindness and flexibility. You are a wonderful community and we love working with your children every day.
 
Earlier today you should have received an email from our district regarding our recent unprecedented weather conditions; if you did not; I will include it at the bottom of this email. We do not yet know what the plan will be to make up for the missed instructional hours during our snow events but will inform you as soon as we are able.
 
We are all looking forward to getting back to normal, and we know you (and your kids) are too. Finally, as a reminder, please ensure you have several local contacts listed as emergency contacts for your child.
 
Welcome back. We missed you.
 
Kirsten
 

Dear Redmond El Families,
 
By now, hopefully you have received word that there is no school because of inclement weather on Monday. We will know by tomorrow at 7:00 what the plan is for Tuesday.
 
BIG THANKS to everyone who came early to pick up students on Friday and who were so patient as we sorted through the many requests. You were understanding and we so appreciate you.
•    We had several parents who came to school once the snow started on Friday to pick up their children and in some cases, either grandchildren or children of a friend. As a reminder: we can ONLY release students to people who are listed as emergency contacts. We made several calls to family members to ensure safe release plans. PLEASE UPDATE YOUR EMERGENCY CONTACTS so in an emergency, you know that you have someone local as a back-up plan.
•    ALWAYS BRING PHOTO IDENTIFICATION when you come to school to pick up a student. Especially in an emergency, when we have all hands on deck, there can be no expectation that you will be greeted by someone who knows you. Your child’s safety is always our first priority.
•    To all parents of 5th graders: Outdoor Education is POSTPONED until March. We would have loved to have gone but the roads were not safe, and as the schools in Tacoma and Gig Harbor are already closed for tomorrow. Stay tuned for more information!
Thanks to our PTSA, we welcomed the TAIKO Japanese Drums group on Friday and were treated to assemblies in which several students were able to join them in playing the giant drums, It was an amazing experience and we are grateful to our PTSA for bringing these experiences to our students!
 
That’s it for tonight – stay warm, stay safe, and we will see you soon. As a reminder, there is NO SCHOOL on Thursday, 02/14, Friday, 02/15, and Monday, 02/18 for Midwinter break.
 
Thank you!
 
Kirsten
 

Dear Redmond El Families,
I hope that whether you are watching football or not today, that your family is having fun and keeping warm! Please see information below about two important topics, measles and weather.
Measles Information
As you may be aware, on January 25, Governor Inslee declared a public health state of emergency after reports of 31 confirmed cases of measles were identified in the state. Most of the confirmed cases are in Clark County and there is one confirmed case in King County. We currently do not have any cases of measles in Lake Washington School District. 
 
This unusual occurrence of measles may generate some concern or questions. To help keep you informed, district processes and state law for vaccinations is outlined below:
•    In order to attend school, Washington State Law requires kindergarten students to receive 5 required immunizations: 
o    Hepatitis B
o    DTap/Tdap (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis
o    Polio
o    MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
o    Varicella (Chickenpox)
 
•    Lake Washington School District works with the Washington State Department of Health to comply with state laws on required vaccinations. In order for students to attend school, all parents are required to complete and return a certificate of immunization OR a certificate of exemption. This is filed within each student’s school record. If either certificate has not been completed and on file, students may not attend school. 
o    Details about Certificates of Immunization:
This form requires the healthcare provider to verify the completion of the 5 required vaccines. The parent is required to sign this form and return it to school.
o    Details about Certificates of Exemption:
A parent or guardian may exempt their child from some or all vaccination listed above. Exemption types include “religious,” “personal/philosophical,” and “medical.” Exemption Certificates are required to be signed by the health care provider and the parent and the form must be returned to school. A person who has been exempted from a vaccination is considered at risk for the disease or diseases for which the vaccination offers protection. Exempted children/students may be excluded from school or child care settings and activities during an outbreak of the disease that they have not been fully vaccinated against. Find district information regarding vaccinations here: https://www.lwsd.org/programs-and-services/health-services/immunizations
 
•    Following state law and Lake Washington School District processes, vaccination reports are documented weekly by the health room secretary and the school nurse. Students must get vaccination doses at correct timeframes to be in compliance with requirements. Students who do not comply and who do not have required documentation are withheld from school attendance. 
We currently do not have any cases of measles in Lake Washington School District. We are urging families to monitor their children for signs of measles. If you believe your child may have measles, please call their health care provider — do not go in. If you must take your child to the Emergency Room, please call ahead to let them know you are coming and that you suspect measles. If your child has not been fully immunized with the MMR vaccine, please talk with your health care provider about getting the immunization. You can also contact your school nurse for more information and resources.
Measles is extremely contagious, and can be serious, especially for young children. If your child has measles, please keep them home.
•    Measles virus travels through the air. You can get measles if you go near someone who has the virus because the virus stays for up to two hours in the air of a room where a person with measles has been.
•    You can catch measles from an infected person as early as four days before they have a rash and for up to four days after the rash appears.
•    Almost everyone who has not had the vaccine will get measles if they are exposed to the measles virus.
•    Foreign travel or exposure to foreign travelers increases the risk for measles.
•    Measles is the deadliest of all childhood rash/fever illnesses.
The best protection against measles is to get vaccinated. Make sure to protect yourself and your children with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
 
Measles Symptoms
Measles starts with:
•    fever
•    diarrhea
•    coughing
•    runny nose
•    red and watery eyes
•    tiredness
After a few days, a rash begins, which usually starts on the face and can spread over the entire body. Measles usually lasts 7 to 10 days.
 
In some people, especially people who are have chronic medical problems, are pregnant, or are malnourished, measles also leads to serious problems such as pneumonia, brain damage, blindness, deafness, and death.
 
Please call your medical provider or building nurse if you have questions regarding measles.
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Weather Watch for February 4, 2019
We are aware snow is forecast in some areas of Lake Washington School District (LWSD) overnight and into Monday, February 4. We will post on the LWSD website (www.lwsd.org) by approximately 5:30 a.m. on Monday morning if there are any changes to school schedules due to weather. If conditions worsen after 5:30 a.m., we may be required to update our notification at a later time.
As a reminder, our district covers 76 square miles, so conditions can vary widely across the district. Our decision regarding delays and closures is based upon our ability to safely run our buses and the conditions at the schools buildings. Please assume that school is running on time if you do not receive an alert from us or from local news stations. We also post school closure announcements on our district webpage (www.lwsd.org) on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LakeWashingtonSchools) and on Twitter (@LakeWashSchools). You can also sign up to receive alerts on FlashAlert.net.
See you soon – stay warm!
Kirsten
 

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,
 
Tomorrow, your student(s) will be bringing home their first semester report card! They will be excited to share their progress with you, so please go through it with them and ask questions, celebrating successes where you see them. If Standards Based grades are new to you, think of them this way – a “3” is the Grade Level Standard for the end of the school year. If your student is showing scores of 3, then they are hitting targets we want them to be able to accomplish by the end of the year. If you are seeing 2s or 2.5s, then they are approaching standard – a good conversation to have with your child’s teachers is whether there are things that would be helpful for you to practice with your child at home to stay on track. If your child is scoring a 1 or 1.5 in any areas, conferences will be a time that you can discuss any concerns and determine how we can all work together to help your child increase his or her achievement. Any scores over a 3 indicate that your child is demonstrating skills above the grade that they are in. Please bring your child and their report card with you to your conference this week. If you have not yet scheduled a conference, it’s not too late! You can contact your child’s teacher today.
 
Schedule This Week:
Monday: Regular 3:50 release
Tuesday: HALF DAY Students release at 12:20
Wednesday: Regular 2:20 release
Thursday: HALF DAY Students release at 12:20
Friday: HALF DAY Students release at 12:20
 
THANK YOU to all who have contributed to the coin drive and GoFundMe for Yahir! He was released from the hospital on Friday and we are expecting him to start back at school on February 4!
 
Have  WONDERFUL Week!
Kirsten
 

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,
 
This week is a busy one! On Thursday night, you are invited to join us as our PTSA hosts Family Art and Music Night – all entries from this year’s Reflections Arts contest will be shared, and students will have a chance to try out many instruments brought by the team at “Bach to Rock”. We will also announce the winner of this year’s yearbook cover art contest on Thursday!
 
On Friday, all grade levels will join together to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We will sing and recognize his important civil rights work in assemblies Friday morning. There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, January 21 to honor MLK’s Birthday. 
 
For parents of 5th grade students: please see below for news from Redmond Middle School’s principal, Jon Young.
 
If you have a student in 4/5 Quest who will be going to Kamiakin Middle School next year, their welcome event is this Tuesday, January 15, information that should have already reached you directly from Principal Joe Joss.
 
Have a wonderful week!
Kirsten Gometz
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Dear Parents,
 
On Tuesday, January 29th Redmond Middle School will be hosting a parent night for all current 5th graders who will be attending RMS next year.  This event starts at RMS at 6:30pm.  This will be a great chance to see and tour Redmond Middle, meet the administration and counseling staff, and have any questions answered for you.   This evening is geared toward parents only.  RMS counselors will be visiting the 5th grade classrooms in early February to register students for their middle school classes. 
 
Our 5th grade students will be visiting Redmond Middle this spring for an orientation activity.  The student leadership at RMS has put together a wonderful formal program that includes student lead tours, Q & A with a student panel, and fun games and trivia.  They too will be able to meet the admin, counselors, and some of the 6th grade teachers.  This event is scheduled for June 13, 2019.  More information will come later for this event.
 
Jon Young
Principal
Redmond Middle School

Welcome back, everyone!
 
I hope everyone was able to enjoy time together, and to ring in the new year in whatever tradition your family celebrates. We are excited to welcome you all back tomorrow!
 
If anyone received new jackets, gloves, etc. over break, today is a good day to put your child’s name in them with a permanent marker – we donated over 60 jackets and sweaters over break, and realize that keeping kids dressed is challenging and costly. If there is a name in a coat, we can always get it back to its owner!
 
This week: for parents of 5th graders in Mrs. Huntley, Mr. Aguirre, Mrs, Galligan, Mrs. Emitu, and Mrs. Herrick’s classes – there is an Informational Parent Meeting about Outdoor Education at 6:30 on Thursday night in the D wing. This will be very helpful in answering any questions and concerns you might have, as well as helping you and your child prepare for the amazing experience that Outdoor Ed will be! Thank you to our parents who have already volunteered as cabin leaders!
 
Our Yearbook Cover Art contest deadline is this Wednesday, January 9 – entries are being collected in the office. 
 
Happy New Year to all!
 
Kirsten Gometz
 

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,
 
Thank you to all who participated in our Parents’ Night Out on Friday – the wind storm and power outage added extra fun, but we loved the time with your kids and raised around $600 to support Outdoor Ed!
 
As we get ready for Winter Break, here are a few important reminders:
•    ALWAYS bring Photo ID when coming to school to visit or to get your child. We will always ask for it, so please do not be upset. Your students’ safety is always our top priority.
•    If you are planning to miss ANY days of school this year, please ensure that you submit a Preplanned absence form (available in the office) in advance. Absences that do not receive preapproval are marked as unexcused. Additionally, please be aware that if you are requesting an excessive number of days out of school, trips may not be approved because of the impact on your child’s education.
•    We will be donating any unclaimed Lost and Found items during break. We have 50-60 jackets and hoodies and do not have the space to keep them. Please encourage your child to check for missing items, and feel free to come check yourself if there is something you have not seen lately.
Finally, THANK YOU to all who donated to make the season warmer and happier for families who may be food insecure or struggling this year. This community cares for one another in ways that inspire all of us, every day.
 
There is NO SCHOOL for Winter Break will be from December 24-January 4. The first day back for everyone is Monday, January 7.
 
Enjoy your time together, We will miss you, and look forward to growing together in 2019!
 
Kirsten
 

Thank you to our Amazing PTSA for putting together such an amazing “Wizard’s Ball” themed family dance on Friday night! Everything looked wonderful and I am so glad so many of you were able to join us.
 
We have two more community opportunities this week: First, this is our final week collecting toys, gloves, socks, and donations to help families in need. We have an envelope in the office for gift cards to Target, Fred Meyer or any local grocery stores – ALL items and donations collected will go directly to a Redmond El family in need. Thank you SO much to those who have already brought in items!
 
Second: This Friday December 14 is our Outdoor Education Fundraiser – Parents’ Night Out! Presale tickets are available through tomorrow, for 45 per child or $10 per multi-kid families. Limited tickets will be available at the door. We will feed the kids (Pizza, water, and popcorn) and will run movies and craft activities – Redmond teachers and staff are volunteering their evening to entertain your kids and help us raise funds to put towards 5th grade Outdoor Education – ALL money raised will go towards ensuring an amazing outdoor education experience for our 5th graders! IF you are participating – we will sign kids in from 5:30-6, and signing out at 8:00 pm. PLEASE make sure you have photo ID with you at drop-off AND pick-up. We are so excited! If you have questions please email me or Mrs. Herrick at kherrick@lwsd,org
 
To all of our families celebrating Hanukkah – we hope it;s been a wonderful celebration! Happy Hanukkah!
 
Thank you all! Have a wonderful week,
 
Kirsten
 
 

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,
Once again, we are running a Giving campaign to help our families who might need a little help this year.
From December 3 to December 14, we will be collecting donations of toys and gift cards. Gift cards for groceries, or to Target or Fred Meyer are very helpful so that families can help care for their children this winter. Also, movie passes are a great way for families to spend some time together over break.
We welcome any new, unwrapped toys or gifts for boys or girls aged 5-12, and warm mittens and socks.
We know that sometimes we can give a little extra, and sometimes we may need help. Wherever you land this year, we are glad you are part of our community.
If YOUR family would like help this year, we would be honored to do so. Please send a note to me or email me at kgometz@lwsd.org, and include the names and ages of the children in your family as well as any wishes they might have.
Thank you!
Kirsten
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Estimadas familias de Redmond Elementary,
Una vez más, estamos participando en una campaña de donaciones para ayudar a nuestras familias quienes necesitan un poco de ayuda este año.
Del 3 al 14 de diciembre, estaremos recolectando donaciones de juguetes y tarjetas de regalo. Las tarjetas de regalo pueden ser para comestibles, o para Target o Fred Meyer. Estas son muy útiles para que las familias puedan comprar cosas importantes por sus hijos este invierno. Además, los pases de películas son una excelente manera para que las familias pasen un tiempo juntas durante las vacaciones.
Damos la bienvenida a cualquier juguete o regalo nuevo y en la caja original para niños o niñas de 5 a 12 años de edad, y guantes y calcetines nuevos.
Sabemos que a veces podemos dar un poco más, y otras veces necesitamos ayuda. Donde sea este año, nos alegra que forme parte de nuestra comunidad.
Si SU familia quisiera ayuda este año, nos sentiríamos honrados de hacerlo. Envíeme una nota o envíeme un correo electrónico a kgometz@lwsd.org, e incluya los nombres y edades de los niños de su familia, así como los deseos que tienen.
¡Gracias!
Kirsten
 

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,
 
Welcome back! We hope you had a wonderful long weekend, and that you are able to spend time enjoying your family.
 
This Tuesday, Our new superintendent Dr. Stavem will be visiting Redmond Elementary to learn about our school and our community. We are excited to welcome her, and will be wearing our Redmond Elementary colors and Spirit wear as we show her who we are. If your child has any Redmond EL spirit wear or any red or black clothing, we encourage them to wear it on Tuesday.
 
This week, we end our food drive – collecting non-perishable items both to donate to Open Kitchen but also to help with pantry packs. Thank you to all who have helped! Friday is our last day for food collection.
 
A Reminder to All: Any time there is any change to your child’s after school pick-up or ride plan, please email the teacher AND the office staff (rmayeda@lwsd.org; cgrammer@lwsd.org). If a child will need to ride a bus that does not usually do so, or will be riding a different bus, we need a note to the office ON THAT DAY so that we can write a bus pass. All drivers should be checking students for bus passes if they are not a usual rider, and are not expected to allow a student on the bus unless they have a bus pass in hand. 
 
Finally, please ensure that your students are picked up from school by 4:00 every day.
 
Thank you so much for your cooperation and support.
 
Kirsten
 

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,
 
We have a short week this week, and time to be grateful for all that is good in our lives. We, at Redmond El, are grateful for you and your children, and that we get to spend our days in growing kids. Redmond Elementary has a strong community, where we take care of one another. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
 
THIS WEEK:
Tuesday, 11/20: Picture retakes
Wednesday, 11/21: EARLY RELEASE 12:20
Thursday, 11/22: NO SCHOOL THANKSGIVING 
Friday, 11/23: NO SCHOOL
 
This year, we will again be coordinating a GIVING campaign. We will be collecting gift cards, gifts of warm clothing, toys and books, and groceries or grocery gift cards for our families.
 
We will run this campaign from December 3-December 14, and will deliver or arrange pickups for families during the week of December 17-21.
 
We all have moments when we are able to help, and moments when we need the help of others. If your family could use assistance this year, please email me at kgometz@lwsd.org or send a note to the office with my name. However your family will spend this winter break, we want it to be a happy occasion, and we’d love to help!
 
Have a wonderful (short!) week.
 
Kirsten
 

To our Veterans, including those who were able to join us in body or in spirit on Friday, THANK YOU for your service. We are grateful for your service.
 
There is NO SCHOOL tomorrow, Monday November 12, to honor Veterans’ Day. Students who wish to are invited to write letters or draw pictures of thanks to veterans, which we will send to Operation Gratitude at the end of the week. We will also send any donated warm socks or Halloween candy, all of which are appreciated. :)
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ALICE DRILL – Safety is always foremost in our minds at school. One event we must prepare for is what we would ever do in the event of an armed intruder. 
 
This week, on Wednesday, we will practice with the students what to do if we ever have an armed intruder in school. Teachers and staff will practice with students how to respond in the event of an armed intruder. Those of you who were with us last year know we no longer simply lock down and take cover, as recent events have taught us that this is not the best way to ensure safety and survival. Instead, we use ALICE principles – ALICE stands for: Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate. We will talk through scenarios with the students, and will practice with them how to listen to teachers and get to safety.
 
Your child may come home with questions for you; please listen to them, answer honestly and in ways that are developmentally appropriate, and let us know if you have questions or need any support. While it is difficult for all of us to think about an event like this, we also know that the responsibility is upon us to prepare ourselves and our students.
 
Please email me if you have questions. Thank you all for your partnership in ensuring our students’ safety and education.
 
Kirsten
 

Hello Redmond EL Families!
 
This is an exciting week with a lot going on. Please see below:
•    Wednesday is the last day for Schoolpool calendars. Please complete these and send them in, as each completed calendar raises $5.00 for our school.
•    Wednesday is also the final turn-in date for the Reflections Arts Contest – “Heroes Around Us.” Students should turn in entries, with completed entry forms, to the office by 2:20 PM on Wednesday.
•    Wednesday is ALSO the day most classes will be celebrating. If you are joining us for classroom celebrations, please check that your volunteer status is current! Students wishing to dress up are encouraged to bring their costumes with them.
•    Finally, Redmond El is partnering with Sister Schools this year, collecting School Supplies (markers, pencils, colored pencils) for students in Uganda who have little to no school supplies. Please read below to learn more.
Red El is having a supply drive, going on now until November 8th, for new and used school supplies! We have connected with a program called Sister Schools which provides school supplies to schools in Uganda who have very little. Last week, the founder of the program, Terry McGill, came to Red El to share his story of going to Uganda, seeing the poverty in the villages, and wanting to do more to help. He goes back every year in April to deliver all the donated supplies to a school. Being a part of this program helps students learn kindness and compassion and realize that they are capable of making an impact, even across the globe! Any donation, no matter how small, can make a difference! 
 
Have a wonderful week!
Kirsten
 

Dear Redmond Elementary families,

Conference week is here! Here are a few important reminders:

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The Scholastic Book Fair is in the Library this week! Please join us with your student to shop for books, purchase books for your student’s classroom )teachers will make wish lists), and help our library grow. Funds raised will go directly to filling our library’s shelves. Book Fair hours are 12:20-4:20 Monday and Tuesday, 2:20-6:00 on Wednesday, and 2:20-4:00 on Thursday.

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FIRST Annual Redmond El Costume Drive: We are collecting new and gently used costumes for our students. If you have any Halloween costumes from previous years that are clean and in good shape, please bring or send them in to the office so another child may wear and enjoy them. New costumes also welcome and appreciated. While many families do not participate in Halloween, we hope to help any of our families and kids that do to have a wonderful celebration. Thank you for your generosity!

Have a wonderful week!

Kirsten

Dear Redmond El Families,

IMPORTANT DATES:

PICTURE DAY is Friday! Ordering information went home last week – if you did not receive these, please contact your child’s teacher – we have extras in the office. We are only taking individual photos this week – class pictures will be taken in the spring.

CONFERENCE WEEK

Monday, 10/15 12:20 Student Release

Tuesday, 10/16 12:20 Student Release

Wednesday, 10/17: 2:20 Student Release (Normal Time)

Thursday, 10/18: 12:20 Student Release

Friday, 10/19: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS (Teacher Professional Development)

October is Bullying Prevention Month – we will celebrate and honor our Unity on Unity Day (October 24 – students can wear ORANGE as a sign of Unity) and we will engage in activities to educate students and celebrate kindness all month. All of us want our school to be a safe and welcoming place for all – and we encourage all kids to step up and say something if they witness anyone being targeted – and to REPORT it to us at once if they do. How can you help?

Finally, keep getting those volunteer applications in – they can take up to three weeks to process, and anyone wishing to help at school during the school day must have a volunteer background check completed. WE DO WANT YOU HERE – we also NEED to ensure the safety of all children in our care. Thank you so much for understanding.

Have a wonderful week.

Kirsten

Dear Redmond El parents and families,
 
Many of you have heard your child come home at least once in their school career and tell you about Recess – these might be stories of fun, or of feeling left out. Of a new game learned, or of frustration at not having enough time with the ball.
 
At Redmond Elementary, we know that Recess is important for a number of reasons:
•    Recess gives kids a movement break as well as a “brain break” from academic tasks, allowing them to recharge.
•    Recess increases opportunities for wellness across all areas – physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively.
•    Recess is a place where students have the opportunity to interact, experience play and disagreement, and to navigate conflicts and resolution between themselves.
This summer, through the generosity of our PTSA and the Lake Washington Schools Foundation, our teachers and staff participated in a multi-day training with Playworks. We looked at some of the frustrations kids (and adults) can experience at Recess, and learned ways of engaging more kids in safe and fun play. Photos are up on our website, and the link to Playworks is here if you would like to learn more: www.playworks.org
 
Already, we have seen a big increase in student engagement, a decrease in safety-related health room concerns, and a healthier Recess in general. Big thanks to LWSF and our PTSA for helping make this happen!
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Afterschool Enrichment classes start this week. Please, if your child is in an afterschool class:
REMIND THEM what days they have class and where to go after the bell rings (to the flagpole near the bus lane to meet the parent chaperone). When it is time to pick up your child, be prompt and meet them near the main entrance, outside. No visitors will be admitted to the building for pick-up.
 
Vision and Hearing Screening: We will do our annual Vision and Hearing Screening on Thursday. If your child ever wears glasses, PLEASE have them wear them on Thursday so we may accurately test them.
 
Finally, we have a change in office staffing: our new Registrar is Rose Mayeda, who has been our Health Room Secretary from last year. Her email is rmayeda@lwsd.org.
 
That’s all for this week.
 
Thank you!
 
Kirsten
 

Dear Redmond El Families,
 
Thank you all for a wonderful start to the school year! We hope to see many of you at the PTSA Ice Cream Social this Friday night. It is a wonderful time to meet some of your child’s new friends and to make connections with others in our community. And it features my personal favorite food group – Ice Cream! (We will have non-dairy options available for anyone with dairy allergies, of course.)
 
This year at Redmond Elementary we are specifically focusing in Kindness and Growth Mindset. Most interactions between any of us tend to go better with a little more kindness, so it is a trait we will be emphasizing and celebrating all year. If you are not familiar with Growth Mindset, I want to share what it is so you know what sorts of conversations we are having and how you, too can encourage your child.
 
Growth Mindset comes from the work of Dr. Carol Dweck. Greatly simplified, a Growth Mindset consists of seeing challenges as opportunities, and not as things one cannot do. We talk a lot about the “Power of Yet”, as in “I don’t know how to do that… YET.” That simple “yet” changes one’s approach from feeling fixed in a state of “can’t” to seeing a challenge that can, in time, be mastered.
 
Some of us lean naturally towards more fixed mindsets (I am good at this or I’m not) or growth mindsets (I can learn how to do this and get better) but the self-talk and habits of mind that one can use when approaching obstacles CAN be learned and CAN increase one’s neuroplasticity and ability to embrace challenges.
 
How can you encourage growth mindset in your child? Try this:
•    If they are struggling with something, acknowledge their struggle. Help them identify ways to approach it: “I see you’re really having a hard time. What strategies have you tried so far? What else might work?”
•    Acknowledge their habits, more than their successes or failures. “Wow, you really swam hard today!” or “I admire how you are keeping at that, even though I know it’s really hard right now.”
•    Avoid equating success with being smart. If a child believes they have been successful because they are smart, then when they encounter a task NOT easily solved or on which they are incorrect, they may start to believe that they are no longer “smart”, or dismiss the task itself as being “stupid”.
•    Model it! “Wow, this week has really been a lot of hard work – I am feeling really frustrated tonight but I am going to rest tonight and try again tomorrow. I really think I will be able to figure this out.”
It’s all easier said than done – but it DOES make a difference.
 
Okay, that’s all for this week. Thank you all for sharing your wonderful children with us.
 
Kirsten
 

Dear Redmond El Families!
 
We have had a wonderful start to the school year. Thank you to all who have learned and are honoring our new building entry control systems. Again, please understand that adults may only enter the main entrance and that photo ID MUST be brought with you each time. We appreciate everyone’s efforts in keeping our kids safe and secure.
 
Weather: As you have no doubt noticed, in fall it rains in the Pacific Northwest. In fact, it rains a LOT. And then it’s sunny. And windy. And then it might rain some more. It’s hard to keep up with. How is a parent to plan?
•    Please dress your child for wet weather EVERY day – a waterproof coat with a hood and closed toes shoes. If boots are worn (which are a great idea) gym shoes may be kept in their backpack for PE.
•    While a spare set of dry socks in a backpack is a good idea, please understand that we cannot change kids at school when they become wet – we do not have the space to do so. We remind kids regularly where good places are to play, and will close certain areas at recess for safety. However, sometimes puddles are very tempting, and if a student chooses to get wet or muddy, they may learn this is not a great plan. If a student accidentally falls down and gets wet, we will, of course, help them.
•    Students MAY use umbrellas, as long as they are used for shelter from rain and not for poking or sword-fighting. :)
•    Put YOUR CHILD’S NAME in permanent marker in EVERYTHING. Even if they are in 5th grade. Every year, we donate so many items to charity from our Lost and Found – a name helps us get it back to you if lost.
Health: With a new year comes new illnesses. It is okay to send your child to school if they have the sniffles, but here’s when we need you to keep them home:
•    Vomiting: Students must be home for at least 24 hours after the last bout of vomiting. Please also treat diarrhea the same way.
•    Fever: Students must be fever free (Under 100 degrees) for 24 hours before returning to school.
You know your child best. If they are complaining of not feeling well and are not acting like themselves, please trust your parental instincts and keep them home. We will all do our best when we keep one another healthy, which includes resting when needed.
 
Finally, if your student will be out sick, call SAFE ARRIVAL at 425-936-2661 as soon as you know they will be out so we can document their absence correctly.
 
Thank you all. Have a wonderful week!
 
Kirsten
 

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,
 
I appreciate all that you have done to help your students make a great start to the school year. They have been on time (mostly) and have really jumped back in to a positive and engaging year of learning.
 
In a few days, I will send you the link to the online Student Handbook. Signature sheets will be sent home for you and your child to sign. A limited number of paper copies will be available in the office.
 
A few reminders for everyone:
•    The only entrance that can be used for the school is the main entrance. Please ring the bell, state the purpose of your visit and your name, and we will buzz you in to the building.
•    Upon entry, come immediately to the office to present identification, sign in and get a name badge. Please always come with ID even if you know we know who you are. :)
•    Please realize that any staff member who sees an adult without an visitor badge on will approach you and direct you to the office. This is their responsibility and we are all learning and adjusting this year.
Your kids have done great – they will be TIRED (and possibly cranky) these next few weeks as they develop their stamina, so please do all that you can to help them eat healthy meals and get a good night’s sleep. If you need help at all, please ask.
 
Have a wonderful week.
 
Kirsten Gometz
 

Dear Redmond Elementary Families, 
 
Welcome to a new year! We are excited to welcome our new and returning students and families! Your teachers and staff are all busy getting the school ready to welcome everyone at Meet and Greet on August 30. Please read below for important dates and information.  
 
Meet the Teacher 08/30, 3:00-4:00: Teacher assignments will be shared via email and posted in the halls. Students and parents are invited to come meet the teacher, find their classroom, and find out where to line up for the first day of school. Teacher assignments will be emailed just prior to opening our doors. Supply fee checks will be accepted in classrooms; please read below for details.
 
Curriculum Night 08/30: Parents/Guardians are invited to come hear from our PTSA and Principals, and to learn about the coming year from the classroom teachers. Please join us in the gym before heading to student classrooms. Conference sign-ups will be in the classrooms. 

We prefer that this is an adult event, but if you have no child care, we would rather have you bring your children than miss this time with us. No child care is provided. 

5:30-5:50 Parents of students in grades K, 1, 2, and 2/3Q meet with Principals and PTSA in the Gym. Information about our new building access control system will be shared, as well as information about school policies and volunteer opportunities. Please plan to attend. 
6:00-6:50 Parents go to their child's K, 1, 2, or 2/3Q classroom for important information from your child's new teacher(s). K parents will also sign up for Family Connections Meetings. 
 
6:30-6:50 Parents of students in grades 3, 4, 5, and 4/5Q meet with Principals and PTSA in the Gym. (If you also have children in primary grades, you do not need to attend this session again.) Information about our new building access control system will be shared, as well as information about school policies and volunteer opportunities. Please plan to attend. 
7:00-7:50 Parents go to their child's 3, 4, 5, or 4/5Q classroom for important information from your child's new teacher(s). 
 
2018-2019 BELL TIMES HAVE CHANGED!
9:20-3:50 Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri. The first Wednesday (09/05) will also release at 3:50. 
Please ensure your child is AT school by 9:10. There is no student supervision before 9:05.
9:20-2:20 Wednesdays (Except 09/05)
PLEASE NOTE: The office closes at 4:00 pm. You MUST be on time to pick up your child. 
No supervision is available after 4:00 and as per LWSD policy we must call Redmond Police to transfer custody of unattended minors. 
 
Tuesday, 09/04: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL for students in grades 1-5. Please have your child ride the bus if they will do so at all, as important safety procedures are taught early. Communication will come from our transportation department with pick-up times and locations if your student is a bus rider. Please expect bus routes to take longer in the first few weeks of school. 
Wednesday, 09/05: Full Day Wednesday (3:50 release)
Friday 09/07: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL for kindergarten students
 
2018 School Supply Fees: Redmond Elementary has pre-ordered most school supplies in bulk, to alleviate parent stress and to keep your costs lower. We ask that you make sure your child has a sturdy backpack, and a pencil box. Students in grades 3-5 and 2/3Q also need earbuds or headphones.
(Please email our counselor clapuente@lwsd.org, myself kgometz@lwsd.org, or your child's teacher if you need assistance with these items.)

Fees: (Payable in classrooms at Curriculum Night - checks payable to Redmond Elementary)
K, 1, 2, 3: $30 per child
4, 5: $35 per child
2/3Q, 4/5Q: $40 per child

If you need assistance, please mark this on the fee envelope or let me or your child's teacher know.
If you would like to "pay it forward" for another family in our community who may need assistance, please do. You can mark this on your envelope as well.
 
This is a lot of information, I know. Please email me with any questions. We are so excited to see everyone next Thursday and to welcome students the following week. 
This is going to be a wonderful year!
Kirsten Gometz, Principal
 
Verify your contact/emergency information online: 
You can verify your contact and emergency information online any time before September 17, 2018. Log in to Skyward Family Access, and verify your contact/emergency information. You can review an FAQ document about the Online Student Information Verification Process here. All changes to contact and emergency information need to be made by September 17, 2018.
Contact parentquestions@lwsd.org with any questions about the Online Student Information Verification Process.
Thank you in advance for helping us to ensure our student data is as accurate as possible.
 

Estimadas familias de Redmond Elementary,

Bienvenidos a un nuevo año escolar! Estamos emocionados a dar una gran bienvenida a nuestros alumnus y familias – las que son nuevas y las que han estado con nosotros. Sus maestros y el personal están ocupados preparando la escuela por “Meet and Greet” (la hora en que uds. pueden venir a visitar a su clase nuevo y conocer a su maestro!) en el 30 de Agosto. Por favor, lea la información abajo por fechas y notas importantes: 

Meet the Teacher (Conocer a los maestros): 30 de Agosto, 3:00-4:00: Asignaciones de maestros estarán mandados por correo electrónico y publicado en los pasillos. Alumnos y padres estan invitn ados a la escuela para conocer a sus maestros, encontrar a sus clases, y buscar en donde deben alinearse para el primer día de clases. Las asignaciones de maestros estarán mandados solo un momento antes de la hora en que abirimos las puertas a la escuela. Cheques y efectivo para el pago de materiales escolares estarán aceptados en los salones de clases; por favor lea abajo por más información. 

Curriculum Night (Noche de currícula): 30 de Agosto Padres, madres, y guardians están invitados a recibir información de nuestro grupo de padres, maestros, y alumnos (el PTSA) y nuestras directoras, y aprender del año escolar por los maestros en sus clases. Por favor, juntase con nosotros en el gímnasio antes de ir a las clases de los alumnos. La oportunidad de registrarse por una conferencía con los maestros de sus hijos estarán en los salones de clases. 
Preferimos que esté un evento por adultos, pero si no tiene opción de cuidado de niños, preferimos que les traigan que pierda este tiempo con nosotros. No vamos a tener cuidado de niños acá.
5:30-5:50 Padres de alumnos en grados kínder, 1, 2, y 2/3Q se reuinen con las directoras y PTSA en el gímnasio. Información de nuestro nuevo sistema de entrada al edificio estará compartido, y también información de las reglas y normas de nuestra escuela y oportunidades de voluntarios. Por favor, planea a asistir. 
6:00-6:50 Padres están invitados a los salones de clases de grados kínder, 1, 2, y 2/3Q por información importante del maestro(s) nuevo de su hijo/a. Padres de kínder se registrará por una reunión de coneciones con la familia y el maestro.

6:30-6:50 Padres de alumnos en grados 3, 4, 5, y 4/5Q reuinen con las directoras y PTSA en el gímnasio. (Si tiene hijos en grados K, 1, 2, o 2/3Q, no tiene que asistir a este sesión de nuevo.) Información de nuestro nuevo sistema de entrada al edificio estará compartido, y también información de las reglas y normas de nuestra escuela y oportunidades de voluntarios. Por favor, planea a asistir.
7:00-7:50 Padres están invitados a los salones de clases de grados 3, 4, 5, y 4/5Q por información importante del maestro(s) nuevo de su hijo/a.

EL HORARIO DE ESCUELA POR 2018-2019 HA CAMBIADO!
9:20-3:50 Lunes, martes, jueves, Viernes. El primer miércoles (5 de septiembre) terminará a las 3:50.
Por favor, ensegura que su hijo/a esta en la escuela a las 9:10. No hay supervision hasta 9:05.
9:20-2:20 Miércoles (con la excepción de 5 de septiembre)
NOTA, POR FAVOR: La oficina cerra a las 4:00 p.m. Ud. TIENE QUE venir a tiempo a traer a sus hijos a casa. No hay supervision después de las 4:00, y por las reglas de distrito escolar LWSD, tenemos que llamar a la policía de Redmond para de custodia de menores desatendidos. 

Martes 4 de Septiembre: Primer día de clases por alumnos de grados 1 a 5. Por favor, si su hijo va a montar el bus en cualquier día durante el año, mándele en bus el primer día. Esto es porque van a enseñar procedimientos de la seguridad. Comunicación va a venir de nuestro departamento de transportes con información de donde que cuando viene el bus, si su hijo va a usarlo. Por favor, planea que las rutas de bus van a tomar más tiempo durante las primeras semanas del año.  
Miércoles 5 de Septiembre: Clases terminan a las 3:50
Viernes 7 de Septiembre: Primer día de clases por alumnos de kínder

2018 Pagos por materiales escolares: Hemos comprado la mayoría de materiales que sus hijos van a necisitar este año, para bajar el estrés y el costo de comprarlos. Su hijo/a va a necesitar un mochillo fuerte y una caja para lapices. Alumnos de grados 3-5 y 2/3Q también necesita auriculares. (Si su familia necesita asistencia con este pago, por favor contacta a nuestra consejera clapuente@lwsd.org, a yo mismo kgomtez@lwsd.org, o al maestro de su hijo.)

Pagos de materiales (que puede pagar en los salones de clases durante la Noche de currícula – cheques a Redmond Elementary)
K, 1, 2, 3: $30 por alumno
4, 5: $35 por alumno
2/3Q, 4/5Q: $40 por alumno

Si necesita asistencia, por favor márquela en la sobre de pagos, o contacta a yo mismo o al maestro de su hijo/a. 
Si quieres ayudar a otras familias de nuestra comunidad con este pago, puedes poner la donación en la sobre y márquela allá también.  

Yo se que este es mucha información. Por favor, mandarme un correo electronico si tiene preguntas. Estamos tan emocionados a verles a todos el jueves que viene y dar la bienvenida a los alumnos en la semana después. 
Vamos a tener un año increíble!
Kirsten Gometz, Directora

Verifique a su información de contacto y de emergéncia en línea: 
Puede verificar su información de contacto y de emergéncia en línea antes de 17 de Septiembre 2018. Va a Skyward Family Access (acceso de familias en Skyward), y verifique su información de contacto y de emergéncia. Puede leer un document de pregunatas communes de la Verificación de Información de Alumnos en línea aquí. Cualquieres cambios de información de contacto y de emergéncia debe estar completado antes de 17 de Septiembre, 2018. Contacta a parentquestions@lwsd.org con preguntas del proceso de la Verificación de Información en línea. Gracias por ayudarnos a asegurar que nuestra información de alumnos sea tan correcto como posible. 

• Because of the snow day we added, school dismisses at 3:30 on Wednesday, June 20. This is one of the only Wednesdays when kids do NOT release at 2:00. Please make sure to plan accordingly.
• Yearbooks have arrived and will be distributed to students on Wednesday, June 20. There is a limited number of extras available in the office for purchase; the cost is $18. Checks can be paid to Redmond Elementary. We also have options available if you are experiencing financial hardship; please just contact myself or Mrs. Lapuente for assistance. (kgometz@lwsd.org or lalpuente@lwsd.org)
• Thursday, June 21: LAST DAY of School. Students dismiss at 12:00. There is no lunch period on June 21, though students who order sack lunches will pick them up at 11:30.
• Report cards will go home with students on Thursday, June 21. Please ensure any lunch fees and library fines are paid so that we may send these home. The main office will be open until 4:00 on June 21, and CLOSED until August after that.
• PLEASE COME CHECK LOST AND FOUND!
• If you will be back at Redmond Elementary next year, please note that Meet the Teacher and Curriculum Night will BOTH be held on Thursday, August 30, 2018. More info on times will come in August.
• RMS If you have a student who will be attending Redmond Middle School this fall for 6^th grade, please see the attached information regarding eligibility for RMS Sports participation and immunization requirements.

• Results from Smarter Balanced Assessments available online June 22
  Each spring, Washington public school students in grades 3-8 and high school are tested in English language arts (ELA) and math, with exams called Smarted Balanced Assessments (SBA). Students in grades 5, 8, and high school are also tested in science, with an exam called the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS).

  In the past, the District received hard copy, final score reports from OSPI, which arrived in late August or early September. Individual scores for the SBA exams administered this past spring for ELA and Math are being delivered electronically from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). OSPI now allows the District to share these score reports electronically in PDF format. Downloadable score reports will be added in Family Access on June 22.

  Only SBA ELA and Math scores will be available in June. Science scores will not be available until the fall after OSPI releases those scores.

  Directions to access the reports:

• To access Lake Washington School District’s Skyward portal, click on the Family Access link on the district website.
• Log in to Skyward Family Access with your username and password.
• Click on the Reports Cards- Portfolio tab.

• More information about state testing can be found here.

Dear Redmond El Families,

As we look ahead, we want to let you know of staffing changes coming. Several of our staff are making changes, and we want you to have the chance to honor and thank them and say goodbye before they embrace their next adventures.

Gail Young, Paula Randolph, and Lael Camacho are all packing up their books as they embrace retirement at the end of this year. We are grateful for their years of service and wish them well!

Pia Dixon will be leaving Redmond Elementary to pursue her love of educational puppetry. Libby Bruner will be helping open Clara Barton Elementary, one of LWSD’s new elementary schools. Amber Klock, Melodie Nagasawa, Minnie Eichelkraut, Matt Hounsell, and Shannon Mulrooney will all be teaching in the Quest program at other sites in the district, and Maggie Averman will be on a one year leave. Aubrey Buerstatte will apply her love of technology to her new role as Technology Integration Specialist for the LWSD. We are grateful for their time with us and will miss them all.

****************************************************************************************************************************

BIG thanks to the PTA parent volunteers who helped us with our Student Emergency Release Drill on Friday! Your students did wonderfully as we practiced how we would manage an orderly release in the event of an emergency. Teachers kept them all engaged as volunteer student runners retrieved students whose parents had arrived to sign them out, with photo ID in hand.

As a reminder to all – please ensure that any time you arrive to school to pick up your child, that you have a photo ID with you. Especially in the event of an emergency, it is likely that you may be assisted by a staff member who does not know you, and we cannot release students unless we have a) confirmed your identity, and b) confirmed that you are on that student’s emergency contact/release list.

If we ever need to do so, please also being patience – we will always err on the side of safety. Thank you in advance. :)

****************************************************************************************************************************

SBA This Week:

Monday, 05/21: 3/3Q Math PT

Tuesday, 05/22: 3/3Q Math CAT, 5 Math PT

Wednesday, 05/23: 4/5 Math CAT

Thursday, 05/24: 4 ELA CAT, 4/5 Math PT, 5 Math CAT

Friday, 05/23:

Have a wonderful week!

Kirsten Gometz

Mother. Mia. Mati. Maman. Madre. Mamma. Omm. Mor.

To all of the mothers out there, and any who act in love and kindness towards children, regardless of your relationship or gender, Happy Mother’s Day. We appreciate you, and your loving commitment to growing kids to be strong, healthy, and ready for the world.

Thank you to everyone who helped celebrate our teachers last week – the flowers, cards, and food were so deeply appreciated by them. It was a magical week. Big thanks to Madhu Gadde for organizing Friday’s luncheon which brought in more than 50 food items from around the world. It was amazing!

SBA this week:

Monday, 05/14: Grade 4 ELA Pt 1

Tuesday, 05/15: Grade 4 ELA Pt 2

Wednesday, 05/16: 4/5Q WCAS Science

Thursday, 05/17: Grade 5 WCAS Science

• Making sure they get a good night’s sleep the night before, and a healthy breakfast.
• Helping them be at school ON TIME.
• Reminding them that this test helps us know how we are doing, that they should give their best but not to feel too pressured. They know what they need to know; we just need them to show us.
• Encourage them before the tests and appreciate them afterwards.
• Take some time together after school to relax together – take a walk, ride your bikes, play a game together. Something to balance the stress and pressure they may be feeling.
• Finally, no matter what, remind them how proud we are of them, and WHO they are – and that there is no test that can measure that. :)

Dear Redmond El Parents,

Parent Input forms for the 2018-2019 School Year are available in our main office. If there is input you wish to share as we form next year’s class lists, please complete a form and return it to us by 3:30 pm Friday, May 4.

Information we consider includes your student’s learning or social/emotional needs, or past peer conflicts we should know about. Please do NOT request a particular teacher. Class lists are built by taking into consideration multiple factors and creating balanced class lists to honor the needs of all learners.

Thank you,

Kirsten Gometz

Dear Redmond El families,

Spring is here and Earth Day will be here soon. But with all the rain we are getting this spring, please send your kids to school prepared for all kinds of weather– especially rain. Along those lines, please stop by Lost and Found (near our music room) and see if anything looks familiar. We have many, many jackets and hoodies there that the kids may not even realize are theirs, but you would probably appreciate having home. As a reminder to all, write your students’ names on the tags in sharpie! This helps us reunite clothes with their owners.

As a reminder, SBA testing dates are coming up. Testing dates are attached to this email – first day of SBA for Grade 3 is April 30. More information will follow closer to that date, but please remember to check your child’s dates and avoid scheduling trips or appointments on those days. Scheduling make-up testing is very challenging and we want every student to have the best experience possible. We want them prepared and rested but not to stress about it. :)

Finally, if you move or anticipate any changes next year, please let the office know. We are working hard to ensure we have amazing teachers here for your kids next year, and we need as accurate a number as possible.

That’s all for this week. Have a wonderful one.

Kirsten

Welcome back! We missed you and can’t wait to see everyone’s faces in the morning.

Our character traits for the month of April are Stewardship and Perseverance. Stewardship, in consideration of Earth Day (April 22) and for the many ways our students and staff care for our school, and Perseverance as we all get ready for this final stretch of the 2017-2018 school year. When spring comes, sometimes it takes extra effort to focus and get through rigorous tasks, and we celebrate your kids every day as they show us how much stamina and perseverance they can muster!

It’s also a wonderful time to say thank you to our wonderful librarian, Mrs. Jones, who has shown such amazing stewardship and perseverance this year in making the library a welcoming place for every student! April is School Library Month, and ours would not be what it is without the dedicated work of our librarian. Thank you Mrs. Jones!

Have a wonderful week!

Kirsten

This Monday, through the generous support of our PTSA, we are welcoming Science Circus to Redmond Elementary. All of our students will have a chance to learn about concepts of Science (Physics, in particular) through circus activities. Make sure to ask your kids what they learned about gravity and centripetal force when they come home on Monday!

We have noticed that a number of students are arriving late, past the 9:00 tardy bell, since we changed the clocks for Daylight Saving time. Please ensure that they (and you, if driving) leave early enough to plan for traffic and road construction around us. Bring your patience and an eye for safety. Instruction occurs bell to bell, and ALL students benefit from being in class and ready to learn on time. Please help us build habits of punctuality in the kiddos early, as these habits will carry into future years.

That’s it for this week – have a wonderful week.

Kirsten

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,

School start and end times will be changing in the 2018-19 school year as a 7-period day is implemented for high school students. We acknowledge any change has an impact to families’ current schedules. We want to ensure families have ample time to plan for the change.

Our school will start at 9:20 am and end at 3:50 pm. We will continue with early releases on Wednesdays, releasing at 2:20 pm. These changes do not take effect until the start of next school year.

Why are start and dismissal times changing?

Starting with the Class of 2019, students are required to graduate with 24 credits. In 2015, a Task Force of staff and parents convened to study, analyze and make recommendations to expand options for students to meet the 24 credits required for graduation. In April 2017, the Task Force recommended adding time to the end of the high school student day to provide a 7-period day.

Adding time to the high school day results in needed adjustments to the start and dismissal times of elementary and middle schools due to our tiered transportation system (the same buses transport students at the high school, middle school and elementary level).

Why is a 7-period day needed and how does it benefit students?

A 7-period day restores opportunities for our students that they used to have. Over the past several years, the elective opportunities and opportunities for additional exploration, acceleration and remediation have declined for high school students. This is due to the increase in the state graduation requirements.

Specifically, in a 6-period day,

• The Class of 2015 could take 6 electives, plus they had two additional spaces in their schedules for additional exploration, acceleration or remediation - 8 total opportunities.
• The Classes of 2016-18 can take 4 electives, plus they had two additional spaces in their schedules for additional exploration, acceleration or remediation - 6 total opportunities.
• The Class of 2019 and beyond can take 4 electives, but they have 0 additional spaces in their schedules for additional exploration, acceleration or remediation - 4 total opportunities.

By implementing a 7-period day, we bring back opportunities for our high school students that previous graduating classes used to have.

Will there be further changes to school start and end times in future years?

A School Start Time Advisory is continuing work in 2018-19 to study the impacts of potentially changing high school start times to later in future years. The Advisory includes staff and parents from elementary, middle and high school levels. They will make a recommendation for any potential further changes to school start and end times. Further changes in the 2019-2020 school year may or not occur, depending on their recommendation. There will continue to be ample opportunity for families to provide input throughout the process. Any changes to the high school start and end times result in adjustments to middle and elementary start and end times due to transportation.

Additional resources:

2018-19 School Start and End Times

School Start Time Advisory

Seven-Period High School Day

Sincerely,

Kirsten Gometz, Principal

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,

Our PTSA sponsored Science Fair is coming up next week (February 8), with opportunities for any interested students to examine a question, form a hypothesis, and conduct an investigation to prove or disprove their hypotheses. It’s a wonderful showcase for thinking and questioning, and I hope you will visit to see the exploratory learning that your students have taken on.

Questioning is a wonderful habit of mind to engage in, and I hope you will engage with your children as they wonder about the world around them. This wondering and questioning together helps fuel curiosity, which in turn fuels investigation. Encourage your child as they plan, learn, wonder, and take action. The freedom to do this is one of the reasons we moved away from homework this year, so students had the opportunity to pursue the activities that fueled their curiosity and passions: Science, design and construction, art, dance, sports, music, math.

We hope, too, that your students are questioning the world around them and seeking their voice. We welcome this, and want you to know that in the next few weeks as students nation-wide engage in various forms of activism, we will be working to find ways to help your students’ voices be heard. Our first priority will always be to keep them safe, and then to encourage their thoughtful engagement in their world. Many of our students are seeking ways to make their world better, through helping others with conflict management at recess, job corps or classroom buddy relationships, or other ways of stepping up for what is right.

We are so proud of them, and so grateful for the chance to spend our days with them. Thank you, as always, for sharing them with us.

Have a wonderful week.

Kirsten

Dear Redmond El families,

Welcome back. I have thought a lot about all of you, especially your children, in the past week. I know this is a scary time to be a parent, and that the news we read about events like the one in Florida hurt our hearts. A few of you have reached out to me, and I appreciate the sense of community we share. The same questions is asked, again and again: What can we do?

Besides being politically active and using your power to vote as often and as thoughtfully as you can, there ARE things we can do. I know you are all aware that we have tightened building security practices and that we prepare ourselves and your children for what to do in the event of an active shooter at school. Beyond that though, what we can all do is this:

Make connections. Help your children make connections: to adults and others in your family and community, to their teachers and peers, to activities and places that they love. All of us, and especially our children, need to know that there are those around them who see them, who know them, who know their names, and who believe that they matter. If you are able to bring your child to school in the morning or pick them up in the afternoon, take time to talk with the other parents and kids you meet. Introduce yourself. Learn some names. Encourage your child to invite someone for a play date who might need a friend or two. BE a point of connection for another child who needs one.

All of us can look out for one another. We are a very big community, but a community nonetheless, and our strength lies in the care, attention, and kindness we show one another. The more we keep an eye on kids who may slip through the cracks, the better equipped we will all be to progress towards a healthy and happy future.

Please have a wonderful week, and say hello if you see me around.

Kirsten

Upcoming Dates:

02/22: PTA Math Night 6:30-8:00 pm

03/09: NO SCHOOL (LEAP Day)

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,

We hope you have a wonderful Mid-Winter break, and that everyone comes back healthy and rested. As a reminder, anytime your child has a fever of 100 or over, or vomits at all, you must keep them home for at least 24 hours from the last incidence of either of these symptoms. Additionally, you know your child best; with flu making its way around our area this year, if your child is acting “off” – complaining of aches, or otherwise are not themselves – please keep them home. We are taking precautions at school to clean and disinfect our environment, but we need your help. Finally, if your child does receive a flu diagnosis, please inform the office so we can monitor the impact at our school.

We thank you all for sharing your children with us. Have a wonderful break!

Important Dates:

02/14: Valentine’s Day

02/15: NO SCHOOL

02/16: NO SCHOOL

02/19: NO SCHOOL

Kirsten

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,

It’s February already! We will be heading into springtime soon. Please remember to let the office know about any absences, and that any planned absences must be submitted for approval in advance. Additionally, for parents of students in Grades 3, 4, and 5, please keep SBA dates on your radar, avoiding any absences (except in case of illness) on these dates:

April 30: Grade 3/3Q ELA Pt 1

May 1: Grade 3/3Q ELA Pt 2, Grade 4/5Q ELA Pt 1

May 2: Grade 4/5Q Pt 2

May 8: Grade 3/3Q ELA CAT, Grade 5 CAT

May 9: Grade 3/3Q ELA CAT, Grade 5 ELA Pt 1

May 10: Grade 5 ELA Pt 2, Grade 4/5Q ELA CAT

May 14: Grade 4 ELA Pt 1

May 15: Grade 4 ELA Pt 2

May 16: Grade 4/5Q WCAS Science

May 17: Grade 5 WCAS Science

May 21: Grade 3/3Q Math PT

May 22: Grade 3/3Q Math CAT, Grade 5 Math PT

May 23: Grade 3/3Q Math CAT, Grade 4/5Q Math CAT

May 24: Grade 4 ELA CAT, Grade 4/5Q Math PT, Grade 5 Math CAT

May 25: Grade 4 ELA CAT

May 30: Grade 4 Math PT

June 1: Grade 4 Math CAT

Our Character Traits for the month of February are: Thoughtfulness and Self-Discipline. Thoughtfulness in honor of Valentine’s Day, when we express our love and friendship for one another, and Self-Discipline as the goals we set for ourselves at New Year’s become harder to work on, and we really have to buckle down. A reminder to all – if you send in Valentines with your child for Valentines Day, please make sure there are enough for every child in their class. Your child’s teacher can give you an accurate count.

Finally, thanks to PTSA president Steve Hitch and the City of Redmond, we now have 2 new bike racks installed at our main entrance. Thank you! Please feel free to use them, and ensure your student has a bike rider permission slip on file in the office if they are 10 or over and can ride to/from school solo. (Students younger than 10 may ride if you accompany them.) ALL riders must use helmets when riding to or from school – and big thanks to Schoolpool and Marti Burton and Maren Talcott’s work, many kids were fitted with bike helmets this past week.

Have a wonderful week!

Kirsten

Finally, Lake Washington School District is planning three ballot measures going before voters in the district on February 13, 2018: a bond and two replacement levies to fund important needs not funded by the state. Please follow this link to learn more about these measures, and please VOTE this month!

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,

Your students did an amazing job at the Lockdown/ALICE Drill on Friday. They listened carefully and thoughtfully, and either took cover or were able to silently evacuate the building in response to the scenario and information they received. My gratitude and apologies to the Passport club volunteers who were impacted by the drill; my hope is that watching how the staff and students respond in a drill like that was informative.

Conference Week: This week, students will release at 12:00 on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday so that teachers, parents, and students can meet together to discuss the year so far. What to expect:

• Please have your child with you. They will be prepared to share their successes and challenges with you. It is also very important for students to see their parents and teachers come together in support of their growth.
• Come prepared to learn about your child’s academic and social/emotional skills. Bring questions, if you have them.
• If there are other professionals who work with your student (Special Education, counselor, ELL) they may join your for part of the conference.
• Please ensure that your child knows their plan at the end of each day, and that if it differs in any way from every other day, that the teacher and office are also aware.

Lost and Found: We have many, many items in our Lost and Found. We will put these near the entrance where you sign in for conferences – please check these carefully as items will be donated after conference week.

The Used Book Fair will also be going on during conferences – please come by and find some inexpensive books for your readers. Donations of Books – children’s or adult – will be accepted through Monday. Redmond Elementary appreciates your help!

Finally, looking ahead to next year:

01/23: Middle School Parent Information Night: 6:30-8:30 at Redmond Middle School Parents only event – Current 5^th grade parents are invited come learn what lies ahead for grades 6-8

01/24: Kindergarten Parent Information Session 2:30-3:00 in the Library

02/01: Kindergarten Registration 1:00-7:00 in the Redmond Elementary Library

Have a wonderful week. We are looking forward to seeing you for conferences!

Kirsten

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,

This month, we start getting ready for our 2018-2019 kindergarten students. If you have a child who turns 5 before August 31, 2018, please read below for important dates. Please also share this with neighbors who have a kindergarten aged child.

Wednesday, January 24: Kindergarten Parent Information session (adults only) 2:30-3:00 in the Redmond Elementary Library. Registration Paperwork will be handed out at the end of this session.

Thursday, February 1: Kindergarten Registration 1:00-7:00 in the Redmond Elementary Library. Please bring birth certificate or passport, proof of address, and immunization records. Please also have calendars ready as we will sign up for August assessments at that time.

Please enroll ON February 1^st!

Enrollment early in the season ensures our ability to staff our school with the best teachers available.

We are excited to meet our next students!

Kirsten Gometz
Principal

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,

I was so proud of all of your students on Friday as we reflected together on Dr King’s messages of hope, seeking understanding, and letting each little light shine. Several students shared poems or writings in front of our school audience, reflecting on the words of Dr. King and the work ahead we can all do together. They gave us all reasons to be proud.

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This week, we will perform our Lockdown drill using ALICE principles. Please be aware that any time we are doing an emergency drill, and certainly in the event of a real emergency, you must be patient if you arrive to pick up your child for any reason. If this occurs, please remain outside the main entrance until our activities are complete. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Upcoming Dates:
01/16: LWSD Bond and Levy Open House (Redmond High School, 6:30-7:30)
01/18: Redmond El PTSA General Membership Meeting (Red El Library, 6:30 PM)
01/19: Spirit Day: Pajama Day!
01/23: Conference Day (NOON RELEASE)
01/23: Middle School Parent Information Night (RMS Gym, 6:30-8:30 pm)
01/24: Kindergarten Parent Info (Red El Library, 2:30-3, for next year’s kindergarten parents)
01/25: Conference Day (NOON RELEASE)
01/26: Conference Day (NOON RELEASE)

Thank you!
Kirsten

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,

Thank you to the many of you who reached our with questions, concerns, and even appreciation after last week’s neighborhood incident. Several of you asked about our school’s safety protocols. I want to share what we had already been updating, as well as inform you about the specifics of this month’s Safety Drill.

Those of you who have come to volunteer last week have already seen that our visitor procedures are changing. All visitors and volunteers must sign in, and wear a visible name badge stating first and last name as well as destination. Please be prepared that any staff member who cannot see a name badge will stop you and redirect you to the office if you are not doing so. This is not to be inhospitable, but rather to ensure greater awareness and compliance with visitor procedures.

Additionally, though we have had all doors besides the main entrance locked throughout the day all year long, we have found that some in our building (students or parents) are still opening doors for others who arrive late, or to drop items off, in an effort to be helpful. We are teaching the students that we cannot continue to do so. Please, at all times, use only the main entrance and do not use the building as a shortcut to other areas.

Finally, the LWSD Safety Drill this month is our Lockdown Drill, using ALICE principles. We will do this drill during the week of January 16-20. ALICE stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate. The Lake Washington School District began incorporating ALICE principles into our Lockdown preparations two years ago in response to guidance from local and national law enforcement. In the past two years, we performed a “soft” version of the drill, and this year we move to full implementation.

The ALICE principles are strategies that might be useful in an emergency; they are not steps to be completed in any specific order of priority, nor are all steps required. We are including ALICE principles in our District emergency response procedures at the request of local law enforcement. The ALICE tools add options to the District’s existing lockdown responses. ALICE principles are not limited to schools and can be used by individuals in emergency situations in any location, such as movie theaters, malls, places of worship, stores, etc.

Our school staff has received training in the ALICE principles, and students have received classroom training in September in preparation for this month’s drill. We will review and practice listening expectations this week as we prepare ourselves.

The drill will provide a scenario to students and teachers (Alert portion of ALICE) over the intercom, followed by additional information (Inform portion of ALICE) to which classes will be expected to react. Teachers are being provided with four possible scenarios to discuss with their class, in order to prepare for the drill in an age-appropriate manner. One of these four scenarios will be used for our drill. The scenarios are designed to be realistic and descriptive of a potential incident. Every announcement will clearly state, “This is a drill.” In preparation for the lockdown drill our teachers will be discussing the ALICE strategies with their students, using age-appropriate vocabulary and information. At the same time, we are trying to be sensitive to the age of our students and do not intend to frighten or add unneeded stress to them. We are providing the four scenarios below should you wish to discuss them with your child at home.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Additional resources about the ALICE program can be found at www.alicetraining.com.

Scenarios for ALICE Drill: January 2018

1. ALERT: Attention! An intruder has entered the main entrance near the office and is walking towards the B wing rooms. He is a white male, about 40 years old, wearing a blue jacket and a baseball hat. He is carrying an unknown weapon and is yelling.
2. ALERT: Attention! A female with dark hair and an unknown weapon is quickly walking around Portable 2. She’s wearing blue jeans, and a green hoodie.
3. ALERT: Attention! An intruder has entered through the door near the gym and is arguing with an teacher there. He is holding an unknown weapon and is moving towards the gym. He is wearing a black shirt and has a beard.
4. ALERT: Attention! A woman with an unknown weapon has just entered the stairwell door near the 3rd grade rooms. She is wearing a purple shirt and is crying loudly.

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Important Dates:
Friday, January 12: MLK Assemblies
Monday, January 15: NO SCHOOL MLK Day
Tuesday, January 16: LWSD Bond & Levy Community Open House (6:30-7:30, Redmond High School)
Thursday, January 18: PTSA General Membership Meeting (6:30 in Library)
January 23, 25, 26: Elementary Conferences/Noon release
Wednesday, January 24: Kindergarten Parent Info Session (2:30-3:00 in Library) Information for parents of incoming kindergarten students will be offered
Thursday, February 1: Kindergarten Registration (1-7 in the School Library)

Have a wonderful week, and thank you for your support.
Kirsten

Dear Redmond Elementary families,

Thank you to the MANY of you who joined us for our WatchDOGS kick-off event on Thursday night! It was so great to spend time with you, and the pride on the students’ faces as they led you in to school was wonderful to see. We are excited and grateful to all of the parents, grandparents, and other caring adults who help make Redmond El such a wonderful place for kids to be every day. Big thanks to Mrs. Huntley for bringing this to Redmond EL!

October gives us many things to think about and celebrate. October is Bullying Awareness Month, when we will talk to all of our kids about the importance of kindness and acceptance, focusing heavily on inclusion for all. October 25 is Unity Day 2017, when we encourage everyone to wear orange and we will focus on activities of inclusion and togetherness.

October is also Disability Awareness Month, when we will work with kids to understand the impact of disabilities – both those we can see and those we can’t – on individuals, as well as the many ways in which individuals living with disabilities can and will lead full and fulfilling lives.

Conference Days 10/16, 10/17, 10/19 Student Led Goal Setting conferences are coming up quickly! Teachers are looking forward to learning more about you and your family’s hopes for this year as you work with your child to set attainable goals. Please make sure you are here on time and with your student. Teachers have many conferences scheduled and need to honor their start and end times closely. Student release times are at noon on Conference Days. If there is a change in your student’s normal end of day/pickup routine on conference days, please make sure that the teacher AND the office are notified in advance.

There is NO SCHOOL for students on October 20 for Teacher Professional Development.

Finally, October ends with Halloween, on October 31. Classrooms will celebrate with parties, and students who wish to can dress up in celebration. Please remember these guidelines for those wishing to dress up:

• Costumes must be school appropriate (no blood, gore, violent themes or weapons, and nothing too scary – little friends are easily frightened)
• No Masks or Facepaint – save these for trick or treating
• Students must be able to put costumes on over clothes and remove before going home
• Normal school rules as to appropriate attire still apply

If your student will require an alternate activity during Halloween celebrations, please email their teacher and me so we may plan accordingly.

Safety: Please do NOT drop off students in the Old Redmond Schoolhouse parking lot! It is not supervised and we have seen some safety concerns with unsupervised children crossing around cars.

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,

Welcome to the 2017-2018 school year! I am so excited to be joining you this year as your principal, and have enjoyed meeting many of you already. I wanted to let you know about a few important changes this year, and get you ready for the events in the weeks ahead.

Parking Lot is now ONE WAY

In the interest of safety, the parking lot is now ONE WAY only. ALL cars must enter at the NORTH opening, at the top of the hill. The top lane is for PARKING only. There are two drop off zones, in the middle and lower lanes. The middle drop off/flex zone may be used for parking between the hours of 9:30 and 3:00. All parking lot traffic moves south and exits at the SOUTH opening. Please be courteous, and especially, SAFE. (See attached diagram)

Meet and Greet – Thursday, August 31, 3:00 - 4:00

Students and families are invited to come find their classroom and meet their teachers. Teacher assignments will be emailed to you shortly before 3:00, and will also be posted at all entrances. Please bring any school supplies with you, as well as any medication needed at school with completed Physician’s Orders.

Kindergarten Parent Night/Curriculum Night – Thursday, August 31 5:30 – 6:30

Parents come to meet with the Principal, Associate Principal, and kindergarten teacher. We will start in the library at 5:30, and then move to the individual classrooms. This event is parents only, though some supervision of children on the playground will be provided through our PTSA. We will share important details you need to know for your kindergarten students this year.

Verify Your Contact/Emergency Information Online

Thank you to all the Redmond Elementary families who have already verified their contact/emergency information in Parent Access. If you need more information on how to complete this process, here is a link to the Student Information Verification FAQ page. Question about the Online Student Verification Process can also be sent to parentquestions@lwsd.org

Thank you all for being such a wonderful and supportive community. See you on Thursday!

Kirsten Gometz
Principal