|
We create and maintain a safe and consistent learning community by establishing positive behavioral supports and a culture where all students achieve social, emotional and academic success.
In this issue:
-
Principal’s Message
-
Dates to Remember
-
Construction Update
-
Counselor Connection
-
In the Know
-
District Information
-
PTSA Information
-
And More
|
Hello Families,
Thank you families for attending parent-teacher conferences these last two weeks. We appreciate everyone’s flexibility and efforts in making time for these important conversations that celebrate and support student progress. As we shared in September, our 2024-25 school year theme is “Under Construction-Building Excellence”. This refers to not just the new construction of Fernwood’s expansion project but also to the construction of student knowledge and learning. This learning centers on the whole student, not only academically but the social and emotional development of each individual. By engaging in conversation with your child’s teacher, you were partnering in this “Construction” by helping teachers get to know their students better. Your shared insight is used to design more personalized and engaging instruction that supports collaboration in the classroom and through our related service programs.
One branch of our related services is our English Language Development (ELD) Program. We are proud to have an ELD program that supports our multilingual students in developing their English language skills while mastering academic content. The ELD services at Fernwood enhance students’ experiences by celebrating the rich linguistic and cultural backgrounds they bring to our community while fostering academic growth, social and emotional development, and a deep appreciation for diversity. Multilingualism is such an asset that we want to celebrate and nurture here at Fernwood and we have a large community of learners who hold this identity. About 21% of our student population is supported directly by our ELD team, with many more students having the skills to speak multiple languages in addition to English.
The ELD program is just one of the related services we collaborate on as part of our “Under Construction—Building Excellence” theme, working with and for our students. We are truly grateful for your partnership and support in fostering their growth and success.
From all of us at Fernwood, we hope you all have a restful, and joyous New Year and holiday season!
With appreciation,
Cassie Morton
Principal
|
|
December
|
DATE |
EVENT |
LOCATION |
TIME |
|
12/10 |
Ukulele Club and Bad Monkey's Concert |
GYM |
6:30pm |
|
12/20 |
Remaining Lost and Found will be donated |
||
|
12/23 - 1/3 |
NO SCHOOL - Winter Break |
January
| DATE | EVENT | LOCATION | TIME |
| 1/1 - 1-3 |
NO SCHOOL |
||
| 1/6 |
School Resumes |
||
| 1/14 |
Listening Session |
Cafeteria | 6:30pm |
| 1/14 |
PTSA General Meeting |
Cafeteria |
7:00-8:00pm |
| 1/20 |
NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Day |
||
| 1/24 |
End of the First Semester |
||
| 1/27 |
NO SCHOOL - Non Student- Teacher Work Day |
Construction Updates We are making progress towards completing phase 1 of the construction project. Phase 1 involves the north parking lot. Be looking for information regarding how the new line up for car drop off and pick up will work.
For the month of December, all students are having their fourth classroom lesson with their school counselors. Students in grades K - 2 are learning about the differences between small problems and BIG problems. For big problems, students go to a trusted adult right away for help because big problems can be scary, dangerous and someone could get hurt. In December, students are continuing to learn about Kelso's Choices (wheel). There are five verbal ways to solve small problems. The five verbal ways are talk it out, apologize, tell them to stop, make a deal and share and take turns. There are four non-verbal ways to solve small problems. The four non-verbal ways are ignore it, walk away, wait and cool off and go to another game. 
For students in grades 3 - 5, the learning about the three R’s continues. Recognize (is this bullying or a conflict, a misunderstanding or a small problem?), Report (tell an adult that I trust) and Refuse (assertively tell the person to STOP). Students will learn more about Bystander Power and ways they can be a supportive bystander. The final lesson for grades 4 and 5 will include examples related to the 3R’s to help prevent cyberbullying.
Also in December we are starting our small groups. We have had over 110 students referred for small group counseling this November, which represents 15% of our student population. Small groups this Winter Session will include topics on growth mindset, emotional regulation, and friendship. Parents of students participating will receive an email notification before groups begin the week of December 9th.
Lastly, if your family is facing financial hardship and you would like to be considered for community support, please complete this brief survey. Your privacy is important to us, therefore all information collected from the survey will be maintained confidentially. If you have a school-related need that is not mentioned in this survey, please let us know and we will work with you to see if we can help fulfill that need. As always, if you have any questions or would like to request any additional support for your student, please do not hesitate to reach out! We are here for your student’s success! Best Regards, Jennifer Brisbine (Grades 1, 3 & 5) jbrisbine@nsd.org and 425-408-4570 Sarah Cue (Grades K, 2 & 4) scue@nsd.org and 425-408-4572 *The SEL Calendar is shared with families to promote students' self-care practices to help create healthy habits. To learn more about these curriculums, we encourage you to explore the resources below: Kelso’s Choices Parent Information 3rd Grade Bullying Prevention Unit Family Letter 4th Grade Bullying Prevention Unit Family Letter 5th Grade Bullying Prevention Unit Family Letter Additional Resources: Child Mind Institute Free Webinars Click on the image below to access 10 months of self-care ideas designed to help elementary students create habits to make self-care practices a daily routine.
|
|
Thank You PTSA
We would like to sincerely thank all the families that donated pies for our staff the day before Thanksgiving and all of the volunteers that collected and hand delivered them to staff. We appreciate the PTSA continuing the special “Pie Day'' tradition.
Next Live Listening Session
Our next Live Listening Session will be on Tuesday, January 14th at 6:30pm. Parents wanting to attend can do so in person in the Fernwood Cafeteria or by Zoom linked here. Our topic for this section will be announced in the January Panther Pride.
Screening for Northshore’s Highly Capable Program
Various testing will occur over the month of December to support screening for the Northshore’s Highly Capable Program. All testing is organized and supported through Northshore’s Highly Capable Department and their trained proctors.
There will be test make-ups, please do not send your student to school if they are sick on these testing days. Details and times are listed below based on the grade level of the student:
-
First Grade - ALL students were screened on the NNAT3 in October. Parents were notified through the Highly Capable Department if their child was eligible to participate in the IOWA screener. If parents provided permission, students will test on:
-
Thursday, December 12th at 9:30-11:20 for both the math and reading test (there will be a 15 minutes break provided).
-
-
Second, Third, and Fourth Grade - Students ONLY took the NNAT3 in October IF REFERRED by parents or if they met the criteria for screening. Parents were notified through the Highly Capable Department if their child was eligible to participate in the IOWA screener. If parents provided permission, students will test on:
-
Wednesday, December 4th at 9:30-11:00 for reading and math (there will be a 15 minutes break provided).
-
* Please note, if a student has a highly capable designation in math OR reading, but not in both, they will automatically take the IOWA test in the area in which they have NOT yet qualified if permission has been provided.
-
Fifth Grade - ALL students were screened on the NNAT3 in October. Parents were notified through the Highly Capable Department if their child was eligible to participate in the IOWA screener. If parents provided permission, students will test on:
-
Wednesday, December 4th at 9:30-11:00 for reading and math (there will be a 15 minutes break provided).
-
* Please note, if a student has a highly capable designation in math OR reading, but not in
both, they will automatically take the IOWA test in the area in which they have NOT yet
qualified if permission has been provided.
The Highly Capable department will communicate with families about results from the IOWA test. For more information on the timelines and other related details, please visit their linked website.
Smart Watches- A Reminder
As the holidays approach, we know some parents may be considering smartwatches for their children as gifts. Please remember that smart watches are considered the same as cell phones due to their communication and internet capabilities. If students wear or bring their smart watches to school, they must only use them to tell time while in class and on campus through school hours. Using the watches to contact parents during school, taking pictures or video or using the watch’s apps during class or school hours is not allowed. If a student misuses their smartwatch at school, we may hold onto the smartwatch until a parent can pick it up at the end of the day, the same way we would handle the misuse of a cell phone.Thank you for reinforcing this policy with your child.
Community Resources
Hello Fernwood Families,
A small amount of assistance is available to families experiencing financial hardships. This time of year, we school counselors would like to learn how we can assist those who may benefit from this type of help. If you are experiencing a hardship, please complete the survey linked below to provide information. We will use the information you provide to coordinate this small amount of help to your family. Your information will be treated as confidential and will be limited to those who help on our CARE Team.
2024-2025 Fernwood Family Needs Assessment
For additional information regarding community assistance, please see the NSD website:
https://www.nsd.org/resources/support/assistance
Check The Lost and Found
As students wear more layers to school, our lost and found is beginning to fill up. If your child is missing something, encourage them to check the lost and found. As a reminder, it is also helpful to write your child’s name on the tag of their jacket or sweatshirt so the clothing item can be directly returned. We will be donating any remaining items on December 20th.
December Sing-Along Assembly
We will be holding our December Sing Along Assembly on December 20th. In planning for this assembly we work to honor our diverse community by including a variety of songs related to winter celebrations.
|
Family Engagement and Resource Center
As we approach conferences, progress reports and report cards, along with the impending breaks and holiday season, the staff at the center can provide a lot of help. Please visit the district website for more information: https://www.nsd.org/resources/support/family-engagement-and-resource-center
Preparation for Inclement Weather
If weather conditions are severe enough, there are times when our school schedule can be impacted. You can visit the "Closures and Delays" on the Northshore School District's website to learn more about how decisions are made related to this topic as well as how you can be informed if adjustments to the school schedule occur.
|
PTSA Meeting:
There is no PTSA General Meeting in December.
In January, the PTSA meeting will be on Tuesday, January 14th at 7:00pm in the Fernwood Cafeteria or you can join via zoom. Look for Zoom information to be shared in our January Panther Pride.
On behalf of the Fernwood PTSA Board of Directors: we hope to see you there.
Join Fernwood PTSA
If you haven't yet become a PTSA member for this new school year please consider joining the PTSA today.
https://fernwoodptsa.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true
Fernwood PTSA Social Media
Keep up on events, key dates, spirit days, and more by following us on social media.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FernwoodPTSAOfficial
Instagram: fernwood_ptsa
|
|
|
|
PAST NEWSLETTERS AND WEEKLY UPDATES
- Link - Follow this link to Fernwood's past newsletters for the 23-24 School Year.
- QR Code
[Monday, Nov 4 at 8:13 AM]
Counselor Corner was added to the newsletter
Have a great day!