December 2025 Newsletter

PANTHER PRIDE

Fernwood Elementary December 2025

A woman with long, graying hair smiles at the camera.

From the Principal

Dear Fernwood Families,

Thank you for joining us for parent-teacher conferences over the past two weeks. We deeply appreciate your flexibility, time, and commitment to these meaningful conversations. When families and teachers come together to celebrate progress and reflect on next steps, students feel seen, supported, and encouraged to grow.

As we shared in September, our 2025–26 school wide theme is “Rooted in Joy.” This theme reflects our belief that when students feel grounded—in belonging, in relationships, and in their own identities—they grow with confidence, curiosity, and joy. Joyful learning is not just about academics; it includes the social, emotional, and cultural experiences that help each child feel connected and valued. By participating in conferences, you helped nurture these roots. Your insights about your child guide us in creating learning experiences that are more personalized, inclusive, and engaging each day. As we look ahead to the coming months, we want to share two important updates with our community.

First, thank you for helping us keep our parking lot safe. With increased traffic during arrival and dismissal, we ask all families to continue driving slowly, remaining alert, and following staff directions. Small steps—staying off your phone while driving, pulling forward when asked, and using designated crosswalks—help us ensure that every child and adult can enter and exit campus safely each day. We appreciate your partnership in creating a calm and predictable environment during our busiest times.

Second, we are excited to share that our new expansion building will officially open in January. This beautiful new space will allow us to grow not only in size but in opportunity. Classrooms, shared spaces, and flexible learning areas have been designed to spark collaboration, creativity, and connection. The expansion will also provide new places for community events, family engagement, and school wide activities—strengthening the joyful and inclusive environment we are building together.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership, trust, and support. From all of us at Fernwood, we wish you a peaceful, restorative, and joy-filled holiday season and New Year.

With appreciation,

Cassie Morton

Principal

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

December

12/4 - HICAP Testing - 2nd - 5th Grades

12/5 - HICAP Testing - 1st Grade

12/22 - 1/4 - No School - Winter Break

January

1/5 - Return to School

1/8 - PTSA Spelling Bee - Round 1 - 6:30pm

1/13 - PTSA General Meeting - 7:00pm

1/19 - No School - Martin Luther King Jr Day Observed

1/23 - End of the first semester

1/26 - No school - Teacher work day

COUNSELOR CONNECTION

For the month of December, all Fernwood students are having their 4th classroom lesson with their school counselor. Students in grades K - 2 have been working on individual Kelso’s Choices (Wait and Cool Off, Apologize and Make a Deal) and discussing how and why some of Kelso’s Choices could be a better choice based upon the type of problem they’re facing. Students have been learning how and when to do Kelso’s Choices independently. Students are encouraged to try 2 of Kelso’s Choices to solve small problems before asking for help from an adult.

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 have learned more about Bystander Power and Responsibility 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 and the Bullying Prevention Unit will conclude in December. For students in grade 3, students will continue to learn how to recognize differences between bullying and conflict, and practice assertive skills to refuse bullying in response to hypothetical scenarios.

Also in December, we will be preparing for Winter small groups, which are scheduled to begin in mid-January. Most parents of invited students learned about this invitation during their parent-teacher conference. Families will receive an email notification to OPT OUT before groups begin.

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 jbrisbine@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:

Student Self-Care Calendar

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.

IN THE KNOW

A slice of pie with whipped cream and the words 'Thankful for you'.

Thank You!

A huge Thank You to our PTSA volunteers and families that donated pies for the annual giving of a pie to each staff member!! We really appreciate this tradition every year.

Also a BIG Thank You for all who were able to contribute to the Fernwood Student Council Food Drive. Your generosity has made a difference for countless families in our community.

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. 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:
Friday, December 5th 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:
Thursday, December 4th 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 - 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 4th 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.

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 19th.

Do you need extra support or additional resources?

Click HERE to connect with our Fernwood Care Team Liaison.

Care Team Liaisons are designated staff members at all 36 Northshore schools and programs who nominate students in need for financial support. Established in 2018, this program was created with the belief that every student in Northshore is our student. By partnering with school staff, the Northshore Schools Foundation strives to support students dealing with disrupted normal activities, helping to remove barriers, and ensure that every student gets the care they need. This program reflects our commitment to the success of every Northshore student.

DISTRICT INFORMATION

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 resource 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 INFORMATION

A promotional graphic for the Fernwood PTSA Spelling Bee 2025-2026, featuring a panther and bee.

Spelling Bee

We are delighted to inform you of the return of our Annual Spelling Bee. Our Fernwood Elementary School PTSA is excited to host the 2025-2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee and the school level competition will be held in person at Fernwood Elementary School.

This promises to be an engaging event, highlighting the impressive linguistic abilities and competitive spirit of our participants. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate language, learning, and enjoyment, with significant anticipation and excitement.

Action Required: We encourage you to involve your students. Kindly ensure their prompt registration.

Registration link - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeaiIkQoEUc94ZQwGueFt2SFblMdyM5HHV-15Snrc1Gfvx3OA/viewform

Registration will close precisely on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 11:59pm PST. Please note that late registrations cannot be accommodated.

The first round of the Spelling Bee will be an in person written test that will be held on January 8, 2026.

The second round of the Spelling Bee will be in person round and will be held on February 5 & 6, 2026.

Sharpen your words, spell with pride and get ready to Bee brilliant!

Thank you for your time and support!

Best regards,

Baghya

Winter After School Classes

Submit the interest form by November 30th. If interest exceeds capacity, a lottery will be held. Visit our webpage for details.

Questions? Email Manli at fernwoodptsaafterschool@gmail.com

Reflections

Deadline extended. PTSA reflections submissions are now due December 3rd at 11:59pm

How to Participate

1. Check the rules for your category:

https://www.wastatepta.org/programs/reflections/

2. Make your artwork.

3. Upload a photo + entry form by Nov 23, 2025:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSej02HsVq2ydTGh4V9YjczHr1jJ0iAyQnVtoqVevyaLtVZmbQ/viewform

Thank You to Our Amazing Pie Day Volunteers!

A huge thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who donated pies for our teachers on Pie Day! Your generosity helped us show our staff just how much they are appreciated.

Holiday Gift Card Drive – Help Our Panthers in Need

This holiday season, we are collecting gift cards to support 12 Panthers who need our help.

No child should go hungry or feel forgotten during the holidays. Your generosity will help provide food, clothing, and moments of joy for our school community.

How to Donate Gift Cards

Physical Gift Cards:
Drop off at the school office. One of our PTSA board members will be available to receive gift cards at the time of school drop-off or pick-up.
In our absence, you may place them safely in the PTSA mailbox.
E-Gift Cards: Email directly to fernwoodpanthers@gmail.com

Thank you for helping us support our Panther families this holiday season!

Become a PTSA Sponsor

Support Fernwood Elementary students by becoming a PTSA Sponsor today! Your generous sponsorship helps fund beloved programs like the Science Fair, Spelling Bee, Art Docent Program, After-School Enrichment Classes, Staff Appreciation, and more.

Choose your sponsorship level — Diamond ($1,500), Sapphire ($750), or Emerald ($500) — and enjoy recognition on banners, newsletters, and social media!

💎 Become a Diamond Sponsor

💙 Become a Sapphire Sponsor

💚 Become an Emerald Sponsor

Prefer to give another amount? Every contribution makes a difference!

➡️ Make a General Donation

For questions, email fernwoodfundraiser@gmail.com.

FIND The PTSA:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FernwoodPTSAOfficial

Instagram: fernwood_ptsa