PANTHER PRIDE
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From the PrincipalDear Fernwood Families, I hope you and your family are finding joyful moments to enjoy this beautiful spring weather that has finally arrived. As I walk around campus, our multiple cherry trees have been showing off their stunning blooms. Even our students are noticing and want to rename them the Fernwood Trees due to their pink blossoms and dark bark. Spring is always a time where we can pause to recognize the incredible growth of our students across all academic and social-emotional areas.
There is so much to celebrate around the progress of each child. In thinking about academics, not only can students reflect on their past learning, they are able to apply that to new learning across content areas and situations. May is a busy month for both classroom and state assessments. While we will not have our Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) data back until the start of the 2026-27 school year, we learn so much about student’s academic growth from our district and classroom assessments as well as through 1:1 interactions between teachers and students.
It is also important to celebrate the ways our Panthers have grown socially and emotionally, developing their self efficacy and agency. This year, just a few examples of our students demonstrating student agency include:
We know this growth in students is related to the work of our teachers in partnership with families. We are so grateful for the student-centered approach they take to carrying out our mission of creating a culture where all students experience a sense of belonging and achieve the social-emotional, and academic skills they need to be successful.
We want to say a special thank you to our PTSA and community for showing such appreciation for our staff in our recent Teacher Appreciation week. We were spoiled with treats, goodies and a wonderful taco bar lunch! We truly value our partnership and the ongoing support our PTSA and the Fernwood community provides.
With appreciation, Cassie Morton, Principal
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR |
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5/4 -5/5 - 5th Grade go to camp 5/7 - Track Meet @ Ruby Bridges - 5:00pm 5/14 - Track Meet @ Frank Love - 5:00pm 5/19 Track Finals @ NCHS - 5:00pm 5/19 - Sister Schools Benefit Concert @ Northshore Performing Arts Center - 7:30pm 5/25 - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day Observed |
DISTRICT INFORMATION |
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Is Your Family Moving Over the Summer? If your family will not be living in the Fernwood service area for the 2026-27 school year, please notify your current teacher and Mrs. Bickhaus (tbickhaus@nsd.org). Sharing this information in advance helps us to keep updated on our numbers for next year in relation to our goal of creating balanced classrooms. We believe balanced classrooms are the first step in setting all students up for success for the 2026-27 school year. We are sorry to see your family go and wish you the best in the future! Once a Panther, always a Panther - the Panther Pride is part of each one of us and cannot be forgotten! |
COUNSELOR CONNECTION |
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In the month of May, all students in grades K-3 will receive a counselor-led lesson to extend their learning of the Zones of Regulation and/or on their friendship skills. Students in grades Kindergarten through second grade will apply their understanding of how feelings show up in the body (self-awareness) and use this knowledge to further develop their empathy for others (social awareness). They will then apply their self-regulation tools to work through hypothetical scenarios that will test their social responsibility and social management skills (Kelso’s).
Students in grades 4-5, (in the months of April or May) have/are receiving a career development lesson that uses John Holland’s RIASEC model to explore potential future careers. The purpose of this lesson is to help students name and reflect upon their personal interests and natural strengths to determine what could be a future career possibility. Fifth grade students are asked to contemplate what should be considered when selecting a future career. All of our 4th and 5th grade students are encouraged to discuss with their families how they made decisions and choices regarding their post-secondary education and/or vocational and career paths.
Also in May, Spring Small Group counseling experiences for students in grades K - 4 are continuing and will conclude for students near the end of May. On a related note, we have enjoyed welcoming Ms. Claire, school-counselor-in-training to Fernwood; and she has led a number of small groups and classroom lessons for our Fernwood Panthers.
Lastly, thanks to those who provided input regarding the content of our April Autism Acceptance Assembly. For this assembly, all of Fernwood’s students viewed a virtual assembly that was led by our 5th grade Student Council board. Students learned about neurodiversity and heard the message that our school has strength in our diversity. Students also learned about differences in sensory needs, the potential for special interests to dominate social conversations, and the rejection sensitivity of our diverse learning community. Additional activities were provided to help students deepen and extend their understanding of the messages and topics provided in the assembly.
If you need any further assistance or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact your school counselor using the contact information found below.
In Partnership, Jennifer Brisbine jbrisbine@nsd.org and 425-408-4570
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 |
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Additional Resources: Child Mind Institute Free Webinars Click on the link above 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 |
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Biking, Parking Lot Safety, and More! With the increase in warm weather, we recognize many families may adjust their mode of transportation to and from school. Spring is also a good time for all of us to pause and revisit procedures to ensure we maintain our procedures during arrival and dismissal to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families. Please remember that there is NO Pick-p or Drop-off on 39th Street. Please revisit our arrival and dismissal procedures linked here.
*Please note: Any student biking to school (even when accompanied by an adult) must have a consent form turned in and approved. Only students 10 and older can bike alone once their form is approved.
SBA DATES Students in grades 3rd-5th will take part in our state’s Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) this spring. 5th graders will also take the Washington State Science Assessment. During our testing window, it is especially important your child is present and on time to school. Please see the testing dates to mark your calendar. *Please note: there is always the possibility students may become ill, so make up opportunities will be provided. Please do not send your student to school when they are ill. Here is a key to better understand the acronyms on our schedule:
Testing dates below: |
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Summer Food Resource: SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) provides a one-time $120 grocery benefit for each eligible child to help families during the summer. Students will qualify automatically through free or reduced-price meal eligibility. Families who are not yet eligible can still apply for free or reduced-price meals through the end of June to qualify for SUN Bucks. Please see the attached flyers for additional information.
To apply for free or reduced-price school meals click here: https://www.nsd.org/schools/get-started/food-services/free-and-reduced-price-breakfast-lunch
If you have any questions or need assistance with resources, please reach out to our Fernwood Care Team Liaison, Jean Christensen at 425-408-4506 or jchristensen@nsd.org.
Looking for Resources? The Northshore Health Hub is a free, confidential service that pairs you with one-to-one assistance to help you find and apply for the resources you or your family may need.
If you have questions or need additional support, please contact our School Nurse and Care Team Liaison Jean Christensen at jchristensen@nsd.org or 425-408-4506. |
PTSA INFORMATION |
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Fernwood Night At The Mariners When: Saturday, May 16th Time: 4:15pm Ticket Price: $30 Purchase Tickets https://www.givebacks.com/causes/fernwoodptsa/events/2aac73df4f At Fernwood, our diversity is our greatest strength—but our shared values and experiences are what truly make us a pack. The Fernwood PTSA is thrilled to invite you to our upcoming Multicultural Night!
Multicultural Night This year’s theme: "How Are We Alike? Celebrating What Unites Us in a Diverse World" While we love exploring the unique traditions that make us different, this night is dedicated to discovering the common threads that bind us together—whether it's a shared love for storytelling, the universal joy of music, or the comfort of a home-cooked meal.
Event Details Date: May 29th Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm Location: Fernwood Elementary RSVP/Sign-Up: see below Fernwood Cultural Night - Performance registration |