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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:
- New Construction Updates and Images,
- Ideas to Support Your Conversation During Conference Days,
- Progress Reports,
- PTSA Book Fair,
- And More!
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Dear Fernwood Families,
We were grateful for the families that were able to adjust their schedules to attend our Live Listening Session within the month of October. The conversations with sessions deepen the relationships across our school community as well as the partnership between school and home by gaining perspective and insight around the values, goals, and ideas of a diverse school community. While we are still processing all the information we heard, one of the things we heard was a desire to provide students with more exposure to science and science experiments. As a result, we were able to partner with PTSA to bring in a related assembly during conference week called “Science Magic”. Your ideas matter and can support us in thinking about what we can do differently. Our next Live Listening Session will be on January, 10th. We hope you can make it. Stay tuned for more information.
While these Listening Sessions are important to make sure our shared values mission reflect the community in which we serve, there are other ways our community is continuing to grow and change. Fernwood will break ground this April to begin our construction project supported by the approval of the Bond and Levy in 2022. This project will include a new site layout to improve the flow of traffic around our campus. It will also include a new building so that we no longer need portables along with an inclusive playground. Below are images of our current plans with image descriptions below.
Site Layout
Interior Layout of the New Building
Exterior of the New Building
Plaza in Between the New Building and the Existing Administrative Building
Common Spaces within the New Building that Support Small Groups and Student Collaboration
Common Spaces within the New Building that Support Small Groups and Student Collaboration
Kind regards,
Kate Eicher, Proud Principal
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OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
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As a whole school, we united for National Bullying Prevention Month in October. We celebrated Unity Day on Wednesday, October 18th by creating a unity chain and sharing the ways we can show and spread kindness. It was so great to see our Unity Chain grow and grow with everyone’s pledge to show kindness at Fernwood! To celebrate Unity Day, we also encouraged all students and staff to wear the color orange and show how we unite for kindness, courage, acceptance and inclusion! There was so much orange to see on Unity Day!
For the month of November students are having their third lesson with their school counselors. Students in grades K - 2 have learned about the differences between small problems and BIG problems. Students are hearing the mantra: We are smart enough and strong enough to solve small problems. For big problems, we go to a trusted adult right away for help because big problems can be scary, dangerous and someone could get hurt. In November, students are learning more about Kelso's Choices (wheel) and the nine ways to solve small problems. We want the size of our reaction to match the size of our problem.
For students in grades 3 - 5, 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 discuss how sometimes a bystander to bullying can help by being a friend, speaking up and helping someone report to an adult.
Lastly, some holidays will be upon us sooner than we know. With this in mind, please reach out if your family could benefit from some community services and support.
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!
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Best Regards,
Jennifer Brisbine (Grades K, 2, & 4) jbrisbine@nsd.org and 425-408-4570
Sarah Cue (Grades 1, 3, & 5) scue@nsd.org and 425-408-4572
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October Spirit Day
On Tuesday, October 31st, we will have our first Spirit Day of the school year: Costume/Character Day. Students can dress up in a costume they already have, put one together from materials at home (maybe come as the teacher), or dress up as a storybook character (Pinkalicous or Where’s Waldo).
Here are a few guidelines for this spirit day:
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Students will need to wear their outfit to school. There will not be an option to change as this would make the restroom areas too crowded given our safety protocols.
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Limit accessories. Students can wear glasses for example, but we ask that accessories that would get in the way of student learning or interactions with others remain at home (face masks, plastic weapons, wigs that become itchy, etc).
If you have specific questions, please email your child’s teacher.
Vision and Hearing Screening at Fernwood, October 30th
Each year in Northshore schools, students in grades Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, and 5 receive hearing and vision screenings. We are currently scheduled for vision and hearing screenings on October 21st. If you would like to exempt your child from either of these health screenings, please contact the school nurse (425-408-4506).
It is important to understand that these are basic screenings and are designed to identify students who may require further testing. They are not intended to replace regular exams by qualified health care providers. A student who does not pass any screening will be rechecked in a few weeks, and you will be notified only if there are concerns after the second screening.
Vision screening uses the PlusOptix. The PlusOptix is an autorefractor that takes a measurement of the refraction of the eyes. The result is a baseline refraction measurement. The illumination technique used by Plusoptix, is totally harmless to the child's eyes. If your child wears glasses or contact lenses for distance or near vision, please be sure they have them on the screening day.
If your child has a hearing loss and is being followed by a healthcare provider or specialist and you do not wish for them to participate in the screening, please let the school nurse know. If you have concerns about hearing loss and school accommodations, contact your student’s teacher or the school nurse.
Progress Reports
Progress reports for the 1st quarter of the 2023-2024 school year will be available to view through ParentVue by November 14th. Parents of Kindergarten students will receive a copy of the WA Kids report at your scheduled conference or sent home with your child.
Fall Parent Teacher Conferences
This year conferences begin on Tuesday, November 16th and go through Tuesday, November 21st. If you have not yet scheduled a conference, please contact your child’s teacher as soon as possible to select a time that will work for you. Parents have so much to share with teachers. You hear the “home” version of how students feel about school. They may mention what they like best, what is easy or challenging, and whether or not they have school worries. You know if your child is doing homework at night and how long it takes. You know what brings about the most excitement for your child and what gets the most airtime at the dinner table.
Sharing these insights with your child’s teacher is valuable. Teachers have so much to share with parents too. Teachers watch how your child performs academically in a variety of subject areas and what support is needed to make the most progress. They know whether your child is willing to take intellectual risks in the classroom. They know the ways in which your child is seeking out friendships in class and what behaviors help or hinder social progress. Teachers know if your child is on track to meet state academic standards. They also are working to see evidence of fixed or growth mindset tendencies, which is certainly a work in progress.
In order to make your conference a productive one, here are some questions you might want to ask and some information you might consider sharing with the teacher. Preparing what you hope to ask and share will help make the most out of your time together.
Conference Day Schedule 
Dear Families:
Get ready! The Scholastic Book Fair, sponsored by PTSA, is coming our way (YAY!). Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them on their journey to becoming lifelong readers. AND—as always—every purchase at the Fair benefits our school.
Here’s what you need to know about the big event, which will take place from Nov 3rd to Nov 9th at Fernwood elementary school library.
Say goodbye to cash and hello to eWallet—your child’s digital payment account. Before the Fair, set up eWallet for worry-free, cash-free purchases. Anyone can contribute! Share each child’s eWallet so friends and family can add funds and give your kids more books to enjoy.
If you can’t make it to the Fair, then shop at our school’s Book Fair online. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Every online purchase will also benefit our school.
Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/fernwoodelementaryschool
The countdown to more Bookjoy is on! Catch you at the Fair!
Happy reading,
Kate Eicher, Proud Principal
Fernwood Elementary School
Celebrating Veterans Day
In honor of Veterans Day, we would like to create a slideshow honoring those family members or friends that have served to protect our country. If you have a family member or friend who is a veteran, please send us their picture so that we may honor them in our Veteran's Day Assembly no later than Tuesday, November 7th. You can upload photos to the Google Form using this Veterans Day Family Picture Link. There will be a space to include their name, the student’s name in which they are related or connected, and branch of service as well as years of service.
Morning Arrival
We wanted to give a reminder about the morning drop-off process for both students and caregivers:
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Car Drop-off: remain in cars until 9:00am
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Walkers: wait on the outside of the fence until 9:00am
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You are welcome to walk in with your child(ren) at 9:00am up to the office area to say goodbye and wish them a fantastic day at school!
*Some students do come into campus before 9:00am if they have Safety Patrol, Choir, Cross Country (or other sports) practice, Bad Monkeys, or are assisting with open Library Time, but we are asking all others to please wait until 9:00am.
Picture Retake Day
Did your student miss picture day on September 21st or do you want a new picture? Picture retake day will be on November 16th. Orders may be placed online by searching for your school name at mydorian.com and selecting the green Order button next to your school retake day event. Online orders are available up to 4 days after retake day.
If you already ordered and have a picture package but want a new picture, please return the picture package with your student and a new picture will be taken.
EMERGENCY/REUNIFICATION
We are continually refining our practices around Safety/Emergency at Fernwood. Below you will find links to our full list of Emergency Drills/situations and information, as well as information specific to Reunification. Families, please be sure you have your Contact Information, as well as Emergency Contacts (contacts allowed to pick up your child) up to date in PARENTVUE.
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REUNIFICATION PICTURES/VIDEO FOR FAMILIES- Consider saving this presentation on your phone to have quick access to if needed. Slide #2 has a video of the Reunification process, step by step.
Physical Education (PE)News
Are you interested in learning about what your child is doing and learning about in PE, please check out our PE News for updates each month.
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Screening and Timelines for Highly Capable Testing
Northshore has begun the process of screening students to determine their eligibility for receiving Highly Capable services.
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Kindergarten - No screened
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First and Fifth Grade - All students have been screened on the NNAT3. Parents have been notified by the Highly Capable Department as to if their student will move on to being screened through the IOWA. We are still determining a date for IOWA testing.
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Second, Third, and Fourth - Students in these grades that are referred by parents or teachers will be screened on the IOWA on Wednesday, November 8th by proctors from the Highly Capable Department.
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PTSA General Meeting
The November PTSA General Meeting will be in the Fernwood Library on Tuesday, November 14th, 7-8 p.m. We will not have Chat with the Principal this week. The meeting will be hybrid. If you wish to join on Zoom, use the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82931673151
Meeting ID: 829 3167 3151
On behalf of the Fernwood PTSA Board of Directors: we hope to see you there.
Book Fair
The PTSA Book Fair will begin on November 3rd and continue until November 9th. See the flier linked here for more information. Students will be able to shop the book fair during their scheduled library time. The Book Fair Family Event will be on Wednesday, November 8th from 3:00-6:00pm.
Reflection Program
The Fernwood PTSA is proud to bring back the Reflections program this year. Please use the signup sheet as your resource to learn about the program.
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Nov 3rd : Deadline to Sign up. Please use this signup sheet.
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Nov 15th : Deadline to submit the entry along with your student's form filled in, as per the template available here.
Fernwood Spirit Wear is now available!
Fernwood spirit wear is here! Check out the awesome new gear and place your order to show your Fernwood school spirit! There are a variety of adult and youth sizes and all are welcome to order. Please be sure to select your child's teacher at checkout (select your oldest child's teacher if you have multiple students). The store is open until Sunday, November 19 at midnight. All spirit wear will be delivered to classroom teachers, so there are no shipping costs. Go Panthers! Order here: https://fernwoodpanthers.itemorder.com/shop/sale/. Questions? Email: fernwoodfundraiser@gmail.com.
Other Information
Join the PTSA: https://www.memberplanet.com/s/fernwoodptsa/membership-form-2023-24
Keep up on events, key dates, spirit days, and more by following us on Social Media!
Check us out on:
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Instagram: fernwood_ptsa
If you have questions, please reach out to fernwoodpanthers@gmail.com
Yearbook Sales information
The pre-order has been included in the first-day packet. The single form can be found at the location below: https://www.memberplanet.com/s/fernwoodptsa/yearbook2023-24-preorder-form
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PAST NEWSLETTERS AND WEEKLY UPDATES
- Link - Follow this link to Fernwood's past newsletters for the 23-24 School Year.
- QR Code
