Margot Hightower, Principal Jim Wright, Counselor

Green Gables

Gazette

April 2016

Diane French, Dean of Students

Upcoming April Events

11-13 Smiles Partners

14-15 Student led conferences

18 Field trip - Konrad/Corbett/ Beach/Esp

19 Field trip - Chang/Rubatino

20 Field trip - Gendron/Chinn

21 Perseverance Assembly 2:40 pm

22 Earth Day Assembly 2:30 pm

23 Qualifying meet 8 am

District Meet 2:30 pm

25 Field trip - Thompson

27 Early Dismissal 1:50 pm

28 Field trip - Cross/Storm

29 Field trip - Trantino, Ms C, Ms Clausen, Glass, Gordon, Corbett, Smith

Upcoming May Events

2 –6 Staff Appreciation Week

2 Field trip - Silvernale, Meehan, Cadaram

3 Talent show practice 3:30 pm

6 Coffee House (staff lounge) 9 am

10 Talent Show 2:15 pm and 6 pm

11 Early dismissal 1:50pm

16-20 Book Fair

20 Volunteer Lunch 11:20-1:20 pm

21 Championship meet 8 am / National Run a mile 2pm

25 Early Dismissal 1:50 pm

27 Courage Assembly 2:40 pm

30-31 NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day/ Snow Day

Upcoming June Events

1 Early Dismissal 1:50 pm

3 Carnival 6-9 pm

7 5th gr Celebration 6:30 pm

10 King Cty GG Library Visits 1-3pm

13 Safety Patrol to Wild Waves

9-3 pm

14 Field Day

15 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - Dismissal at 11:10 am

Dear GGB Parents,

Happy Spring to you all! So much goes on during the school year, however Spring moves at a very quick pace! We have student led conferences, Battle of the Books, state testing for 3-5th, track meets, start of planning for our next school year, volunteer appreciation, staff appreciation, talent show and much, much more! Your child has a wonderful opportunity to share his/her learning with you at our Student led conferences on April 14

th and 15

th. All families are invited to

attend during the open house times in each class while the teacher may request an individual conference for your student, or as always, you may ask for an indi-vidual conference. State testing (Smarter Balanced Assessment or SBA) begins soon for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. All students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th will be taking these statewide assessments in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math. Fifth graders have an additional Science Assessment. Our students will be taking the Smarter Balanced Assessment on:

Attendance is critical during SBA testing. Please make every effort to have your student(s) here on testing days AND on time so they can show their best work. Any appointments need to be made outside of these times. Upcoming change for next year will be our school’s grade level configuration. We will be moving from Multiage to straight grades next year and have been given our staffing for 2016-2017 school year. We will have some changes in staff as we have staff moving away from the area. I am looking to hire six teachers, along with a K-3 literacy teacher that will be given to each Elementary school! Mrs. Acuna has already sent out a letter to you in asking for information about your child’s placement for next year. It is important for you to take the time to fill this out and return it as quickly as possible so that we can begin the work of setting our classes up for next year. Over the break our Garden Shed was burnt down causing a large hole in our community garden here at GGB. We are working hard to get all accounted for insurance but it has been a big hit to our program. I am excited to tell you we had an anonymous donor who gave us a $500 home depot card to get us up and going. We are so grateful, as we are truly starting at ground zero. Any donations that can be made would be appreciated. Thank you for all you do to send us the most amazing students each and every day! Spring has sprung and we are blooming at Green Gables! Love in Children and Their Learning,

Margot Hightower

Principal

3rd

& 4th

grade April 26, 28, May 3, 4, 10

5th grade May 5, 12, 17, 18, 24, 26

Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students)

Thank you March Watch DOGS Mr. Clauson, Mr. Goretski,

Mr. Luikkonen

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Career Day is rapidly approaching and we need YOUR experiences! Whether you are a

nurse, mechanic, astronaut, custodian or business owner - we need you! We want students

exposed to S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math).

We are looking for a variety of people interested in spending a day talking to our students

about their career. Many of our students are unaware of the career opportunities available to them

and this is a fantastic way to provide them with first hand knowledge of potential career paths. This

is also a great way for you to get involved in Green Gables and make an impact on the students’

future. If you are not interested but know someone who is, you may give them (or us) the necessary

contact information. The 2016 GGB Career Day is May 11th from 9:00-1:30.

Thank you in advance for your involvement! If you have any questions or would like to get further information you may contact Debbie Finneseth at 253-945-2717 or email at: dfinnese@fwps.org

Career day RSVP form

Please complete if you are interested in participating and return this form to your student’s teacher.

Student Name: __________________________ Grade/Team: _____________

_____I am interested in participating in Career Day on May 11th.

_____ I know someone who is interested in participating in Career Day on May 11th.

Contact Name: ________________________________________________

Email address: _______________________________

Phone number: _______________________________

HELP WANTED!

PARENTS , WE COULD USE YOUR SUPPORT

Volunteers are vital to Green Gables by supporting us in creating a sense of community. There are many ways to get involved in the school, so each month a few ideas for volunteering at GGB will be listed here in the Help Wanted section. You may call Debbie Finneseth for more ideas or if you have any questions on how to get started. 253-945-2717

IN THE CLASSROOM

Parents are welcome to volunteer in their child's classroom. To find out what volunteer opportunities there are in your child's class, please talk to your child's teacher. She/He may need occasional support in class or require some preparatory work that can be done at home. Please let your child’s teacher know how much time you are available to assist, so you can be given projects that fit into your time schedule. Whether it is 15 minutes or all day, your time and support is appreciated and is an important part of what makes our school special.

PBIS TEAM

PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) Team is looking for a few parents to be a part of our bi-monthly meetings. PBIS “consists of rules, routines, and physical arrangements that are developed and taught by school staff to prevent initial occurrences of behavior the school would like to target for change.” The team meets two Tuesdays a month from 8:00-8:30am. You may contact Debbie Finneseth if you are interested in being a part of this growing team. 253-945-2717

TALENT SHOW

Are you artistic, crafty, or just want to be a part of our awesome Talent Show? We are looking for volunteers to make decorations/backdrops and add some zing to our program. Please contact Kathy Cadaram if you are interested in supporting this fun event. (253) 945-2734 or kcadaram@fwps.org

Coming soon….GG’s fun filled Field Day is June 14

Battle of Math Brains

Congratulations for winning 3rd place in Battle of the Math Brains competition at Meredith Hill Elementary.

Ankit Gowda,

Maxwell Kao,

Connor McQuisten

Tyler Clausen

March 2016

Student of the Month “Adaptability”

Sophie Walker, Cameron Waldon, Emily McGlenn, Natalie Cross, Riley Miller,

Brennan Younts, Charles Dedmond, Brian Carrillo-Zamarripa, Fasai (Sky)

Mack, Ciera Woods-Washburn, Zariyah Loa, Josh Kalcha, Keyshaun Phair,

Adam Psachos-Dannelley, Samantha Jolley, Ray Renteria, Herandi Quezada,

Chandani Deol, Sadie Barrett

Citizen of the Month

Aiden Ordonez, Jaime Riestra, Sierra Hedden, Julia Dutcher, Gianna Claborn,

Kaeden Mullins, Tressa Winston, Naomi Iumai, Taylor Oppenheim, Cooper

Fernstrom, Lisa Kizis, Nika Ty, Kristina Nguyen, Nixon Edwards, Genevieve

Lull, Sophie Irons, Achilles Loa, Kayla Winston, Charley Figgins

2016-2017 Kindergarten Registration

Registration for Kindergarten is in full swing. Washington State requirements to start kindergarten in the fall

are:

Child must be 5 years of age on or before August 31, 2016

Child’s original birth certificate or passport

Child’s current immunization record

Brigadoon also asks for proof of residence (lease/rental agreement, utility bill, etc)

Please note – immunizations must be up to date:

Hepatitis B – 3 doses (last dose at age 24 months or older)

DTaP/DT/Tdap/Td – 5 doses (if last dose is after 4th birthday dose 5 is not needed)

Polio (IPV) – 4 doses (if last dose is after age 4, dose 4 is not needed)

Varicella – 2 doses (both doses must be after the first birthday)

MMR– 2 doses (both doses must be after the first birthday)

We ask that you come to register at Green Gables before May 1st. between the

hours of 10am and 3pm, if possible.

MATH WHIZZ

For the month of March students have been working hard on their Math Whizz account and RazKids Accounts. It would be a good idea to take some time to check-in with your child and log into their accounts, there is a lot to celebrate. You can access both online programs at home and are a great enrichment opportunity for your child. Our RazKids building account would not be possible without our amazing PTA sponsoring this for our kids at Green Gables. Keep up all the extra practice Green Geckos! Any practice and learning at home is a great enrichment.

MOST IMPROVED (August to March)

Nathan Urdahl Zachary Kelley Kingston Saelee Trendon Guymon

Sydney Jackson Alayna Jones Rosie Hoxie Phoebe Thomasy

Andrew Kayo Riley Miller Raymond Orme Amelia Rennick

Dylan LaTurner Erika Sledge Jayden Scott Jacob Verbeurgt

Thoma Holden Halleta Tekalgn Alexander Raya

Danielle Fischer,

Instructional Coach

Green Gables Elementary

dfischer@fwps.org

253-945-2708

Math Contest

This April we are taking a small handful of 4th and 5

th grade students to attend a Middle School Math Competition. We

will be meeting every Monday for the next four weeks in preparation for the Thomas Jefferson Spring Math Bonanza where we will be busy learning and solving fun and difficult math problems. The event will be on Saturday, April 30th and will include Middle School students from our district and around Washington State. At GGB we believe in providing opportunity for students to grow, to be enriched in Math, and to experience a thrill of Math Competition. You may wish our team luck at the end of April.

Mrs. Fischer,

Instructional Coach

Annie Ravenscroft,

GGB Para/ GGB Math Team Coach

King Country Green Schools Earth Heroes at School

Congratulations to Sun Hong and Alexis Jolley! They have went above and beyond this year helping with Monday Green Team announcements, helping organize the "We Create Change Coin Drive" and countless other Green Team events. They have been selected/ recognized as a 2016 King County Earth Heroes at School. The Earth Heroes at School Program celebrates the importance of protecting and enhancing our natural environment. Each year, outstanding individuals, groups and programs in King County schools are recognized. A ceremony to recognize the 2016 Earth Heroes at School will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2016 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The ceremony will take place at Maplewood Greens and we are so proud of Alexis and Sun for being selected. The Green Team this year is an impressive group and really supporting green practices here at GGB. Remember at Green Gables... Think Clean, Think Green!

Ellen Trantina (K Teacher)

Dani Fischer (Instructional Coach)

I AM A

PEACE

MAKER

By Victoria Kee

I am happy for everybody’s future.

I wonder how we are alive.

I hear music everywhere I go.

I see beautiful sights.

I want to live in peace.

I am Peace Maker.

I pretend when I play.

I feel dreamy when I close my eyes.

I touch and feel a surprise.

I worry that I can’t stay.

I cry when I’m hurt.

I am a Peace Maker.

I understand that everything must die

I say, “fly to freedom”.

I dream big things.

I try to have good luck.

I hope my wishes will come true.

I am a peacemaker!

By Lila Berg

I am a peacemaker.

I wonder if I can make peace.

I hear peaceful frogs.

I see peaceful pictures on the wall.

I want a kitten.

I am a peacemaker.

I pretend to be a cat.

I feel love.

I touch cats.

I worry about the power going out

I cry when I get hurt.

I am a peacemaker.

I understand my brother.

I say please.

I dream about cats

I try making peace.

I hope I get a dog.

I am a peacemaker.

Green Gables Elementary Students Leadership Team (SST which is a handful of teachers, our family liaison,

counselor, dean, instructional coach and building principal) put together a building survey in February and

received input from our community. This information is very informative and provided great family and student

perspective. We will use this information to help create action steps to support in our areas of growth and

celebrate our areas of strength.

Average Student Survey Results 0 = Disagree, 1 = Sometimes, 2= Agree (2 the highest score)

1. My teacher makes it clear what I am supposed to learn. 1.7

2. My teacher expects all students to work hard. 1.9

3. My teacher believes that I can learn and be successful. 1.9

4. I know that I can do quality work. 1.6

5. My teacher uses different ways to help me learn. 1.7

6. My teacher listens to my ideas and opinions. 1.6

7. I get extra help when I need it. 1.5

8. I know how to get help from an adult at school if I need it. 1.6

9. My teacher cares about me. 1.9

10. The adults in my school show respect for students. 1.7

11. Most students respect those who are different from them. 1.3

12. I feel safe in my school. 1.7

13. I feel safe when I am outside during recess. 1.5

14. I feel safe before and after school. 1.8

15. I feel safe in the café. 1.6

16. The school has fair rules. 1.5

17. Students are treated fairly if they get in trouble. 1.3

18. The school is clean. 1.1

19. Parents and adults often come and help at school. 1.5

20. I get help with my school work at home. 1.6

21. I like this school. 1.6

22. If I am doing a good job in school, my teacher tells me. 1.6

23. I have fun learning at school. 1.5

24. I like the food at the school. .9

Average Family Survey Results 1 = Strongly Disagree, 2 = Disagree Slightly, 3 = Agree Slightly, 4= Strongly

Agree (4 the highest score)

1. Classes challenge students to think and solve problems. 3.21

2. I know what my child is expected to learn. 3.10

3. School work is meaningful and made relevant. 3.30

4. Teachers do whatever it takes to help my child meet high academic standards. 3.37

5. All adults in the school show respect for all students. 3.38

6. Students respect those who are different from them. 3.22

7. My child feels safe at school. 3.3

8. I know how to get involved. 3.6

9. I feel welcome when I visit the office. 3.46

10. I feel welcome by my child’s teachers. 3.71

11. My child feels safe at recess and in the café. 3.26

12. I feel welcome when we attend school events. 3.65

13. My child’s school makes parents feel that they are the best experts on their own kids and make them feel like critical

partners. 3.22

14. The staff at our school takes an active interest in who students are, what they like, and how they think and feel.

3.31

15. There is a strong feeling this school that all students can learn. 3.42

16. Grades are given in a fair manner and students receive detailed information about their quality of work. 3.41

Life doesn’t frighten me at all

By Sierra and Mia

Bunnies are going crazy Snakes flying in the air

Bugres croling my hair Bugres croling my hair

Life doesn’t frighten me at all Life doesn’t frighten me at all

Life doesn’t frighten me at all Spiders are biting your toes

Ponies are going lazy. Worms are sucking your hose

Life doesn’t frighten me at all. Life doesn’t frighten me at all.

Little seeds growing I go boo make them shoo

Big plants flowering. I make fun way they run

Life doesn’t frighten me at all life doesn't frighten me at all.

Not at all, not at all

Lady bug’s loving Life doesn’t frighten me at all.

Little Ladies hating.

Life doesn’t frighten me at all People turning off lights.

It’s only in my dreams.

Spiders crolling on a key

And big bees in the tree. I have a magic boy

No, they don’t frighten me at all That I keep in my toy

Snakes biting me Life doesn’t frighten me at all

Dogs with a fleas Not at all not at all

They don’t frighten me at all Life doesn’t frighten me at all

Ghosts make noises at night