Bulldog Weekly
Weekly Updates from Mr. Anderson and the AG Bell Office

Please e-mail Mrs. Teteak if you are not on the e-mail list.

  
 
 
     

Nov. 7, 2008

Hello Friends and Families of A.G. Bell,

Elementary conferences are happening in the next few weeks. Some things to think about as you prepare for your conference:

How to Make Parent-Teacher Conferences Work for Your Child

Parents and teachers working together as partners is essential if we are going to effectively educate our children.  Parent/teacher conferences provide an excellent opportunity for clear communication to occur regarding specific strengths and challenge areas for each student.  All children learn in different ways. They have their own individual personalities, listening skills and work habits. To help their students learn new knowledge and skills, teachers must know as much as they can about each child. No one knows more about these things than you, the parents. And no one has more influence over your children than you. That’s why teachers need your help to do a first-class job. Working together, you and the teacher can help your child have a successful school year.

Here Are Some Things To Keep in Mind. Start the conference right, be there on time, and plan not to run over the amount of time that has been set aside, about 20 minutes. The best conferences are those in which both teachers and parents stay calm and try hard to work together for one purpose and one purpose only: to help your child do well .

You should get ready for each conference, too. Talk to your children before the conference. Find out what they think are their best subjects, and what subjects they like the least. Find out why. Also, ask your children if there is anything they would like you to talk about with their teachers. Make sure your children don't worry about the meeting. Help them understand that you and their teacher (s) are meeting together in order to help them.

Before you go to the school, write notes to yourself about:

·         things about your child's life at home, personality, problems, habits, and hobbies you feel it's   important for the teacher to know

·         questions about your child's progress

·         how you and the school can work together to help your child

At The Conference  Some Good Questions To Ask:

  • What are my child’s best subjects?

  • Is my child working up to his or her ability?

  • Does my child participate in class discussions and activities?

  • How does my child handle taking tests?

  • How well does my child get along with others?

It's a good idea to ask your most important questions first, just in case time runs out before you and the teacher have a chance to discuss them all. Be sure to ask the teacher for specific suggestions on ways to help your child do better. This is the most important part of the meeting. It will become your action plan. If the teacher says something you don't quite understand, don't be shy about asking for an explanation. It's a good idea to end the conference by summing up decisions you've made together. Afterward, work the plan for improvement together. There is nothing more powerful than a parents and teachers working together to help our children succeed.

Thanks and have a great weekend!

Mr. Anderson

 

Nuts & Bolts:

Veteran’s Day Assembly: There will be a special assembly today, Friday, Nov. 7th to honor our Veterans. The choir will be performing! The assembly is at 2:40 pm and parents are welcome to attend!

 

Vision/Hearing/Scoliosis Screening: The annual screening will take place next Wednesday in the library. We could still use some volunteers – no experience needed –we will train! We start at 9:10 and hope to be done before lunch. If you could spare a couple hours we could use the extra help J Contact Gretchen Benson at mvfgretchen@hotmail.com to volunteer!

 

Report Cards: Your student’s report card will come to you in a new envelope this year. When you receive the report card, sign the outside of the envelope in the space provided, keep the report card and return the empty envelope to school. We can re-use these envelopes all year!

 

Book Fair:   The Bookfair is coming soon!  Mark your calendars now for December 1-5 to attend our annual Scholastic Book Fair in the library.  A special Grandparents Day is on Thursday, December 4th in the morning before school. (parents can come then too). Then the big Family Event is on Friday, Dec. 5th from 4-8pm. There will be something for everyone and we hope to see you there! This is a perfect time to find a little something for holiday gifts at a reasonable price! Students in grades K-6 can also participate in the Safari coloring contest. Stop by the library to pick up a copy of the coloring paper. Prizes will be awarded for winners in each grade.

 

Thank You Volunteers! We now have three volunteers helping in the office with the health room at lunch recess and/or helping with the Safe Arrival program. It is an immense help and we appreciate you: Cindy Sullivan, Sandy Young and Charlotte Brekkan!! You rock!

 

Quest Program: Student applications are now available for the 2009-2010 school year. Due date is

Dec. 3, 2008. Applications available in the office.

 

Lost & Found: Please check the Lost & Found when you come for a conference. It is overflowing and the items will be donated if not picked up!

 

Art Room News: Plea for Pringles!!!

1st grade is creating rain sticks in December relating their art to their classroom study of weather. Each rain stick takes 2 full size cans of Pringles (no lids needed).  We have a total of 59 and need 65 more-almost ½ way there! I hear Albertsons often has 10 for $10 and could be donated by a parent for snack….

 

Counseling Corner: A.G. Bell Elementary is fortunate to have on-site counseling services provided by Youth Eastside Services.  Individual and family counseling are both available primarily to children who are on Medicaid.  Many A. G. Bell families have benefited from this extra support  provided to a child.  Children have been helped with behavior problems at school or home, emotional problems such as sadness, hopelessness, or excessive worrying, or adjustment problems like handling a move, a divorce, or a death in the family.

 

The Youth Eastside Services counselor at A. G. Bell can also make referrals to Y.E.S. at one of their offices in Kirkland, Redmond, or Bellevue.  Y.E.S. offers comprehensive services such as drug and alcohol treatment, as well as individual and family counseling.  Y.E.S. offices accept insurance and have a sliding scale to accommodate families at every income level. 

 

If you would like more information or to access Y.E.S. counseling services for your child, please contact Pat Conley, A. G. Bell school counselor at 425.822.7450, or contact Claire Vita, Y.E.S. school based counselor, at 425.747.4937x2723.

 

PTSA Corner:

Bake Sale: The PTSA would like to thank everyone who contributed to our Election Day Bake Sale.  Your donations of baked goods as well as your time spent staffing our table brought in over $400.00!  Thank you!

 

Reflections: We are in full swing and we've seen some great entries come in!  Reflections is a National PTA and Washington State PTA cultural arts competition.  The Reflections Program is an opportunity for students to explore various art forms and create works of art for fun and recognition.  Using this year’s theme of "Wow" as a guide students create works of art to enter in any one of 6 areas.  The PTSA is providing an art kit to every class which students may check out so they can try different art mediums for the visual art category.  Entries are due November 14th and must include a completed entry form (extras are available outside the office).  All participants will be recognized with a certificate and will be celebrated at our Reflections "Art Walk" on Thursday, December 4th. 

 

New Fundraiser: We’re launching our Chinook Book fundraiser on November 10th to raise money for our school.  All orders are due by Dec. 1st! In the spirit of living green in our community we are selling Chinook Book – The Best of what’s Green and Local.

 

Chinook Book is a one-of-a-kind resource – a coupon book, a directory, a source of ideas and inspiration. The new edition of Chinook Book has over 300 coupons and resources for exploring our community and supporting local, sustainable businesses. Find hundreds of dollars in everyday savings with offers for Amtrak Cascades, Whole Foods, PCC Natural Markets, Seattle Aquarium, Steven's Pass and many, many more!  To see a complete list please visit: www.ecometro.com. 

 

The books are sold for $20 and we keep $10 per book! Reaching the goal of at least 1 book per family we can raise up to $3000 for our school!  Save money and support our community with Chinook Book, all while helping us reach our fundraiser goal.

 

Remember, Chinook Book has something for everyone!  It makes a great gift so pick up copies for you and a friend. 

                                               

To make your purchase, please fill out the order form that comes home with your student or contact Lena Heiner at 360-269-6627 lenakate@gmail.com                                            

                                                                                                                                               

  Community Fliers Available in Office Lobby: Come and get them J

 

Upcoming Events:

11/07-Veteran’s Day Assembly 2:40 pm

11/11-NO SCHOOL VETERAN’S DAY

11/12-Vision and Hearing Screening

11/13-Coffee with Curtis

11/14-Picture Retakes

11/14-Reflections Art Program Deadline

11/21-Half Day School for Conferences dismiss at 12:00 pm

11/24- Half Day School for Conferences dismiss at 12:00 pm

11/25- Half Day School for Conferences dismiss at 12:00 pm (no Half Day Kinder)

11/26- Half Day Thanksgiving Break dismiss at 12:00 pm

11/27 –Happy Thanksgiving!

11/28-No School Thanksgiving Break

12/1 thru 5th -Book Fair in the Library

12/4-Reflections Reception in the Gym 6:30 pm

12/18-PTSA General membership Meeting 6:00 pm

12/22 -1/02-NO SCHOOL WINTER BREAK

 

Oct. 24, 2008

Hello Friends and Families of A.G. Bell,

Hope you are enjoying the wonderful Fall weather we’ve been experiencing.  I want to remind our families that there is no school for students on October 31st. Teachers will be participating in various staff development with other LWSD staff on that day. 

On October 30th, some classrooms may choose to participate in a Harvest or Halloween celebration.  Harvest and/or Halloween celebrations are acceptable under district policy. However, the decision to celebrate or not is at the discretion of each classroom teacher.  We have some agreed upon building policies for those choosing to participate.  These include:

·        Dress up in the PM only at the discretion of the classroom teacher

·        Spooky or dangerous costumes are not allowed

·        Non scary masks are OK

·        Face and hair paint are not allowed

·        Weapons – swords, light sabers, laser guns, etc are not allowed

Generally – Keep it light, festive and fun.  Questions regarding specific items can be answered by your child’s teacher.

 

Thanks and have a great weekend!

Mr. Anderson

 

Nuts & Bolts:

School Pictures: They were delivered on this past Wednesday, the 22nd. Did your student bring them home? Retakes are scheduled for November 14th.

 

Safe Arrival: Thank you to all the parents who have been remembering to call the Safe Arrival line (425) 822-7457 when their student is sick or going to be late. It really makes a difference if we get those messages in the morning!

 

Substitute Instructional Assistants: Do you volunteer at A.G. Bell? What if you got paid to help at school? As the cold weather and flu season approach we would like you to think about becoming a substitute Instructional Assistant (I. A.)! As a substitute I.A. you could help to fill in when our regular I.A.’s are out sick. If you think this might be something that interests you please go to Employment on the district website: www.lwsd.org or call the office 425-822-7450 for more information.

 

Food Services: Looking for something to do while your kids are in school and earn extra spending money? Sodexo Food Service in the Lake Washington School District has cafeteria positions that fit a parents schedule perfectly:

 

Work days and hours will coincide with school days and hours.  No holidays or weekends. Entry-level positions for 3-4 hours per day at 9.00 per hour. No holidays or weekends. 

For More Information please call: 425-702-3393

 

School Lunch Procedures: Students will be allowed two emergency lunches when their account reaches a negative balance.  $2.25 will be charged to the student’s account, 40¢ will be charged for those on reduced lunch program.  When minus six dollars (-$6.00) is reached, the student needs to bring cash or a lunch until the balance owed is paid.

 If the student needs a lunch and fails to bring money for lunch that day or lunch from home, the student will be charged $.60 for milk, cheese sandwich and a fruit until the account has been paid.

Parents are notified each week of low and negative balances by “School Messenger”, an automated lunch account balance phone or email system.  If you wish to be emailed instead of phoned, please contact the Food Service Office at 425.702.3393.

 

There are three ways to make payments to your student’s account:

 

1. Checks or cash may be sent to school.

2. Visa or Mastercard payments by calling 425.702.3393.

3. Sign up for automatic deductions from your checking account by calling (425) 702-3393.

 

All Reduced Breakfasts are FREE for K-12 “No Charge”

 In Grades K through 3rd Grade Reduced Lunches are FREE!

 For grades 4-12 the cost is 40¢

Ask the office for an application if you qualify for free or reduced lunch.

 

Art Room News: Plea for Pringles!!!

1st grade is creating rain sticks in December relating their art to their classroom study of weather. Each rain stick takes 2 full size cans of Pringles (no lids needed). We still need 91 cans!  Please send in empty Pringles cans with your child to school. Thank you!

 

PTSA Corner:

Bingo Night - If you have a Kindergarten or First grade student please plan to join us for Bingo Night on Thursday, October 30th.  The festivities get underway at 6:30 in the gym. Come in costume (no weapons or masks please) and bring a treat to share.  Bingo prizes will be given and beverages provided.  Don't forget to bring your camera!

 

Reflections - We are in full swing and we've seen some great entries come in!  Reflections is a National PTA and Washington State PTA cultural arts competition.  The Reflections Program is an opportunity for students to explore various art forms and create works of art for fun and recognition.  Using this year’s theme of "Wow" as a guide students create works of art to enter in any one of 6 areas.  The PTSA is providing an art kit to every class which students may check out so they can try different art mediums for the visual art category.  Entries are due November 14th and must include a completed entry form (extras are available outside the office).  All participants will be recognized with a certificate and will be celebrated at our Reflections "Art Walk" on Thursday, December 4th. 

 

  Community Fliers Available in Office Lobby: Come and get them J

  • Boys & Girls Clubs Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree and Haunted House!

  • Boys & Girls Club Fall Programs www.onepositiveplace.org

  • Boys & Girls Club Pre-School

  • Kirkland Parks Basketball for 3 – 6th boys and girls (previously listed incorrectly) www.kirklandparks.net

  • Kirkland Parks Soccer Classes

  • King County Dental Care Program

  • Kirkland Dance Center Fall Schedule

  • Cub Scout Membership

  • Studio East Class Schedule

  • I9sports Basketball Classes

  • Second Story Rep Classes

  • Pacific NW Ballet School

  • King County Sheriff Kidnapping Prevention Workshop

  • Eastside Eagles Girl’s Youth Lacrosse

  • Fallapalooza – Halloween Carnival at Overlake Christian Church

  • Brad Peterson Baseball Camps Hitting/Pitching - bradpetersonbaseball@comcast.net

  • Lake Washington Ham Club Classes-k7lwh@lakewashingtonhamclub.org

 

 

Upcoming Events:

10/24-Nature Vision Guest Speaker in 3rd grade

10/28-Lake Sammamish State Park Fieldtrip (Higgins)

10/30-Burke Museum Fieldtrip (all 3rd grades)

10/30-Lake Sammamish State Park Fieldtrip (Leahy)

10/30-K & First Grade Bingo Night in the gym at 6:30 pm

10/31- NO SCHOOL – LEAP DAY

11/07-Veteran’s Day Assembly 2:40 pm

11/11-NO SCHOOL VETERAN’S DAY

11/12-Vision and Hearing Screening

11/13-Coffee with Curtis

11/14-Picture Retakes

11/14-Reflections Art Program Deadline

11/19-Peace Prize Assembly 1:00 pm

11/21-Half Day School for Conferences dismiss at 12:00 pm

 
     

Oct. 16, 2008

Hello Friends and Families of A.G. Bell,

 

Just a few informational pieces this week and a reminder to attend the PTSA presentation tonight at 6:30 pm (see the PTSA corner below for details)

                                                                                                                                                               

Nuts & Bolts:

Thanks to some awesome A.G. Bell parents we have secured some great new/slightly used chairs for our staff! Thank you to Cyn Nakamura and Sherri Monteith for their donations! Our backs and our hearts are grateful!

Office Supply Donations:

Did you know that A.G. Bell frequently receives donations of various office supplies?  Last Spring, the Froton family and Mrs. Cook’s husband, Harry donated a variety of supplies, paper, staplers, loads of paper and a few white boards.  The donated supplies were left over due to reorganization efforts at local businesses and donated to Bell.  We can always use paper and are currently looking for some office/desk chairs.  If know of excess supplies that are no longer needed at your place of employment, please think of A.G. Bell. Every little bit helps us preserve our budget and dedicate more money to support student learning.

 

Volunteers: If you completed a Volunteer application 2 years ago, your application is expiring this year! Please go on-line to www.lwsd.org  to complete a new one or come in to the office and pick up a new application ASAP.

 

Math Olympiad: Volunteers needed! We now have 25 students and room for a few more 5th and 6th graders! Contact John Leahy jleahy@lwsd.org

Math Olympiad is a world wide math competition that students from school math clubs participate in 5 times from November through March. Students compete from their home school and results are submitted online. The Olympiad club meets once a week to work on practice problems and advance their problem solving skills. Created in 1977 by Dr. George Lenchner, the Math Olympiads went public in 1979. Last year 150,000 students from 5,000 teams worldwide participated in the Olympiads. All 50 states and 25 other countries were represented.

                What do we do?  By working together in a fun setting we will…

  • Stimulate enthusiasm and a love for mathematics

  • Learn important mathematical concepts and strategies for problem solving

  • Develop mathematical flexibility in solving problems

  • Strengthen mathematical intuition

  • Use mathematical creativity and ingenuity

  • Get satisfaction, joy, and the thrill of meeting challenges

   When is it? We will start on Tuesday October 7th. We will meet in Mr. Leahy’s room Tuesday’s after school from 3:30 to 4:30 every Tuesday that we have school.

Art Room News: Plea for Pringles!!!

1st grade is creating rain sticks in December relating their art to their classroom study of weather. Each rain stick takes 2 full size cans of Pringles (no lids needed). We are about 110 Pringles cans short of our needed goal. If every family just consumed one can (I can easily do that in almost one sitting!) we could make this art project happen! Please send in empty Pringles cans with your child to school. Thank you!

 

PTSA Corner:

TONIGHT - What you need to know, wish you knew and the tools to teach your children about Money and Identity Theft: See attached flier! Awesome program planned on Oct. 16th at 6:30 pm in the gym, we hope to see you there! Free admission and childcare provided for children 4 years old and older! To pre-register contact Kim Vining at: viningdesign@comcast.net The first 40 to register and attend will receive a gift courtesy of the WSCPA. There will be door prizes as well!

 

Reflections Art Program: Reflections is in full swing and the entries are starting to come in.  Each class has its own art kit available to check at lunch or bring home for the evening.  This year’s theme is "WOW!" Student may enter in the area of music, visual arts, literature, film/video, photography or dance/choreography.  The entry due date is November 14th and each entry must be submitted with an entry form.  Additional forms are available outside the office.  All participants will be recognized with a certificate and will be celebrated at our Reflections Art Walk on December 4th. 

 

Popcorn Day: Every Wednesday is popcorn day; don't forget to send your kids to school with .50.

 

Family Bingo Night: If you have a Kindergarten or First Grader please plan to join us for Bingo Night on Thursday October 30th.  The whole family is invited so wear your costumes and head to the gym at 6:30 pm (please no masks or weapons).  Please bring a snack or treat to share and don't forget your camera!

 

PTSA Membership Form is attached to this email. Please get your forms in! The class with the highest number of memberships wins a PIZZA PARTY!! So far we have two classes tied for first place!!!

 

  Community Fliers Available in Office Lobby: Come and get them J

  • Boys & Girls Clubs Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree and Haunted House!

  • Boys & Girls Club Fall Programs www.onepositiveplace.org

  • Boys & Girls Club Pre-School

  • Kirkland Parks Basketball for 3 – 6th boys and girls (previously listed incorrectly) www.kirklandparks.net

  • Kirkland Parks Soccer Classes

  • King County Dental Care Program

  • Kirkland Dance Center Fall Schedule

  • Cub Scout Membership

  • Studio East Class Schedule

  • I9sports Basketball Classes

  • Second Story Rep Classes

  • Pacific NW Ballet School

  • King County Sherriff Kidnapping Prevention Workshop

 

 

Upcoming Events:

10/16-PTSA Presentation Tonight 6:30 pm

10/21-Lake Sammamish State Park Fieldtrip (Cook)

10/24-Nature Vision Guest Speaker in 3rd grade

10/28-Lake Sammamish State Park Fieldtrip (Higgins)

10/30-Lake Sammamish State Park Fieldtrip (Leahy)

10/30-K & First Grade Bingo Night in the gym at 6:30 pm

10/31- NO SCHOOL – LEAP DAY

11/07-Veteran’s Day Assembly 2:40 pm

11/11-NO SCHOOL VETERAN’S DAY

11/12-Vision and Hearing Screening

11/13-Coffee with Curtis

11/14-Picture Retakes

11/14-Reflections Art Program Deadline

 
     

Oct. 3, 2008

Hello Friends and Families of A.G. Bell,

 

With the onset of Fall and the potential for rainy days, it is imperative that students are dressed appropriately for the weather.  With the exception of major rain, students still attend recess when it is raining outside.  Our recess teachers do their best to keep an eye on children who are out during a “wet recess” but we cannot help a child that is underdressed for the conditions.  Please take note of the weather before sending your child to school each day and make sure your child is dressed appropriately.

           

Thank you.

Mr. Anderson

                                                                                                                                                               

Nuts & Bolts:

 

Bull Dog Weekly: We are planning on a weekly Friday electronic distribution of the Bull Dog Weekly; on occasion we are going to miss a week. Thank you for taking the time to “stay in tune” with the happenings at A.G. Bell through the Bull Dog Weekly! If you change your email address be sure to let your student’s teacher know so that we can update your records. If you know someone who is not receiving this, encourage them to call the school office.

 

Parking at A.G. Bell: The parking lot does get very crowded at the beginning of our day and at the end of the day! Please do not park in the handicap parking stalls unless you have the appropriate sign displayed in your car. Another area of concern is people parking behind the building. No parking is allowed behind the building except for staff.

 

Volunteers wanted in the School Office: If you are interested in volunteering in the office we have two spots that we could use some help: Safe Arrival Calling and Health Room at lunch time! You can help once a week or once a month. Contact Mrs. Teteak at nteteak@lwsd.org 

 

Safety Patrol: All patrol members received a manual, please be sure to read through it with your student. Patrol members on morning duty should report to the Patrol Room by 8:40 am and afternoon patrol members should be picked up by 3:45 pm.

 

From The Art Room: We are interested in borrowing collections of shells or bones/antlers (Georgia O’Keefe inspirations) for a two week period for 3rd – 6th graders. This will allow them to hone their observation and drawing skills! The collections would be “hands off” for the duration of the time at Bell. Please contact: mlustgarten@lwsd.org

 

PTSA Corner:

Thank you for supporting our fall fund raisers!  The income generated benefits Bell students in so many ways.  The PTSA off sets the cost of field trips to make them affordable for everyone.  We support the library, music and Math Olympiad programs.  Our multicultural night program, sixth grade graduation, talent show and safety patrol also benefit from this income. We can't meet our funding goals without your help, we appreciate your support!

 

Elliot Bay - Have you checked out the beautiful catalogs and quality products from Elliot Bay?  From wrapping paper to cookie dough, flower bulbs and gifts you are sure to find something for everyone!  Product will be delivered mid to late November so get a jump start on your holiday shopping.  Order will be accepted through October 3rd.  Be sure to share these catalogs with your co-workers and neighbors!

 

PTSA Presentation – What you need to know, wish you knew and the tools to teach your children about Money and Identity Theft on Thursday, October 16th from 6:30 – 8:30 pm in the Gym. Free admission and childcare provided for children 4 years old and older! To pre-register contact Kim Vining at: viningdesign@comcast.net the first 40 to register and attend will receive a gift courtesy of the WSCPA. There will be door prizes as well! This presentation is hosted by the PTSA in partnership with the Washington Society of CPAs and the Sammamish Valley Chapter of CPAs. Please plan to attend!

 

Walk Your Child to School Week -   is a national event that encourages and educates families on the benefits of having their children walk to school. How a simple idea that was once commonplace, has such a tremendous impact on our children and neighborhoods. Check out walk routes at: http://schools.lwsd.org/bell/BellWalkRoute.pdf

 

All activities are from 8:45 - 9:00 AM: 

    Monday - Friday = Volunteers handing out daily prizes and sign-ups for raffle prizes in front of Custodian’s

                                         Office    

    Monday, Wed. and Friday = Raffle drawing for prizes... announced at end of school day.

    Wednesday = Feature day with police and fire truck.

 

PTSA Membership forms are in the school office!

 

Girl Scout Recruitment: Calling all Brownies and Girl Scouts! Come to an information night on Monday, October 6th from 7:30 – 8:30 pm in the Library at A.G.Bell. You can connect with other interested parents, meet potential new leaders and learn about the benefits of Girl Scouting while munching on some Girl Scout cookies! For more info contact Sarah Miller at:  sarah.lynne@dsak.com

 

 Community Fliers Available in Office Lobby:

  • Boys & Girls Club Fall Programs

  • Boys & Girls Club Pre-School

  • Boys & Girls Club Basketball

  • Kirkland Parks Soccer Classes

  • King County Dental Care Program

  • Kirkland Dance Center Fall Schedule

  • Cub Scout Membership

  • Studio East Class Schedule

  • I9sports Basketball Classes

  • Second Story Rep Classes

  • Pacific NW Ballet School

 

Upcoming Events:

10/03-PTSA Reflections Program Kick Off

10/03 & 10/06-Lunch Buddy Program training 12:00 pm Conference Room

10/6-Girl Scout Recruitment Night, in the Library at 7:30 pm

10/6- 10/10 Walk to School Week (Police and Fire Departments visiting on the 8th)

10/09- Tiger Mountain Fieldtrip (Cook & Higgins)

10/10- Tiger Mountain Fieldtrip (Leahy)

10/16-PTSA presentation: What you need to know…teach your children about Money and Identity Theft

10/21-Lake Sammamish State Park Fieldtrip (Cook)

10/27-Visiting Author, Mike Knudson, in the Library for Grade 3 – 6

10/28-Lake Sammamish State Park Fieldtrip (Higgins)

10/30-Lake Sammamish State Park Fieldtrip (Leahy)

10/30-K & First Grade Bingo Night in the gym at 6:30 pm

10/31- NO SCHOOL – LEAP DAY

11/13-Coffee with Curtis

 
     

Sept. 9, 2008

Hello Friends and Families of A.G. Bell,

We’ve had a great first week around the school house.  A huge thank you to all of our wonderful staff and families for making the transition back to school a smooth one.  As I often say with a wink and smile, “we made it through our first week and haven’t lost a student yet!”  This year, we are planning to implement a weekly email update to members of our community – The Bull-Dog Weekly (BDW). Included in the BDW will be important dates, reminders, announcements, some good news and an occasional note from me.  It is our continual goal to improve communication with our families and we hope the “BDW” will serve to improve the home to school connection. 

As it is the beginning of the school year, we have several reminders for students and families:

 

Curriculum Night: All A.G. Bell parents are encouraged to attend Curriculum Night.  This is an important night to establish school and home connections.  Teachers and staff are prepared to discuss curriculum, classroom procedures and management along various activities and protocol – please make every effort to attend.  Again this year, we will be providing childcare (ages 4 and up) and language interpreters for those who need it. 

Curriculum Night Schedule:

· 6:00-6:45 Kindergarten-3rd Grade in classrooms

· 6:45-7:00 Principal and PTSA (Gym)

· 7:00-7:45 4th-6th Grade in classrooms

 

Student Drop Off and Dismissal: Our parking lot is small and space to park is often limited during our peak traffic times.  To ensure student safety, we have developed some basic protocol for dropping off and picking up students. 

·         Students are to be dropped off no earlier than 8:45 am and picked up immediately after school dismisses

·         Student drop off  and pick up is in front of the school (we have staff members there to assist the students)

·         No student drop off or parent parking behind the gym or on the playground area

·         Handicap Parking is reserved for those with a valid disabled parking pass.  The fine for non-handicap vehicle is over 200 hundred dollars and we do have staff and parents that need that parking

·         NO PARKING IN FIRE LANE AREA ( Any area marked in red)

·         Please do not park along the bus lane (fire lane) drive way the buses need the space to turn into the bus lane

It is our goal to make the drop off and pick up process as smooth as possible.  Please be patient with us as we work through beginning of the year bugs to ensure all our students and family members are safe.

 

Cell Phone Zone:  Cell phones are allowed on campus but must remain turned off and in backpacks.  Students may use their cell phones off campus or under the direct supervision of a staff member.   Our two “Cell Phone Zones” are in the office and in the classroom (under teacher supervision).

 

Bikes on Campus:  Students in grades 4-6 who possess a valid A.G. Bell bike pass (available in the office), may ride their bikes to school and park on campus.  Roller blades and skateboards create significant safety issues and are not allowed on campus.

 

Lost and Found: The student lost and found has been relocated to the 100 wing

 

Dogs on Campus:  We have many students with various pet allergies and phobias.  As a result, dogs on campus should remain on the lower field next to the big maple tree.

 

PTSA Meeting: Our first PTSA meeting of the year is this Thursday, September 11 @ 6pm in the A.G. Bell Library.  At our meeting we will be reviewing or PTSA budget, discussing key events and sharing how parents and community members can get involved here at Bell.  Ms. Conley and Mr. Anderson will be sharing a presentation on Bullying Awareness and Prevention and detailing the work that goes on behind the scenes at Bell in ensure we maintain a positive culture for our students.

 

Community Fliers: We will not be distributing community fliers through “kid mail” this year. All community fliers that have been approved for distribution will be available at the display kiosk in the office lobby. We will publish a list of available fliers in the BDW.

Available Fliers:

  • Boys & Girls Club Fall Programs

  • Lil’ Roos Cheer Camp

  • Kirkland Dance Center Fall Schedule

 

Upcoming Events:

9/9-9/12-PACE Fundraiser for PTSA

9/12-PTSA packets go home

9/10-All school Assembly 1:10pm

9/11-PTSA General Membership Meeting 6:00 pm

9/16-Volunteer Parent Training for the copiers in our work room 9:30 am

9/18-Curriculum Night 6:00pm

9/19-Assembly-Elliott Bay Kick off (PTSA  event)

9/24-Skate King 6:00 pm

9/25-Picture Day (individual)

 
     
 

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