Action Items
Pay Fees and Donate
Sign Up for Communications
Buy Lakeridge Spirit Wear
Add Lunch Money
Mark Your Calendars
LAKERIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PTA PARENT INFORMATION PACK
2017-18

Dear Lakeridge Elementary Families,

On behalf of the Lakeridge Elementary PTA, we would like to welcome you to the 2017-18 school year! We look forward to seeing everyone again and meeting our new Lakeridge families.
 
The  PTA Parent Information Pack is one of the most important sources for PTA program information, Lakeridge procedures, and MI School District services and policies. We encourage you to read the entire pack (this email) to ensure you are familiar with school and district information. We know that it can be a bit overwhelming, so please refer to the checklist of "Action Items" on the left side of the screen  (Action Items are also highlighted in RED throughout the Parent Information Pack).
 
As many of you are aware, The PTA is truly an essential component of our school by funding learning and student support, providing community support for families, organizing events, partnering with school improvement efforts and enriching the overall experience for our children. This is only possible through the generosity of our Lakeridge community in supporting our annual Ask Campaign.

Thank you for your support of the Lakeridge Elementary PTA. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions, ideas or simply want to volunteer!
 
Nancy Weil and Elizabeth Evans
Lakeridge PTA Co-Presidents

PTA INFORMATION
 
LAKERIDGE ELEMENTARY PTA:  ASK CAMPAIGN

What is the PTA Ask Campaign?
 
The Ask Campaign is the foundation of our PTA's fundraising efforts and is what helps support quality education for our children. The Lakeridge PTA's goal for the 2017-18 school year is to raise $116,000 - the equivalent of $275 per student with 100% family participation.
 
What does my donation fund?
 
Your donation has a direct impact on your child's education at Lakeridge during this school year. Your donation helps fund 17.5 hours per day of learning and student support services, which would otherwise not be available to our students. In addition, your donation helps fund the many outstanding extra programs and curriculum enhancements that better serve our children.
 
In order to maintain all the programs and services offered by the PTA, it is extremely important for every family to participate in the Ask Campaign. Donating to the Ask Campaign is your opportunity to make a real difference for your child at Lakeridge!
 
Visit the the Where Does Your Money Go? page on the PTA website to learn more.
 
Why is it critical to donate to the Ask Campaign?
 
Mercer Island School District (MISD) is perceived to be a richly funded school system. That perception is not reality. Washington state government has not done a great job funding education. WA state is ranked 28th in the nation in per student education dollars. In the state of WA, MISD ranks 291st out of 300 school districts in per student state funding. It is the generosity of the community that provides the fulcrum to enhance excellence in every school. Thanks to community donations, together we lift the Mercer Island School District to 163rd out of 300 school districts in WA state. As you can see, every dollar donated truly makes a difference!
 
Does your employer provide corporate matching?
 
If you or your spouse's employer matches donations made to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, your donation could be doubled. Local companies such as Adobe, Alaska Airlines, Amgen, Bank of America, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Boeing, KeyBank, Merrill Lynch, Microsoft, Nintendo of America, Puget Sound Energy, Real Networks, Russell, Shurgard, Starbucks  Coffee Co., and Verizon all participate in corporate matching programs. See the Corporate Matching Page on our website for more information.
 
Together we can reach our goal of $116,000 ($275/student) AND 100% family participation!
 
Thank you for your generosity!
 
Stephanie Parmenter and Dawn Dunn
Lakeridge PTA Co-VPs of Fundraising


BACK TO SCHOOL FEES AND PTA REGISTRATION
School Supplies
Easy as 1, 2, 3
Our on-line registration process will assist you to :
  • Become a PTA Memberwhich includes representations at the state and federal level. Your membership includes the 2017-18 Lakeridge PTA Directory* as well as many benefits offered through WA State PTA, including discounts to Great Wolf Lodge, WA State Fair and more. For login information for WA state benefits, email  membership@lakeridgepta.org.
*The Directory contains contact information for all students, staff and families at Lakeridge. More information on the directory will be coming in September.
   
 
And THANK YOU for your support!
 
FIFTH GRADE INFORMATION
For those of you with fifth graders, there are some special programs and volunteer opportunities for this class. Please take the time to read the fifth grade welcome letter  from our Fifth Grade Programs Chair.

LAKERIDGE INFORMATION
SCHOOL CALENDARS
2017-18 Lakeridge Events & Important Dates
SUBSCRIBE to the Lakeridge PTA calendar!  Click on the calendar link, scroll down the PTA calendar page and click SUBSCRIBE.  The calendar supports both Outlook and iCal.                        
MISD District Calendar (pdf)
                                 
MISD District Monthly Calendar

ABSENTEE ALERT PROGRAM 
The Lakeridge ABSENTEE ALERT program alerts parents when their children are not present at school and there has been no notification of the absence from parents or guardians. In addition, this Alert Line collects information to pass on to teachers and for state record keeping.
READ FULL DOCUMENT

LAKERIDGE ABSENTEE ALERT LINE:  206-236-3376

"KISS 'N' GO" LANE PROCEDURES AND PARKING LOT USE

 


BUS SCHEDULES
See the district  website for information on bus schedules.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION METHODS
There are several electronic communication methods used by the MISD and Lakeridge. 

SIGN UP FOR CONSTANT CONTACT: PTA E-Newsletter "Lions' Roar," Lakeridge Announcements from the Front Office, PTA Legislative News, Emergency Announcements from MISD and Letters from the Principal.

LAKERIDGE PTA WEBSITE: Contains online registration, logowear information, room parent resources and additional information on PTA programs and activities.

LAKERIDGE FACEBOOK PAGE:   Like Lakeridge PTA on Facebook to get reminders about upcoming events and to stay in touch with the Lakeridge community.

LAKERIDGE/MISD WEBSITE Contains information specific to Lakeridge, school lunch menus, school calendar and other MISD information.  
 
SKYWARD FAMILY ACCESS: This is the Mercer Island District student information service where you can view your child's report cards, parent contact information, food service purchases, balances and online payment.   This is a secure server and requires a unique login and password provided by MISD.
  • Need to update your contact information? (i.e. emails, phone, mailing address)? New this year: login to Skyward to verify information online.  
The emergency Flash Alert is designed to notify parents about school closures and safety issues (in addition to Constant Contact).
 
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE - KIDS CO.

Kids Co.'s before and after-school programming is designed to meet the particular needs kids have during the non-school hours, visit the Kids Co. website.

SPIRIT WEAR  
Back-to-School clothing for Lakeridge Lions 
 
Show your school spirit and support the Lakeridge PTA by purchasing stylish and practical Lakeridge Spirit Wear. We've added a new sweatshirt style, a hat and pom poms to our line-up. And we're bringing back the popular cotton and dry-fit t-shirts, feminine cut t-shirts, hoodie sweatshirts and the MI logo cinch-style backpacks. Look for the Spirit Wear booth at the Welcome Coffee on August 30 and at the Fall Family Picnic on September 8. We'll have product samples and sample sizes at both events. 
 
Visit our online Spirit Wear Store  between August 30 and September 15 to place your order.
 
MERCER ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT INFORMATION
WELCOME SUPERINTENDENT DONNA COLOSKY
Welcome Mercer Island School District Superintendent Donna Colosky and learn more about her passion for public school education by viewing her welcome video .  
 
NEW: MISD REVIEW STUDENT VERIFICATION PROCESS (RSVP) 
N ow you can log into your Skyward Family Access account and complete all the district forms, permission slips and notifications required for the start of school. Parents and guardians should also verify demographic and contact information prior to the first day of school. For more information review the RSVP postcard.
   
FOOD SERVICE: Lunches will be served at no cost or for a reduced price for children who qualify. K-5 regular cost of lunch is $3.50 and $.50 for milk. If child qualifies, the reduced cost is free K-3 and $.40 per lunch for 4-5.
 
CLICK FOR SCHOOL LUNCH MENU 
STUDENT RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUE PROCESS:   It is the responsibility of all students enjoying the benefits of school citizenship to follow the established rules and procedures governing their school. 

NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT:  In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, we are notifying you that Mercer Island Public Schools will keep such records concerning each student as deemed necessary to provide programs to meet the student's educational needs.  

UNDERSTANDING HOW TO MAKE A COMPLAINT OF UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION IN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT:
What should I do if I believe my child is being discriminated against? 
You must report your concerns to your child's teacher or principal immediately! This will allow the school to respond to the situation as soon as possible.  

STUDENT INJURIES AND INSURANCE:  The safety of our students is one of our most important concerns.  Even so, accidents happen and resulting medical treatment (ambulance transport, surgery, hospitalizations, etc) can be very expensive.  Please know that the District does not assume responsibility for these costs. However, as a service to you and your child, your school offers access to a low cost, voluntary purchase student accident/sickness insurance program. Forms are also available in your school's front office. 

MERCER ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT SOCIAL MEDIA:  MISD is ramping up social media this year!  Follow Mercer Island School District on Facebook @mercerislandschooldistrict  and on Twitter @mercerislandsd . Post your first day of school photos using #MIFirstDay2017.  
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
TEACHER ASSIGNMENTS ON SKYWARD
Thursday, August 24, 8 am 
Login to Skyward
 
LAKERIDGE MEET YOUR TEACHER OPEN HOUSE
Tuesday, August 29, 3-4 pm
In your child's classroom

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL GRADES 1-5
Wednesday, August 30, 9:15-2:05pm 
 
WELCOME COFFEE 
First Day of School - August 30, 9:15-10:30 am 
Lakeridge Multi-Purpose Room
 
There are many ways you can volunteer at Lakeridge both in and out of the classroom. Please come to the Welcome Coffee to explore all the volunteer opportunities available, as well as learn about the PTA and meet the Executive Team. Additionally, we invite you to take this opportunity to meet our new Principal, Heidi Jenkins, who also will be in attendance!
 
FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN
Tuesday, September 5, 9:15am
 
FALL FAMILY PICNIC 
Friday, September 8, 5:00-7:30 pm
Lakeridge School Playground
Cost: $10 per ticket (cash only please) 
 
Kick off the new school year, reconnect with friends that you haven't seen over the summer, and welcome new families to the Lakeridge community.  There will be bouncy houses, food, games and new this year: Bubble Man and Reptile Man shows!  Come start the year off with some community fun!    
 
Fall Family Picnic needs your help.  Please sign up HERE to volunteer. 
NEW FAMILIES WELCOME COFFEE
Tuesday, September 19, 9:30-10:30 am
See the first Lions' Roar e-newsletter for location details.

GRADE K-2 CURRICULUM NIGHT 
Thursday, September 14, 5-6 pm
In your child's classroom
 
GRADE 3-5 CURRICULUM NIGHT
Thursday, September 14, 6-7 pm
In your child's classroom

LAKERIDGE WEEKLY FALL ACTIVITIES
Stay tuned! Extracurricular  activities will be available in the August 27th edition of Lions' Roar (Lakeridge Elementary PTA's biweekly e-newsletter).