Volume 1 | November 14, 2017
Welcome to the first edition of the Orca Digest ...the newsletter from the Viewlands Elementary Parent Teacher Student Association (VEPTSA). The VEPTSA communication committee has been hard at work to find better ways keep our Viewlands families in the know. These improvements include an enhanced school  website , an expanded newsletter with increased frequency, and an overhaul on our contact lists so that we can get critical information to more families.
Upcoming Events
School picture retake day is  Thursday, November 16
  • If you are not satisfied with your student’s picture, please return it in its original envelope on picture retake day. 
  • Initial picture day pictures should have arrived home with your student the week of November 5.

Spirit Wear Fundraiser
  • VEPTSA is excited to launch the 2017/18 spirit wear fundraiser.
  • These soft, comfy, and cool Viewlands sweatshirts and t-shirts make awesome gifts for both kids and adults.
  • Order forms will be sent home in your student’s communication folder this week, or you can also order and pay on-line via at PT Avenue. Enter '2017Orcas' in the Organization Code field then click 'Online Store'. You don't have to join the VEPTSA to purchase spirit wear.
  • Orders due by Monday, November 27th

Wacky Wednesday Spirit Day is November 29
  • Get ready for Wacky Wednesdays – the last Wednesday of each month is a dress up Spirit Day at Viewlands!
  • The first Wacky Wednesday Spirit Day is Silly Hair Day on November 29th.  The possibilities are endless! Be creative and have some fun.  We look forward to seeing everyone’s silly hair-do on Wednesday November 29th!

Movie night is  Friday, December 1 @ 6:30 PM
  • Movie night is a free VEPTSA sponsored event where you can enjoy a movie with your family and friends at school!
  • The Snowy Day & Pixar Shorts at 6:30 PM

Holiday Wreath Sale
  • Reminder – return your wreath order forms and payment to the VEPTSA lock box in the office by Wednesday, November 15.
  • Don’t miss out! Wreaths are 24” and made from a mix of Noble Fir, Blue Berried Juniper and Cedar. $25 each.
  • Haven’t received the form? Print it now or visit the office for a hard copy.
  • Wreath pick up is on December 1.
  • For questions, please contact Dana Feaver at Dana.Feaver@gmail.com.

  V-CATS starts this week ( Nov 13 )

Student conferences this month
Please work with your teacher(s) to schedule a time to hear about the exciting things your kiddo has been learning at Viewlands this fall.

Global Reading Challenge kicked off this month
The Global Reading Challenge is a Battle of the Books program for 4 th  and 5 th  graders enrolled in Seattle Public Schools. The program encourages children to have fun while enjoying reading. For more info  click here.
In This Issue
Upcoming Events 
PTA Information
School News 
Community News & Events 
Get to Know Ms Rose
Calendar at a Glance
Lunch Menu 
Contact Us
Calendar at a Glance
 
  • V-CATS starts for kindergarten / 1st graders

  • Wreath orders due
  • VEPTSA board meeting, 7 p.m. @ Homestreet Bank community room

  • Picture retake day
  • V-CATS starts for 2nd – 5th graders

  • No school due to parent, teacher, student conferences and Thanksgiving holiday

  • Spirit wear orders due

Wed Nov 29
  • Wacky Wednesday - Silly Hair Day

  • Movie night – The Snowy Day & Pixar Shorts Double Feature
Contact us  with questions or submissions  communiations@viewlands.org
PTA Info
This school year, VEPTSA has released a 3-meeting schedule for general meetings: 

Board meetings are held monthly for those interested

Join VEPTSA
Sign up is easier than ever via the Viewlands website –  www.viewlands.org

Volunteer updates
Even a small amount of time can make a big difference!

Check out the  Viewlands Volunteer section on our website for complete details on various opportunities!
School News
Artsonia
For the first time, Viewlands will be participating in Artsonia, a way to view your student's artwork online. If you signed up at Curriculum night, you should have recently received an email from Artsonia. The team is working to upload artwork and it will be ready for viewing soon!

If you're still interested in participating, please send an email to  bccullenbens@seattlepublicschools.org and include your child's name and grade. To learn more about Artsonia, go to  https://www.artsonia.com/.

The Viewlands Nurse’s office is requesting donations
  • Pants - all grade school age sizes. If you have some that your student has outgrown, elastic waist boys sweatpants or girls leggings are most adaptable.
  • Socks - especially in the 3rd-5th grade size range.
  • Rain coats - with hoods (any grade school size) in excellent condition are always welcome!
  • At this time, the nurse’s office does not need shirts of any kind.

Donate holiday gift cards for families in need
Donated gift cards are being collected in the office by Ms. Signe to provide holiday support to Viewlands families in need. Suggested gift card increments are $20 and can be purchased from local grocery stores, Target, etc.

Lost and found
Please retrieve any missing items out of the lost and found by end of day  on Friday, November 17. Any unclaimed items left at the end of the day  on 11/17 will be donated to Mary’s Place. As a reminder, the lost and found is located in the courtyard right outside the door to the office.

Outdoors program updates
In October, 2nd graders from all 4 classrooms harvested the tomatoes and sunflowers grown over the summer. Some of the classes planted kale, swiss chard and garlic to overwinter, while other classes prepped the beds for the winter - weeding and planting cover crop of clover and peas to nourish the soil. Go and check the garden out - it looks great!

The salmon have returned! Chum salmon who left Piper's Creek and headed out to the ocean as young salmon fry 3 to 5 years ago have begun returning to Piper's Creek to complete their life cycle. Classes will be taking walking field trips down to observe the salmon return. Be sure to check out the Piper’s creek Salmon Celebration on November 19 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Playground updates
The kids are loving the new omni- spinner that was installed in mid-October. We are currently working with the school district on plans for reinstalling the old playground. We are hopeful the re-install will move forward in the next few weeks and will keep families updated on the progress.

Music with Mary K
Our music program taught with Mary K will resume in early 2018. Stay tuned for updates.
Community News & Events
Welcome the salmon home to Carkeek Park
On Sunday, November 19 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00  p.m, all ages are invited for activities to welcome the salmon home.

Fun Holiday Activities around Seattle


WildLights   @ the Woodland Park Zoo 

Christmas Ships

Parent Education Events
Seattle Children’s offers some great classes for the community, including a great class on puberty. Check out the class offerings  here.
Phinney Neighborhood Association (PNA) events:

Holiday GloCone lighting  11/25 @ 5 p.m.Bring the family for an evening of holiday cheer as the Phinney Center air raid tower is set aglow with lights. Enjoy refreshments, activities and caroling.

PNA Winter Festival and Crafts Fair -  12/2 - 12/3

Phinneywood Phestivus -  12/8 - Enjoy free trolley rids along Phinney and Greenwood for the Art up Chow Down monthly art walk and holiday monkey viewing.

Visit the PNA website at  www.phinneycenter.org for complete details.
Staff Bio: Xanasha Rose
My name is Xanasha Rose, and I am the new assistant principal. Many of you might be wondering why I chose Viewlands. I have spent much of my 20 years in the Central and Southeast regions of Seattle Public Schools. Most recently, I was the assistant principal at Bailey Gatzert. I have also served as a third-grade teacher, a head teacher and I even taught kindergarten. With that experience, I recognize and appreciate that Viewlands serves a diverse community and continues to show academic progress!