Weekly Newsletter 01/12/24 | |
Hello Salmon Bay Families! | | |
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This morning, Friday Sing was full of many beautiful songs as always. In recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Monday, Jan 15th - no school!), there were also many acknowledgements of the work and the words that we celebrate on this day. Students from Carol and Margaret’s second grade classes shared quotes from Dr. King’s speeches and writings. Students from Dave’s class shared their dreams for the future, inspired by Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. | |
Especially profound was listening to Gabi (K/1 teacher) read the gathered assembly a book called Our Skin by By Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli and Isabel Roxas (Illustrator). It is a very timely reminder that we need to be having conversations about race and racism with our children every day. Our children are having these conversations at school, with teachers and peers, and it is our responsibility as parents to continue those discussions at home. The brilliance of this book is that it breaks down the science of skin color (melanin!) and also the social structures that have created racism. Racism can be a small, constantly repeated idea, or a big rule. As one page in the book says: Racism hurts, and is always unfair. | |
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While this book is aimed at early elementary students, it also is a wonderful conversation starter for parents and older kids alike. Let our kids be the ones to realize that they can rewrite the rules and include every single person, regardless of the color of their skin. Let our kids be the ones to breakdown the structures that lift up only the rich, white and powerful, and rebuild them in an inclusive way. Let our kids be the ones to challenge the story that has been repeated for generations and kept racism alive. For the white families in our community, let our kids be vocal allies for their friends of color.
If you'd like to add this book to your home library, please consider doing so during the Secret Garden Book Fair (details below), which will in-turn support our Salmon Bay Library.
Have a wonderful long weekend & stay warm!
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Note: if you are planning a class, grade band, or all-school event that is not currently listed in the FOSB newsletter, online calendar, or FOSB FB events and would like for it to be added, please reach out to fosbnewsletter@gmail.com with relevant details to have them added. | |
January FOSB Meeting: Thursday, January 18th at 7pm
Join us in the Salmon Bay Library for our first board meeting of 2024! Board meetings are open to all FOSB members - if you have a student at the school, you are automatically a member! This is a great way to learn about the work being done by FOSB in support of our school, and ways YOU can get involved! Meeting agendas and previous meeting minutes are posted here. Please email FOSB Chairs Caitlin and Julie with any questions.
Childcare is available for potty independent children through Salmon Bay Boys & Girls Club (fka: Coho). Childcare costs are covered by FOSB. RSVP for childcare here.
If you are joining virtually, please use this link to join the meeting*
Meeting ID: 836 3649 7160
Passcode: 654321.
*This link will work for all FOSB Board meetings throughout the year.
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FOSB Town Hall and Conversation:
Friday, January 19th from 9:30-10:15 AM
In response to an idea proposed in our November board meeting, FOSB co-chairs Caitlin and Julie are hosting a town hall / community conversation to offer answers to your questions about how the PTO operates. Bring questions! Bring ideas and energy for things you wish to help make happen! Or simply bring your ears and a coffee mug - we'll serve coffee. We hope you'll join us.
When: Friday, January 19th, immediately following Friday Sing from 9:30-10:15 AM
Where: Salmon Bay K8 Cafetorium
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Middle School Parent Meet-up: Sunday, January 21st from 4-6 PM
Salmon Bay middle school parents and caregivers, come gather over a beer, cider or NA beverage of your choice to connect with other middle schooler-wrangling adults. Let’s meet up at Urban Family Brewery Sunday January 21st from 4-6pm. We’ll continue this on a monthly basis, so if you can’t make it this time, try again later! Hope to see you there! Contact Angela at angncodi@hotmail.com with any questions.
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2nd & 3rd Grade Snowflake Dance: Friday, January 26th from 6-8 PM
The FOSB Community Building Initiative invites 2nd and 3rd grade families to party together with music, dancing, sock ice skating, snowglobe crafts, a photo booth, hot cocoa, and plenty of winter-themed fun! The event will take place in the school cafetorium. If willing and able, please consider helping out. Click here for the volunteer sign-up sheet. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Chase (parent of Sol in 2nd grade) at 480-787-6531 or chasetreisman@gmail.com.
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Racial Equity Fund Call for Proposals - Deadline is January 31
FOSB’s Racial Equity Fund is available for programming to address the needs of those most directly impacted by racial injustices at Salmon Bay School. Winter proposals are DUE January 31st. Please submit a proposal (1-page max) for how you would like to use the funds. Proposals can include trainings, community events, talks, etc and each are estimated to be between $250-2000. Proposals will be evaluated by the Equity Fund Committee, with their funding decisions presented to the community at the February 15 FOSB meeting. Recipients will be notified immediately after. Reach out to Cynthia Anderson (parent of 3rd and 6th grader), Racial Equity Fund Chair (mumtaz555@gmail.com) with questions or to submit a proposal.
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FOSB Meeting Time Poll
The school administration has asked us to consider changing our monthly board meeting time to earlier in the evening. We discussed this at our meeting last night and decided to ask the community. Please fill out this poll by EOD Tuesday, January 16 and let us know what start time would be the most useful to help with your participation in FOSB meetings.
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FOSB Budget Priorities Survey | | |
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The process to create next year’s FOSB budget is underway already! We’re trying something new this year in hopes to get an understanding of our communities priorities by conducting this survey. Thank you for taking the time to share your input with us! We really appreciate it and will use it as directional guidance as we develop the 2024-25 FOSB budget. The survey will be active until 1/19/2024. Everyone who completes the survey and shares their email will be entered into a drawing to receive one of three $20 gift certificates to Jumping Jimmy's coffee! All names and emails will be kept confidential. We’d appreciate your input! | |
FOSB After - School Winter Programs January 2024
Registration for the FOSB Winter after school programs opened January 4th 2024.
Classes run: Week starting January 22nd 2024 - Week ending April 5th 2024.
NEW CLASS ADDED
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Fridays: SEL and Parkour Movement (Grades K - 2) (3:35pm - 4:35pm)
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Mondays: Creative Coding (Grades 3 - 5) (3:30pm - 5pm) FULL/WAITLIST
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Tuesdays: Japanese (K - Grade 5) (3:35pm - 5pm). FULL/WAITLIST
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Tuesdays: Bricks 4 Kids (K - Grade 2) (3:35pm - 4:35pm)
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Thursdays: Knitting (Grades 3 - 5) (3:35 - 4:35 pm) FULL/WAITLIST
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Fridays: Chess Wizards (Grades 1 - 5) (3:35pm - 4:35pm) FULL/WAITLIST
Click here for Further Information (including cost) on the classes.
A limited number of Scholarships are available. Please complete the Scholarship Application Form which is assessed by the FOSB treasurer and the After School Committee. Each class requires a Parent Volunteer and the class fee is covered for parents who do volunteer for the duration of the program. Please register INTEREST here, you are not committing yet! Parent Volunteer Interest Signup
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Safety Skills (Self Defense) Classes
Safety Skills Classes are being offered in Salmon Bay School in January. Classes are facilitated by FOSB After School Committee but will be run by Strategic Living, LLC, (Safety and Self-Defense Training). Classes are aimed at teaching students to recognize “red flags”, plan safe exits from iffy situations, practice physical moves (just in case), and learn to find supportive self-care. All in age-appropriate language and concepts. The K-3 class has a significant part geared towards parent education. Please register for the relevant class below, and fill in Parent/Guardian emails/phone numbers.
Grades K - 3 - Safety Skills for Children + Parent/Guardian
Tuesday, January 16, 2024 · 3:45 - 5:15pm
Child must be accompanied by an adult. A significant part of class is geared towards parent education. Cost $55 (+$4.02 fee) per child (adult is free). Financial assistance is available. Further information and to register please click here.
Grades 4, 5 & 6 - Safety Skills for Children + Parent/Guardian
Friday, January 19, 2024 · 3:45 - 5:45pm
Child must be accompanied by an adult. Cost $65 (+$4.57 fee) per child (adult is free). Financial assistance is available. Further information and to register please click here.
Grades 7 and 8 - Empowerment Self-Defense
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 · 2:30 - 5pm
Students only. Self defense and safety skills for students ONLY. Cost $75 (+$5.12 fee) Financial assistance is available. This class is currently full, to join the waitlist click here.
Any further queries please contact fosbafterschool@gmail.com
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Thank you, donors! We have surpassed our Direct Giving goal!
Our goal for this year’s Direct Giving campaign was to raise $77k by Dec 31. Currently our donations and corporate matching total $88,204.37 and we expect more corporate matching funds to come in. Thank you to everyone who donated. It really makes a difference for Salmon Bay.
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Lost & Found
Please check in on the lost and found in the next couple of weeks if you are missing anything. Even if you’re not missing anything, you never know what you might find! Things are at capacity! Some parents are working to organize a day for sorting, cleaning, and donating at the end of the month. Please email fosbnewsletter@gmail.com if you’d like to help.
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Volunteer Opportunity: Teacher Snack Shack
We continue to keep snacks supplied for our teachers; if you are able, please volunteer to bring snacks, drinks or Keurig pods to school on Fridays. Feel free to drop snacks in the front office or the Volunteer Coordinator office. Sign-up for snack delivery here.
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School Spirit Wear
Want to show some school pride? Salmon Bay apparel is available for purchase online! You can choose from a variety of shirts and sweatshirts and have them delivered straight to your door. Both Youth and Adult sizes are available. Use this link to order.
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School Crossing Guard - Still Needed
Seattle Schools is hiring crossing guards at multiple locations including Salmon Bay! Crossing Guards work 2 hours per day/ 10 hours a week, starting at $18.69 an hour. You can find out more by clicking on this link.
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Stay Connected
Set yourself up to stay aware of FOSB events and news this school year! Sign up here to receive FOSB emails as they are released. Subscribe to our web calendar at this link, or follow us on FaceBook for more info about meetings and events.
Additionally, there are GoogleGroups and Facebook groups for most grade bands. If you’re looking for a way to connect with other Salmon Bay parents and caregivers, consider joining the relevant Google and/or Facebook Group for community building amongst parents and caregivers in the same grade levels and classes as your kid(s)! To be added to the appropriate email list(s), send an email to sb-join-email@googlegroups.com, and let us know which grade group(s) you would like to join.
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More Info on FOSB Committees:
Please check out our website for more information about FOSB’s existing committees and ways to get involved!
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The following dates, activities & announcements pertain to the school and come from information provided by school staff/teachers/admin. We are pleased to include them as reminders to our community, but this may not be an exhaustive list of everything the school has planned. Please check with your student’s teacher(s) or office staff for more information. | | |
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Volunteer Opportunity: Secret Garden Book Fair
February 12th-16th
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Secret Garden Book Fair is coming to Salmon Bay!
When: Feb. 12-16th 8:30-4:30 daily in the Library
Please come and support Secret Garden Book Store and the Salmon Bay Library by purchasing high quality books! This book fair cannot run without parent volunteers! Please consider volunteering this week to help out. See sign up genius here.
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Global Reading Challenge: Wednesday, February 7th at 10-11 am
Students have been working hard every week on Wednesdays at lunch 10:55-11:35 in the library on practicing for the challenge. The in-house challenge is on Wednesday, February 7 from 10-11am in the library. There will be a guest public librarian from Ballard running the show. Salmon Bay 4th and 5th grade teams compete against one another. Families are welcome to come and watch and cheer on students. If you are interested in making signs or having t-shirts made for your child’s team, please do! It will be a full house as we have over 50 students competing this year. The winning team from this challenge will go to the Seattle Central Library on a field trip with me on March 12. Details to come. We will take public transportation for this field trip.
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Volunteer Opportunity: Projects in the Library, News from Corinna
This is my 3rd year at Salmon Bay and during this time I have put a lot of effort into the book collection. I have weeded a ton of outdated books and have put all books in genres as well as bought and cataloged new books.
Now, I would like to work on the layout of the library and furniture. I need help with moving substantial amounts of books and shelves in the nonfiction section of the library. With about 5-10 people we could pull this off efficiently. I am willing to stay after hours, or we could do a Wednesday or Friday during the school day. Will you reach out to me if you are interested in helping with this? Also, let me know what times/days might work.
Laptops for upper elementary and middle schoolers:
Unfortunately, I was recently informed that we have 45 missing laptops from Salmon Bay. When students have problems with their laptops or forget theirs at home, we have a ‘swap cart’. Students can borrow one for the day or have a new laptop if needed from this cart. On occasion, students forget to check out the laptop with me, or bring it back. If your student has an extra laptop, please bring it back to the library as soon as possible. Please let me know if you have questions.
Donations Needed:
In addition, if you have the following items on hand please consider donating to the library:
-Lego bases/platforms (I am building a ‘lego wall’ in the library but need about 15 more bases for this to work).
-11”x17” paper reams (students need this paper size for project)
Please email Corinna at cewright@seattleschools.org with any questions about library related news!
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Upcoming Camp Dates: Spring 2024 Class Camp Trips
* Please note: these camps are planned by the staff at Salmon Bay, not by FOSB. Please keep an eye out for pertinent planning information from your child’s teacher(s). Dates listed here could possibly change - check in with teachers for the most current info or if you have specific questions.
March 18 – 21, 2024: 5th Grade at Camp Islandwood
May 20 – 22, 2024: 3rd Grade at Camp Colman
May 22 – 23, 2024: 1st Grade at Indianola
June 3-5, 2024: 4th Grade at Camp Seymour
June 4 – 7, 2024: 8th Grade at Camp Orkila
June 5 – 7, 2024: 7th Grade at Camp Naturebridge
June 7, 2024: Kindergarten Camp Day
June 12 – 13, 2024: 2nd Grade at Camp Indianola
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School Calendar Dates:
• January 2: New registrations for 2024-25 school year begins.
• January 15th: Dr. Martin Luther King Day (no school)
• January 18th: MS Winter Play 7PM
• January 23: SBK8 Enrollment Tours @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am. Click here for more info.
• January 25th: MS Marimba Concert 7PM
• January 27th: SPS Open House and Admissions Fair (10AM-2PM). Click here for more info.
• January 31st: End of 1st semester
• February 1 – February 29: Open Enrollment School Choice priority applications will be accepted (tiebreakers apply)
• February 6th: SBK8 enrollment tour (Elementary @6PM, MS @7PM)
• March 1 – May 31: School Choice late applications will be accepted (NOT eligible for tiebreakers).
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Martin Luther King Jr. Youth March - Saturday, January 13th at 9:00 am
Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) invites the public to join a youth-organized march to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Saturday, Jan. 13th. Participants will gather at 9 a.m. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park, 2200 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, 98144. Teens will lead the march to Langston Hughes Performing Arts 104 17th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144. This years theme will be “Passing Along Our Past.” This event is free to all teens and community participants and will include food, live music, a safe environment, and plenty of fun!
Transportation is available to take teens and pre-teens to the march from Loyal Heights Community Center starting at 8:00am. To ride with us your parents or guardian must fill out an E-13 form. Space is limited so call Loyal Heights Community Center at (206)684-4052 to reserve your spot or email ronald.brown@seattle.gov. High school students can earn service credits toward high school graduation.
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Resilience Building: Solutions to the Youth Mental Health Crisis -
Tuesday, Jan 23 at 12pm
PNW Parent Ed is hosting a FREE online lunchtime talk on Tuesday, Jan 23 to help build your parenting toolkit. Learn science-backed ways to teach self-regulation, respond-not react-to dysregulated behavior, reduce anxiety, and boost resilience. More details online. Be sure to register via Eventbrite.
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Data shows that today’s youth are the loneliest, most stressed and risk-averse on record. Though well-educated, they are failing to launch in real life. So how can we teach them to be mentally strong and more successful? In this talk with Dr. Michelle Borba, author of Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine, we will focus on building resilience in our youth, including:
* Helping kids thrive in today’s fast-paced, digital-drive, often uncertain world
* Science-backed ways to teach self-regulation, respond-not react-to dysregulated behavior, reduce anxiety, and boost resilience.
* Providing practical, actionable ways to encourage development of characteristics that separate a kid that thrives vs. struggles, including: Self-confidence, Empathy, Self-control, Integrity, Curiosity, Perseverance, Optimism
* How to build agency, purpose and hope (in our students’ lives)
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Parent University featuring Dr. Lisa Damour - Wed, January 24th at 5-6 pm
How do I teach my kid(s) to be in a healthy conflict? When should I step in and when should I let them work it out for themselves? Join us online Wednesday, January 24 for our first Parent University session of the school year featuring New York Times bestselling author Dr. Lisa Damour. Dr. Damour will address these pressing questions and more in her session, "Healthy vs. Unhealthy Conflict: Helping Kids Handle In Real Life (IRL) and Online Disagreements Well".
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Conflict: Helping Kids Handle IRL and Online Disagreements Well
Speaker: Dr. Lisa Damour, PhD
Date: Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Time: 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Zoom link: Please click here to register for this event and to receive the Zoom link
In this session, parents and caregivers will deep-dive into:
- the difference between conflict and bullying
- how to handle concerns about bullying
- strategies for teaching kids how to have healthy conflicts
About Dr. Damour: Recognized as a thought leader by the American Psychological Association, Dr. Damour co-hosts the Ask Lisa podcast, writes about teenagers for the New York Times, appears as a regular contributor to CBS News, and works in collaboration with UNICEF.
Registration: Advance registration is required. There is no cost associated with your ticket. All sessions are free to Bush parents/guardians and the greater Seattle parent community.
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Autism/ADHD Info Night - Loyal Heights: Thurs, January 25th at 6-7:30 pm
Neurodiversity & Special Education Event: The Loyal Heights PTA and UW Autism Center invite ALL families to Autism/ADHD Info Night - Part 2. Join us for an interactive training, where we will gain a deeper understanding of neurodiversity with a focus on Autism and ADHD. Learn also how to model caring & compassionate responses during challenging moments, and acquire tools to bridge neurotypical and neurodivergent communication gaps. Snacks & drinks will be provided. Childcare will be available for ages 3+.
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Wet Clay Cafe After School Programs
Starting January 24th, Wet Clay Cafe is launching an exciting new after school program for kids aged 7-12 and 12-16! Over a 5-week period, kids will learn hand building and wheel throwing techniques that will unleash their creativity. The program will meet every Wednesday from 3:30pm to 5:30pm. Give your child the opportunity to explore their artistic side and create beautiful pottery! Click here for more information.
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Read-a-Rama
Register Now for Read-a-Rama Training
Want to help grow passionate readers in 2024? Register now for our in-person Read-a-Rama training on February 3rd in Seattle. Learn to Chiggy Cheer, practice interactive read-along skills, and develop the hands-on tools to help foster enthusiastic readers. This training is a great resource for educators, librarians, parents and grandparents, or anyone who is excited about reading with children. Register at this link or visit read-a-rama.org
Saturday, Feb 3rd
10 am to 4:30 pm
Ballard First Lutheran Church
Hands-on interactive training that prepares participants to get kids excited about reading!
Save the Date for Camp Read-a-Rama in 2024
Read-a-Rama's 2024 children's camp dates are here! Join us for one of our fun and fabulous spring day camps, and mark your calendars for summer camp in July and August. Camp locations and registration information will be shared in January.
Save the Dates
Winter/Spring Saturday Camps, all dates 9:30-4 pm
February 17, March 16, April 27, May 18
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SPS Board Proposal Information
A group of SPS parents/caregivers from across the city have come together to share information about upcoming SPS Board proposals, and to figure out actions to support our schools and students. The group formed a group called All Together for Seattle Schools. Find out more on their website here.
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Seen at School!
Pre-attendance Pokemon card sharing in Jenny's K/1 class.
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Friday Sing
Carol & Margaret's second graders share quotes from Dr. King's writings and speeches
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We'd love to include photos from in & around the school!
If you have one you'd like to share, please submit it to fosbnewsletter@gmail.com.
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Have something to add?
To add any updates, news or events to the newsletter, please email fosbnewsletter@gmail.com.
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Friends of Salmon Bay (FOSB) | Website | |
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