MES Family Communication

Welcome
Welcome to Magnolia Elementary School 23-24! We are so happy you are here and ready to get the year started! My name is Kelly Walter and I am starting my second year as Principal at MES. I feel so lucky to be apart of such a welcoming and inclusive community- students, staff and families. You can expect to hear from me bi-weekly on Fridays. This year I am trying a new format for communication, hoping it is more accessible to all families.

I had planned to include drop off and pick up procedures and locations in this communication. However, because the playground won’t be complete (see below), I will be working with the staff next week to come up with an alternative plan. I will plan to send another communication out next Friday with updated logistics.

Nuts & Bolts

Welcome to New Staff & Class Configurations
We are very excited to welcome many new staff members, and those changing positions, this year at MES this year!

SPED Department- Tiffany Allison will be joining us as our Extended Resource (formally access) teacher.

Classroom Teachers- Bridget Berg is joining our staff this year from Queen Anne Elementary School. Kevin Katz, who was our long-term substitute in Access last year, is joining us in a permanent position. In addition, we have one new instructional assistant that will support in our SPP+ program, Hannah Maxa.

2 SPP+ classes taught by Jessica Bartel and Veronica Beverley

2 Kindergarten classes taught by Bridget Berg, Leslie Jaynes and Kelly Lusnia

3 First grade classes taught by Skylar Madsen, Kayla May and Molly Meck

3 Second grade classes taught by Jen Dickens, Erik Anderson and Kevin Katz

2 Third grade classes taught by Devin Liner and Toni Harmer

2 Fourth grade class taught by Julie Colando and Mandy Underhill

2 5th grade classes taught by Brian Williamson and Claire Leong

Teacher Assignments
We know you are excited to find out who your student’s teacher will be! We’ve put a lot of thought and care into creating classroom communities where all students can thrive. Teacher assignments will be emailed August 30th at 5pm.

Meet & Greet
On Thursday, 8/31, the PTA will be hosting an informal time to meet your student’s teacher. This will take place at Ella Bailey from 3-4pm. There will be popsicles too! We will have class lists there in case you are unsure of who your teacher is.

School Supplies
For the 2023-24 school year, MES will provide ALL required supplies for students. In return, we are asking families for a $50 per student donation, if possible. All students will receive supplies regardless of the ability to pay.

Checks (made out to Magnolia Elementary, with “school supplies” in the memo), cash (exact amount only), and online payment through Schoolpay for school supplies will be accepted. 

Transportation
There will be transportation provided to student’s who are eligible this year. You should be receiving communication directly from SPS regarding your student’s transportation plan. If your family needs assistance with checking your eligibility for transportation, please contact the Transportation Department at 206-252-0900.

School Hours
Our school hours are 7:55am-2:25pm M,T, Th & F. After Wednesday, September 6th, our Wednesdays are early release. On early release Wednesdays, our school hours are 7:55am-1:10pm.

Playground Update
Our playground is coming! This week, the fencing was installed and the current woodchips were moved to allow new woodchips to be delivered. I am meeting with the team on 9/1 to discuss an updated timeline. Due to the delay, the playground will not be complete for the first day of school, but soon after. I’ll keep you posted!

Important Dates
8/31 Meet & Greet with Teachers @ Ella Bailey Park 3:00-4:00

9/6 First Day of School (grades 1-5) – dismissal at 2:25

9/11 First Day of School for Kindergarten and SPP+

9/13 First Wednesday early dismissal @ 1:10

9/15 PTA Back to School Picnic @ Ella Bailey – time TBD

9/19 PTA Positive Discipline Seminar for Parents- time TBD

9/28 MES Welcome Night 6:00-7:00