MES Family Communication from Principal Kelly 9/22/23
Good Afternoon,
We had another successful week of learning firms, routines and procedures for the 23-24 school year. Teachers are working intentionally to build classroom community while introducing the learning content for this year. Fall is in the air and it feels amazing! That being said, please make sure to send your students dressed for the weather. We go outside rain or shine!
I hope you have a relaxing weekend!
In partnership,
Kelly Walter
Important Dates
9/28 MES Welcome Night 6:00-7:00 PM
9/29 Fire Evacuation Drill
9/29 Families of Color meet up 4:00-5:00 PM
10/2 Fall After School Clubs begin
10/4 Volunteer Training 6:00 PM on Teams Join the meeting
10/5 Volunteer Training 8:15 AM MES Conference Room
10/13 No School- Staff Professional Development
Nuts & Bolts
MES Welcome Night
Thursday is MES Welcome Night! We are excited to welcome families back and for students to share their space with you! This will be a student led event. Students will guide you through the building with the Orca Passport. You’ll visit all of the spaces and adults that your students interact with during the school day and receive a stamp at each location.
Please stay with your students during this event and follow our Welcome Night firms.
I walk in the hallway.
I stay with my guests.
I share my community.
Student Cell Phone/ Smart Watch Policy
Sending a reminder of our cell phone/smart watch policy. We have had several challenges already this year with the inappropriate use of cell phones and smart watches at school. We understand that these are used for communication with students and families and support the use before and after school. If your student needs to contact you during the school day that should be done through the classroom teacher or front office. We also understand there are different settings these watches can be set to and appreciate families who have done that. However, as a staff, we can not be expected to monitor student settings on these devices and all too frequently, they end up being used in inappropriate ways at school. Thank you for supporting our policy.
Cell phones and any type of watch that can text, call or play games on are not allowed to be used by students during the school day at MES. These devices should be left at home or students will be asked to store them in their lockers. They may use them before the bell at 7:55 and after the bell at 2:25. Students who are unable to follow this policy will have their device stored in the office for a grown-up to pick-up.
Author Visit
Author Peter Brown will be visiting Magnolia in person on 10/2/23 to discuss the newest installment of The New York Times bestselling The Wild Robot series! This assembly will be at 10:00am in the gym, for 2nd-5th grade students. We will have some seating available for families as well.
Pre-order a book from Third Place Books to have it delivered & signed at the event! Please turn in forms to your classroom teacher by 9/29/23.
Book Order Form: Wild Robot Protects
Scholarships available—you can confidentially email ahlevin@seattleschools.org if you need assistance in paying for a book.
School Supplies
We have received funds for about 50% of our school supplies. If you are able to donate, please do so! 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 will be accepted.
Emergency Drill Practice
We have monthly drills to practice our emergency procedures. Drills are announced in advance and students practice them and learn the procedures.
PTA Updates
Important Dates:
- Welcome Back to School Night – Sep 28, 2023 6pm to 7pm
- After-School Programs Start – Oct 2, 2023
- Volunteer Training Mandatory – Oct 4 & 5, 2023
- Multilingual Breakfast – Oct 18, 2023
- MES PTA General Meeting – Oct 19, 2023
Magnolia Elementary School (MES) Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Update
The MES PTA is a membership-based advocacy association run by volunteers dedicated to supporting our teachers in their mission to give the children the best education possible.
Here are some key steps to take to kick off the school year right!
- Stay Informed – Sign up for Orca Tales – PTA Newsletter
- Provide Support & Have Your Say – Become a PTA Member
- Get Involved – Become a Volunteer – lots of low time commitment opportunities available
September & October 2023 Calendar:
Sep 28 – Welcome Back to School Night
Oct 2 – Fall After-School Programs Start
Oct 4 & 5 – Volunteer Training Mandatory
Oct 18 – Multilingual Breakfast
Oct 19 – MES PTA General Meeting
Full events calendar is available on the MES PTA Website Events Page.
Let’s all work together to build an amazing, inspirational, and educational community at Magnolia Elementary School.
Sincerely,
Your MES PTA Board
Families of Color Group at MES
Families of Color at MES will be meeting on the last Friday every month, weather permitting, from 4-5 at Ella Bailey. Our first meet up will be Friday, 9/29. Come meet other MES families of color!
The Families of Color group is open to any family at MES with at least one person in the household that identifies as a person of color. We are an evolving, growing group. For more information or to join the group, please contact Jennifer Lee: jylnourse@gmail.com.