Mustang Memo - 12/2/22

Northshore School District has asked that ALL students grades 4 - 12 be delivered a consistent message regarding school safety.  The goal of this message is to be explicit about the District’s expectations regarding threats of violence and or gun violence, the serious nature of these incidents, consequences, and how to report a concern.  The hope is that by addressing these topics directly with students, we will reduce the number of incidents our school communities are experiencing. Below is the family letter that was sent this week by the District as well as the script that will be presented to all Moorlands 4th & 5th grade students.

• A family letter 

• 4th and 5th grade

The yearbook is a memento for students to remenice for years to come. A great memory to have would be having your art design grace the cover of the yearbook. This contest is open to all Moorlands Elementary students. This is a great project to work on over winter break. Submissions can be placed into Mrs. Joseph's mailbox by January 4th.

• All submissions will be posted in a common space so that all students can vote on their favorite cover. 

• The winning cover will be the front cover and the runner up will be the back cover.

• The selected covers will be announced by January 11th.

FROGS: Friends Resolving problems and Offering Good Solutions

• 5th Graders! Are you interested in becoming a peer conflict mediator? Using Kelso’s Choice, student FROGS will help their peers solve small problems at recess. If you are interested, please see your teacher for an application. Completed applications are due Thursday, December 15th.

Upcoming Awareness Days

• December 10 Human Rights Day 

• December 15 Bill of Rights Day 

December SEL Calendar

Over the Winter Holiday break, the library system will be sending out an updated list of books your Mustang has checked out.  This serves as a reminder email only.  

Ask your Mustang what they are learning about in library class.  We read and talk about different nonfiction topics each week. 

K-2nd graders have clear bags to store their library books in.  These should come back to the library each week. 

We are looking for an every other week commitment to help out with:
Mrs. Wytko's 2nd Grade Class (Thursdays 2:15 p.m.-3:00 p.m.)

Please contact Veronica Webb at veronica.fine.webb@gmail.com if interested.

Celebrate your child's birthday and support the Moorlands Library! We will be continuing the online model through an Amazon Wish list Ms. Schroeder has put together.  (You are more than welcome to purchase the hardcover copy at your favorite bookstore as well.)  By donating to the Birthday Book Club, you will endow our school library with a book chosen by your child. Once purchased, the book will be processed and cataloged.  During the month of your child’s birthday (or summer half birthday), a Birthday Book Club bookplate will be placed inside stating that it was donated to the Moorlands Library. Your child will be the first student to read the new book before it is returned to the library for all to enjoy.

The Department of Health (DOH) requires schools to inform families and students about  COVID-19 case numbers and potential outbreaks. This week, there were a total of two confirmed cases at our school. The accuracy of our data depends on self-reporting. Thank you for continuing to let the school know if your child tests positive for COVID-19. To view additional information, including school and district trends visit the District’s COVID-19 data dashboard. The dashboard is updated weekly on Monday evenings. 

If your child is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19  keep them home and test for COVID-19. Families can order free COVID-19 tests from the state. Together, we can keep our schools healthy and safe.  

Rapid antigen testing supplies continue to be available. Please let the office know if you need home tests.

Dear Families in Grades 3, 4 & Mrs. Nicholas' 2/3 Class, 

Students in grades 2/3, 3 and 4 will be learning to play the soprano recorder over the next several months. Recorders are wind instruments that come in many different sizes. Many fourth graders may have their recorder from last year and can use them again this year.  If your Grade 3 or 4 child needs to secure a recorder, they may check one out from Moorlands for the entire year or purchase one at a local music store, such as "Music & Arts" or online from "Mad Robin Music" who has built a webpage for Moorlands.  For more information about obtaining a recorder, please see this letter.

Hi Moorlands families! After an AMAZING Girls on the Run season last year, I'd love to keep it going and bring it back to Moorlands for Spring 2023! Girls on the Run is a program for girls in 3rd-5th grade that encourages them to recognize their individual strengths and celebrate connections with others, while incorporating physical activity to inspire an appreciation for fitness and healthy habits.  It's an amazing program!

Before we can commit to being a host site at Moorlands again, I need 2-3 coaching volunteers!  The program runs for about 10 weeks starting the week of March 14th and finishing the week of May 21st.  Practices are twice a week for 90 minutes each (after school - days and times TBD by coaches).  Each season culminates with a Girls on the Run 5K event where ALL the Puget Sound GOTR teams get together for one final run!  Coaches don't need to be parents or have a daughter in the program, but they do need to be at least 18 years old, attend a coach training session and get a background check.  

If this sounds interesting to you or if you'd just like some more info before deciding, please email me at tfournier@nsd.org and I can provide more details.  If we get enough coach volunteers, I'll send another reminder as we get closer to the date where girls can start registering.

Come and enjoy some crafts and hot cocoa, sponsored by Moorlands PTA!

Saturday, December 10, 2022 from 9:00am - 12:00pm in the Moorlands Gym.  Cash and credit cards accepted for payment and some free crafts will be available for all.  Our PTA is here to support the entire community.  If your child would like to participate and your current financial situation might impede your family’s ability to participate, please reach out to us at president@moorlandspta.org 

Calling all Mathletes! Join us for the 2022 Math Challenge Tournament Saturday, December 3!

For details and Registration click here. Use school code 331 for our PTA to get 15% back from the kid's registration fees.

IHS Cheer is hosting a Parents Night Out on Thursday Dec 8th from 5:30-8:30pm for all Elementary aged kids. Take advantage of this to get some early shopping done or treat yourself to a date night. We will have fun activities for those that want to play, a movie for those that want to relax and a little treat to enjoy for all. Feel free to bring your favorite blanket.  Registration opens on Monday Nov 21st. Cost is $20. Please email jross2@nsd.org for a registration link.

Swimming lessons at the Northshore YMCA emphasize water safety and skill development in a safe environment!  If interested, please click the link below.

Kenmore Free Swim Lessons

Knights of Columbus has generously donated many coats in several sizes and colors to our Moorlands community. If you have a student in need of a coat, please contact Nurse Danelle at dgundersen@nsd.org.

Rapid antigen testing supplies continue to be available. Please let the office know if you need home tests.

As we are all getting settled into the routine of things I wanted to remind you that you can now report an absence online.  Just click the link and fill out the form.

• Single day absence

• Pre-arranged absence (3 or more days)

School Meal Accounts - Register on Titan

NSD moved from PayPams to Titan in 2020 but many families have not registered in Titan yet due to meals being free for the last two years. All account balances were transferred automatically from PayPams to Titan, but families need to register in order to view or add money to student accounts.

Apply for Free & Reduced Price Meals

Families will need to reapply for benefits by the end of September.