Einstein Elementary Ottermail -- Nov. 7, 2011 -- Issue 11

On Thursday of this week, we will be holding a Veterans Day Assembly. We are looking forward to a performance by the Einstein Choir, led by Mrs. Maria Seong, and a flag ceremony which will be conducted by Boy Scouts Pack 557, chaired by Tom Staggs. The purpose of this assembly is to honor Veterans and to teach our students the importance of recognizing our Veterans for their valor and sacrifice to our country.

We encourage you to extend this learning with your children at home by discussing the freedoms we enjoy today and how those freedoms have been made possible.

Have a great week!

Melissa Pointer

Principal

Versións en español que se encuentra aquí

Return to top

** SCHOOL NEWS **

Message from LWSD - Thank You for Your Feedback

Dear Einstein Parents,

Thank you to all the Einstein Parents who participated in last Thursday's feedback session, and to those who sent their notes to me directly, regarding Ms. Pointer's performance as Einstein's Interim Principal. Your feedback is an essential part of this process.

I wanted to take a moment to address a few questions that were raised regarding the feedback meeting. First, Melissa Pointer is the Einstein's Interim Principal for two reasons: her previous job experience is as a Vice Principal at the High School level (not as a Principal at the Elementary level) and she was placed in the position by LWSD with strong support, but without a full interview process. Adding to the confusion, Karen Bates was Einstein's Acting Principal while Ms. Pointer was on family leave, but the school noted her title as Interim Principal. Acting Principals substitute for principals for a defined period of time. These titles, Acting and Interim Principal, haven't been properly applied in the past and I apologize for any misunderstanding.

Second, the feedback meeting was held to collect general feedback from parents regarding Ms. Pointer's performance and to inquire whether the community supported completing the interview process for her to become Einstein's Principal (not interim but in full). The collected feedback is being reviewed, in addition to the other criteria for the final decision, and I will communicate that decision to you in the coming weeks.

Thank you again for your interest and support of Einstein Elementary.

Sincerely,
Kelly M Pease, Director of School Support
Redmond Learning Community

Return to top

Curriculum Update: 1st Grade

First grade would like to thank our generous PTSA for awarding us an Otter Grant to assist in purchasing our new handwriting curriculum, Handwriting Without Tears. We look forward to practicing our handwriting skills in our new books!

In first grade, we have been learning about the life cycle of plants in science. We had a rainy trip to the pumpkin patch a few weeks ago where students saw lots of pumpkins and corn. In school, we have planted brassica, wheat grass, and alfalfa and look forward to planting some onion and garlic bulbs. Students are learning to care for plants and what they need to grow and develop. They are observing the structures of flowering plants and discovering ways to propagate new plants from mature plants (from seeds, bulbs, roots, and stem cuttings). Students are also describing changes that occur as plants grow, and organizing their observations on a calendar and in a science notebook.

Return to top

Red Bucket Food and Gift Drive Starts Today

The Red Bucket Food and Gift Drive starts today, November 7.

Bring your non-perishable food items and new toys to Einstein to fill our Big Red Bucket for the Redmond Hopelink. Our goal is to deliver at least 10 buckets by December 15. Thanks for your help and Happy Holidays!

Return to top

Free Event: Family Math Night on November 17

Mark your calendars for Einstein's Family Math Night. Games are an important strategy in the learning process. They help students focus, give extra drill to reinforce concepts, and provide an opportunity for children to learn problem-solving strategies in a fun and exciting way.

Join us on Thursday, November 17, from 6:00 - 7:30pm to learn how to play new games to reinforce your child's math skills at home. This will be a fun night with door prizes, ice cream, and estimation jar winners.

Return to top

LWSD Resource for New STEM School

Did you know that LWSD.org has a section dedicated to the new STEM School? The secondary choice school focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) was funded in the Feb. 2011 levy and is expected to open in the fall of 2012. Keep up to date on announcements and application process details.

Return to top

Thank You From the BooGrams Store

The BooGrams store, staffed by Mr. Olson's and Mrs. Ollerenshaw's students, raised $508 for the 6th Grade Success Fund. Special thanks to our school counselor, Candida Crane, and the Einstein PTSA for supporting this fundraiser!!

Return to top

** PTSA NEWS **

Staff Luncheon is This Week & We'd Love Your Help

Let's show our teachers and staff how amazing they are! It's time for our November Warm Up Luncheon!

This Thursday, November 10, we will serve lunch in the staff lounge from 11:30-12:45. You can help by bringing in food or volunteering to set up or clean up. Please refer to the flyers that came home last week and/or contact jbruntz@comcast.net or dnrgolf@hotmail.com with any questions. Thank you for your help!

Return to top

School Directories Are Here

School directories are here! As a service, the PTSA provides one directory free to each Einstein family.

If you do not receive your copy by the end of this week, please contact Melanie Williams at melaniedw@hotmail.com. Additional copies of the directory are available in the office for $5.00. A huge thank you to Liz Chalmers for all of her hard work in putting together a great directory each year.

Return to top

** COMMUNITY NEWS **

Lake Washington School District (LWSD) does not sponsor, endorse or recommend any of the organizations, services, or activities described in these materials.

Voting Closes Tomorrow: Nov 8 King County General Election

This is an all-mail election. Instead of going to a polling place, ballots are sent to all registered voters. Completed ballots must be postmarked by November 8.

For more information on the election and issues, please visit the General Election page. Additionally, there is a very interesting online resource called the King County Video Voters' Guide. It is designed to make information about the November 8 General Election more accessible, and assist you in making an informed choice.

Return to top

Assistance League Eastside: Give a Hug Campaign

Assistance League of the Eastside celebrates the holidays each year with the Give-a-Hug campaign.

The Give-a-Hug campaign will provide to your organization envelopes and cards requesting donations. You display them in the manner of your choice (e.g. on a giving tree). Donations can be earmarked for any Assistance League Programs.

To make arrangements, please contact Leslie Daniels at 425-882-0726 or sandldaniels@comcast.net.

Return to top

LWSD Non-Discrimination Policy Statement

The Lake Washington School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, gender, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran, military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Complete policy statement.

Contacts

Einstein Elementary School

Principal: Melissa Pointer, MPointer@lwsd.org
Office Manager: Judy Norman, JNorman@lwsd.org

Secretary: Bobbie Jo Connors, BConnors@lwsd.org

Phone: 425-936-2540

Albert Einstein Elementary PTSA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization

PTSA President: Deva Demeter
PTSA Newsletter Editors: Candice Giffin, Lisanne Schliemann, & Mala Mehta