Staff Changes For Next Year

As we prepare for the end of the school year, many staff members are making new plans too.  Three of our staff members are retiring this year and two are moving on to new positions.  Here are a few messages of good-byes from these special staff members:

Dear Horace Mann Family,

I have been a proud and happy member of the Horace Mann Community for 32 years. With the end of this school year, I have decided to retire to new adventures ahead. The kids I have taught, the many families I have known and the fantastic people I work with are all a part of this school that I will always treasure.  Thank you, Horace Mann and here's to many years ahead of being a special place to learn, grow, work and love.

Chris Koll 

When the Wobker family moved to Education Hill in 1986 our kids attended Mann. How great to finish my career at the same school although a different building. But a building is just a shell to hold the great students, parents and staff. Transferring to Mann has always been a challenge for teachers because so many teachers wanted in and seldom were teachers going anywhere else. Well, I am making space for some lucky teacher now. Thanks for the many kindnesses over the years. Mann is an incredible place to learn and work.

David Wobker

Hi Mann Families

I will be leaving at the end of this academic year to move closer to my home in Monroe. I have been so blessed to be part of the Mann Family for the last 6 years! The memories created with you are something I will carry with me always! Thank you so much for being you! I will miss you all!!!

Love,

Meghan Gift

How do I begin to express my gratitude, appreciation, and absolute love for our Mann students, parents, and staff? I was hired seven years ago at Mann, but for me it was always like coming back home. In Lake Washington School District I was a student since kindergarten, a teacher intern, a music teacher, and next school year will serve as principal at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School. I want to thank everyone for their warmth, patience, laughter, support, and all the incredible memories. I'll never forget the Disney Movie Night sing-a-longs (we bought a license Disney!), Colt Carnivals (Sheriff Cho), Holiday Food Drives at RTC, Community Benefit Concerts, and so much more! My absolute favorite memory will be having had the privilege to work with and get to know each and every one of our students and families. Hoping I've made a difference in each student's life, but knowing they've all made a difference in mine. I will be cherishing every last day of this school year with them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  

Warmth and gratitude,

Jimmy Cho

Horace Mann Elementary

Music Specialist 2008-2015

Only 9 School Days Left Until the 1st Ever World of Fun Carnival!

The school year is very quickly drawing to a close (where did the time go?) and that means the World of Fun carnival is also drawing near!  We are still looking for families who want to share their home country with the Mann community - please take a moment to fill out this form and turn it in at the office.  

Beginning Band and Orchestra

Beginning Band and Orchestra sign-ups and information will come out in the fall.  Be looking for information to come home with your students the first week of school.  The Beginning Band and Orchestra teachers will be visiting each of the RMS feeder schools that first week.  There will also be an Information Night.  That date has not been set yet.  If you do not receive information by the end of the first week of school, please feel free to contact Don Furness at Redmond Middle School:  DFurness@lwsd.org.  

Reminder: ALL Visitors Must Sign in at the Office

We love our parent visitors and volunteers!  However, it's extremely important that all visitors, no matter how brief, sign in and acquire a badge before proceeding throughout the school.  This also includes the playground during recess as well as dropping items off in a classroom.  These guidelines are necessary to ensure the safety and uninterrupted instruction of all students and your cooperation is vital.  Thank you! 

**New** Math Challenge is Out!

All students invited to participate.

Pick up in the office or go online. http://www.mathinaction.org/Pages/MannMC.aspx

See the full year schedule:  http://www.mathinaction.org/Pages/MathChallenge.aspx

Due Thursday by 3pm in the Math Challenge Box in the school office.

Winners will be chosen each week and get a prize.

Awards will be given out at the end of year for completing all 15! 

PTSA Nominating Committee Report

The Horace Mann PTSA Nominating Committee respectfully submits its report and recommends the following slate of officers for 2015-2016:

Co-Presidents: Lia White & Rachel Roland

Co-VPs Fundraising: Desiree Michael & Kat Spottswood

Co-VPs Volunteers/School Services: Ana Saramiento & Liz Finocchio

Co-VPs of Enrichment Programs*: Vivien Koo & Jenn Sutton

Co-VPs of Art Programs*: Laura Drover & Liz Holmquist

Co-Treasurers: Susan Stenner & Peggy Barcalow

Secretary: Michelle Obenaus

*The Nominating Committee has recommended separating the previous position Co-VPs of Enrichment into two positions: Co-VPs of Enrichment Programs and Co-VPs of Art Programs.

Celebrate Spring: Volunteer at Meadow Park 5/30

Please bring your kids and join us as we work to restore the forest at Meadow Park. Tools and training provided. No experience necessary. 

Over 150 of your neighbors have already volunteered at Meadow Park this year. Will you join them? 

SBA Testing Dates

3rd-5th grade parents,

Please mark the following dates on your calendar.  It is essential all 3rd-5th grade students attend these days of school for the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA).  Please make doctor appointments on other days or before or after school.  The SBA has an interesting component to it.  One of the testing days involves a whole class performance task, which will usually mean a class discussion.  If students miss these sessions, it will be extremely difficult to re-create these discussions in a make-up session.  Your help in making sure your child is attending school well-rested, healthy and fed on these days is much appreciated.

 Don't forget that the Horace Mann PTSA earns money on nearly every Amazon purchase you make when you start at our unique Amazon URL. Just click the logo each time you shop, or better yet, bookmark the link (http://www.amazon.com/?tag=homaellw-20). Thanks!

Love using Google Chrome?  You can download this fantastic toolbar so that you always have the PTSA loaded to help fund our school!)
Thank you!