EVERGREEN EAGLE EXPRESS
Week of February 28, 2016 - Issue 28

EVERGREEN MIDDLE SCHOOL  ǀ  6900 208TH Ave. NE, Redmond, WA 98053  ǀ  425-936-2320 

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGEA
Hello Evergreen Families -

We hope this email finds you well and enjoying time with family and friends.  This past week was an especially enlightening and enjoyable one as Anne Balicki, Katy Rudolph, and I joined PTSA Co-Presidents Stephanie Hajicek and Stacie Jonson for the PTSA Founders Day Luncheon on Friday.  The theme of this year's Reflections contest was "Let Your Imagination Fly" and it was amazing to see some of the 559 entries on display and celebrate with the 93 winners.  Some of our EMS students won their respective categories as well and it is always amazing to see the different directions students' imaginations take them.  All students were given the same prompts and yet they used their individual and creative talents to construct different pieces of art, literature, music, and dance.  On the hot air balloon adorning the front cover of the program, it says, "dream - imagine - believe" and that's what we aspire to do every day with your student.  We ask them to think critically but also creatively.  We ask them to analyze but also explore.  We ask them to prove but also to believe.  Ultimately, we are trying to nurture and help them grow into a well-rounded student prepared for the next steps in their academic journey.  PTSA Reflections in conjunction with our EMS classes give students the opportunity to dream - imagine - and believe.
 
In addition to the outstanding success of EMS students in the PTSA Reflections contest, we also have an opportunity to celebrate with our students for winning the Toshiba ExploraVision contest.  This is no small feat as they beat out thousands of entries from all across the region.  Now these students will be going on to the national competition in Washington DC to complete against other regional winners.  Their winning project: create a balloon device to encapsulate cancerous tumors so when chemotherapy is administered, the chemo is localized and isolated and does not spread to the rest of the body.  We are very proud of all of our students and their successes.  They continue to amaze us academically, athletically, through the creative arts, and in all endeavors on a daily basis.
 
Evergreen is an amazing school and I consider myself blessed every day to come and share it with your students.  Smiles abound at Evergreen and it is because we intentionally focus on supporting students in all facets of their education that helps them grow and mature as young people.  Usually when students are asked the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" most will answer with a noun indicating a profession.  I recently saw a post where a young student answered with an adjective: happy.  And of all the adjectives to describe life, I couldn't think of a better one myself.  Because if we are doing what we love, regardless of profession, and spending time with whom we love, then the ultimate outcome is happiness.  There is no place I'd rather spend my time and I look forward to my many years ahead as principal, support young learners and staff as we prepare them for the next phase in their academic journey.
 
As always, please let us know how we can best support your student so they too find their place and experience joy and happiness at Evergreen and in all facets of life.
 
Wishing you all my best for a great week ahead,
 
  
 
Principal
Evergreen Middle School

IMPORTANT DATESB
                      
Mon., 2/29 - LWSD Middle School Math Adoption Parent & Community Information Night @ 6pm in IMS Commons

Tues., 3/1 - LWSD Middle School Math Adoption Parent & Community Information Night @ 6pm in RHMS Commons
 
Wed., 3/2 - EMS Battle of the Books @ 1pm in the EMS Library

Wed., 3/2 - LWSD Middle School Math Adoption Parent & Community Information Night @ 6pm in RMS Commons
 
Fri., 3/11 - NO SCHOOL:  LEAP Day
 
Fri., 3/18 - EMS Play "Once Upon a Mattress" @ 7pm; Old Redmond Schoolhouse Auditorium
 
Sat., 3/19 - EMS Play "Once Upon a Mattress" @ 2pm & 7pm; Old Redmond Schoolhouse Auditorium

SCHOOL NEWSC
EVERGREEN MUSICIANS AT JUNIOR ALL-STATE BAND, CHOIR, AND ORCHESTRA *new*
 
Nine Evergreen musicians performed at the Washington Music Educators' Association State (WMEA) conference over Presidents' Day weekend.
 
Each year, thousands of Band, Choir, and Orchestra Middle School Musicians from across Washington audition for a place in the All-State ensembles for Middle Schoolers (Junior All-State is mostly 8th graders, although some 7th graders qualify).
 
They then come together (this year in Yakima) for day of intense rehearsal under a highly acclaimed conductor, and perform a final concert at 4 PM.
 
For more information, visit Evergreen's Music Department page.  
Jr. All-State Band
Jr. All-State Choir
Jr. All-State Orchestra
Participants:
Junior All-State Band: Ethan Fang (7th grade, Horn); Emma Johnson (8th grade, Clarinet); Laila Moeller (8th grade, Clarinet); Jordan Rothkowitz (8th grade, Alto Sax).
 
Junior All-State Choir: Harini Shankar (7th grade) 

Junior All-State Orchestra: Spencer Boyer (8th grade, Bass); Aaron Hong (8th grade, Cello); Catherine Zheng (8th grade, Viola); Yueyan Zhao (7th grade, Violin).


LWSD MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH ADOPTION PARENT & COMMUNITY INFO NIGHTS *updated*
Four middle school math programs being considered for adoption will be shared. Parents and community members will have an opportunity to provide feedback on each.

All of the meetings are scheduled for 6-7pm in the Commons of the following schools: 
Mon., 2/29 - Inglewood Middle School
Tues., 3/1 - Rose Hill Middle School
Wed., 3/2 - Redmond Middle School 

Parents and community members may also review each math program and provide input online. Instructions for how to access the programs can be found at the top of a survey that can be accessed using the link below.

For more information about the upcoming information nights or our adoption process, please contact Mike VanOrden, Director of Teaching and Learning,
at 425-936-1267 or mvanorden@lwsd.org.

ARE YOU SIGNED UP TO GET TEXT MESSAGES IN AN EMERGENCY?
In a true emergency, such as a fire or earthquake, the district or school may need to get to parents quickly.  Check out FlashAlert.net for more information or to sign up.
LWSD 2016 BOND MEASURE
The April 26 bond measure will address the district's most urgent needs concerning overcrowding and aging facilities. Learn more in the new bond section of the LWSD website.  There, you will also find the "Let's Talk" section where you can type in your questions or comments and expect to hear back from a LWSD employee.
EVERGREEN ATHLETICSD


3RD SEASON SPORTS *updated*
 
February 1 - March 25
   VOLLEYBALL - 7th and 8th Grade Girls  
   WRESTLING - Boys and Girls
Please click on the links below for the current schedules.
PTSAE
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - BATTLE OF THE BOOKS *new*
This Wednesday, March 2, Evergreen is holding its annual Battle of the Books right after school.  We are in great need of parents to monitor and keep score to keep things running smoothly.  Please sign up through the link below if you can give about 3 hours of your time to help run this fun event.  (All volunteers must have a current LWSD background check prior to the event.)
EMS PTSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS - POSITIONS FOR 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR *new*
Interested in joining the Evergreen Middle School PTSA Board of Directors next school year?  Below are the board positions, any of which can be done solo or with a partner.  If interested, please email Sabrina Schriner, Christie Denholm, and Allyson Cohen. Thanks!

President

Treasurer
Secretary
VP Services
VP Ways and Means
VP Communications
Legislature


EMS PTSA MEMBERSHIP REACHES GOLD!
Congratulations to our EMS PTSA for a 10% increase of the previous year's final paid membership number enrolled by January 25th!

If you haven't joined already, consider partnering with us.  A 20% increase of last year's membership by March 30th will give us a platinum award! 
EMS MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
LUCKY LEAP YEAR:
GO FOR 29
BY FEBRUARY 29

Leap Year only happens once every four years. It's a rare opportunity with an extra day to do something exciting - like increase our PTA's membership! It's not too late to become an Evergreen Middle School PTSA Member. Just follow the link below and return the Membership form with your check to the Evergreen MS office.
 
Contact EMS PTSA Membership Chair, Deb Knaus with any questions kdknaus@msn.com
EXTRACURRICULARF
RHS FOOTBALL INFO NIGHT - KICK OFF TO THE 2016 SEASON *new*
For current 8th grade students:
March 14th - RHS Auxiliary Gym - 7pm

Coach Rimkus will start the evening with information on the 2016 Redmond High School Football season followed by an open house for all parents to get current year questions answered
Topics of interest include:
·         Spring Football June dates, paperwork, and expectations
·         Summer Camp - the ultimate experience and best memory for almost all graduating players
·         Practice uniforms/Spirit gear
·         Booster Membership
·         Volunteer opportunities
·         Team Dinners
·         Script (a way to raise money for your player to pay for football camp)
·         Texas Hold Em Dinner and Silent Auction
All families are expected to check in.
TEEN BOOK CLUB @ REDMOND LIBRARY *new*
Meets the 2nd Thursday of the Month, 4-5pm
Teens in middle school and high school are invited to
attend this monthly meeting to discuss a young adult novel and share what we've been reading. New members are always welcome!

March 10 - Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King
April 14 - The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
May 12 - I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

Sponsored by the Friends of the Redmond Library.
Questions? Contact Stephanie Zero, Teen Services Librarian, Redmond Library
SUMMER COMPUTER PROGRAMMING COURSES
Learn with Coding<4>Youth.  Early registration discount of 25% off by March 13, 2016 (for summer courses only)
Courses:
Level 1 (grades K-6) $195 -- Scratch, Minecraft, Mobile Apps, Web Design
Level 2 (grades 6-12) $375 -- Game Design with HTML, Intro to Java, Mobile Apps
Level 3 (grades 8-12) $750 -- AP Java Review, C++, Python
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
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.

 
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies:
Director of Human Resources
16250 NE 74th Street
Redmond, Washington, 98052
(425) 936-1266

 

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Evergreen Middle School PTSA
Eagle Express is published by parent volunteers of Evergreen Middle School.