EVERGREEN EAGLE EXPRESS
Week of April 24, 2016 - Issue 35

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

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGEA
Hello Evergreen Families -
  
We hope you were able to watch our School Board Presentation highlighting all of the wonderful things about EMS.  One of the things we pride ourselves on is creating a personalized and individualized learning opportunity for each student. We meet as teams during our Wednesday early release time to review student data and determine how we can best move student learning forward.  This Wednesday, our teacher teams will meet to review their baseline data from September and summative  results to see how much students have grown since the start of the school year. They will also review curriculum and standards and determine how they can best utilize these remaining weeks in the school year. 

We are entering the final stretch of the school year and we're grateful for all the learning that has occurred and look forward to all the learning that still lies ahead.

As always, please let us know how we can best support your student academically, behaviorally, socially, and emotionally. 

Wishing you all our best for a great week ahead,

Robert Johnson
 
Principal
Evergreen Middle School

IMPORTANT DATESB
                      
Tues., 4/26 - Election Ballots on Bond Measure Due
 
Tues., 4/26 - "Welcome to the Pack" @ Eastlake High School; 6-8pm
 
Thurs., 4/28 - NJHS Applications Due
 
Wed., 5/4 - EMS Policy Review; 3-4pm @ EMS Library
 
Wed., 5/4 - "Mustang Extravaganza" @ Redmond High School; 7pm
 
Fri., 5/6 - EMS Award Nominations Due
 
Fri., 5/6 - EMS Dance; 7-9pm
 
Mon., 5/9 - Presidential Service Award Hours Due

SCHOOL NEWSC
NJHS *new*

Because we needed additional time to process, review, and determine eligible students for the National Junior Honor Society, our timeline has moved back a few days.  Students received applications on Thursday, April 21 and those applications are due back to Ms. McClead and Ms. Brothers by Thursday, April 28.  Accepted students will be inducted into the EMS Chapter of NJHS on Tuesday, May 10.  More information will come to those who have been selected for induction.
POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE *new*

It is the time in the year that we revisit our Student Handbook to make updates for the following school year. You are invited to join a parent focus group to provide input on Evergreen's policies which include: discipline, dress code and bag policy. We will be having a teacher focus group and student focus group at a different time. Please join us for this one hour meeting on Wednesday, May 4th from 3:00pm-4:00pm in Evergreen's library.

SBA 2016 *new*

We are quickly approaching state testing, also known as the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA). Students in each grade level will take the English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics assessment. In addition to ELA and Mathematics, eighth grade students will take the Science MSP. Our ELA test will be given on May 10th, 12th, and 13th. The Math portion will be completed on May 24th and 26th. Science will be given on June 2nd.
 
There are two different types of tests students will take: a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) which becomes easier or more difficult based on whether or not students give the correct answer and a Performance Task (PT) where they will first read passages and take notes followed by composing a written response.

We know some families like more preparation for state exams so we are providing hyperlinks to practice tests and answer keys for these practice assessments.
 
The following link provides you access to family resources regarding the SBA:
 

 
In addition, your student can take the practice exam by directly clicking on the attached hyperlink: http://wa.portal.airast.org/training-tests/
 
Students have been practicing in their Homeroom and will practice in their Math class, and Language Arts class but we wanted to show parents the assessments too in case there are questions surrounding the format, content, or structure of the exams or to gain more familiarity with the exams themselves.
 
Please contact Katy Rudolph, krudolph@lwsd.org with any questions.
LAST EMS DANCE!  HOLLYWOOD: BE YOUR OWN STAR! 


The last EMS dance of the year will be held on Friday, May 6th from 7-9pm.  This is our one and only nighttime dance of the year.   Tickets go on sale Friday, April 29th and are $5.00.   Students can purchase tickets at the cashier window from Ms. Nilsen before school and during lunches from April 29th through Thursday, May 5th.  We recommend purchasing tickets before school (7:15-7:55am), and earlier in the week, as lines will be long during lunches on Thursday.  There will be no ticket sales the day of the dance (May 6th).  Students will receive their wristbands for the dance during lunch on Friday, May 6th.
  
This dance will be a "sock hop" just like all the others.  This helps us protect the gym floor from inappropriate shoes.  When students arrive at 7pm, they will put their shoes in their locker before heading to the dance.
  
Concessions will be available for purchase, so we recommend bringing along a little money for snacks.  Students will also have the opportunity to take pictures at our "Selfie Station" so cell phones are allowed.  Students are responsible for keeping track of their phones at the dance.  All backpacks, bags and other items should be left at home.

If students would like to dress for the Hollywood theme, there are lots of options.  They can dress up like a character from a specific movie, dress like a specific celebrity, or wear something fancy that is "red carpet worthy".  Students may also choose to wear their favorite outfit, or whatever makes them feel like a star.  All clothing choices must still follow school dress code. If you are unfamiliar with the school dress code, please refer to your child's agenda page 19.

We are aware that there is a track meet on May 6th.  The dance was planned in the evening in the hopes that students participating in the track meet may still be able to attend.  Students who are involved in Track may arrive late if necessary.  They must have purchased a ticket in advance (there will be no ticket sales at the door), and we require that an adult bring them into the building to check them in when they arrive (if they are coming after 7pm).   Questions?  Email Trish Miller at EMSASB@lwsd.org or trimiller@lwsd.org

If you would like to help out with wristbands, concessions, or chaperoning, and you are currently an approved LWSD volunteer, please click below.  Thanks!
PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARD HOURS - DUE MAY 9, 2016

It is time to start thinking about putting together your hours to submit for the PSA award. As a reminder, hours can be earned June 1, 2015 - May 31, 2016 (please estimate hours to be done after turn in date). You need a minimum of 50 hours for an award. The DUE DATE is May 9, 2016.
You may submit your information via email to zimmermandeb@hotmail.com or drop off an envelope titled "Deb Zimmerman, Presidential Service Awards" to Mrs. Casolary in the Counselor's office. See the attached document for more information. Please contact me ahead of time if you have any questions!
LWSD BOND MEASURE ON APRIL 26 BALLOT
 
Lake Washington School District has proposed a bond measure to reduce overcrowding and enhance student learning. This measure would raise funds to provide classroom space for 3,000 more students. Projects include two new elementary schools, one new middle school, and rebuilding and enlarging Juanita High School plus Kirk and Mead Elementary Schools. Because the district is paying off past bonds and construction levies, the tax rate would remain the same as the 2015 rate. Complete information on the measure is available at www.lwsd.org. Please remember to vote by April 26.
You can also get more information on the specific projects the bonds would fund by clicking on the link below.

EVERGREEN ATHLETICSD
4TH SEASON SPORTS *updated*
April 18 - June 3

 

TRACK

Boys & Girls


 

TENNIS

Girls


 

BASKETBALL

6th Grade Boys


 

VOLLEYBALL

6th Grade Girls


 
To view schedules for meets/games, please click the links below.
PTSAE
VOTE "YES" ON LWSD 2016 BOND MEASURE!
At our General Membership meeting on April 14, 2016, the EMS PTSA voted unanimously to support and endorse the LWSD 2016 bond measure.  Please vote "yes" and make sure to return your ballot by Tuesday, April 26! 
To see other endorsements for the 2016 Bond, or to add your own, please visit http://vote4lwsdkids.org/endorsements/.

AWARD NOMINATIONS

Our PTSA would like your help in making sure the very deserving parent volunteers and school employees of our Evergreen community are recognized. One way we do this is by presenting awards at the Volunteer Tea at the end of the school year. If you know of someone that has shown exceptional service to students, please take a moment to fill out a nomination form.  Staff, parents, and students are all eligible to make nominations, which are due by Friday, May 6th.  Please click below for the form and further information.
PTSA MEMBER BENEFITS
Silverwood Theme Park

WSPTA  has collaborated with Silverwood Theme Park for another unforgettable summer of fun! Members can save up to $9 off front gate pricing.                                    
EXTRACURRICULARF
"MUSTANG EXTRAVAGANZA" @ RHS  *new*
Wednesday, May 4, 7pm @ Redmond High School
 
Dear Parents/Guardians of Incoming Freshmen:
 
Welcome to Redmond High School!  We are so excited to meet you!  September may seem far away and you're probably wondering what high school is like, so we would like to invite you to the Mustang Extravaganza on May 4th at 7:00PM.  Join us for tours of the school, an overview of classes, clubs, sports and the arts.  After this night, you'll walk in on your first day feeling comfortable, confident, and ready to have a great year!
 
We hope to see you there!
 
Go Stangs!
"WELCOME TO THE PACK"
Tuesday, April 26, 6-8pm @ Eastlake High School
Attention all incoming 9th graders and their families.  Eastlake HS would like to formally invite you and your entire family to the second annual Eastlake High School 'Welcome to the Pack' event on Tuesday, April 26th from 6-8 pm. 
 
This is an opportunity for us to gather as a community and celebrate the spirit and culture of Eastlake, showcase many of the amazing aspects of our school, and help prepare our incoming class of 9th graders to be more familiar with Eastlake High School.  There will be performances from our band, choir, orchestra and drama students in the theater.  Our mascot, with the support from our cheer and dance teams, will be welcoming everyone.  Guided tours will be given throughout the evening.  Information will be available on the many clubs, electives and athletic opportunities provided here at Eastlake HS. 
 
There will be teachers representing their department available for questions and sharing the fine work they do.  The student store will be open and in full operation as families begin to increase their Eastlake gear (please have cash or a check).  Finally, there will be food trucks opening at 5 pm and lasting until the end of the event at 8 pm, please bring cash if you'd like to buy food or concessions. 
 
Please join the Eastlake staff on April 26th as we celebrate this amazing school we call home and welcome next year's 9th grade class, the soon-to-be graduates of 2020.  There will be a schedule, map and more detailed information available the night of the event.  We hope you're able to attend and begin to feel what it's like to be Wolf Strong Pack Strong.
JUST IN TIME FOR SPRING CLEANING - TEXTILE DRIVE AT EASTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL
Sunday, May 1; 9am-3pm

The Eastlake PTSA is collecting a textile drive - clothing, shoes, stuffed animals, towels, gloves & hats, belts, sheets, blankets, drapes, quilts, bedspreads, purses - IN ANY CONDITION!  Proceeds benefit the Class of 2016 Senior Send Off. 
Please bag items in clean plastic trash bags.  Donation truck will be located in the parking lot at Eastlake High School, 400 228th Avenue NE, Sammamish.  Donations are tax deductible.  If you have questions, please contact Mary Pat O'Neil at gradprograms@ehsptsa.org.
  
Thank you for your support!
MAY IS "BIKE TO SCHOOL MONTH"
 
Lake Washington School District student leaders from Sustainability Ambassadors are coordinating with Cascade Bicycle Club and the city of Redmond on the annual Bike to School Month Challenge.

Check out the teams that competed from our district last year: http://www.luum.com/challenges/89/bike-to-school-challenge
 
MOTIVATION:
  • Reduce the amount of CO2 that we release into the air
  • Improve our health
  • Arrive at school awake and ready to learn
  • Learn about the future of sustainable transportation systems
COMPETE:
  • Be the school to track the most number of bike trips in the district!
PRIZES: Courtesy of the Cascade Bicycle Club
  • Weekly drawings (registered students): U-locks, T-shirts, bike helmets!
  • Golden Pedal Award: for the school with the most number of bike trips
REGISTER:
Middle and high school students can register below to report the number of bicycle trips they made to school every week.
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.