EVERGREEN EAGLE EXPRESS
Week of May 1, 2016 - Issue 36

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

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGEA
Hello Evergreen Families -
  
We hope April was an outstanding month for your student and they started the 4th Quarter well.  It is very important to finish well and we are continuing to see great student growth and progress.  There are still six full weeks of school remaining and we look forward to supporting your student as they strive toward reaching their goals.
 
This past Wednesday, teachers met in their student data teams to review student progress, and as evaluators we look forward to our upcoming conversations and meetings with teachers when we discuss students' progress and results.  In our classroom visits, we see confident, articulate students who have shown outstanding growth academically, behaviorally, socially, and emotionally.  We want to thank our teachers for the dedication and commitment they show on a daily basis to prepare all our students to be Future Ready.  This next week is Teacher Appreciation Week and we look forward to expressing our appreciation and gratitude to our staff.  Thanks also to our PTSA for their partnership in helping recognize and appreciate all our teachers.  We look forward to honoring them next week.  If you'd like to send a note to one or all of your student's teachers, you may do so through Skyward or by clicking on the attached hyperlink to see their email address.
 
In addition to honoring teachers next week, we will also be practicing our monthly safety drill and as you probably already read in the email from me on Thursday afternoon, we will be conducting a lockdown drill using the ALICE principles and procedures.  We will prepare students by showing a PowerPoint and discussing with them in Homeroom on Tuesday, in classes on Wednesday, and discussing an appropriate response in Homeroom on Thursday.  We will remind students this is only a drill and we will not evacuate the building.  We know crisis situations can generate different responses for students, so we will be discussing the procedures over the course of a few days to create understanding and reduce any potential anxiety.  Please let us know if you have any questions as well.
 
This has been an amazing school year and we look forward to the remaining six and a half weeks.  Please let us know if there are any additional ways we can support your student academically, behaviorally, socially, or emotionally.
 
Thanks and take care and have an outstanding day.
 
Sincerely,

Robert Johnson
 
Principal
Evergreen Middle School

IMPORTANT DATESB
                      
Mon., 5/2 - Fri., 5/6 - Spirit Week & Staff Appreciation Week
 
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
OUR LAST SPIRIT WEEK OF THE YEAR IS THIS WEEK: 5/2 - 5/6 *new*

*    Monday, May 2nd: Comfy Cozy Day - Wear sweats, pj's, onesies, etc.
   SIGN UP FOR MINUTE TO WIN IT GAMES AT LUNCH!!!
   Dance tickets are on sale before school and during lunches!

*    Tuesday 5/3: Twin Tuesday - Find a partner and wear the same or a similar outfit!
   MINUTE TO WIN IT GAME AT LUNCH: COOKIE FACE!!!!
   Dance tickets are on sale before school and during lunches!

*    Wednesday 5/4: Star Wars Wednesday - Show your Star Wars spirit by wearing anything related to Star Wars! If you don't have Star Wars merchandise, you can wear all black or all white for dark side/light side.   
   MIX IT UP LUNCH - MEET SOMEONE NEW!!
   Dance tickets are on sale before school and during lunches!

*    Thursday 5/5: Camo Thursday - Blend in with your surroundings and wear anything camouflage!
   MINUTE TO WIN IT AT LUNCH: CANDY TRANSPORT!
   Dance tickets are on sale before school and during lunches!  Lunch on Thursday is your last chance to by your dance tickets!

*    Friday 5/6: Hollywood Friday - Dress up like your favorite celebrity or character from your favorite movie.  Or wear your favorite outfit and be your own star.
   LUNCH JAM!!!  
   Pick up Dance ticket wristbands during lunches.
   7:00-9:00 PM AFTER SCHOOL DANCE!


LAST EMS DANCE!  HOLLYWOOD: BE YOUR OWN STAR! *updated*
 
**Though the theme is "Hollywood" we want to remind students that this is about being your own star.  You do NOT need to dress fancy.  This is NOT a high school dance or prom.  We just want kids to wear whatever makes them feel their best (as long as it's school appropriate).  If you are unfamiliar with the school dress code, please refer to your child's agenda page 19.**

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.

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 [email protected] or [email protected]

If you would like to help out with chaperoning, and you are currently an approved LWSD volunteer, please click below.  Thanks!
POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE

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

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, [email protected] with any questions.
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 [email protected] 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!
EVERGREEN ATHLETICSD
4TH SEASON SPORTS
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
STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK *new*

Staff Appreciation Week is this coming week.  PTSA will be doing something on several days (FYI - Monday, Gift cards.  Tuesday, partially catered lunch during A, B, C lunches. Friday, Coffee Cart rom 7:00-9:00am)

Here is what we need help with:
Lunch on Tuesday, May 3.  We need some more food and help with setup/clean up.  Also on the signup is info about donations for teacher gifts.
SBA CHAPERONES NEEDED
*new*
SBA testing is coming soon, beginning on May 10th. Volunteers are needed to assist students for bathroom breaks (walking them to/from the classroom and bathroom to make sure they are not talking and/or getting distracted).  Please click the link below for more details.
PTSA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING - JUNE 9TH *new*

Next year's EMS PTSA Board will be voted in at our General Membership Meeting on June 9th at 9:30am.
                
If there is any more interest in serving on the Board in any capacity, interested parties should contact Sabrina Schriner ([email protected]), Christie Denholm ([email protected]) or Allyson Cohen ([email protected]) by next Friday, May 6.  

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
Value Village *new*

April 17 - May 7
Washington State PTA members save 30% storewide during April 17 - May 7. Have your coupon and WSPTA membership card ready at checkout.
 
Krispy Kreme *new*
May 8th only
Visit any of the following locations and receive 20% off your order. Treat your school's faculty and staff! Must show current WSPTA member card to receive discount.
  
Issaquah | N. Seattle | SoDo (S. Seattle) | Spokane | Tacoma | Tri-Cities | Vancouver

Wild Waves *new*

Another fun summer with Wild Waves is here! In addition to substantial savings, Wild Waves offers "print and go" ticket purchases. Visit the member designated page for tickets. 
Username: WSPTA | Password: summer2016.
 
Birch Bay Waterslides *new*

Memorial Day through Labor Day, members and their families can enjoy $3 off full day admission. Download the coupon here (coupon for at-gate ticket purchases). 
 
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.                                    
THANK YOU!!! *new*

The LWPTSA Council, your volunteer bond campaign committee, and the EMS PTSA would like to express their gratitude to everyone for all of their work, efforts, and VOTES to get the LWSD School Bond passed!

(Preliminary results show LWSD Bond is passing by 66.28% as of April 29th.
Our campaign team informs us this number is unlikely to change significantly between now and May 6th when it's certified.)
 

We get to celebrate the fact that we will be building new schools across our entire district to support our ever growing number of students.

 

We also get to celebrate each other and what we've accomplished together. You all have demonstrated that we are a vibrant, strong, and connected community that values education, children, and the future of our community!


EXTRACURRICULARF
REDMOND SELECT BASKETBALL SKILLS CLINIC
*new*
Thurs., June 16 & Fri., June 17; 9am-3pm @ Redmond High School
Open to: Boys & Girls entering 4th-9th grade
Cost: $100
Join Redmond High School's head boys basketball coach, Todd Rubin, and RHS head girls coach, Ashley Graham for two days packed full of skill development!  This camp will focus on skills such as ball-handling, shooting technique, moves to the basket, moving without the ball, and reading game situations.
There will be drill competitions, 1 on 1 competitions, and scrimmage play throughout the two days.  Remember to bring a sack lunch, a basketball, a water bottle, and a great attitude!
For more information, or to register, please email Coach Rubin at [email protected].
"MUSTANG EXTRAVAGANZA" @ RHS
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!
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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Eagle Express is published by parent volunteers of Evergreen Middle School.