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EVERGREEN EAGLE EXPRESS
Week of May 8, 2016 - Issue 37

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

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGEA
Hello Evergreen Families -
  
We hope this week's edition of the Eagle Express finds you well and enjoying the sunshine.  There are many thank you's to pass out: first, thank you to all the moms; Happy Mother's Day!  We know it is a tireless and sometimes thankless job but we wanted you to know we appreciate all you do for your children.  You are raising great kids and we are fortunate to work with them every day.  Thank you to our teachers for all their hard work.  Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week and we want to commend them for all the effort they put in and the many long hours of planning meaningful lessons, creating great instructional strategies and scoring student assessments.  We also want to thank our PTSA for the week full of treats.   Teachers felt very appreciated and pampered by all the gifts and snacks.  Thank you PTSA.
  
This week begins our SBA testing and we are fortunate to have great technology and infrastructure to support our testing schedule.  We have compressed potentially 19 days of testing into five days which minimizes the disruption on student learning.  We will be testing in English Language Arts this week with the Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) on Tuesday and the Performance Task (PT) on Thursday and Friday.  Teachers have been preparing students for the SBA by teaching to the standards all year.  We do not need to conduct "test prep," and cram prior to the test as our daily instruction and assessment prepare students for success on exams like the SBA.  We anticipate getting the results in mid/late June and we are excited to see how students perform on this year's exams.  Please remind your student to take care of their body by eating well, sleeping well, using their test-taking strategies, and breathing.  Please also remind your student to take care of their computer by shutting it down each day, fully charging it each night, and bringing their charger to school each day.  Please also remind your student to bring a silent reading book to read when finished with the SBA and a snack to eat during the break.
 
We are excited to see how our students perform and we are grateful to you for all your support. 
 
Thank you for supporting our school.  Thank you for supporting our teachers.  Thank you for raising great children.  Thank you for your commitment to excellence and for partnering with us in your child's education.  Evergreen is a fantastic school and we are very fortunate to have outstanding community support.  Thank you for all you do to partner with us.

Wishing you a fantastic SBA Week ahead,

Robert Johnson
 
Principal
Evergreen Middle School

IMPORTANT DATESB
                      
 
Mon., 5/9 - Presidential Service Award Hours Due
 
Tues., 5/10 - English Language Arts SBA Test
 
Thurs., 5/12 - English Language Arts SBA Test
 
Fri., 5/13 - English Language Arts SBA Test
 
Tues., 5/24 - Math SBA Test
 
Thurs., 5/26 - Math SBA Test
 
Mon., 5/30 - NO SCHOOL: Memorial Day

COUNSELING CORNER - MAYCC

Hello Evergreen families! Can you believe the school year is nearly over?  It is amazing how fast time flies when you are having fun!  As we move into the last six weeks of the school year it is so important that our students maintain their good study skills, practice great self-care, and communicate with both their teachers and their families about their academics.  In this month's counseling corner we will give some suggestions to help your students finish off the school year feeling successful and accomplished.
  
As we enter into the month of May, students will begin to hear about their final projects and tests for the year.  Although our teachers do a wonderful job of spreading out and breaking down larger projects, for some students this time of year can seem overwhelming.  Below are some tips for helping your student manage this busy time of year. 

* Encourage your student to use their agenda each day by writing down homework and tests
* Spend some time with your student at least once a week to look at their agenda, Haiku and Skyward to check for missing assignments and see when they have tests or quizzes coming up.  
* Encourage your student to practice healthy time management by creating a structured homework routine after school

In addition to end of the year projects, during the month of May students will take the Smarter Balanced Assessment.  This is an excellent time for students to practice their test taking skills and it is important that students are rested and practicing good self-care during this time.  On the day of any test students should have gotten at least 8 hours of sleep, they should be well hydrated and have had a healthy breakfast.  As the Smarter Balanced Assessment will be a graduation requirement in high school, taking the test each year in middle school is an excellent way to prepare your student for success later on.

Lastly, as we move towards the end of the year many students may have questions or concerns about their grades.  We encourage students to reach out to their teachers sooner rather than later to avoid any confusion at the end of the year.  Your student can either email their teacher or speak to them during their class time.  All Evergreen teachers are dedicated to helping students succeed and can offer great suggestions that are specific to their own curriculum. 

As always, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns!  

Thank you!

Sarah Parnell (A-G) - sparnell@lwsd.org
Christy Walter (H-N) - chwalter@lwsd.org
Denise Ozeri (O-Z) - dozeri@lwsd.org


SCHOOL NEWSC
A NEW WAY TO PAY FOR MEALS - MySchoolBucks
*new* 
 
The district's new online payment system for student meal accounts, "MySchoolBucks", is now available. 
 
MySchoolBucks will improve the information parents have about their student's accounts and allow you to:
  • Monitor your student's meal history
  • Set up recurring/automatic monthly payments
  • Set low balance alerts
  • Download an app for your mobile phone, allowing you to access your student's account
 
You can access the new system as you do now: Login to Parent Access and click on the "Breakfast and Lunch Payments" link. You can also go directly to MySchoolBucks.com
 
The first time you go to this site you will be asked to sign up and create a username and password.  Detailed sign up instructions are located on the district website or click below.
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, krudolph@lwsd.org 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 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!
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
SBA CHAPERONES NEEDED

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

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 (sabrina.schriner@outlook.com), Christie Denholm (cdenholm@gmail.com) or Allyson Cohen (allysoncohen66@gmail.com) by next Friday, May 6.  

PTSA MEMBER BENEFITS
Krispy Kreme
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

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

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!!!

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 bond measure passed!
 

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
FUTURE EASTLAKE PARENTS! *new*

Have you signed up for Wolf Tracks yet?  Wolf Tracks is the weekly PTSA newsletter that will keep you informed of the many events and activities happening in the Eastlake community. Sign up now so you'll be in the loop for summer activities and August orientation information.  Click below to add your email address to the distribution list.  If you have any questions, please email communications@ehsptsa.org. 

FUTURE REDMOND HIGH PARENTS!
*new*

Click below to sign up for Mustang Weekly and the monthly Mustang News. There is no better source for news at Redmond High School!
Questions?  Please email vp_communications@redmondhsptsa.org.

PARENTS -- HAVE TIME TO TUTOR? *new*

AVID tutors are needed to facilitate a small group of students twice a week.  Training is provided.

AVID is a structured college prep system that provides direct support for first generation college-goers.  AVID's mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.

AVID elective students learn:
-writing skills
-inquiry processes
-collaboration techniques
-organizational tools

For more information, contact Chris Robison, LWSD Volunteer Coordinator, 425-936-1270 or crobison@lwsd.org.
GIRLS BASKETBALL CAMP
*new*
Monday-Thurs., June 27-30th; 9am-12pm @ Redmond High School
 
Open to: Girls entering 3rd-8th grade
Cost: $120 early registration (by June 1st); $140 after June 1st

Redmond High School Girls Basketball Head Coach Ashley Graham, and her Redmond Mustang players will host this four day event.
 
This will be an exciting camp where participants will hone their basketball skills in a fun and supportive environment.  The Redmond High School Girls team will help coach the campers allowing the younger players to experience a glimpse of Redmond High School Girls Basketball.  Participants will be split by age to ensure a competitive camp experience.  Please click below for more information or to register.
BOYS BASKETBALL CAMP *new*
Monday-Thurs., June 27-30th; 12:30-3:30pm @ Redmond High School
 
Open to: Boys entering 3rd-8th grade
Cost: $160 early registration (by June 12th); $185 June 13th or after
 
RHS Varsity Coach Todd Rubin and RHS Varsity Players will host this four day summer camp at the RHS Gymnasium.

The camp will feature instruction on basketball fundamentals such as shooting, passing, dribbling, rebounding, and defending as well as team play. Come to learn basketball, have fun with your friends, and help support RHS Boys Basketball. Individual and team competitions and prizes to be awarded. All Players will go home with a camp T-Shirt!
 
Click on the link below for more information or to register. 
REDMOND SELECT BASKETBALL SKILLS CLINIC
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 torubin@lwsd.org.
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.