Principal Communication

This week has been a busy one at Lawton, with the bike unit for 3rd – 5th grades in full swing, enrichment programs starting after school, and classrooms spending time learning about the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King’s leadership both in the 1950’s-60’s and in our lives today. Today’s school assembly was a student-led celebration of this learning and launched us into the long weekend with a sense of purpose and excitement. School Budget Survey This is the time of year we start budget planning for the next school year. An important part of that process is gathering staff and community input. Please use this community budget survey to share things you want considered as we develop

It was wonderful to welcome students back to school on Tuesday. We also welcomed our salmon eggs to the tank this week where we will get to watch them grow and change. We hope 2023 is off to a great start for your family and will be filled with curiosity, learning, and joy. We have exciting things happening at Lawton in January: 3rd – 5th Grade Bike Unit. Lots of riding and skill growth happening on the field this week. Thank you, Mr. Peters, for making this happen! Secret Garden Book Fair January 17th – 20th. See detailed blurb below with hours and volunteer needs. 4th Grade Music Concert January 24th. This year we’re moving our music events

Good morning! A friendly reminder that today is a one-hour early release – students dismissed at 1:25pm. We wish you and yours a safe and joyful Winter Break – with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the people you love. We will look forward to welcoming students back to school on Tuesday, January 3rd. Covid Tests Available at Pick Up Today Reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 over break by testing if you feel sick, testing before attending large gatherings, and testing after any exposure. We will put a supply of rapid antigen tests on top of the lost and found rack in front of the building for those wanting to take a box home for break.

It is so inspiring to see the amazing creativity and kindness of the Lawton community that has been on full display this month, from the wonderful Art Docent artwork on our walls to the very generous Holiday Giving program – our school is stronger because of your support! As we enter the last week before break, let’s work together to finish strong and healthy despite respiratory illness season being here. Please keep students home when sick, following Department of Health guidance on when students are healthy enough to return to school. Last Call for Sneakers: Donate by Tuesday, December 13th Please support our fourth-grade community service project by donating your used sneakers. Sneakers get recycled or reused to

After a week away, students got right back into the swing of things. It was wonderful to see them celebrating school spirit with silly hats and hair. In these weeks before winter break, students are busy editing writing, learning new ways to solve math problems, and explaining their thinking about science investigations. Witnessing their joyful learning is such a privilege. We’re entering a busy month with several school-based initiatives you may want to support. Please read below for information on community giving, a fourth-grade service project, a Spirit Wear collection effort, and a booster clinic. We are searching for a new instructional assistant to join the Special Education team at Lawton. If you know someone who would be

This week was a transition at Lawton. Dr. Deno’s last day was Monday, and I officially joined the team on Tuesday. It’s been a great week! I had a chance to visit each class and meet some of you at drop off and pick up. I’m still learning my way around the building but I’m so grateful to be here. Thank you for making me feel welcome! I’ll be hosting an informal coffee chat in the commons on Friday, December 2nd at 7:30am. Looking forward to having a chance to meet more of you then. No School Next Week There is no school for students next week. Our teachers are looking forward to meeting with families during conferences.

Dear Lawton Families: It is with mixed feelings that I write to announce that my last day at Lawton will be November 14th. I have accepted a position as an executive director with the Tukwila School District. It is a position that aligns with my background and passions and will allow me to support preschools and the development of a dual language program. I’m grateful for the new opportunity, but leaving Lawton is hard. As I reflect on my years at Lawton, I feel honored to have been part of a community that gives so generously of its time and talents to support students. To have been part of a staff who pivoted with grace and creativity to

Today we held our Veteran’s Day Assembly – our first whole-school assembly since January 2020. It was a wonderful opportunity to gather all students together and honor our nation’s Veterans. Special thanks to our 5th grade student leaders, community speakers, and those who shared their own images of Veteran’s in their families. Welcome Dina Clagg Ms. Clagg is excited to begin serving as Lawton’s acting principal. Her first official day will be Tuesday, November 15th. Ms. Clagg has 25 years of experience in education and 20 years with Seattle Public Schools, most recently serving as Assistant Principal at Loyal Heights Elementary. She has a BA in Psychology from Smith College and a Master’s in Education from University of

As the weather turns and the mornings are darker, we are seeing an increase in dangerous conditions at morning drop off. Please help us keep students and families safe by following these expectations: Students arriving by car should: Be packed and ready to exit the car independently Exit car on the sidewalk side of the car in the loading zone (not in the circle) Drivers using 27th street as their drop off area should: Wait in a single-file line once entering 27th street – do not pass cars waiting to unload Stay in the driver’s seat, do not exit car Other ways Lawton families can contribute to a safer morning drop-off for all: Arrive on campus at 7:40

Our front lobby is filled with beautiful student art from our 5th graders – submitted as part of our yearbook cover contest. This year’s entries were stunning. School Pictures School pictures came home with students this week. Ordering instructions are in the envelopes if you didn’t pre-order. Retakes will occur on Tuesday, November 8th. Email kmcerise if you’d like to be added to the retake list. New Covid Procedures If your child tests positive for Covid-19, please do these three things: Report it at: lawton Follow isolation guidelines at: https://www.seattleschools.org/news/covid-19-isolation-guidance/ Last Call for Veteran Photos We’d love to have more pictures of veterans in your family to celebrate at our assembly on November 10th. Please email the picture