From: Allison Deno <andeno@seattleschools.org>
Date: Fri, Oct 23, 2020 at 9:01 AM
Subject: Principal Newsletter – October 23, 2020
I continue to be amazed by the learning happening at Lawton in our online spaces. From Kindergarten students practicing letter formation and identification – showing their work on the screen as well as in Seesaw – to 5th grade students articulating what mature throwing is in PE and then demonstrating using socks, plastic bags, and even rolled up paper.
Remote learning is hard (as Ms. Barry reminded us this week) and at the same time has brought out the innovator in each of us. The Lawton community continues to be dedicated to serving our students. If you missed Ms. Barry’s Parenting in a Pandemic presentation, you can review a summary of the strategies she shared here: Parenting in a Pandemic Handout.docx.
Last Call for Veterans Day Assembly Pictures
If you have a Veteran you would like to honor at our November 6th assembly, please send a picture to Ms. Lewis at jrlewis@seattleschools.org today. Please include your student’s name, Veteran’s name, and branch of military in which they served.
Virtual Volunteers – Updated Requirements
SPS updated volunteer requirements to keep our students safe in their virtual classrooms. Volunteers working with students in virtual meetings must complete a Category B Volunteer Application. The review process includes a national background check (typically $21), brief interview with front office staff, and reference checks.
This is a big change for most Lawton volunteers – most of whom only needed a state background check in previous years. This change only impacts volunteers who will be working with students in virtual meetings during the school day. It does not apply outside of school hours (e.g. for PTA initiated events).
If your teacher is looking for volunteers to support virtual meetings with students (e.g. interest/club hosts, tutors, reading groups, etc), please contact the office as soon as you complete/update your application and we will process it as soon as possible. If you have any problems with the application or concerns about costs to complete please reach out to the office for assistance.
Request Your November Library Books by October 30th
Place holds for your next round of reading by October 30th so that you can have books to pick up on November 6th. CLICK HERE for instructions on how to place holds.
Dolphin Dreams Direct Drive– 100% Participation Goal
Lawton PTA is striving for 100% participation in this year’s Direct Drive, and many classes are almost there. All classrooms that reach 100% will be invited to a virtual dance party hosted by Ms. Volk! The first class to reach 100% will receive a popsicle delivery!
Financial donation is not required for participation. Please visit the Dolphin Dreams website at https://lawtonelementarypta.schoolauction.net/dreams2020 Thank you to everyone who has already participated and given so generously.
October is Washington Disability History Month
The Seattle Special Education PTSA has put together an Inclusion Bingo and invites you to join their Intersectionality & Disability Justice event on October 26th at 7pm.
Free Virtual Tutoring Now Offered by Seattle Public Library
The Seattle Public Library is now offering free, one-on-one virtual tutoring for Seattle youth in grades K through 12 through Tutor.com. One-on-one help is available in math, writing, science, history, foreign languages, college essay writing, Advanced Placement (AP) courses and more. To access virtual tutoring through The Seattle Public Library, go to spl.org/VirtualTutoring and log in with your Library card or Library Link number and PIN to request a tutor. Seattle Public Schools students can log in with their student ID number through Library Link (go to spl.org/LibraryLink to find out how).
Key Dates
October 23 – Veterans Day Photos Due
October 23 – K-2 Packet Pickup (8am to 3pm)
October 27 – Dolphin Dialogue at 11:45am
October 30 – Last Call for November Library Holds
October 30 – K-2 Packet Pickup
November 2 – PTA Meeting and Internet Safety Presentation for Parents (5:30 – 7pm)
November 6 – Veterans Day Assembly
November 6 – Spirit Day: Marvelous Masks
November 6 – All Grades Packet Pickup Day
November 11 – Veterans Day (NO SCHOOL)
November 23 – 27 – Conference Days and Thanksgiving Break (NO SCHOOL)
