Principal Newsletter – December 10, 2021

Special thanks to the PTA for spoiling our teachers with an abundance of holiday treats this week. You boosted our spirits (and our blood sugar)! During the hustle and bustle of this time of year it is important to take time to nurture our own emotional well-being. As the days grow shorter, colder, and wetter we see an uptick in conflicts at recess, anxiety about schoolwork, and increased fatigue.

This year has been particularly difficult for students and staff alike. We want to share with you what we are doing at school to show our students we care about them and equip them with tools to support their own emotional well-being. In the classroom this can look like teachers and students pausing to reflect on our classroom charters, engaging in community circles, and practicing problem solving skills such as the use of Kelso’s choice. It is important to maintain our routines while including time for joy and relaxation. We invite you to ask your student about school and if your student/family is struggling please make sure to reach out to your classroom teacher or our counselor Erica Barry (esbarry).

Levy Measures for February Election

Seattle Public Schools is asking voters to consider two expiring levy measures in the February 8, 2022, election. K-12 education is not fully funded by the state of Washington. Districts like ours rely on community-approved levies to bridge that funding gap. The levies support every SPS student and ensure they have access to the resources they need to succeed. Learn more at District Levy page.

Family Connectors University Starts Tuesday, January 11th

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) families are invited to join North Seattle College’s Family Connectors University (FCU) class, a family-focused online course designed to help parents support their child’s learning and growth. Check out video here and course details here.

The class takes place online via Zoom for 10 weeks beginning Tuesday, January 11th at 6pm. Parents can participate synchronously or asynchronously. Course is facilitated by NSC Parent Education Instructor Lea Evans, Principal Janine Roy, SPS Family Partnerships Coordinator Asosa Sailiai, and special guest speakers. The cost for the 2-unit class is $39.42 and some scholarships are available. Email amsailiai to enroll or find out more information.

Report Cards

Report cards will be available to families on the Source starting Thursday, December 16th. Information on how to access your Source account is available HERE. If your family needs a hard copy of your student’s report card, please email Kristina. Otherwise, our plan is to have electronic report cards for Fall and Winter trimesters and print hard copies in the spring.

Lost and Found

Please remember to check the lost and found rack in front of the main doors if you are missing items. All items will be donated before winter break.

Health and Safety Updates

Lawton Covid Update. This week (12/6 – 12/10), Lawton sent one classroom COVID notification.

PTA News

Homecooked Indian Food. On Tuesday, December 14th our fundraising dinner is hosted by a Lawton family-owned business! Preorder a traditional Indian meal (Butter Chicken or Dahl and Shahi Paneer) by Monday for pickup on Tuesday after 5:30pm (pick up address: 3651 34th Ave W. Apt B). Each $13.99 meal serves 1-2 people and includes naan/rice & salad. Limited availability. Call or text 425-666-8745 to order today!

Minted. Sending holiday cards this season? Minted is offering Lawton families 20% off orders of cards and gifts and they’ll donate 15% back to our school! Visit Minted.com and use code FUNDRAISELAWTONELEMENTARY.

AmazonSmile. The easiest way to support Lawton is by shopping with AmazonSmile! For every eligible purchase, .5% goes back to Lawton. With all of your support, it adds up to a big impact! Click here for more information and don’t forget to turn on AmazonSmile in your mobile app!

Nutty Squirrel Community Kit. Don’t forget to order a Nutty Squirrel Community Kit! The $33 kit includes 2 pints of gelato, a take-and-bake brownie tray, caramel sauce, sprinkles and more. $5 of each kit purchased will be donated back to Lawton. Available in stores and online at www.nuttysquirrel.com until December 31st!

Check the Fence. When you drop by Lawton, be sure to check the fences for PTA news.

Upcoming Events

12/16 – Virtual LGBTQ+ Families Dinner (RSVP here by December 10th at 5pm)

12/17 – 1-hour Early Dismissal

12/20 – 1/2 – NO School, Winter Break

1/23 – Save the Date for Lawton Takeout dinner with Baked in Bosnia