MULTI-CULTURAL

FAMILY NIGHT THURSDAY, MAY 30, 6-8:00 PM

(Corrected Date)

Multi-Cultural Entertainment

Fashion Show

Food Tasting from a Variety of Cultures

Families, please consider what cultural cuisine

you would be willing to bring and share, so that

we can have a wide representation of other cul-

tures.

Please contact Tiffany Williams at tiwillia@fwps.org or

253-945-4005 if you are willing to bring a food item or

a cultural presentation to share.

We look forward to an enriching

night together!

STAR GAZER GAZETTE Monthly Newsletter

May 2019 Star Lake Elementary

Federal Way Public Schools

UPCOMING EVENTS Friday, May 24

“HAWAIIAN” SPIRIT/POPCORN DAY

Popcorn 50 cents/bag

Monday, May 27

MEMORIAL DAY

NO SCHOOL

Thursday, May 30

MULTI-CULTURAL NIGHT

6:00-8:00 pm

Saturday, June 1

CHAMPIONSHIP TRACK MEET

Qualifiers Only!

1:00 pm, Memorial Stadium

Wednesday, June 5

EARLY RELEASE

1:35 pm

Friday, June 7

OTTER POP FRIDAY

Otter Pops 25 cents each, limit 2

LOOKING AHEAD

Monday, June 17

KINDERGARTEN & 5TH GRADE GRADUATIONS

Kinder: 9:15 am, doors open at 9:00

5th: 1:45 pm, doors open at 1:30

Tuesday, June 18

FIELD DAY

9-10:30 K-2nd & 1-2:30 3rd-5th

Wednesday, June 19

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Awards Assembly: 9-10:30 am

Early Release: 10:55 am

Dear Star Lake Families,

As I am writing this message, the calendar shows twenty-two school days remaining! How does the school year go by so quickly? Our students are engaged in rigorous learning, finishing up 3-5 SBA state testing, and finalizing end of year modules in ELA and math so the next five weeks will be busy ones. During the next two early dismissals, our staff will be analyzing end of year assessment data, celebrat-ing growth and the strategies we put in place to achieve that growth, and looking at areas for continued improvement. Specifically, our School Improvement Plan focus on goal 2 (whole child: thriving, confi-dent, responsible citizens) and goal 4 (content area competence: mastery of all subjects) from our dis-trict Strategic Plan. Our goal 2 focus this year led our staff to look at discipline data and see if we have disproportionate data when we look at gender or race. First of all, we celebrate that 90% of our students have had NO office referrals this year! In reviewing our data from last year to this year, the gap for most sub-groups have remained within the range we are wanting (0%-6%): the percentage of discipline referrals for a specific racial group is similar to that racial group’s percentage of our whole school population. We are excited to say that the disproportionate gap for black students has decreased from 28% points last year to 11% points this year. We are continuing to analyze our data regarding the higher number of boys with office referrals vs girls. Our staff has been building strategies related to cultural competency and engaging in data analysis focused on race and equity through professional development; and we will con-tinue our work in this important area. Our goal 4 focus this year has been centered on professional development aligned with IRLA and strong backwards planning and lesson design. Currently, 50% of our students are reading ON TARGET in IRLA, and 62% are reading in their grade level and are approaching target! Last year, at this time, 47% of our students were reading on target, and we are excited by this growth! In June, we will be ana-lyzing iReady and end of year standards data as well.

Here’s to a great end of the year! We have loved learning with your children! Best Regards, Kris Rennie Principal

In addition to all our learning, we have many year-end fun events right around the bend. We look forward to seeing you at multicultural night, on field trips, at kindergarten and 5th grade graduations, field day, and our end of the year assembly.

Library News:

Thank you to PTA who put together a great spring Book Fair this year. From the book fair profits, I was able to purchase 95 new books for the library including non-fiction animal and pet books, biographies, poetry, graphic novels, beginning chapter books, fic-tion titles, picture books and easy reader titles. Students are previewing the new books at new book parties this week.

I would also like to shout out a thank you to everyone who participated in this years Battle of the Books competition. Star Lake had 23 teams including 4 adult staff teams. Thank you to volunteers who took score: Sarah Mullins, Sarah Hoffman, Katie Rieger, Adrian Meissner and Heather Huck.

Student library books will all be due Friday, June 7th. That week is the last week of library classes. We will be having a Bring The Books Back Contest. The first primary and intermediate classes to get all their books in, including paying fines, will get a popsicle party and extra recess.

Look for the free summer resources list in the next newsletter to keep your students reading and busy over the summer!

CHAMPIONSHIP TRACK MEET June 1st, 1:00 pm, Arrive at 12:30!

For Qualifiers Only

We would like to congratulate our Qualifiers:

Jasmine K. Long jump, 400M

Christian M. Long jump

Julius R. Long jump

Aaliyah A. Long jump

Tiona T. Long jump, 200M, 800M

Quinnton S. Long jump, 800M

Sharaya W. Long jump, 800M

Rylee C. Long jump, 200M, 400M

Maliyah K. Long jump, 100M

Tiffany K. Javelin, 200M

Balkisa M. Javelin

Jaymoreen S. Javelin, 200M, 400M

Shennel C. Javelin

Mesrak N. Javelin

Ma’Kea M. Javelin

Milani L. 100M, 200M

Gabrielle M. 100M, 800M

Ro’Lea M. 200M

De’Quincy B. 400M

Sasha D. 400M, 800M

Caden B. 800M

Caitlin S. 800M

Our final Championship Meet is on Saturday, June 1st for 3-5th Graders on-

ly who qualified at the previous meet. Please arrive at 12:30 pm at Memorial

Stadium.

The kids cannot wear their coats onto the field so please have them wear an

extra shirt under their track shirt. Also bring a water bottle.

Parents are required to stay at the meet. If you do not stay, your child will

not be able to participate. Parents must check their child in and out with

their coach.

Any questions? Please contact Ms. Peggins at mpeggins@fwps.org, 253-945

-4024 or Mrs. Nelson at amnelson@fwps.org, 253-945-4035.

Early Release Date: June 5

At 1:35 pm

• Students at Star Lake will be dis-missed at 1:35 pm on our regular Early Release dates.

• Breakfast and lunch will be served as usual.

• Students who ride the bus will have regular bus service transportation.

• Parents who usually pick up students may pick up at the release time.

HEALTH ROOM

NEWS:

5th Grade Parents, a

letter has gone home

from the health room regarding your 5th

graders needed immunizations. Please

make sure your student is current on ALL

immunizations. If your student is 11 years

of age, it is time for their Dtap/Td vaccine,

which the State of Washington requires

your student to have before entering Mid-

dle School. Students are also required to

have their 2nd Varicella vaccine.

Please bring proof of immunizations to the

Star Lake office if immunized before the

last day of 5th grade OR to your student’s

middle school if immunized during the

summer.

We would like to thank

our PTA and Parents for

the wonderful gifts and

treats you shared with us

for Staff Appreciation Week. You made us

feel so special!!

Planning Your Vacation Time for 2019-2020?

Please take the time to check the Federal Way School District website for the 2019-2020 school year calen-dar. Please take note of the first and last days of school, winter, mid-winter and spring breaks.

Please consult the calendar before you make travel or vacation plans. Vacations taken on school days may or may not be excused based on grades, attendance and reason. Final approval is given

by the principal. We want all of our students to be here every day. Even a few missed days can make a difference for a student!

Thank you for helping us by having your child attend every day that he/she can possibly be present.

LOST AND

FOUND

Please remind your

student to check our

Lost and Found bins. We will be do-

nating all left-behind items to the

clothing bank after the last day of

school. We would hate for your stu-

dent to go without a jacket or sweater

all summer long.

Attendance: Every Day Counts! Especially in the Early Years!

One in 10 kindergarten and first-grade students nationally are chronically absent,

missing nearly a month of school.

These early absences correlate with reading difficulties and poor attendance patterns

in later years. One California study found that only 17 percent of students who were

chronically absent in both kindergarten and first grade were reading proficiently in

third grade, compared to 64 percent of those with good attendance.

Problems with Tardiness

The most crucial learning hours of a school day are the morning hours, because they

are when students are most attentive. Students who are tardy miss the beginning of

their morning classes, and they also cause a distraction when they arrive late to class.

Academics and Achievement

Students who are frequently tardy have lower GPAs, lower scores on standardized

assessments, and lower graduation rates. Chronic tardiness in elementary and middle

school is also linked to failure in high school.

Behavior Problems

In the National Center for Education Statistics 2007 Indicators of School Crime and

Safety, teachers surveyed reported that students who are frequently tardy have higher

rates of suspension and other disciplinary measures. Tardiness causes students to feel

disconnected with school, leading to behavior problems and dropouts.

Job Performance

Students who are frequently tardy to school are also more apt to be fired from a job

for showing up late.

Effect on Others

When students are tardy, they negatively impact their teachers and other students.

Teachers are often required to allow tardy students to make up work, which often

requires them to restructure their lessons or re-teach missed material. Tardiness also

takes other students' attention away from a teacher's lesson,

leading to more behavior problems and missed instruction.

Sunscreen use in Federal Way Public Schools Along with the beautiful spring sunshine comes concerns about too much sun exposure and the need for sunscreen use. A Washington State law allows parents/guardians to supply FDA approved, over-the-counter sunscreen, which, can be applied at school, or school sponsored events. No licensed health care professional or parent/guardian note is required. Scholars will need to apply their own sunscreen and lotions only, not spray-on sunscreens.

Sun Safety Tips:

Dress in tightly woven, loose fitting clothing that covers as much of the body as possible.

Liberally apply sunscreen to exposed skin in the morning as part of a daily routine. The sunscreen container should specify a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater and should state that it provides broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection.

Link to the law:

http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2017-18/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Passed%20Legislature/5404-S.PL.pdf#page=1

From Federal Way School District Nurses

PEACHJAR

Did you know you have the option to re-ceive school flyers through email? Peachjar delivers digital flyers to families with important information about after-school and school related activities such as:

• School sponsored functions • School newsletters • School events • Teacher flyers • School fundraisers

Families can also view flyers by logging on through the school website https:// www.fwps.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=13

Sign up by visiting www.Peachjar.com

Field Day This year’s field day is Tues-day, June 18th. Parent volun-teers would be appreciated

for all the activities we have planned. 9-10:30, K-2nd and 1-2:30 , 3rd-5th. Please contact Mr. Mullins at pmullins@fwps.org if you are able to help that day.

Kindergarten & 5th Grade Graduation

Our graduation day is Monday, June 17th. Here are a few things to remember:

• All students are required to remain in uniform for graduation ceremonies.

• If you are bringing balloons or signs to celebrate, you will need to sit in the back of the gym so that others’ view is not blocked.

• Doors for Kindergarten Graduation will open at 9:00 with the ceremony at 9:15 am. 5th Grade Graduation doors will open at 1:30 with the ceremony at 1:45 pm.

• Please remember that graduation is NOT the last day of school. This is a ceremony only and students will still be expected to attend school through Wednesday, June 19th.

• Watch for a form to be coming home for you to fill out if you plan to take your student/siblings home early. Please return this form ASAP to prearrange for their early release.

• Please make sure to have your Kindergarteners to school on time that day. They will need extra time to pre-pare for their graduation ceremony.

It’s Time To Enroll In Kindergarten

Kindergarten registration for the 2019-2020 school year is now open. Families

with a child who will be five-years-old by Aug. 31, 2019 are welcome to enroll their

scholar online at home or on a computer available to you at school during office

hours, 8:00-3:30.

To enroll online, visit: www.fwps.org/onlineenrollment, and click on the “Student Registration” link to start the process (make sure to select the 2019 - 2020 school year). The following documents are recommended at the time of registration:

• Your child’s birth certificate

• Proof of your address (rental agreement, purchase

agreement, or utility bill)

• Your child’s immunization records

If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Miller at

253-945-4000 or kamiller@fwps.org.

5th Grade Celebration

5th Grade students will be having a

special lunch and cake earlier in the

day of June 17th before their gradua-

tion. If you are interested in helping

serve lunch please contact your child’s

teacher.

ECEAP REGISTRATION IS OPEN

The 2019-2020 ECEAP application is available online now. Families/guardians

can apply for the upcoming school year. The application is available in English,

Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Russian and Somali. ECEAP is based on eligibility.

To determine eligibility for enrolling, your child you must:

• Complete the application. You can find it at: https://www.fwps.org/

Page/2211 or come to our Star Lake Office for an application.

• Provide 12 months of income verification (W-2, Tax Return, SSI or TANF)

• If you do not have income verification, please call or visit one of our sites to

speak to a Family Support Specialist

Once eligibility is determined:

We enroll children as space allows. Your eligible child will be enrolled at the lo-

cation closest to your home that has an opening. If you would like a different

location, requests will be taken as space allows.

If your child is selected for an open position, you will receive a

call to schedule an enrollment appointment. If families have

any questions they can call 253-945-2379.

KINDER CAMP

We have a fun camp for our incoming Kin-

dergartners on August 19-21, 8:30-12:30. If you

are interested in having your child participate,

please contact our office so that we can get

your child signed up. Students must be regis-

tered as a Star Lake Kindergartener to attend!

This is a great opportunity to meet the Kin-

dergarten teachers and begin learning the ex-

pectations for Kindergarten. We want our in-

coming students to be ready and excited for

their first official day of school.

Lets give our kids a great start to their learn-

ing experiences!

PBIS: SAFE, KIND AND PRODUCTIVE IS HEALTHY AND STRONG AT STAR LAKE!

Our survey crew asked the question “How did you earn most of your Star Lake Way tickets?” Of the 55 students surveyed 22% earned their tickets for being safe keeping their hands to themselves or staying in their own space. 38% or those sur-veyed earned their tickets for being kind using kind words and actions and 40% earned their tickets by being productive by doing their work or following directions the first time. Way to go Star Lake students!

We also recently conducted our annual walkthrough to check for the fidelity of our PBIS system. The onsite walkthrough conducted by district staff consisted of a review of observable indicators of the implementation of PBIS and the interview of faculty and students. Ten(10) randomly selected staff and 15 randomly selected students were interviewed. Star Lake has demonstrated a strong positive behavior intervention system with a 97% score. Some of the highlights were:

• 15/15 students stated they felt safe at school

• 14/15 students stated they were recognized in the past week with a Star Lake Way Ticket for being safe kind and pro-ductive.

• 14/15 students stated they liked being at Star Lake.

• 10 /10 staff members have acknowledged students in the last week for meeting safe kind and productive with a Star Lake Way Ticket in the past week.

The following students have turn in over 20 tickets to Eagles Mart:

Baune: Thomas

Baisch: Raiden

Mata: Summer, Kabria, Amani

Peggins: Maeryn, Ethan, Kingslee, Pastian, Leighton, Cici, Titan, Wyatt, Nehemiah

Thomason: Arianna, Xoe, Ashton, James, Ethan, Katrina, Quincy

Coleman: Harlow, Jaidyn, Aymen, Orion, Jordan, Logan, Allison, McKenzie, Jamie

Hall: Emma, Joseph, Matthew, Breyanna, Regie, Jonathan, Lynnaya, Lisa, Sean, Selena, Caiden

Stroud: Thomas, Sadok, Niki, Briana, Hafsa, Cora, Evelyna, Yahya, Rebekah, Sabah, Eyosias, Mason

Nelson: Amina

Friedman: LaVeah, Carol

Baker: Jaspreet, Justin

Rossmeier: Ayvin, Max P., Max O., Victor, Salome

Bartlett: Aaliyah, Maryangel, Ryan, Jordan

Sanders: Kieran, Tiona, Miriyah, Sasha, Alex, Aiden, Madison, Caden, Maria, Adonis

Howson: Angel, Yahaira, Maryama, Miracle

Blair: Azzariah, Riley

Howard: Nena, Federick, Mabin, Binetou, Brianna, Divinity

Robinson: Iseani

Withrow: Kaori, Dalia, Azarias, Malick, Eloy

Our school wide PBIS program supports every student within our school. We are always seeking donations of items or funds to assist with stocking our student store. Any donations may be left at the front office. Thank you for sup- porting our PBIS program here at Star Lake.

Katherine Hinkle, PBIS Incentives Chair

Our days are getting longer and our scholars are continuing to show Safe, Kind and Productive behaviors! Our Star Lake scholars have redeemed 3,995 Star Lake Way tickets during our single shopping opportunity in April! Mr. Sanders with 420 and Mrs. Hall with 460 total tickets have led the school with the most tickets turned in.