Gary

Bear Creek Tracks Principal: Gary Keeler - (425) 408-4105

Office Manager: Sally Walker - (425) 408-4101 Secretary: Marie Jefferson - (425) 408-4100 Website: nsd.org/bearcreek

November 15, 2013 Volume XXVII, Issue 11

MSP Testing

Information

Testing Window: May 2nd – 19th Testing Subjects: 3rd Grade – Reading & Math 4th Grade – Reading, Math & Writing 5th Grade – Reading, Math & Science 6th Grade – Reading & Math The state assessment that replaced the WASL, the Measurement of Student Progress, will be given again in May this year. The state is beginning to roll out online testing. This year the sixth graders will take the MSP online. In the coming weeks, all sixth graders will be given an online tutorial on how to use the testing software, so that when the assessments begin students will be comfortable and confident with the technology piece. Thank you in advance for not scheduling appointments or vacations during the testing window.

MSP Testing

Information

Testing Window: May 2nd – 19th Testing Subjects: 3rd Grade – Reading & Math 4th Grade – Reading, Math & Writing 5th Grade – Reading, Math & Science 6th Grade – Reading & Math The state assessment that replaced the WASL, the Measurement of Student Progress, will be given again in May this year. The state is beginning to roll out online testing. This year the sixth graders will take the MSP online. In the coming weeks, all sixth graders will be given an online tutorial on how to use the testing software, so that when the assessments begin students will be comfortable and confident with the technology piece. Thank you in advance for not scheduling appointments or vacations during the testing window.

You’re invited to the

When: November 19th at 6:30pm Where: Bear Creek Library

Please join all of the Bear Creek participating student artists in a celebration of their work.

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24 - hour Attendance Line

4 2 5 - 4 0 8 - 4 1 1 0

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Parents - If your child will be missing school for any reason, PLEASE call our 24-hour attendance line in order to have that absence excused. Communicating absences to the teacher is helpful however please be sure that the office is notified. The office staff compiles attendance information and enters absence reasons in the attendance system, so notifying the office is best.

STAFF APPRECIATION

Let’s show our appreciation to our wonderful staff this Thanksgiving by bringing in pies that they can share with their family.

Please sign up here:

http://goo.gl/WwKNXm

Above the fireplace in our family room rests a bright crayon drawing that our daughter made when she was six years old. If we ever had an emergency it would be the first and most important item that we would grab to preserve – it is an original and irreplaceable work of art.

At Bear Creek, office manager Sally Walker is an original and irreplaceable staff member. And so it is with mixed emotion that I announce her retirement at the end of December. Sally has dedicated her professional life to the caring of children and distinguished service to families and our school. Sally was here when Bear Creek opened in 1988. I know as a community we each have our stories of how this incredible person has touched our lives with her constant care. During her 30-year career at both Cottage Lake and Bear Creek, thousands of children have been blessed by her diligent and loving care. Families and staff members have been constantly aided by her unique expertise for managing a school’s front office. I am so happy for Sally and yet I know she is irreplaceable.

I cannot begin to express my thankfulness for having worked with Sally for nine years. Though my words are inadequate, I will quote our venerable Sally to help us all to rejoice and celebrate this well deserved time in her life, “I leave with a smile on my face because of the incredible experiences I have been fortunate to be a part of and for those same experiences I also leave with tears in my eyes. I am excited for what the future may hold and will forever look back on my career at Northshore with pride and fondness.” Mrs. Walker, we love you and are all better people for having been blessed with you in our lives. Thank you for all you have done and happy trails to you and your family.

Happy Trails Mrs. Walker

MSP Testing

Information

Testing Window: May 2nd – 19th Testing Subjects: 3rd Grade – Reading & Math 4th Grade – Reading, Math & Writing 5th Grade – Reading, Math & Science 6th Grade – Reading & Math The state assessment that replaced the WASL, the Measurement of Student Progress, will be given again in May this year. The state is beginning to roll out online testing. This year the sixth graders will take the MSP online. In the coming weeks, all sixth graders will be given an online tutorial on how to use the testing software, so that when the assessments begin students will be comfortable and confident with the technology piece. Thank you in advance for not scheduling appointments or vacations during the testing window.

MSP Testing

Information

Testing Window: May 2nd – 19th Testing Subjects: 3rd Grade – Reading & Math 4th Grade – Reading, Math & Writing 5th Grade – Reading, Math & Science 6th Grade – Reading & Math The state assessment that replaced the WASL, the Measurement of Student Progress, will be given again in May this year. The state is beginning to roll out online testing. This year the sixth graders will take the MSP online. In the coming weeks, all sixth graders will be given an online tutorial on how to use the testing software, so that when the assessments begin students will be comfortable and confident with the technology piece. Thank you in advance for not scheduling appointments or vacations during the testing window.

Bear Creek Tracks Page 2 of 3

Preschool Peer Model Program

Northshore School District Preschool is currently accepting applications for its Peer Model Program at Cottage Lake Elementary School and Sorenson Early Childhood Center for the 2013-14 school year. The opportunity for a child to be a peer model in the Developmental Special Education Preschool class is a great way for them to learn about individual differences and build self-esteem. Peer Model Program registration information: • Children must be four years old by December 31st. • Children must be toilet trained. • Parents must provide a current Certificate of Immunization. • Parents provide transportation to and from school. • Tuition is $150 per month.

For more information, including registration for the Peer Model Program, contact Sorenson Early Childhood Center, 425.408.5570.

Just the Facts on the 2014 Bond and Levies

Join us on November 20 at 7PM in the BC Library for an engaging conversation about three measures that will be on the ballot this February for voter consideration: a Capital Projects Bond, a Renewal Educational Operations Support Levy and a Renewal School Technology Levy. These measures continue support for student learning in the Northshore School District by providing funding for educational programs and operations, student and classroom technology, and well-maintained schools and classrooms. Receive information about each measure and get your questions answered by a representative of the district. Join us!

A brief PTA General Membership meeting will immediately precede the presentation at 7pm.

6th GRADE MUSICAL PERMISSION SLIPS FOR THE 6TH GRADE MUSICAL ARE DUE ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22ND. Audition information for High School Musical, Jr. can be found at bearcreekpta.org

SPIRIT WEAR We will be placing another spirit wear order on November 25th with the orders arriving mid-December. Please order online at bearcreekpta.org. We do have quite a few hoodies and long sleeve tees on hand—just send us an email to purchase right now! Amy de la Chica, amydelachica@yahoo.com – long sleeve tees and hoodies Brooke Jones, brooke@rbjsolutions.com – t-shirts

PASS THE HAT Pass The Hat is up and running. If you would like to make a donation to the PTA, and haven’t done so yet, this is your opportunity! Every dollar donated through Pass the Hat goes directly to support our children and provide enrichment opportunities beyond what the school district provides. Please remember to check if your employer will match this donation (designate Bear Creek Elementary PTA as recipient)! Donations to Pass the Hat are tax-deductible. Make a donation today at bearcreekpta.org under FUNDRAISING.

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ABC Auct ion

Please join us for the 14th Annual ABC Auction, “Passport to the World,” on Friday, May 2nd 2014! (The Marriott, Redmond Town Center)

Some classes are still looking for volunteers for the class projects. If you are interested in helping in your class, please email our class projects chair, Kim Hagstrom, kimhagstrom@live.com.

All of the auction forms have been updated on the website (bearcreekauction.org); you can find procurement forms and sponsorship forms on the Procurement/Forms page. Please let us know if you have questions about how to get started with procurement. (We’re also looking for someone to work on sponsorship!).

The ABC Auction is our annual auction that supports Bear Creek Elementary and Northshore Schools Foundation. The purpose of our annual auction is to support our communities with enrichment programs and staff salary that fall beyond the scope of our traditional PTA programs. The ABC Steering Committee conducts an annual survey of our community to select the Fund-a-Need item as well as make any necessary adjustments on selecting programs to support.

The ABC Auction funds support the following programs: Science Specialist, Brooke Kasner Classroom Support Recess support Nurse and Office support Families Program Fund-A-Need—2013, Rock Wall (in progress), 2012, Reader Board (complete) Northshore Schools Foundation (10% of funds raised are donated to the NSF)

For more information on the ABC Auction, please visit, bearcreekauction.org or contact your auction co-chairs, Brooke

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Jones, brooke@rbjsolutions.com and Emmy Hager, emmyhager@comcast.net.

Bear Creek Tracks Page 3 of 3

Tues . , November 19th 6 :30pm PTA Reflections Gallery, library Wed. , November 20th 1 :50PM EARLY RELEASE WEDNESDAY

9AM-10:45AM PTA Exec. Board Meeting - Stage 7PM PTA General Membership Meeting (District Bond & Levy Presentation) – Library

Thurs . , November 21 st Last Day of Thursday PTA Enrichment Classes: 3 :30-5 PM Grades 2-6 Writing 3 :30-4:45PM Grades 3-6 Art 3 :30-4:30PM K-6 Lego Fr i . , November 22nd Lockdown Dr i l l Tues . , November 26th 9 :45-10 :15AM “Families” Meeting Last Day of Tuesday PTA Enrichment Classes: 3 :25-4:35PM Chess 3 :25-4:45PM Grades K-2 Art Wed. , November 27th NO EARLY RELEASE – D ism i ssa l a t 3 :25PM Thurs . , Nov . 28th – Fr i . , Nov . 29th NO Schoo l – Thanksg i v i ng Break Tues . , December 3rd 6th Grade P l ay Aud it i ons , af ter schoo l Thurs . , December 5 th 6th Grade P l ay Aud it i ons , af ter schoo l Fr i . , December 6th F ire Dr i l l 6th Grade P l ay Ca l lbacks Sat . , December 7th 1 st round of 2014-2015 EAP Test ing TBD – Chorus Performance at Country V i l l age , Bo thel l Mon . , December 9th NO STEM CLUB 3 :30-8PM Missou la Ch i ld ren ’s Theater Audi t i ons Tues . , Dec. 10th – Fr i . , Dec 13th 6th Grade ITBS Test ing

3 :30-8PM Missou la Ch i ld ren ’s Theater Rehearsa ls Fr i . , Dec . 13th NO Chorus Pract ice Sat . , Dec. 14 th 3 :00 & 5 :30PM Missou la Ch i l dren’ s Theater Performances , BC Gym Mon . , Dec . 16th 8 :00-8:50AM Chorus Rehearsa l Tues . , Dec. 17 th 2 : 15PM & 7PM Winter Concert Performances