Hello Sawyer Woods Families,
Harvest Parties/Halloween
As Halloween approaches, we want to remind families that costumes are not permitted at our school during this season. Instead, our classes will celebrate with fun and festive harvest parties on Wednesday, October 30th. To join in classroom activities, parents must be VIPS (Volunteers in Public Schools) cleared. Thank you for helping us create a safe and enjoyable celebration for all!
Conferences
Thank you for attending our conferences. We appreciate your partnership in support of your student and their academic learning as well as social and emotional growth. If you need any follow-up or support after your conference, feel free to reach out to your child's teacher or myself at andre.koch@kent.k12.wa.us
Veteran's Day Assembly
If you have a photo of a veteran or active service member in your family, we would be honored to include them in our tribute. Please email the photo to andre.koch@kent.k12.wa.us and include the individual's name, branch of service, rank, and any other details you'd like to share, such as years of service or notable achievements. This will help us properly honor and recognize their service in our Veterans Day slideshow.
VFW Essay Contest Grades 3-5
The local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is doing an essay contest for students in grades 3-5. The theme is "How Should Our Veterans Be Treated?". What an important reflection for our students to think about.
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:b97d3553-5db9-4449-872f-b87e99f3e708
Upcoming Levy On This November's Ballot (Watch the video link below for more info)
Ballots are out! If you haven’t heard, we use levy funding to support our students and our schools. There is a levy measure on the Nov. 5 ballot that would provide funds for safety, critical repair projects, technology education and infrastructure such as:
Fire alarms: typical lifespan is 15-20 years; average age of these systems is over 29 years. Our fire alarm system at Sawyer Woods is the referenced 29 year old fire alarm system that will be replaced.
Roofs and Boilers: some boilers are original to the school building and need replacing to keep buildings warm
Transportation Fueling Center – fuel tanks are past their lifespan and need upgrading; comply with code
Generator at Central Kitchen to preserve food during a power outage. About $1M food in our freezers at any one time
School intercom systems essential for safety and communication; 50% of school intercoms/components are failing
Cybersecurity to keep our students safe online and protect from data breaches
Uninterruptible Power System powers districtwide Data Center. Over 17 years old and needs replacing
One to One Devices: on a 7-year life cycle to be efficient with taxpayers dollars
Software Subscriptions including Skyward/Qmlative, Canvas, Microsoft Licensing, and Children’s Internet Protection Web Filter
This levy only provides funding for critical or emergent needs. Look for your ballot in the mail and remember to vote by November 5. For more details about this levy visit the KSD website.
Highly Capable (HiCap) Fall Referral Window for Kindergarten & Grades 1, 3, 4 Open October 1 - November 22
Students in Kindergarten and grades 1, 3, 4, may be referred for possible HiCap services by a parent/guardian, teacher, peer, community member, or themselves in the fall. https://www.kent.k12.wa.us/page/elementary-hicap
To refer your student for possible HiCap Services, please complete the online form between October 1 and November 22, 2024.
Best,
Andre Koch, Principal
