
05/11 McMicken Family Connection

Principal's Corner
A Word from Your Principal
Dear Families,
It has been such an amazing week celebrating our teachers and staff for PTA-observed Teacher Appreciation Week. Thank you to our PTA for organizing a multicultural feast for our teachers and staff! We may be biased, but we do believe that we have the best teaching staff in the world.
We are in the midst of Smarter Balanced testing for students in grade 3-5, so thank you for making sure that your students have breakfast at home and school, and supporting them to get plenty of rest. We are looking forward to seeing what our Cougars show what know by using SBA, iReady, and other assessments. We can't wait to celebrate their growth this school year.
Last but not least, we appreciate the partnership with you during our last APTT (Academic Parent Teacher Teams) for the year. We believe that together we can dream it, believe it, achieve it, and exceed it.
In collaboration,
😄 Principal Haas
May's Principal Choice for Book of the Month
"American Desi" by Jyoti Rajan Gopal
A young girl longs to know where she fits in: Is she American? Or is she Indian? Does she have to pick or can she be both? With bright, joyful rhyme, and paired with an immersive art style using American and Indian fabrics, American Desi celebrates the experiences of young children growing up first and second generation Indian American: straddling the two cultural worlds they belong to, embracing all they love of both worlds and refusing to be limited by either.
This story is a powerful tribute to the joy of being South Asian and for every reader who aspires to bridge their worlds with grace, grit, and confidence.
Teacher Appreciation Week: Thank You!
Thank you for being part of our community and for supporting our teachers and staff! This week, you've gone above and beyond to show your appreciation for our teachers and staff. The food donated by families for our Wednesday potluck was delicious and very much appreciated. You can see some pictures and videos of the event on our social media.
A Message from the Nurse
As the temperature rises, please remind students to drink more water than they normally do. They are at an increased risk for dehydration when it is hotter outside, and they do not consume enough water. By drinking the correct amount of water, students should have less complaints of headaches, stomachaches, nausea, etc.
The recommended daily intake of water for children is:
- 4 to 8 years old: 5 cups
- 9 to 13 years old: 5 to 6 cups
- 14 to 18 years old: 6 to 8 cups
Children need extra water when they are exercising or in hot climates. Remember that children need to drink whatever the weather, even in the winter. Encourage your child to drink before, during and after physical activity even if they aren't thirsty, as this can help prevent dehydration.
APTT Feedback
Thank you for attending our APTT meetings this year and partnering with us to support your child! Please click the links below to give us feedback on the APTT meetings and help us reflect and improve them in the future. Thank you!
PTA: Last Fun Friday of the School Year!
Don’t miss out on the last Fun Friday of the school year. Mark your calendars for Friday, May 19th! Items on sale include popcorn for 50¢, fruit snacks for 50¢, and this month's speciality item, a cartoon gel pen, for $1.00.
Volunteers are still needed for the afternoon of Thursday, May 18th to pop/bag popcorn and the morning of May 19th to help fill orders. Email mcmh.pta@gmail.com to sign up or stop by the office. Even an hour helps a lot!
An Update from the EcoKids
The EcoKids have been hard at work creating reminders. We can take care of our earth by upcycling trash and turning it into something new. We also need to consider the soil. When there are sidewalks, we should stay off the dirt or living things get hurt.
EcoKids collaborated and collected garbage in front of the school near the garden, and the fence. They felt accomplished and excited about a job well done.
Attention 5th Grade Families!
Join us to celebrate your 5th grade during the Promotion Celebration Parade! Decorate your cars to celebrate your student and drive through, or park in the neighborhood to take a photo at the photo station! For more information, please reach out to your child's 5th grade teacher.
Date: Thursday, June 15th
Time: 4:30-5:30pm
Where: Car pick up/drop off lanes
Join Us for Monthly Tea Times!
Save the dates! Hosted by African Community Housing & Development, join us at McMicken Heights for our monthly tea times during the rest of the year. Learn about our goals for our students, staff, and community through our school plans. Share your ideas and hopes for our community and help grow our partnership! Refreshments will be shared.
- Tuesday, May 16: 3:30-4:30pm
Volunteer at McMicken!
Volunteers contribute greatly to the success of our students and schools. If you would like to go on a field trip or help during a PTA event, for example, a volunteer form needs to be on file with the school office. You can download and print a volunteer form from the volunteer page on the district website, or you can pick up a printed copy from the school office. Volunteer status is good for two school years. If you fill out one today, it will not expire until August 31, 2024. Thank you so much for taking the time to help our McMicken community!
Our Weekly Habit
May 15-19: We are UNDERSTANDING.
May's Monthly Focus: We are C.O.U.G.A.R.S.
Weekly Focus (May 15-19): We are UNDERSTANDING.
A quote to think about: "We are all different. Don't judge, understand instead." -Roy T. Bennett
When we are understanding, it looks like:
- Random acts of kindness to encourage and uplift others
When we are understanding, it sounds like:
- Asking questions to learn about one another
- Offering to help a friend in need
When we are understanding, it feels like:
- Appreciation and support for yourself and others
Our Weekly Habit
May 22-26: We are GROWING.
May's Monthly Focus: We are C.O.U.G.A.R.S.
Weekly Focus (May 22-26): We are GROWING.
A quote to think about:
"you are slowly growing
but you are still growing
and that is enough"
- D h i m a n (poet)
When we are growing, it looks like:
Making progress on your goal
Making mistakes and learning from them and trying again
When we are growing, it sounds like:
"I can do this."
"I don't understand this... yet."
"At first I thought... now I think..."
When we are growing, it feels like:
Proud
Accomplished
Challenging at times
Tuesday, May 16: McMicken Tea Time, 3:30-4:30pm
Monday, May 29-30: Memorial Day, No School
Growing Friendship Skills, featuring Ryan Bunda!
Check out this article in Seattle's Child for tips to help kids grow their friendship skills and learn about how to guide them to develop healthy connections. Our school counselor, Ryan Bunda, was interviewed around how he uses his experience to support the children at McMicken Heights.
Story Times with the King County Library System
Join the King County Library System (KCLS) for their Story Time! They have Baby Story Time, Family Story Time, and Pajama Story Time available. There's also theme kits you can check out with materials on a variety of subjects!
See more information about these events and resources on their website.
Teddy Bear Clinic: May 13th
Please join Puget Sound Fire Station 74 for this fun-filled, free family event. Bring your favorite teddy bear or stuffed animal for a checkup! The Puget Sound Fire Station 74's Firefighter/EMTs will provide free checkups for teddy bears and kids in a relaxing environment designed to help ease children’s fears of medical exams. Click here for more information!
- First 400 children receive a FREE teddy bear courtesy of Warm 106.9.
- Tour a fire engine and aid car.
- Spray water through a fire hose.
- Participate in fun activities at their training center.
5 Fun Ways to Instill a Love of History in Kids
History tells the story of how we got to where we are today as a society - and it's chock full of lessons that inspire us to make a difference in the world around us. Use these fun ideas to help your child learn about history!
- Visit a museum or historical site. Was an inspiring historical figure born in your town? Is your town known for something famous? Whatever makes your town unique, there's bound to be a museum or historical site to celebrate it.
- Listen to a kid-friendly podcast. You name it, there's a podcast for it - including podcasts for budding history buffs. Ask questions about a favorite fact they learned, how it makes them feel, and why the topic interests them.
- Read about historical figures. Many people in history have made a lasting impact on society. Learning about them enables kids to see themsleves in others, learn about different cultures, be inspired, and grow their minds.
- Celebrate your family history. Everyone has a story - your family included. Encourage your child to learn about your family's history and culture and share their stories, too.
- Cook up a history lesson. Find a recipe that is meaningful to a different country or culture. Learn about things like how the meal is prepared and presented, and when the dish is traditionally served. Then, eat up!
Kindergarten Enrollment Open for 23-24!
Do you know a child who will be 5 years old on or before August 31? Maybe it's a current student's sibling, your neighbor, family friend or even your own child. Help us spread the word: families can enroll their incoming kindergarten student for the 2023-24 school year now.
We encourage new students to enroll as early as possible. This helps us to connect with students early and ensures we hire the right number of staff at each school. Kindergarten Jump Start is offered August 23-25 to all registered incoming kindergarten students.
What Do Families Need?
Families should have the following ready:
- Birth certificate
- Proof of address (rental agreement, purchase agreement, or utility bill)
- Immunization records
Families can upload all these documents to our registration system. (Tip: Scan or take a photo with a mobile phone to upload.)
If the documents aren't readily available, families can start registration and email the documents to their school to complete their enrollment application.
For more information, please see this website.
See the full year's Heritage Month calendar and think about how you can continue to celebrate these groups and holidays at home. In addition, you can access the Heritage Month calendar in Spanish, Somali, or Vietnamese.
Explore resources, events, book lists, and more for May's Heritage Months in English or Spanish.
Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is observed throughout May to pay tribute to the achievements of generations who have contributed to American life. The federal courts join in celebrating their accomplishments at every level of the Third Branch of government.
In 1992, the official designation of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month was signed into law. The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.
AAPI communities consist of approximately 50 distinct ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages, with connections to all the Asian continent and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.
Haitian Heritage Month
Haitian Heritage Month is a nationally recognized month celebrated in May every year. It is a great time to celebrate the vibrant culture, distinct art, delectable cuisine, and to get to know people of Haitian origin. Haitian Heritage Month is an expansion of the annual Haitian Flag Day, which falls on May 18. The flag day is observed with much pomp and splendor even by the diaspora. That’s how it found its way to the U.S., a country that’s home to a large Haitian population.
Jewish American Heritage Month
On April 20, 2006, President George W. Bush proclaimed that May would be Jewish American Heritage Month. The announcement was the crowning achievement in an effort by the Jewish Museum of Florida and South Florida Jewish community leaders that resulted in resolutions introduced by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida and Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania urging the president to proclaim a month that would recognize the more than 350-year history of Jewish contributions to American culture. The resolutions passed unanimously, first in the House of Representatives in December 2005 and later in the Senate in February 2006.
The month of May was chosen due to the highly successful celebration of the 350th Anniversary of American Jewish History in May 2004, which was organized by the Commission for Commemorating 350 Years of American Jewish History. This coalition was composed of the Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives, the American Jewish Historical Society, the Library of Congress and the National Archives and Records Administration.
Speech and Hearing Awareness Month
Each May, we recognize Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM), founded in 1927 by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This annual event provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders, and to encourage people to think about their own hearing and get their hearing checked.
International Workers Day (May 1)
May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day or Workers’ Day, commemorates the historic struggles and gains made by workers and the labor movement, observed in many countries on May 1.
Contact us for support or with questions.
McMicken Heights Elementary School
https://mcmicken.highlineschools.org
Phone: (206) 631-4300
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Any person having inquiries should contact:
Civil Rights Act (students) and Title IX: District Ombudsman, 206.631.3100, civilrightscoordinator@highlineschools.org; titleixofficer@highlineschools.org
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: Health & Social Services Compliance Manager, 206.631.3011, 504coordinator@highlineschools.org
Address: 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien, WA 98166