GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL

Dear Rainier Families,

We are thrilled to kick off the 2024-2025 school year with a warm welcome to our 45 new students and a hearty welcome back to our returning students and families! We hope you all had a fantastic summer and are as excited as we are for the amazing year ahead.

This year marks the launch of our new nature-based program, and our staff is energized and ready to bring this innovative approach to life. This August, our staff will participate in professional development with a professional trainer to deepen their understanding of nature-based education.

Here’s a small glimpse of what you can expect from our nature-based program:

• Outdoor Learning: Students will spend significant time outdoors, engaging with the natural environment as a primary context for learning.
• Hands-On Experiences: Our curriculum will include hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that connect students to nature and foster a deeper understanding of the world around them.
• Environmental Stewardship: Students will participate in projects and activities that promote environmental awareness and responsibility.

Daily Routines:

• Outdoor Opening: Our school day begins outside together as a community. The sound of the drum signals the start of morning announcements led by the Principal. Various staff members will rotate to present Plant/Animal Teachings, followed by a mindfulness focus to set a positive tone for the day.
• Sunrise Circles: Immediately following the Outdoor Opening, teachers hold class meetings with their students on the campus grounds. These sessions include a warm greeting and a student check-in to support social-emotional learning.
• Goodbye Gathering: Our school day concludes with an outdoor dismissal procedure. This includes a nature-based chant that fosters a sense of unity and closure.

Our school theme for this year is “Outdoor Adventures in Learning, Where Every Step is a Lesson.” This theme reflects our commitment to nurturing a strong community where students, families and staff grow and learn together in harmony with nature.

My name is Allison Burslem, and I am honored to serve as the Principal of Columbia Crest Academy. Columbia Crest has a rich legacy of academic excellence that continues to be a cornerstone of the Nisqually Valley communities. My goal as your child's Principal is to ensure that each student has the best possible school experience. We are dedicated to focusing on student achievement, creating a safe and supportive learning environment, and igniting a love of learning with an emphasis on kindness.

To ensure a seamless return to school and to keep you well-informed about upcoming events and important information, I have compiled a list of Back-to-School dates and essential details. I encourage you to mark your calendars and read through the following important points included within this newsletter.

We can't wait to see you at our Open House (date and time included below in this newsletter), where you'll have the chance to meet our dedicated staff, explore our nature-based program, and learn more about the exciting year ahead.

Please follow Columbia Crest on Facebook and Instagram.

Wishing you a wonderful remainder of the summer and a successful back-to-school season!

Respectfully,

Principal Burslem

To enhance learning, reduce distractions, and prevent social media bullying, all student cell phones must be turned off and stored away during the school day. Middle school students have the option to store their cell phones in a class locker or keep them at home.

If you need to reach your student, please contact our office.

This policy aligns with our district's School Board Policy on student devices. You can review the full policy here.

Thank you for supporting a focused and safe learning environment for all.

We are excited to offer Columbia Crest Academy merchandise available online! Whether you're looking for a cozy hoodie, a stylish t-shirt, or a practical hat, we've got you covered. The best part? Your order ships directly to your doorstep! 🚚

Shop a variety of items designed to show off our school spirit and keep you connected to our community, no matter where you are. Every purchase supports our school and helps spread the Rainier pride!

Let's all show our Rainier pride in style this year!

Join us for the Columbia Crest Academy Open House on September 3 from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM! This is a great opportunity to meet teachers, drop off supplies, and fill out necessary forms. Additionally, we have opportunities for families to get involved and sign up to be volunteers.

• Preschool, Transition to Kindergarten, and Kindergarten Families: You are invited to the Little Explorers Parent Orientation at 3:30 PM in the CCA Gym.

We look forward to seeing you there!

👧👦🌳 Little Explorer Parent Orientation 👧👦🌳

Special Invite for Little Explorer Parents: Preschool, Transition to Kindergarten, and Kindergarten Families:

You are invited to the Little Explorers Parent Orientation at 3:30pm on September 3 in the CCA Gym. This session will include:

✏️ An information session with Principal Burslem
✏️ Bus rider etiquette with Transportation Director, Mrs. McNicol
✏️ A chance to meet the teachers
✏️ Learn how to become a volunteer

Classrooms will open at 4:30 PM for you to visit and get familiar with your child's learning environment.

We can't wait to start this exciting journey with you and your children! Let's build a strong, supportive community together.

See you there! 🌟

The Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WaKIDS) is a statewide assessment designed to support young learners in their transition to school by evaluating their skills in various developmental areas. The inventory helps educators understand each child's strengths and needs to tailor instruction effectively. For more detailed information, visit the WA KIDS page on the OSPI website.

In addition to the WaKIDS assessment, families are required to participate in a WaKIDS Family Connection Meeting. These meetings provide an opportunity for parents and guardians to discuss their child and their transition to kindergarten. The meetings will be held on the first 3 days of school:

• Wednesday, Sept. 4th
• Thursday, Sept. 5th
• Friday, Sept. 6th

Please sign up for a meeting through the link provided:

• Click here to sign up for a meeting with Miss Keller
• Click here to sign up for a meeting with Mrs. Kelly
• Click here to sign up for a meeting with Miss Hilliker

Please note the first day of the Little Explorer Program is Monday, September. 9th.

We are excited to invite you to join your child’s closed class Facebook group! These groups offer a wonderful way for parents to connect with one another, share tips, and stay up-to-date on important class updates.

Each class group is managed to ensure it remains a safe and positive space for our school community. Teachers and staff will post reminders, event details, and other helpful information, making it easy to stay informed about what’s happening in your child’s class.

To join, simply click the link below for your child's class group, request to join, and answer the membership questions. We look forward to seeing you there and building stronger connections within our community!

• PreK: Join here
• TK: Join here
• Kindergarten: Join here
• 1st Grade: Join here
• 2nd Grade: Join here
• 3rd Grade: Join here
• 4th Grade: Join here
• 5th Grade: Join here
• 6th Grade: Join here
• 7th Grade: Join here
• 8th Grade: Join here

We want to invite our families and community to celebrate with us and help us welcome students back on the first day of school which is:

• Wednesday, September 4 (grades 1-8)
• Monday, September (preschool, transition to kindergarten and kindergarten)

• Parents, family members and community members are invited to help us welcome students outside our schools before school starts on the first day of school.
• Please carpool if you can as parking is a challenge on the first few days of school.
• Welcome Crew members will line up outside of the main entrances of our schools to greet students as they arrive.
• Welcome Crew members do not need to be an approved District volunteer for this one-time event.
• Welcome back signs, pom poms and noise makers are welcome and encouraged!
• Please - no pets (thank you!).
• Please arrive at school 15 minutes before the start of school at 7:15am
• Once school starts, you will be on your way to get on with the rest of your day!

Great news! Once again, Columbia Crest students in Preschool, Transition to Kindergarten, Kindergarten - 8th Grade, (all students) will receive free breakfast and lunches regardless of family income for the 24-25 school year thanks to a special program.

The program is referred to as the Community Eligibility Provision, or CEP. To qualify for the CEP, schools must meet certain federal criteria. To help continue our status we hope you will complete the Free and Reduced lunch form. This will be available at Open House.

This means that all students at this school will receive one free breakfast and one free lunch. Students who bring their own lunch and wish to purchase milk will still need to pay for their milk (75 cents).

ABSENCES & TARDIES: If your child will be absent or arriving late. If you do not submit the form by 8am, you will receive communication regarding your child's absence. Absences will be reported as unexcused.

TRANSPORTATION CHANGE: Transportation Changes must be completed no later than 1pm on the day the transportation change is needed.

PICK UP EARLY: Please submit the time and reason for picking up your child early from school.

If you are driving your child to school in the morning, please kindly drop them off at 7:25 a.m. Please note that students cannot be dropped off before 7:25 a.m., as staff will not be available to supervise, and the doors will remain closed until that time.

Starting at 7:25am, students will be greeted by a staff member at the main door and can proceed to their class. Parents do not need to get out of the car.

Thank you for your cooperation!

• To enhance the efficiency and safety of our daily dismissal process for car riders, please carefully review our updated procedures:

  1. Use the form provided in this link to inform us of who will be picking up your student. For safety reasons and in accordance with our policy, we no longer accept phone calls or written notes for changes.

  2. Adults picking up students at the end of the day should park in our main lot. Please step out of your vehicle so we can identify you. A staff member will greet you outside to confirm which student you are picking up if we do not already know you.

  3. Students who are car riders will wait inside the building until their ride arrives at the loading zone. Once we see you have arrived, we will notify the teacher. We begin releasing students at 2:05 PM every day.

As part of our commitment to going green, Columbia Crest Academy is excited to transition to using real silverware for breakfast and lunch each day. To help make this initiative successful, we are asking for donations of forks and spoons.

If you are able to contribute, please drop off your donations at the CCA office starting August 20th.

Thank you for considering and for your support in making our school more sustainable! 🌿🍴

Our Preschool-8th grade school supply list is on our website and linked below. Please let our office know if you need support purchasing school supplies, we are happy to assist.

✏️: https://bit.ly/CCAsupplies

• On August 26 route information will be available on Ride360.
• Register for Ride360 today on the website.
• When you register you will need your student’s 7 digit Student ID number that typically begins with 2 zeros. Please access Skyward Family Access for your child’s ID number.
  
• Once you've registered on the site you may download the app. Traversa Ride 360™ is a mobile app for Apple® and Android® devices.
• You can expect to receive direct messages regarding changes, delays and notifications specific to your child's route and stop. You may also directly message the Eatonville School District Transportation Office.

The first day of school, Wednesday, September 4 is a NON-Late Start.

Please note the first Wednesday Late Start will begin on Wednesday, September 11th. Schools will operate on a one hour delayed start time to allow staff to engage in Professional Learning.

Please review our new "Student and Parent Handbook" for the school year by clicking this link.

• We hope every student can be pictured on Thursday, September 26 to ensure everyone is in the yearbook.
• Picture Retake Day is scheduled for Friday, October 18.
• To preorder pictures, please click the button below or scan the QR code on the graphic.

We are excited to announce the offering of free after-school clubs for Dance, Knitting, and Sewing! Parents can sign up their children if they are in the appropriate grade level.

Club Details:

• Dance:

  • Grades K-2: Tuesdays
  • Grades 3-8: Wednesdays
  • Time: After school until 3:30 pm

• Sewing:

  • Grades 6-8: Tuesdays
  • Time: After school until 4:00 pm

• Knitting:

  • Grades 5-8: Thursdays
  • Time: After school until 4:00 pm

Please note that on half days, there will be no club meetings. The last club date for all clubs will be May 22, 2025.

Clubs will begin on Tuesday, October 1. Although these clubs are free, parents must commit to picking up their child from Columbia Crest Academy at the specified times, as there is no activity bus available. Sign up soon to secure your child's spot in these enriching activities!

Attention all CCA beginning and returning band students! We are planning an all-band get together and orientation on TUESDAY, SEPT. 3, from 2:30 - 4:30 on the stage just before the CCA open house. This is an optional event, but HIGHLY encouraged. If you do not have an instrument, no worries. Please come anyway to get a jump-start on the school year. Not sure that you want to join band? That's OK, come anyway to find out what band is all about to help you make an informed decision.

CCA BAND ORIENTATION INFORMATION

• DATE: SEPT. 3 (Tuesday)
• TIME: 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
• LOCATION: Columbia Crest Academy Gym Stage

The purpose of the orientation is to...

1. Connect with each other
2. Learn about this year's band program
3. Learn about opportunities we will have to perform corporately and individually
4. Meet together in instrument groups to learn and review instrument techniques and skills
5. Work together on various musical skills

ITEMS TO BRING TO THE ORIENTATION IF YOU HAVE THEM:

• Instrument (if you do not have an instrument, no worries. Please come anyway! =)
• Cell phone (for a Kahoot activity)
• Band books:
• Accent On Achievement
• Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician

BAND INSTRUMENT RENTAL INFORMATION

All instrument rentals are being done online this year through Ted Brown Music who services our district. You may rent from any music store of your choice.

• If you have not rented an instrument and would like to rent from Ted Brown Music, please do so using the following link:
• Ted Brown Rental Link https://www.tedbrownmusic.com/aerntschoolselect?PlanCode=Rental
  
• Items needed for CCA Band
• Instrument
• Band books:
• Accent On Achievement Book 1 for your instrument
• Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician for your instrument
• Wire music stand (foldable). I have some at CCA that can be checked out by students.
• Clarinet and Saxophones: 5 or more reeds (beginning band members #2 hardness; returning band members #2.5 hardness)
• Drummers:
• 2 pairs of drumsticks
• 1 pair kept at home for home practice
• 1 pair kept at school. WRITE YOUR INITIALS ON THIS PAIR IN PERMANENT MARKER
• Practice pad

WHAT DAYS ARE CCA BAND MEETING THIS YEAR?

• Every TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY MORNINGS
• Instruments need to be brought to school on Tuesdays; taken home after school on Thursdays to practice over the weekends.

"I'm looking forward to working with all of you this year! - Mr. Hunter"

We are pleased to inform you that our school counselor, Ms. Noble-Perry, is available on site to support our students' well-being and development. If you feel your child could benefit from speaking with her, please note that she is available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

To make a referral, please complete this form. For more information, you can also contact her at d.noble-perry@eatonvilleschools.org. We are committed to providing a supportive environment for all our students and look forward to working together to ensure their success.

Join Us for Our Welcome Back Assembly!

We are excited to welcome all our families to the start of a new school year at Columbia Crest Academy! To kick off the year, we are hosting a special Welcome Back Assembly where you will have the opportunity to meet and learn about our amazing staff.

During the assembly, each staff member will take a moment to introduce themselves and share one special item that represents them. This is a wonderful chance to connect with our school community and get to know the dedicated individuals who will be guiding and supporting your children throughout the year.

Date: September 13
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: Columbia Crest Academy Gym

We look forward to seeing you there and starting the year together with unity and enthusiasm!

We are thrilled to announce that our amazing PTO president, Krista Sarver, and her husband have worked hard this summer to put together a fantastic new Gaga Ball Pit on the playground! This exciting addition was made possible by the PTO Playground Donation Budget. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed money to make this project a reality. Your generosity and support have made our playground even more fun and engaging for our students.

The PTO is an organization led by parents, consisting of parents, teachers, and community members that fundraise and provide assemblies, field trips, supplies, equipment and general support for students and teachers. Parent participation is encouraged. If you are interested in joining the PTO, contact our PTO via e-mail at columbiacrestpto@gmail.com

The first meeting is September 16th at 2:30 in Room 106 or you may attend virtually by clicking this Google Meet link.

You may follow the PTO on Facebook.

Thanks to the generous library donation received last year, we were able to establish a sharing library adjacent to the preschool building, facing the parking lot. We appreciate the ongoing support from our community members who have contributed in the past. However, we would like to clarify our district's policy regarding book donations: at this time, we are unable to accept individual book donations for our district libraries due to the extensive vetting and approval process required.

For those interested in donating books, we encourage you to support our sharing library system. This system operates with specific guidelines that ensure efficient management and upkeep. Please note that it is not designed for dropping off multiple books without following the established procedures.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support in fostering literacy within our community.

Here's how it works:

• Take a book
• Leave a book
• Love a book
• Keep a book

Let's all contribute to and benefit from this wonderful resource. Happy reading!

It is time to get ready for Fall Sports at Eatonville Middle School. The link to FinalForms website for registration is https://eatonville-wa.finalforms.com/. We are no longer utilizing Skyward for athletics registration.

You can register NOW for any sport offered throughout the school year. COMPLETE PARENT AND STUDENT REGISTRATIONS ARE REQUIRED BEFORE YOUR STUDENT’S FIRST DAY OF PRACTICE. Middle School sports registrations will continue in August for the Fall season beginning on the first day of school (September 4, 2024). PARENTS MUST REGISTER AND IDENTIFY THEIR STUDENT ATHLETE FOR ALL FUTURE REGISTRATIONS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS. Please create your login if you are new to EMS Athletics and sport identifications in FinalForms now. Students can change theri minds at any time throughout the school year.

Register at: https://eatonville-wa.finalforms.com/ and follow the prompts to sign in and update/confirm previously submitted information or to create your account. Students will also need to submit their signed forms as well. Registrations are required for parent/guardians first! You can find more information on the school’s website: https://www.eatonville.wednet.edu/ems/athletics

We will have a Pre-Season Meeting on the first day of school following practice at 5:00 pm for parents to get more detailed information and to meet with coaches. If you have questions before then just drop me a line and I will help to clarify.

There are now three (3) registration requirements for CCA students. All are required before the first day of practice:

The three (3) requirements for participation are:

1. Sports Physical (within two years of last date of season and with Athletic Director before the first day of practice).

2. Parent Registration (Must be completed in FinalForms before the first practice)

3. Student Registration (Must be completed in FinalForms before the first practice)

Athletic and ASB Fees are waived due to the school’s Title status.

Don’t forget that with our new league change we were forced to shift some sport seasons from Fall to Spring and vice-versa (see list below). We will now play the sports in the following seasons. You can go ahead and create your profiles now identify/register for your student’s desired sport(s) to participate.

Safety of students and staff is our top priority. Two years ago our building had a brand new set of exterior cameras installed along with a keyless entry system, remote entry and an intercom system at the main entrance.

We are protected with a full exterior view of the entire campus (including the parking lot) through the new camera system. There will be continuous surveillance that is constantly recording and will be archived for an extended period of time.

All exterior doors will remain locked at all times. There is an alarm and monitoring system for after hours.

1. When arriving at the front entrance to the school, there will be a button to push.

2. The secretary will be alerted that we have a visitor.

3. That visitor will be seen on the camera system.

4. The visitor will, at that time, communicate their needs using the speaker located near the button.

5. Please be prepared that the secretary may potentially ask you for identification and for your name.

6. The secretary will answer the visitor’s questions or remotely unlock the door for entry.

7. The visitor will hear a tone that will indicate the door is unlocked. Visitors should look for signage that specifies which door to pull open.

Principal: Ms. Allison Burslem

Secretary: Mrs. Kim Davis

Office Assistant: Mrs. Krista Sarver

Counselor: Ms. Deb Noble-Perry

Main Office Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

I look forward to a stellar year full of growth and learning.

Email: communications@eatonvilleschools.org
Website: https://www.eatonville.wednet.edu
Location: 24503 Washington 706, Ashford, WA, USA
Phone: 360-641-1700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColumbiaCrestASTEM
Twitter: @CC_STEM_School

Eatonville School District #404 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

• Title IX Coordinator, Section 504/ADA Coordinator & Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator: Dracy McCoy, Executive Student Services. Email: d.mccoy@eatonville.wednet.edu Address: 200 Lynch St. W., Eatonville, WA 98328; Telephone: 360-879-1000
• Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
• Information about the nondiscrimination and sex-based discrimination policies and grievance procedures, and how to report a concern or complaint, linked here.