MES Family Communication

Welcome to Magnolia Elementary School 24-25! We are so happy you are here and ready to get the year started! My name is Kelly Walter and I am starting my third year as Principal at MES. I feel so lucky to be a part of such a welcoming and inclusive community- students, staff, and families. You can expect to hear from me bi-weekly on Fridays and this year PTA and I will try combining our communication.

I have for you below some important beginning-of-the-year reminders and upcoming dates. One thing I wanted to share with you is we will testing out a new drop-off pick-up routine this fall. The way students are being dropped off by car and the many directions of drivers are causing many safety issues and have become increasingly challenging with our neighbors (who we care about, too!). This routine might work great and will require at least 5 volunteers before and after school from our parent community! Stay tuned for more information with maps next week!

Lastly, a final plea...actually they will keep coming until this very important position is filled. We are looking for a community member to work 17.5 hours weekly to keep our students safe at recess and lunch. We have a fabulous team and this is a wonderful way to connect with kids, keep our students safe and join our MES staff! If you are interested please email me at Kmwalter@seattleschools.org.

So looking forward to seeing you all and opening our doors for year six!

Principal Kelly

Wed, Aug 28: 2:00pm - Kindergarten Open House - meet at MES Playground

Thu, Aug 29: 4:00pm - Meet & Greet with Teachers at Ella Bailey Park

Tue, Sep 3: 4:00pm - New Family and Student Tours at MES

Wed, Sep 4: 7:55am - First Day of School (Grades 1-5) - dismissal 2:25pm

Mon, Sep 9: 7:55am - First Day of School for Kindergarten and Pre Kindergarten (SPP+)

Wed, Sep 11: First Wednesday early dismissal at 1:10pm

Fri, Sep 13: 5:00pm - Back to School Picnic at Ella Bailey Park

Thu, Oct 10: 6:30pm - 7:30pm - MES Welcome Night at MES

Keep up to date on everything happening at Magnolia Elementary School Add the MES PTA Calendar and the Magnolia Elementary School Calendar to your Calendar. (find instructions on how to here)

Good bye to some of the best!

Ms. Karla

Ms. D

Ms. Leyla

Ms. Leong

Welcome to New Staff & Class Configurations

We are very excited to welcome many new staff members, and those changing positions, this year at MES this year!

Please welcome our New Staff.

• ML (multilanguage) - Abby Bordonaro
• 3rd Grade - Diane Garland
• 5th Grade - Erika Prins
• Extended Resource - Emma Mercer
• Extended resource IA - Ashley Feiger
• Preschool IA - Bailey Valentik

Classroom Configurations:

Kindergarten:

• Ms. Marks
• Bridget
• Leslie

1st Grade:

• Ms. Madsen
• Ms. May

1st and 2nd Multiage:

• Ms. Molly

2nd Grade:

• Mr. A
• Mr. Kevin

3rd Grade:

• Mrs. Harmer
• Mr. Liner
• Mrs. Garland

4th Grade:

• Mrs. Underhill
• Julie

5th Grade:

• Brian
• Ms. Prins

(note: Ms. Prins is opening our classroom as a guest teacher as this position is currently open for hiring)

Teacher Assignments

We know you are excited to find out who your student's teacher will be! We've put a lot of thought and care into creating classroom communities where all students can thrive. Teacher assignments will be emailed on August 28th at 5 pm. Kindergartens will be delivered on the morning of 8/29.

Meet & Greet

On Thursday, August 29th, the MES PTA will be hosting an informal time to meet your student's teacher. This will take place at Ella Bailey at 4 pm. There will be popsicles too! We will have class lists there in case you are unsure of who your teacher is. Teachers will be at Ella Bailey from 4-4:30 pm.

New Family Tours

On Tuesday, September 3rd at 4 pm we will offer families who are new to MES (including K) a tour of our school. Please meet in the office at 4 pm and you will have one of our very knowledgeable 5th grade leaders to teach you about MES!

School Supplies

For the 2024-25 school year, MES will provide ALL required supplies for students. In return, we are asking families for a $50 per student donation, if possible. All students will receive supplies regardless of their ability to pay.

Checks (made out to Magnolia Elementary, with "school supplies" in the memo), cash (exact amount only), and online payment through Schoolpay will be accepted. https://schoolpay.com/link/2024-supply-donation

Change of plans? Not coming to MES?

Complete these steps: Step One: email Sharla at shwipplinger@seattleschools.org. Include the parent/ guardian's name, student's full name and date of birth, your phone number and the school your student will attend instead of MES. Step Two: to withdraw your student from the SPS District, please visit: https://nynotattending.seattleschools.org/ and complete the online form.

Transportation

There will be transportation provided to students who are eligible this year. You should be receiving communication directly from SPS regarding your student's transportation plan. If your family needs assistance with checking your eligibility for transportation, please contact the Transportation Department at 206.252.0900.

School Hours

Our school hours are 7:55am-2:25pm M,T, TH & F. After Wednesday, September 6th, our Wednesdays are early release. On early release Wednesdays, our school hours are 7:55am-1:10pm.

This week, MES hosted a reunion of the class of 1962 with their teacher, Mr. Simmons. The students were in 6th grade at MES and remember their teacher fondly. The group shared memories, laughs and cake (Mr. Simmons turns 93 on 8/24). What a great reminder the impact teachers and a school has on our lives!

We need both adults and students to help with our new Drop-Off and Pick-Up procedures.

Why Volunteer?

• Build a Safer Community: Your involvement helps create a safer environment for all.
• Student Leadership Opportunity: A great way for 4th and 5th graders to develop leadership skills.

Volunteer Shifts (one day per week for September):

• Drop-Off: 7:35 am to 7:55 am
• Pick-Up: 2:15 pm to 2:35 pm (1:05 pm to 1:25 pm on Wednesdays)

Please sign up now!

• Parents and Caregivers Please Sign Up Here
• Students 4th and 5th Graders Please Sign Up Here

Support MES and have a voice in our community.

Benefits of Membership:

• Influence how the MES PTA is run.
• Show your commitment to an amazing, inclusive community.
• Receive Washington State PTA Discounts.
  

Membership Details:

• Annual Renewal Required: Remember to renew each year.
• Fee: $20, but everyone is welcome regardless of ability to pay. If you need assistance, please email our Membership Lead.

Become a MES PTA Member Now!

Volunteers are vital to our success.

Why Volunteer?

• Support teachers and staff in providing the best education.
• Enhance the school experience for our students.

Get Approved and Join the Mailing List:

• Renew SPS Approval: Check if your approval is still valid; renewal is required every two years.
• Join the MES Volunteer Email List

• Visit our Website
• Sign up for our Newsletter
• Join ur Facebook Group
• Reach us by Email