PLE Weekly Community Outreach

Hello and welcome to the last week of October! The year is moving ahead quickly! As we approach the end of the month, we wanted to take a moment to address our school's approach to Halloween celebrations.

At Phantom Lake Elementary we are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment that values and respects all cultures and traditions. With this in mind, we would like to share our perspective on Halloween festivities within our school community.

Halloween is a holiday that holds various meanings and traditions for different people. While it is a fun and festive occasion for many, we acknowledge that it is not universally celebrated, and some members of our school community may not observe this holiday. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion means that we want every student to feel comfortable, respected, and valued in our school.

For many, many years now we have chosen not to celebrate Halloween with the typical costume dress-up activities in our school. Instead, we are encouraging a more inclusive approach to this time of year. We believe that there are alternative ways to enjoy the spirit of autumn and promote cultural awareness without focusing solely on Halloween costumes, hence our Trunk or Treat event last weekend and our Pumpkin Festival this weekend.

In the coming months our school will be organizing activities that revolve around learning about various cultural celebrations, sharing stories, and promoting the values of empathy and understanding. We believe that this approach will not only respect the diversity of our school community but also create a richer and more educational experience for our students.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we work together to make PLE a welcoming and inclusive community for all. We look forward to continuing to provide a high-quality education for your child and fostering a positive school environment.

Have a wonderful weekend and see you at drop off and pick up!

Principal Snookal

From PTA:

We are in desperate need of additional volunteers for food servers, activity booths, door monitors, and ticket sales. High schoolers can receive community service hours; community members and middle schoolers (7th/8th preferred) are welcome to volunteer as well but we’ll take all the help we can get! Please sign up if you are available to help for a 45-minute shift here:

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C054AAAAD22A7FA7-45129930-pumpkin/158085510

Admission to the Pumpkin Fest (Harvest Dance) is free and all activities are free, however we have some items that are available for purchase: food, face painting and glow items. Families can purchase tickets to pay for these items at the event. Please purchase tickets at the door.

Tickets are $1 for 1:

Pizza is 2 tickets for 1 slice or 6 tickets for a meal which includes fruit, vegetables and a cookie; Face painting is 1 ticket;

Glow bracelets/necklaces are 2 for 1 ticket;

Glow rings/glasses/headbands/balls are 1 ticket each.

Hello families!

Today is the last day to log reading minutes for the Read-A-Thon! Minutes can be logged up til 11:30pm on the Read-A-Thon site. If your student completed their Read-a-Thon BINGO sheet, please have them turn that in to their teacher for a BINGO prize! Donations will be accepted through Tuesday, October 31st!

As of Thursday morning, students have read 2246.25 hours! This is amazing and we are so proud of our Eagles readers!! The preschool class with the most hours read is Ms. Bertha's class with 109 hours!! The K-2nd grade class with the most hours read is Ms. Conner's Kindergarteners with 142.75 hours!! and the 3rd-5th grade class with the most hours read is Mrs. McGaffey's 3rd graders with 236 hours!! Be sure to log the rest of your minutes on your read-a-thon pages by tomorrow night!

Donations!! As of Thursday morning, students have raised $10,300 toward our $18K goal!! We are so grateful for the support and community of PLE. Every dollar makes a difference in classrooms and learning at PLE. The classroom with the most funds raised is Ms. Thompson's 2nd graders with $1,500!! Mrs. Bramzel's Kindergarteners have raised $1,070; Mrs. Sanchez's 3rd graders have raised $1,065 and Ms. Bertha's Preschoolers have raised $1,000! Go EAGLES!!

We are a little over halfway to our goal and we can get even closer with YOUR help! While public education is free, MANY of the extra programs and even some very basic needs are provided via PTA funds. Without our PTA and the money they contribute to our classrooms, our students’ education would look very different. Please send this link to families/friends (the donor does NOT need to know your child’s Read-A-Thon ID) in order to help us raise funds for our wonderful school. https://www.memberplanet.com/campaign/phantomlakepta/2023readathon

Donations can also be made via cash or check made out to Phantom Lake PTA and dropped off at the front office or sent to the school at 1050 160th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98008. Please be sure to note the students' name with cash/check donations

Our Read-A-Thon donations are being gathered until Tuesday, October 31st. We are a little over halfway to our goal and we can get even closer with YOUR help! While public education is free, MANY of the extra programs and even some very basic needs are provided via PTA funds. Without our PTA and the money they contribute to our classrooms, our students’ education would look very different. Please send this link to families/friends (the donor does NOT need to know your child’s Read-A-Thon ID) in order to help us raise funds for our wonderful school. https://www.memberplanet.com/campaign/phantomlakepta/2023readathon

Date: Tuesday, November 7th

Time: 10:55-11:20am

Location: Gym

PLE families are invited to our special “Veterans Day” Celebration on November 7th. We will be celebrating with a brief history of Veteran’s Day, a sing-along, a special performance by the Tillicum Middle School band, and a slideshow tribute!

Would you like a loved one to be included in our slide show tribute? Send in a photo of a family member or friend who is a Veteran or current service member.

Email the following information to Lisa McGaffey, mcgaffeyl@bsd405.org by November 3rd.

1. Veterans name and picture
2. Which branch of service
3. Name and relationship to Phantom Lake Student

(Ex: Phil Porter, Navy, Mia and Claire McGaffey’s Grandpa.)

*If you have sent one in the past, check with Mrs. McGaffey – she may still have the photo!

Hello from the art room!

Clothing on Art Days: Art days can be messy! Please remind your child to wear older play clothes on art days. Most materials we use are washable, but some colors still stain.

Parents/Family Members with BSD Volunteer Clearance Needed: Help needed with 3D Printer Troubleshooting. There's a filament (or nozzle) problem I’m having with the art room’s Ultimaker 2 3D printers. Can you help? My email is mcclellandd@bsd405.org.

Help needed with art print consolidation: Before I was assigned to PLES, my main school was Eastgate. When it was consolidated last year, both the Eastgate art prints and the Eastgate PTA art print collections moved with me to PLES. I would love some help on Tuesday or Wednesday this week unpacking the prints (still in flat moving boxes), making sure they're in complete BSD and PTA sets, and figuring out where to put them. Storage is tight! 🙂

Recyclable Materials for Students to Build With

I’m collecting the following items for students to use in the sculpture center:

• Stretchy, squishy pool-noodle-type foam. Sometimes it comes in layers that can be torn apart. We use all sizes, colors, shapes of foam that can be bent, cut, or torn. Old pool noodles in bad condition are fine. We cut them up.
• Small and sturdy gift boxes with lids
• Clean, dry, untreated wood that doesn’t splinter easily, and is safe for small hands
• Wood dowels of all diameters and lengths.
• Plastic and cardboard cones (the core) from yarn or thread skeins.
• If you have a dog and you use plastic doggie bags on walks, please save the small plastic/cardboard spools when you finish a roll!
• Random partially used spools of all kinds of masking tape, duct tape, washi tape.

• We do NOT need any plastic bottle caps or thin cardboard tubes at this time. ***Please note: We cannot use the rigid Styrofoam that breaks into small beads. We can only use the flexible foam.***
  
  

Other Sculpture Center Info for Families: The Sculpture Center is one of six main centers in art for K-5 students, along with drawing, collage, painting, fiber art, and architecture. Sculpture (including clay) is popular. At PLES, since it has been a few years since I last taught here, it will open in phases: I. Paper, II. Cardboard, then III. Plastics, Wood, Wire. It opens slowly so students can learn material properties, how to safely use tools for cutting cardboard, to get in the “Lab Safety” habit of wearing gloves and goggles, and how to attach materials with and without glue or tape.

Limitations:

• SIZE: A student’s project must fit inside a child’s shoe box, or smaller.
• AMOUNT OF MATERIALS: This varies by material. Example: “Limit 2” on small tubes.
• % TIME SPENT IN CENTER: 4 classes in a row, then move to new media
• SUBJECT MATTER: No paper airplanes, weapons/violence. Paper airplanes, weapons, and violent images can be made at home. At school they create a long list of problems. Many of my colleagues have the same rule, but not all. If your child was allowed to create weapons or paper airplanes in art last year, this “no” might be difficult for him or her to understand at first. That is why I’m communicating this change to families early in the year so we can work together to make sure the sculpture center is enjoyable for everyone. Students are typically respectful of this boundary after we discuss it as a class.
• Low-Temp “Hot” Glue Gun Tutorial: For grades 3-5, I will offer a tutorial mid-year on using a low-temp “hot” glue gun. Students will wear gloves and goggles while using them. If you do not want your G3-G5 child using a low-temp hot glue gun in Art, please let me know. My email is mcclellandd@bsd405.org.

Preorder Student Portraits

Yuen Lui Studio will photograph individual portraits at Phantom Lake Elementary on Monday, October 30.

Families can preorder photos here: 2023-24 Phantom Lake Elementary Picture Day 10/30 (enter your email address and select your package; separate orders are required for each student, including siblings).

• Print orders will be mailed to the school in approximately three weeks after picture day.
• Digital orders will be sent via email from no-reply@imagequix.com in approximately three weeks after the picture day (use no-reply@imagequix.com to search your inbox/spam folders).

Our lost and found is overflowing and we are certain you'd like your jackets and sweaters back! Please find your child's items outside the front of the school and if you write their name inside, we can often return them with ease!

This year we will be learning about and practicing a new virtue each month as a school. We have also pre-scheduled all of our Social and Emotional Learning lessons to correlate with our virtue. We will let you know what the virtue and lesson are for each month.

November Virtue = Gratitude
November 2nd Step = Emotional Management

Phantom Lake Chess Club 2023-2024 1st Trimester
Strategy. Satisfaction. Success.
Learn chess from International Grandmaster Emil Anka

Who: Students of all levels of experience and ability with preference K-5 grade.
When: Wednesdays from 1:00pm – 2:00pm. 3x9 classes (3 Trimesters) will be held from October 4th 2023 through Jun 5th 2024. ENROLLMENT IS STILL OPEN!
Where: Phantom Lake Elementary School.
Cost: $180 for 9 classes (or $25 for a single class).
Emil Anka is the founder of Chesssport.com. He is a FIDE Chess Grandmaster, and he is also a FIDE International Arbiter, organizer of multiple international chess events, and the holder of a degree in coaching. Mr. Anka has over 35 years of experience in chess, with over 30 years of coaching experience. Website: www.chesssport.com Contact: gm.emilanka@chesssport.com or gm.emilanka@gmail.com

The Pumpkin Festival is tomorrow! We still need lots of help. Many slots are still open! If you have a few minutes on Friday evening, please consider helping us out. We can't do it without our amazing Phantom Lake Elementary community!

Sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054AAAAD22A7FA7-45129930-pumpkin#/

Feel free to share the link with anyone who might like to help (students included!)

https://www.myschoolmenus.com/organizations/99/sites/754/menus/43245

https://www.myschoolmenus.com/organizations/99/sites/754/menus/43247

Demographer Reports

The two demographer reports for the district’s Middle School Consolidation Study have been published on the district website. The district is utilizing two demographers to provide BSD with an enrollment forecast through 2030. These reports and the district’s executive summary of the reports are now available for review in English, Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Spanish. The reports will also be discussed at community forums, outlined below. A Frequently Asked Questions webpage has also been added to the district website for those who wish to learn more about the consolidation study.

Community Forums

Community engagement for the Middle School Consolidation Study continues this week, through November 3. Participants at the community forums may review the demographer findings, discuss the implications, and share thoughts with district leaders. The district is committed to deeply listening to the communities we serve. Upcoming events include:

In-person events

· Tyee – Monday, October 30, 6:00 p.m.

Online events

Participants must register in advance for the session they would like to attend. The district can accommodate up to 50 participants in each session and is prepared to host additional sessions based on demand.

· Friday, October 27, 2023 (English), 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

· Wednesday, November 1 (Spanish), 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

· Wednesday, November 1 (Mandarin), 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

· Wednesday, November 1 (Korean), 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

· Thursday, November 2 (English), 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

· Friday, November 3 (English), 7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Presentations from the events have also been published to the district website for BSD community members who were/are unable to attend the sessions or who would like to review them online.

So, what's a BFF?! A Best Friend Forever, of course! And what's BSF? Well, hopefully you know us by now, but if not, here's an intro. This year, Bellevue Schools Foundation is contributing nearly $1 million to support essential programs throughout the entire school district. Check out the programs that are inspiring so many in our community to become BFFs of BSF. Learn how you can make an impact in the lives of your student-- become a BFF now!

On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, Bellevue School District will bring together experts from local, state and federal agencies to provide a comprehensive look at the dangers of fentanyl and opioids in our community. The program will take place at Sammamish High School beginning at 6:00 p.m.

The evening will include a series of presentations followed by an opportunity for community members to ask questions. Presenters include representatives from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, Youth Eastside Services (YES), BSD staff and parents sharing how opioids have impacted them personally.

In addition, representatives will be on hand to answer questions including members of the Bellevue Police Department, local health organizations, public health agencies, and Bellevue School District Safety and Security and Mental Health Assistance teams. The event is made possible with the support of the Bellevue Schools Foundation.

This comprehensive night of information is intended to give families additional knowledge that can help support their students and keep schools and communities healthy and safe. This presentation is free and open to the public.

The University of Washington School Psychology Clinic has mental health services and evaluations available for students free of charge. The following services are available for children ages 8-18:

· Counseling - using evidence-based practices. Counseling is available for a wide range of childhood issues and mental health challenges. Services start in January 2024. In-person and virtual options available.

· Evaluation – examination of cognitive, academic, and socio-emotional/behavioral concerns. Evaluations do not provide diagnosed results but do provide broad cognitive, learning, and social/behavioral profiles. Services start in January 2024.

Students will first be screened. Then a decision will be made as to the best form of treatment for each individual client and family. Services are provided by school psychology trainees and supervised by a licensed clinician/faculty member from the University of Washington.

Parents, guardians, or professionals of potential clients are asked to fill out a Service Request Form to receive services. Recruitment will end mid-November 2023. Contact spclinic@uw.edu or call 206-543-4970 for more information.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue is excited to invite the community to the grand opening and ribbon cutting for the newly renovated Lake Hills Clubhouse. The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, October 31, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at 15228 Lake Hills Blvd. Join us for this pre-trick-or-treat celebration!

The renovation signifies a milestone in our mission to support youth in our community and includes a state-of-the-art STEM and technology center, a sports court, plus a teen and youth center. This transformation allows us to now serve an additional 100 teens and youth, from nine Bellevue School District schools, providing them with a safe space and nurturing environment when they are out of school. Come join us at the grand opening and help celebrate the new Lake Hills Clubhouse! Learn more on the event flyer. All families are encouraged to come in costume with trick-or-treating for kids in the building! Fun for all.

Friday, October 27th Time 6-8pm

Monday, October 30th

Tuesday, November 7th 10:55-11:20am in Gym

Friday, November 10th

The month of October is:

Global Diversity Awareness Month: An awareness month with the goal
promoting respect toward various cultures.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month: This awareness month aims to advocate for individuals with disabilities and their inclusion in the workforce.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in women; this month seeks to boost awareness of the disease
National Polish American Heritage Month: A month selected to honor those with Polish heritage

The month of November is:
National Native American Heritage Month: This month celebrates the contributions — cultures, traditions, histories — of Native people to the United States

Movember: A month-long fundraiser that seeks to raise awareness for men’s issues such as suicide as well as prostate and testicular cancer

November 1 – All Saints’ Day, All Souls Day, Día de Los Muertos: These days are dedicated to all those who have passed away in the Christian faith as well as the Mexican and Aztec communities

November 12 – Diwali: An important celebration in the Hindu faith in which a variety of deities are praised

November 16 – International Day for Tolerance: The UN holiday was founded to encourage respect among various people regardless of culture, language, religion, or ethnicity

November 16 – Dutch American Heritage Day: This day applauds the long friendship between the Netherlands and the United States

November 20 – Transgender Day of Remembrance: This day is held as a remembrance for all those murdered because of transphobia

Learn more: https://www.diversityresources.com/diversity-calendar-2023/

November 1* – Samhain: A Pagan and Wiccan festival marking the end of the harvest season

November 1 – All Saints Day: A day to honor all holy men and women who have been canonized in the Catholic Church

November 2 – Anniversary of the Crowning of Haile Selassie: The day when Haile Selassie ascended the Ethiopian throne. This is one of the holiest days in the Rastafarian year

November 27 – Guru Nanak Ji’s Birthday: A day commemorating the birth of Guru Nanak Ji who founded Sikhism

November 12 – Diwali: A 5-day festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. It honors gods, goddesses, harvests, New Years, etc.

November 27 – Jain New Year: A day celebrated on the first day after the month of Kartika.

November 30 – St. Andrew’s Feast Day: St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Barbados, and Romania. This day honors him, his good works, and his canonization in the Catholic Church.

Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm

Access to school building:

• All visitors MUST use the main office doors to enter and exit the building
• All visitors must sign in using the LobbyGuard System in the main office and obtain and wear a name badge.

Learn more about SchoolMessenger and create/update your account.

Heather Snookal, Principal

Rachel Pearson, Assistant Principal

Alysia Carey, School Counselor

Debbie Gordon, Office Manager

Shawna Rooney, Office Assistant
Carrie Lascano, PTA President

Judy Hunsberger, Family Engagement Specialist