June News

Hi Families,
Here’s some important end of the year information:

  • Unfortunately, I will be out for 5 more days. If you haven’t heard already, I’m on the bargaining team to help negotiate our teachers contract for the next three years. It takes several meetings to accomplish this. I will also be gone for two days for my aunt’s memorial service in Minneapolis next Monday. Here are the dates I’ll be gone: 6/5, 6/10, 6/11, 6/13 & 6/18. I have talked with the students about expected behavior with a sub, but it wouldn’t hurt for you to mention it as well. It’s especially difficult at the end of the year. I appreciate your support and understanding.
  • Tolt Transition: The transition event is coming up on Thursday. Students will be picked up by bus at CE around 2:30. Students will either walk home or be picked up at Tolt by the baseball fields at 5:30, based on what you filled out on the permission form. *Students will be leaving backpacks and lunch boxes at CE on that day, to avoid an overabundance of backpacks at Tolt. Please make sure there’s nothing in the backpacks that would be a problem to leave at CE for the night.
  • Wild Waves: Friday, safety patrol and ASB officers will be going to Wild Waves for the day. I will have the rest of our class as well as those in Mrs. Pansesko’s class not going to Wild Waves. We will be doing some fun activities for the day.
  • I won’t be sending Friday Folders home this week since more than half the class won’t be here Friday and I don’t think I’ll have them ready to send home on Thursday.
  • You should have received an invitation to the 5th grade recognition ceremony on Friday, June 21st at 1:45.

Upcoming Events:
June 6th – Tolt Transition 2:30-5:30
June 7th – Moms & Muffins – 8:30
– Wild Waves for safety patrol and ASB officers
– Early Release – 2:15
June 12th – Band Concert 7:00pm MPR
June 14th – Early Release – 2:15
June 20th – Make-Up Day
June 21st – Make-Up Day – full day – 3:45 release
– 1:45 – Fifth Grade Recognition
June 24th – Make-Up Day
– Field Day – 1:30-3:30
June 25th – Last Day of School
– Make-Up Day – full day – 3:45 release
– End of the Year Assembly – 10:00
– Move Up Day – 1:45

Important News About Upcoming Events

Here’s the latest news:

  • Tolt Transition – This coming Tuesday, 3/5, counselors from Tolt will be coming into our classroom to talk with students about middle school and the opportunities available to them as they go into 6th grade. On Wednesday, March 7th, there is a 5th grade parent information night at Tolt at 6:00 pm.
  • STEAM Night and Science Fair Project information will go home on Thursday. A project is required for 5th graders. Student outlines for their projects (back page of the packet) are due on Thursday, 3/14, with a parent signature. The actual projects are due in the classroom the morning of Wednesday, April 3rd. I have given the general information, an example and the planning outline to students. There will not be time to work on these projects in class. I will review all the outlines and am happy to answer any questions that you or your child may have.
  • Camp Waskowitz – Yesterday a form went home with students about Outdoor Ed School at Camp Waskowitz from May 14-17th. The form gives you a quick overview and information about an upcoming (March 3rd) Open House at Camp Waskowitz if you’re interested.
  • You might also want to just get some general information from the website for Families & Students, which contains links to a very informative 24 page Parent Manual, a downloadable Powerpoint, information about the camp’s menu (our menu will be the 4-day week menu), and Camp Waskowitz’s requirements for any medications taken at camp. You might also enjoy watching the video on the Outdoor School main pagewhich was created last year by Cedarcrest graduate Jen Gard and features a number of last year’s 5th graders doing all kinds of outdoor science.
  • With regard to timelines, now is the time to learn a little about camp, get excited and do a little fundraising if you choose. Once the fundraiser is complete, Mrs. Panesko will generate individualized bills for each 5th grader and we will send home the rest of the official paperwork. At this point, I am assuming that all students will be joining us at camp unless I have heard otherwise from you. If there is a concern–with the dates or the environment–please let me know so that we can best support you. And, as with all field trips, permission slips and payment (approximately $225.00) will be due before we leave on the 14th of May. Specific due dates will be coming.
  • Upcoming Events:
    March:

    1st  Early Release @ 2:15
    5th – Tolt counselors visit 5th grade classrooms
    7th – 5th grade parents info meeting at Tolt @ 6:00pm
    8th –  Early Release @ 2:15
    14thScience Fair Project Plan due
    15thSpirit Day – Twin (BFF) Day 
    – Early Release @2:15
    20th – 5th/6th/7th Grade Band Concert
    21st – Artastic Day for grades 2-5
    22nd – Early Release @ 2:15
    23rd –Carnation PTSA Spring Auction
    29th – PTSA Talent Show assembly @ 10:00am
    – PTSA Talent Show @ 7:00pm
    Early Release @2:15

 

 

 

December News

Here’s what’s new:

    • Our field trip to the Nutcracker is this Friday, December 7th. We will be leaving at 9:30 & returning to school by about 3:15. As you already know, this is an early release day and we will not return in time for the end of the school day. Your child will need to bring a completely disposable lunch – no lunch boxes or glass please. Students should dress appropriately for the theater – neat, clean clothes with no holes. Students are asked to leave electronics at home. Reminder notes went home last week.
    • Just so you are aware, next Monday, December 10th, we will be begin our FLASH (Family Life and Sexual Health) unit. Students may come home questions.
    • On Thursday, December 20th, we will be having our second auction of the year. Students may bring things to sell at the auction, but it’s not required.
  • Winter break is from December 21 – January 6. We return to school on Monday, January 7th.

December:
7th – Nutcracker Field Trip
10th-14th – FLASH week
14th – Crazy Hair Day
14th – Early Release – 12:45
20th – Auction
21st – Jan. 6th – Winter Break

January:
7th – Back to School

November News

I wanted to let you know that I will be gone on Thursday and Friday this week, so there won’t be Friday Folders. There’s a lot of preparation that goes into them that I won’t be able to accomplish before I leave. Thank you for your understanding.

I’m in the process of scheduling conferences. The conference confirmation forms will go home Monday, November 5th. Please send them back as soon as possible so I know that time works for you. Looking forward to seeing you at conferences!

November:
2nd – Early Release – 2:15
9th – Veteran’s Day Assembly – 10:00 am
9th – Early Release – 2:15
12th – No School – Veteran’s Day Observed
16th – Early Release – 12:45 – Conferences
19th – 21st – Early Release – 12:45 – Conferences
22nd-23rd – No School – Thanksgiving Break
30th – Spirit Day – Disney Day
30th – Early Release – 2:15

 

October News

Please make a note of the following:

  • Friday Folders should be coming home with your child every Friday. Please remove and review the work, sign on the line next to the date that has been filled in, and return it to school with your child the following Monday or Tuesday. If you have questions or concerns, you are welcome to include a note back to me. If you haven’t been seeing the folder, be sure to ask your child.
  • Math homework – There is typically math homework Monday –Thursday. Occasionally, students have enough time to finish it during math time in class. I ask them to take it home even if they finish it at school so parents have a chance to review it and can see that it has been completed. Students should only be spending about 20 minutes on math homework a night. It’s OK if it doesn’t get completed.
  • Nutcracker Field Trip – The form for our field trip in December to see The Nutcracker went home on Monday. If your child will be going, you need to return the form and money by October 19th so we can reserve the seats.
  • We are having our first auction on Friday, October 26th. Students may, but are not required to, bring in gently used, school appropriate items from home to sell at the auction. Students have also brought baked goods, which are usually popular. It should be a fun day!

October:
5th – Early Release – 2:15
11th – PTSA Movie Night – 6:30
12th – No School – Teacher Work Day
19th – Early Release – 2:15
24th – Reflections Projects Due
26th – Class Auction
– Early Release – 2:15

September News

Wow! We are off to a great start! As you know, the first week or two have many procedural & logistical things to review & accomplish. The students have been terrific listeners & very patient with all this new information. We’ve reviewed class rules, procedures, schedules, curriculum, etc. They’ve taken inventory tests, placement tests & pretests. We are now getting used to our regular schedule.

I have received almost all of the beginning of the year forms, so thank you! There are still some school fees of $25 that are missing that cover art supplies, copy paper, classroom supplies & agendas. The check should be made out to Carnation Elementary. You may also pay electronically online.

Curriculum Night will be like we’ve done the last two years. It’s an open house for students and their families. This will be on Thursday, September 2oth from 6:00-7:30. Please join us in the gym at 6:00. I will have some general information about our class available for you when you stop by our classroom.

I am really enjoying your kids & am looking forward to meeting you all soon!

Laurie Minaglia
minaglial@rsd407.org
425-844-4572

September:
4th – First day of school
7th – Full day Friday
14th – 2:15 Early Release
20th – Curriculum Night Open House 6:00-7:30
21st – 2:15 Early Release
25th – Picture Day
26th – Tolt Dam Full Evacuation Drill
28th – 2:15 Early Release

Here We are at the End of the Year…

It’s hard to believe it’s the last three weeks of the school year. June events are listed below.

Last Thursday, your child should have brought you an invitation to the 5th Grade Recognition Ceremony. It will be on Friday, June 15th, at 10:00 am in the gym. There will be a short reception to follow. You are welcome to take your child with you when it is over, just be sure to let me know and sign your child out in the office. If your child will be staying, it’s a 2:15 early release day.

June:
5th – Tolt Transition Event – 2:40-5:30
6th – Volunteer Tea – 4:00
7th – CE Band & Orchestra Concert – 6:30
8th – Wild Waves for safety patrol & ASB officers
– Early Release @ 2:15
15th – 5th Grade Recognition Ceremony – 10:00 am in the gym
– Early Releas @ 2:15
19th – Spring Fling/Field Day – 1:00-3:00
20th – Move Up Day for K-4th
21st – Last Day of School – 1/2 Day – 12:45 dismissal

Testing and Outdoor Ed Camp Information

Testing: Below are the dates of our upcoming tests. This is the state Smarter Balanced testing. Each testing day, as I would hope for every school day, please send your students to school well rested and well fed. Here’s the schedule:

April 25th – Smarter Balanced ELA CAT Test
May 9
th – Smarter Balanced ELA Performance Task
May 14
th – Smarter Balanced Math CAT Test
May 16
th – Smarter Balanced Math Performance Task
May 30
th – WCAS Science Test

Outdoor Education Camp at Camp Waskowitz is coming up from May 22nd – 25th. Paperwork will be coming home today. Please look at the paperwork and make note of the deadlines. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call or email me at minaglial@rsd407.org/425-785-0782.

Spring News

Here’s the latest important information:

Science Fair Projects – Projects are due Wednesday, April 18th, so we can review them in class. STEAM night is Thursday, April 19th , from 5:00-7:00.

Testing: Below are the dates of our upcoming tests. This is the state Smarter Balanced testing. Each testing day, as I would hope for every school day, please send your students to school well rested and well fed. Here’s the schedule:

April 25th – Smarter Balanced ELA CAT Test
May 9th – Smarter Balanced ELA Performance Task
May 14th – Smarter Balanced Math CAT Test
May 16th – Smarter Balanced Math Performance Task
May 30th – WCAS Science Test

Outdoor Education Camp at Camp Waskowitz is coming up from May 22nd – 25th. Paperwork will be coming home after spring break. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call or email me.

Upcoming Events:
April:
4th
– District Choir Concert @ 7:00
6th – Spring Read-a-thon begins – Early Release @ 2:15
9th – 13rd – NO SCHOOL – Spring Break
18th – End of the third quarter
– *Science Fair Projects Due*
19th – UW Engineering field trip – 5th grade and PAT
– STEAM Night – 5:00-7:00
20th – Early Release @ 2:15
25th – Smarter Balanced ELA CAT Test
27th – Report cards go home with students – Spring Read-a-thon ends – Early Release @ 2:15

May:
4th – Early Release @ 2:15
9th
– Smarter Balanced ELA Performance Task
11th – Early Release @ 2:15
14th – Smarter Balanced Math CAT Test
16th – Smarter Balanced Math Performance Task
18th – Early Release @ 2:15
22-25th – Camp Waskowitz for Outdoor Ed. School
28th – Memorial Day – No School
30th – WCAS Science Test

 

 

March News

Here’s the latest news:

  • Tolt Transition – This coming Tuesday, Counselors from Tolt will be coming into our classroom to talk with students about middle school and the opportunities available to them as they go into 6th grade. On Wednesday, March 23rd, there is a 5th grade parent information night at Tolt from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
  • Class pictures are on March 20th.
  • STEAM Night and Science Fair Project information went home on Thursday. A project is required for 5th graders. Student outlines for their projects (back page of the packet) are due on Friday, 3/23, with a parent signature. The actual projects are due in the classroom the morning of Wednesday, April 18th. I have given the general information, an example and the planning outline to students. There will not be time to work on these projects in class. I will review all the outlines and am happy to answer any questions that you or your child may have.
  • Field Trip – We will be going to the UW Engineering Fair on Thursday, April 19th. Information went home this week and I’ve received it back from some students already. There is still room for a few chaperones, so if you’re interested, get your form in soon.
  • Supplies – Believe it or not, we are running out of tissues. (There have been a lot of colds going around!) If you can send in a box or two to help get us through to the end of the year, that would be great. Also, if your student doesn’t have headphones or earbuds at school, please send them in. They were on the supply list at the beginning of the year. We are doing projects on computers where it would help for everyone to have headphones, plus we will need them for upcoming testing starting at the end of April.

****Please see the “Upcoming Events” section of the blog for important dates****