Main Office Information

PHONE: 425.366.3500

HOURS: 8 AM - 4 PM

First bell rings at 8:55 am. Learning begins at 9:00 am

Flyers are Going Digital

Say goodbye to crumpled flyers at the bottom of student backpacks. The district has implemented an electronic flyer distribution system. Families will get flyers in their email inbox instead. The new distribution system, Peachjar, launched Jan. 16. Schools and outside organizations will have a more accessible, environmentally friendly and interactive way of sharing flyers and newsletters. Primary guardians with an email address on file at their child’s school will automatically begin receiving flyers by email.

New Student Awards!

In the past, Serene Lake teachers have recognized students at our Sea Otter Assemblies by awarding them the “Student of the Month” certificate. Recently, based upon ideas from the book, A Mindset for Learning, written by Kristine Mraz and Christine Hertz, the teachers developed a trait-of-the-month emphasis. They envisioned student awards based on those traits. Acknowledging students for demonstrating specific traits will help the students better understand their accomplishment.

In addition, students will have an opportunity to receive a “Teacher’s Choice” award based on their teacher’s recognition of a behavior or attitude apart from the identified monthly trait.

Starting with the March Sea Otter Assembly, you will see students be recognized for demonstrating the following traits:

• Empathy (December) understanding others’ viewpoints

• Flexibility (January) seeing and trying many possible actions within a task

• Kindness (February) doing good deeds for others

As the year goes on, the following traits will be taught and acknowledged:

• Resilience (March) bouncing back from setbacks and learning from failure

• Persistence (April) sticking with something even when it is challenging

• Optimism (May) setting aside fear and resistance to learn something new

We hope you enjoy seeing the Sea Otters live these positive habits of mind!

Stay Connected!

The school sends out a monthly "Otter Update" Newsletter via Blackboard Connect. This new program allows you to select whether you want to receive notifications by text or email, or both. For details, go to https://mukilteoschooldistrict.bbcportal.com/

The PTSA sends out regular updates via email to PTSA members and you can always find out more about fun events and activities going on each month at Serene Lake via FACEBOOK @ Serene Lake Elementary School PTSA.

If you still have questions about anything happening at Serene Lake feel free to contact the office staff directly at 425.366.3600 for more information.

2020 Capital Bond

The Mukilteo School Board voted to place a capital bond proposal before voters in the February 2020 election. The bond package includes $240 million to fund projects for the next six years, including:

• $160 million for major modifications and additions

• $52.4 million for facilities (HVAC, roofing, flooring, plumbing)

• $13.3 million for fields and courts

• $12.3 million for security upgrades at all schools

• $2 million for technology infrastructure at all schools

If the bond proposal passes, the total state and local tax rate is projected to increase by 9.4 cents per $1,000 of Assessed Value. This is the equivalent of $47 for a $500,000 home. More details about the capital bond projects, a timeline and frequently asked questions are available on the 2020 Capital Bond website: www.mukilteoschools.org/Page/13863

Let's go girls!

At Girls on the Run we inspire girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind. Trained coaches lead small teams through our research-based curricula which includes dynamic discussions, activities and running games. Over the course of the ten-week program, girls in 3rd-5th grade develop essential skills to help them navigate their worlds and establish a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness. The program culminates with girls positively impacting their communities through a service project and being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K event.

Registration for our Spring 2020 season is now open: Space is limited to 20 participants grades 3-5.

Snow Day?

This year, you will receive a phone message and email from the district if we close or delay school. This helps ensure we reach everyone, including those without an email address on file, before students stand outside at a bus stop, and before parents leave for work. If you added a text message number in the Blackboard portal, you will also receive a text message. As usual, it will also be posted on the district website and posted through FlashAlert, which also feeds into mainstream local news feeds.

Other communication tools to get the information regarding Snow Day closures;

• District webpage - www.mukilteo.wednet.edu
• Flash Alert - www.flashalert.net
• Request to be notified by text. A feature called Blackboard Connect will allow you to select whether you want to receive notifications by text or email, or both. For details, go to https://mukilteoschooldistrict.bbcportal.com
• Listen to local radio/TV stations: 710 AM, 1000AM, 1380 AM, KOMO 4 TV, KING 5 TV, KIRO 7 TV and FOX 13 TV

Important Reminders

• If school is delayed, bus routes may be affected.
• If school is cancelled, we may have to add a school day to the end of the current school calendar.

From Nurse Suggs

Beginning August 1, 2020 a current, signed Washington State Certificate of Immunization (CIS) or Certificate of Exemption (COE) will be mandatory for new students attending public school in Washington.

All new students and those moving to another school must provide a medically verified proof of up-to-date immunizations in order to start school in September 2020. This rule affects all incoming kindergarten, current 5th grade students who will be moving on to middle school, and current 8th grade students moving up to high school within the Mukilteo School District. Please contact your school nurse or HSP at 425-366-3509 if you have questions about this new state regulation.

Here are some ways you can obtain the required records for school attendance:

1. Sign up to obtain your child’s Washington state immunization records from the Department of Health: https://wa.myir.net/register/. Once you are registered, you can log in, print the record, sign it and provide to school.

2. If your child was born in another state/country, obtain a copy of your child’s immunization record from their pediatrician. Both the clinic record and a handwritten Washington State CIS are needed for a valid record. The registrar or health services team will verify compliance once these records are received: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Pubs/348-013_CertificateImmunizationStatusForm20-21.pdf

3. Certificate of Exemption (COE) forms must be signed by parent and healthcare provider. Personal exemption for MMR vaccine is no longer accepted per Washington state law.

Mark your Calendar!

Every Thursday is Spirit Wear Day. Students and staff are encouraged to wear their Otter Wear or Fund Run t-shirts to show school spirit!

During football season, every Friday will be our Seahawks day. Students are encouraged to wear their Seahawks gear.

Feb. 6th - 5th Grade Band concert 7:00 pm

Feb. 7th - NO SCHOOL - Staff Training Day

Feb. 11th - PTSA MOD Pizza "Dine Out Night" (11706 Mukilteo Speedway)

Feb. 13th - PTSA Multi-Cultural Night 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Feb. 17 - 21st - NO SCHOOL - Presidents Day/ Mid-Winter Break

Feb. 27th - PTSA Movie Night 5:00 - 7:30 pm

Serene Lake Lunch Program

At Serene Lake, our focus is nutrition and overall health of our students. Our menus offer a variety of healthy choices. They are designed to meet or exceed the USDA Guidelines. Included with each lunch is the main entrée and "all you can eat offering bar" which include a variety of fruits and vegetables and choice of milk. If you have any questions or concerns please contact our nutrition Services department at 425.356.1212.

Free and Reduced Lunch

You must apply each year for free or reduced school meals online! The process is quick easy and FREE, and in a few short steps you’ll be done! Since the information you’re providing is electronic we’ll be able to review your application faster than ever before.

Parking lot and Traffic Procedures

• ALWAYS TURN RIGHT when leaving the school.
• Please drive slowly through the school parking lot at all times.
• When using the student drop off service, have students exit on the passenger side.
• Do not park in the handicapped parking spaces unless you have a handicap permit.
• Never leave your car unattended at the curb/drop off lane. (If you need to get out, find a parking space in the lot.)
• Please help us by being aware of our crossing guards and students who are walking both in the morning and the afternoons. Please help us with this important safety issue.
• The drop off loops in the front of the building are for buses only. No cars are allowed in the bus loops during school hours from 8:00AM to 4:00PM.

Safety Matters

We ask that all parents and guests sign in at the office and wear a visitor name tag. Please do not be offended if an adult reminds you to do so, as this is critical for student safety. Remember to sign out when you leave. This helps us account for visitors in the event of an emergency.

Just a reminder, the play fields and big toys are closed to the community during school hours (8:35AM to 3:45PM). We invite you back to campus after 3:45PM, when classes are dismissed and all students have left. There is no student supervision before 8:35AM or after dismissal, at which time parents take responsibility for their child’s safety.

Emergency Drills

To ensure that everyone knows what to do in the case of an emergency, we hold safety drills at school throughout the year. So far this year we have completed a fire, earthquake and lockdown drill. We will practice these multiple times throughout the year. In addition we will also practice a shelter-in-place drill. I also want to provide you with a short description of our lockdown and shelter-in-place procedures:

A lockdown drill is a procedure whereby we secure all students, staff and other adults inside the building/s. Teachers gather students into the nearest classroom and/or space, secure doors, close all blinds and move away from the windows. A lockdown may be employed when an intruder is on our campus or in the neighborhood, or any other time it is necessary to get everyone inside quickly. In the event of a lockdown families would be notified through our Blackboard system.

A shelter-in-place drill is similar to a lockdown in that we secure students and staff inside buildings and classrooms and ensure all windows and doors are secured, and as appropriate, sealed off with duct tape. A shelter-in-place would occur if there was a chemical agent attack or large chemical spill. In addition to getting students and staff to secure locations; staff is trained to turn off ventilation systems to limit exposure.

When you get a chance, please ask your student about our safety drills, please commend him/her for taking these safety drills seriously.

Attendance Reminders!

State Law, the “BECCA Bill”, require schools to enforce attendance rules. We must have parent contact for all student absences. Parents must call or send a note to school to explain a child’s absence. If we do not receive a note or phone call at 425.366.3500 we will record the child’s absence as unexcused.

PRE-ARRANGED ABSENCES

Families should not schedule vacations or travel while school is in session. If a family vacation or travel must occur while school is in session, it must be prearranged by filling out a pre-arranged absence form at least one week before planned absence. The principal may excuse up to five school days for a pre-arranged absence per student each school year. Repeated or extended absences may seriously affect the academic progress of the student which may be reflected in lower grades. Students are expected to make up any missed assignments in the same number of days missed during an excused absence. For example, missed one day, have one day to make up missed work. Furthermore, excessive absences from school may also be cause for denial and/or revocation of an in-district or out-of-district transfer.

Parent Teacher Student Association

President: Amberley Snyder email: amberley.snyder@gmail.com

Treasurer: Frances Blauvelt email: francesklin@gmail.com

PTSA Multi Cultural Night

Thursday, February 13th 2020

6:00 - 7:30 PM

Serene Lake Elementary Gym

Let's celebrate the cultural diversity of our Serene Lake community and teach each other about geography, heritage and traditions. This is YOUR event – Here are ways you can share your culture:

a.) Family Stations - Set up a display table or activity to teach others about your heritage. This could include photos, maps, art, clothing, activities, games, or information about your culture.

b.) International Potluck - Bring a food from your culture to share (If possible, bring the recipe too!) Store-bought food is totally OK to!!!

c.) Performances - Share a dance, song, demonstration, or other artistic expression from your culture.

Tuesday, February 11th

Join us at Harbour Point MOD Pizza for a night out with friends!

Did you know?

The PTSA sends out a monthly newsletter called PTSA NEWS. In order to make sure the newsletter is not going to your SPAM please make sure serenelakeptsa.hotmail.com@memberplanet.net is in your address book . Thank you!

Mukilteo School District 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 trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator Bruce Hobert (425-356-1319), hobertbl@mukilteo.wednet.edu, Section 504 Coordinator Lisa Pitsch (425-356-1277), pitschla@mukilteo.wednet.edu, and the ADA/Access Coordinator Karen Mooseker (425-356-1330), moosekerkw@mukilteo.wednet.edu. Address: 9401 Sharon Drive in Everett, WA. Inquiries regarding ADA/Access issues at Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center should be directed to Mike Gallagher, Interim Director (425-348-2220), gallagherms@mukilteo.wednet.edu. Address: 9001 Airport Road in Everett, WA 98204.