Hope You Had a Restful Break!
We hope everyone had a joyful break, and we can't wait to welcome you all back to the Soundview campus on Monday!
Dear Soundview Families,
I hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable week. Last Friday’s GPSF Day was truly heartwarming, and we’re grateful for everyone who made it such a memorable event, including our guests, faculty/staff, and SPGA volunteers. You can view photos from the day HERE.
If you’d like to share the contact information for your child’s grandparent or special friend, so they can stay connected with the school, please provide their name, email, and mailing address HERE.
Monday and Tuesday were faculty and staff in-service days. Most of our faculty attended a three-day International Baccalaureate training in Seattle. The entire faculty and staff met to discuss next year’s head of school transition, from Chris to Chrissy, Soundview’s Northwest Association of Independent Schools upcoming accreditation work, updates on our strategic priorities, and campus planning.
Here are the December reminders and opportunities:
The Board of Trustees' "State of School" meeting will be rescheduled from December to January. During the meeting, they will discuss their role, the head of school transition, Soundview's strategic priorities, and financial planning. There will also be an opportunity to learn more about incoming Interim Head of School, Chrissy Sinclair. Details TBD.
Join the Soundview Parent and Guardian Association (SPGA) on Wednesday, December 4th, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Performing Arts Center for our next meeting. We'll be stocking the faculty lounge with holiday snacks and treats. More details to follow, and if you require childcare please sign up for HERE.
Our 4th ParentMap ParentEd Talk will take place on Wednesday, December 4th from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The topic is Boosting Brain Power Through Play with Tom “Teacher Tom” Hobson, an early childhood educator, international speaker, education consultant, teacher of teachers, parent educator and author. You can register to watch the live stream with these helpful details:
Soundview community members can register HERE.
The password for complimentary ticket access is SOUNDVSCH
After the talk concludes, all registered attendees will be emailed a link to watch the recorded session at their convenience.
On December 10th, in honor of Human Rights Day, our third through fifth-grade class will host Soundview's first annual Human Rights Rally. Starting at 1:20 pm in the Soundview Performing Arts Center, students will give speeches on human rights before displaying their posters around the school and inviting the community to join a public gathering at the front entrance. The event will conclude at 2:00 pm, and parents are warmly invited to participate. For more information or to get involved, contact Mr. MacCully HERE. To learn about Human Rights Day and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, visit HERE.
Save the date for Project Night, coming up on Thursday, December 12th. This is a fantastic opportunity for you and your child to explore the incredible work they’ve been doing in class, and celebrate their accomplishments. You’ll take a self-guided tour through the classrooms and hallways, experiencing the creativity and learning of every grade. You will enter through the Performing Arts Center and pick up a program that will guide you through the event. Parking will be available on campus after 3:45 pm. Here are the details:
Early Childhood through 2nd Grade Project Night: 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
3rd through 8th Grade Project Night: 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Our next Community Coffee is on Wednesday, December 18th, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Performing Arts Center, with parking available at 3:45 pm. This casual event allows parents to engage in open conversations with me, our school counselor, and staff. Upcoming dates are on the Community Calendar which you can find HERE. Should you require childcare to attend this event, please sign up HERE.
Around the world and in different communities, November is a month of recognition and awareness:
Friday, November 29th is Native American Heritage Day. This is a day observed on the Friday following Thanksgiving, dedicated to honoring and celebrating the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Native American and Alaska Native people across the United States; it's a time to recognize their traditions, languages, and stories throughout history. You can clear more about this HERE.
Enjoy the rest of your break,
Chris
Chris Watson, Soundview Head of School
One more thing…
On November 29, 1975, President Gerald Ford signed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA), also known as Public Law 94-142, into law. This landmark civil rights legislation guaranteed that all children with disabilities would have access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). The law also required public schools to evaluate children with disabilities and create an educational plan for each child. You can read more about this HERE.
