Trait of the Month: Principled
Martin Luther King, Jr. was a transformative leader who championed civil rights, equality, and nonviolent resistance, inspiring a nation to confront racial injustice. His vision of unity and justice continues to guide movements for social change and human dignity worldwide.
Dear Soundview Families,
Reminder
School and offices are closed Monday, January 20, 2025 in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.
There is no school for students on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Offices will be open and faculty will be working on report cards.
This morning, our fifth-grade class led the January all-school assembly, highlighting the International Baccalaureate (IB) learner profile trait of the month: "principled." The assembly was filled with energy and creativity, a thoughtful new poem, students’ jokes, musical performances, and a skit. You can learn more about our IB learner profile HERE and view photos from the assembly below.
Yesterday, we hosted our ParentEd Talk Series discussion, Navigating Neurodiversity: Strength-Based Support for ADHD Kids. If you missed the session, you can watch the recorded version by clicking HERE. The password for access is ed*talks*replay
Make sure you’ve marked your calendars for the Soundview Spring Benefit Event on Saturday, March 22nd at the Edmonds Waterfront Center! This exciting event is open to everyone. It is an important fundraising event for the school and a really fun celebration of our community. Proceeds directly support the essential programs, resources, and initiatives that make Soundview an ethical, rigorous, and compassionate learning environment. Keep an eye out for registration and additional details around the event soon!
We are actively seeking sponsors who share our vision and want to help make this event a success. If you missed last week's letter outlining sponsorship opportunities, you can read it HERE and/or reach out directly to Director of Advancement Ryan Wasserman HERE.
A heartfelt thank you to the Soundview Parent Guardian Association (SPGA) for organizing our recent clothing drive with Clothes for Kids. Thanks to your generosity, we had an incredible turnout, providing much-needed support to those in need.
Admissions Deadline
The admissions deadline for the 2025-2026 school year is fast approaching. All applications from prospective new families are due Friday, January 31st. If you know of a family that would benefit from an ethical, rigorous, and compassionate education, please put them in touch with our Director of Admissions, Victoria Nunes, as soon as possible by visiting HERE.
Before and After School Care and Clubs
Soundview’s Winter Care & Clubs started this week. Spaces are still available, be sure to reserve your spot today! Here are a few helpful details:
You can register your student(s) HERE.
Once your registration and payment are complete, our Auxiliary Programs Coordinator, Christine Taylor, will personally reach out to provide the final forms.
Here are the reminders and opportunities during the month of January:
Yesterday we held our first information session for middle school parents with Incoming Interim Head/Assistant Head of School Chrissy Sinclair, our trustees, and me to discuss the head transition. These virtual sessions include getting-to-know Chrissy, head transition process, and time for you to share what you value most about Soundview and ask questions. All sessions are recorded and will be distributed. Invitations with meeting links for the next sessions will come directly to you via email and Toddle. Below are the upcoming dates and grade levels to mark on your calendars:
January 28th from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Grades 3-5
January 29th from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Grades 1-2
January 30th from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Early Years and Kindergarten
The Soundview State of the School meeting is next Wednesday, January 22nd, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the Performing Arts Center. During the meeting, Soundview’s Board of Trustees will discuss their governance role, the head of school transition (including get-to-know incoming Interim Head of School Chrissy Sinclair), Soundview’s upcoming accreditation, and long-range financial planning, tuition, and strategic priorities.
The deadline to register to attend is today, Friday, January 17th. You can register to attend and secure childcare during the event HERE.
Today is the last day to register for the Middle School Preview which will be next Thursday, January 23rd from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Humanities Room. This informative event offers fifth-grade students and parents a firsthand look at the exciting opportunities, unique programs, and supportive community that define our middle school experience.
The deadline to register to attend is today, Friday, January 17th. You can register to attend and secure childcare during the event HERE.
Your fifth-grader can stay after school until the start of the event at 4:00 pm when they join you for the event. Parking is available after 3:45 pm.
SPGA’s next big event is the Soundview Game Night and Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, January 25th from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Performing Arts Center. Please note the time change originally listed on the school year calendar. This event is for the entire family and all ages. Join us for an afternoon of good food and fun games! The event will begin with the chili cook off competition, mac and cheese competition, and of course, the kids’ cornbread competition. Sign up soon as entries are limited this year! After you eat some goodies and vote for your favorites, we’ll play BINGO from 4:00 pm to 5:00 PM. We’ll also have a variety of other games. We’re looking for volunteers to help at the event. To RSVP or volunteer you can sign up by visiting HERE.
Our January Community Coffee is on Wednesday, January 29th, from 9:10 am to 10:10 am in the Performing Arts Center. Upcoming dates are on the Community Calendar which you can find HERE.
The High School Preview for seventh-grade students will be held on Thursday, February 6th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Humanities Room. Our personalized high school placement process is designed to help each student discover the best fit for their unique strengths, goals, and aspirations. Families and students will learn more about what to expect from our comprehensive placement process, explore local International Baccalaureate (IB) high schools, and see the diverse paths our alumni have taken after graduation, and so much more. Your 7th grader can stay after school until the start of the event at 4:00 pm when they join you for the event. Parking is available after 3:45 pm. RSVP's will be accepted until Friday, January 31st. You can sign up to attend and secure childcare for siblings HERE.
Around the world and in different communities, January is a month of recognition and awareness:
World Religion Day is an annual event that takes place on the third Sunday of January to promote understanding, tolerance, and peace between people of different faiths and backgrounds. The day also highlights the idea that the spiritual principles of the world's religions are harmonious and that religions can unite people. Learn more about this HERE.
Martin Luther , Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States, celebrated every year on the third Monday of January to honor the life and legacy of civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It's a day that celebrates the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America. The campaign for a federal holiday in King's honor began soon after his assassination in 1968. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later on January 20, 1986. You can learn more about this HERE.
The National Day of Racial Healing Tuesday, January 21st. This is a time to contemplate our shared values and create the blueprint together for #HowWeHeal from the effects of racism. Launched in 2017, it is an opportunity to bring ALL people together in their common humanity and inspire collective action to create a more just and equitable world. This day is observed every year on the Tuesday after MLK Day, and you can learn more about this HERE.
Congratulations everyone on a successful start to the New Year, and enjoy the long weekend!
Chris
Chris Watson, Soundview Head of School
One more thing…
On January 17th, 1942 American professional boxer Muhammad Ali was born. Ali’s positive social impact stemmed from his outspoken advocacy for civil rights, particularly his public stance against the Vietnam War, which highlighted the injustices of racial inequality and empowered African Americans to speak out against systemic issues; he also dedicated his later years to significant humanitarian work, including raising awareness for Parkinson's disease and promoting peace through global missions as a UN Messenger of Peace. You can learn more about this iconic sports figure HERE.
