An Exciting Week of Activities and Highlights!
Our Head of School, Mr. Watson, warmly welcomed all the students to our first all-school assembly of the year!
Dear Soundview Families,
We’ve had a great first couple weeks of school! Last Friday fifth through eighth- graders went to Marina Beach Park and Meadowdale Beach Park. You can see photos below. Some start-of-school quotes include “good vibes” from a student and “I like the people my kids are becoming” from a parent.
Yesterday’s third through eighth- grade Curriculum Night was a success. Our parents joined our teachers to learn about Soundview’s curriculum, assessment, and student experience. Classroom materials from the event will be available next week on Toddle. You can see photos below.
Today we held our first all school assembly, including birthdays, jokes, poetry, and music. We highlighted the International Baccalaureate (IB) trait of the month: caring. Familiarize yourself with the IB traits HERE. You can see assembly photos below.
The Soundview Annual Campaign officially launches on October 1st! Each year, the Annual Campaign funds 15% of Soundview’s annual budget. Facilities, financial aid, outdoor school, field trips, classroom supplies, and student services rely on the philanthropic support of our community. Your involvement is crucial to maintaining the full Soundview experience. Reach out and learn more from Director of Advancement, Ryan Wasserman HERE.
Before and after school care and clubs start next week! You can still register HERE.
We support students commuting independently to campus. If you are giving your student permission to walk, bike, or take public transportation independently to or from school please complete the form HERE.
We have a few drop-off and pick-up car line reminders:
Do your best to arrive at your designated time.
The overlapping times are designed for families with students in multiple grades.
If you’re early, please wait around the corner on the residential streets.
Pull all the way forward in all three of the loading areas.
Stay in your car to ensure the most efficient drop-off or pick-up.
Please drive slowly.
Here are the September reminders and opportunities to look forward to:
Our Soundview Parent and Guardian Association is hosting a back-to-school social TODAY at the Boathouse in Edmonds from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. Food and drink available for purchase. The Boathouse is kid-friendly. You can find more information HERE.
Early Childhood through second- grade Curriculum Night is next Thursday, September 19th, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM in Soundview classrooms. Curriculum Night is a structured presentation for parents starting at 4:00 PM. Childcare will be available starting immediately after school.
It’s almost time for the fifth through eighth-grade Outdoor School trips, and this year the students will be traveling to Naturebridge! Our sixth through eighth-graders will be attending from September 16th-20th, followed by our fifth graders from September 25th-27th. Outdoor School is a cherished rite of passage at Soundview, offering students the opportunity to make independent choices in a safe, structured environment away from home. These trips foster deeper connections and trust among classmates, while also boosting self-confidence and self-esteem in a way that only overnight experiences like this can provide.
Community Coffees are back on campus this school year, starting on Wednesday, September 25th, from 9:10 AM - 10:10 AM in the Performing Arts Center. A Community Coffee is an informal conversation with parents, our school counselor, other faculty/staff, and me. I’ll bring a topic of interest, and it’s time to connect with our community. We’ve added morning and afternoon times to make these events more accessible. You can find all of the dates on the Community Calendar HERE.
Around the world and in different communities, September is a month of recognition and awareness:
Stand Up To Cancer Day is observed every second Friday of September, which is on September 13th this year. It is a day for creating cancer awareness. It is also a time to support the fight against cancer, using various means. The day has been observed since 2008, and it has helped to gather massive support from researchers and scientists. Learn more HERE.
September 15th through October 15th is the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the unique voices and experiences of Hispanic/Latino Americans and recognize their history, contributions, culture, journeys, and achievements. Through these celebrations, we can all help to inspire younger generations and bring communities together. Learn more HERE.
September 16th is Mexican Independence Day. Mexican Independence Day commemorates the momentous day when priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called on Mexicans to rise up against the colonial government of Spain on September 16th, 1810. It is celebrated on September 16th to commemorate the beginning of Mexico's fight for independence from Spain. The day is marked by a variety of festivities, including parades, fireworks, and music. Learn more HERE.
International Equal Pay Day is on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024. It's a day to raise awareness of the gender pay gap and to encourage action to close it. The United Nations created International Equal Pay Day to promote equal pay for work of equal value. It's a day to start conversations and inspire action, and is dedicated to raising awareness about unequal pay to women. The pay gap for women also varies by race, ethnicity, and disability, and this year's theme is "it doesn't add up." Learn more HERE.
Thank you for your partnership,
Chris
Chris Watson, Soundview Head of School
One more thing…
On September 13th, 2007, the United Nations adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The declaration, which defines the rights of the planet’s Indigenous peoples to their respective ways of life and prohibits discrimination against them, is a watershed moment for groups that often struggle for representation at the international level. It establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the Indigenous peoples of the world and it elaborates on existing human rights standards and fundamental freedoms as they apply to Indigenous peoples. You can learn more about this HERE.
