News from the Nest
Summary : Arbor Heights Monthly Family Newsletter
Arbor Heights Monthly Family Newsletter
From the Principal’s Perch
As we head into winter break, I want to thank you for the many ways you support our Arbor Heights community. I hope the break brings time to rest, reconnect, and enjoy moments together as a family.
In January, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, we will begin our first Arbor Heights Month of Service. Families are invited to participate in acts of service over winter break and throughout the month of January. Acts of service can be big or small — helping a neighbor, donating items, caring for our environment, or giving back in ways that are meaningful to your family.
Below you will find a slideshow with ideas and information to review together with your child to help spark conversations and plan ways to participate. If your family takes part in an act of service, I would love to celebrate it at our MLK Day assembly on January 23— please feel free to email photos and a short description to lsporto@seattleschools.org.
We’re also excited that our PTSA is working to organize a community clean-up or outdoor stewardship project, to participate in on MLK Day, giving us a chance to come together as a school community and give back.
I look forward to welcoming students back in January as we continue learning, growing, and caring for one another.
Key Dates
Month
- December 19: 1-hour early release. School dismissal is at 1:25pm
- December 19: Comfy Cozy Day (wear your pajamas, sweats or whatever keeps you comfy and cozy!)
- December 22 – January 2: Winter Break, NO SCHOOL
- Every Monday: Junior Seahawk Pride, Wear your AHE Gear
- Every Wednesday: Early dismissal, 1:10pm
- Every Friday: Fan Friday (no costumes)
- January 5 at 5:00pm: Arbor Heights School Tours for perspective students and incoming families
- January 14: Explorations Day
- January 19: Dr. Martin Luther King Day – NO SCHOOL
- January 23: MLK Day Assembly, families welcome
Announcements
Online Safety Resources for Families
With the holidays approaching, many students may be getting new devices, games, or online accounts. One of AHE parent shared a helpful reminder that this is an important time to talk with children about staying safe online, especially as they move into the “in-between” stage of childhood and adolescence.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) provides excellent resources for families. Here are a few highlights pulled from the tip sheets:
- Talk with your child about safe gaming practices, including keeping consoles in supervised areas, not sharing personal information, and knowing how to report unsafe interactions.
- Check and use parental controls, set screen time expectations, and stay engaged with the platforms your child uses.
- Support conversations about how food fads, misinformation, or unsafe messages spread online and remind children they can always come to a trusted adult if something feels uncomfortable.
- For children using AI or chat tools, NCMEC provides guidance on avoiding harmful or exploitative content and knowing when to seek help
Families can explore more on the NetSmartz website.
A message from our Social worker
Hello families! I appreciate that Washington State has standards for SEL, Social Emotional Learning. SEL skills are so important! They help us identify and express our needs and feelings, pursue goals, manage emotions, and navigate reciprocal and fulfilling relationships that are based on empathy and appropriate boundaries.
SEL skills are key to teamwork. The ability to work effectively in a team is no small thing. It is one of the most sought after skills of employers. The progression of standards shown below parallels the way in with social emotional skills that relate to the self are key to building social emotional skills that are the foundation of positive relationships with others.
Washington State SEL standards are defined by six aspects, as follows:
- Self-Awareness
Identifying one’s emotions, personal assets, areas for growth, and potential external resources and supports - Self-Management
Regulating emotions, thoughts, and behaviors - Self-Efficacy
Motivating oneself to persevere, and see oneself as capable - Social Awareness
Taking the perspective of and empathizing with others from diverse backgrounds and cultures - Social Management
Making safe and constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions - Social Engagement
Considering others and showing a desire to contribute to the well-being of school and community
Check out the Seattle Public Schools Social Emotional Learning webpage Additionally, you will find the document Washington SEL implementation Brief for Families which includes resource links for building SEL skills at home.
Reach out if you would like to discuss your child’s SEL skills and growth Jgreenstein@seattleschools.org or 206 252-9234
Arbor Heights Breakfast and Lunch
Breakfast and Lunch are available for purchase every day.
Information about Free or Reduced Student meals
Please note that SPS Culinary Services does their best to follow the planned menu, but last-minute changes may occur.
PTSA Updates
After-School Enrichment
Winter 2026 class information is on our website! Registration is live and will be open until Jan 5, 2026.
Spring Auction Fundraiser
Plans are underway for our biggest fundraiser of the year!
If you have something to donate (artwork, gift certificate, tickets, merchandise, vacation rental, party/experience, etc.), please email us! It’s a great way to promote your small business.
Save the Date: Sat, March 28, 2026 at 6pm
We need your help! Find out how you can volunteer on our webpage.