Community Update — April 17, 2024
Community Update • Arbor Heights • April 17, 2024
Important Dates:
- April 19: Popcorn Friday
- April 20, 6:00 p.m.: PTSA Auction
- April 22: Earth Day- Meadow seed-ball release
- April 22-25: 5th graders at IslandWood
- April 26: 3rd grade field trip to Museum of Flight
- April 29: Salmon Release at Fauntleroy Creek
- May 1: Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) begin, Grades 3-5
Important Notice: Safety Concern During School Dismissal
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome back from spring break! We hope your time away was all you hoped for your family!
Recently, we have observed some concerning behavior during school dismissal that is important to address. As always, the safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities here at Arbor Heights.
It has come to our attention that some students have been venturing out to the school’s delivery and dumpster area during dismissal time. This area, which includes stairs, dumpsters, and a fence line, is not a designated play area and poses significant safety risks to our students.
Playing in this area puts students at risk of injury from various hazards, including moving vehicles, uneven surfaces, and potentially dangerous materials near the dumpsters. Additionally, this area is outside of the supervision of school staff, making it difficult for us to ensure the safety of students who choose to play there.
We kindly request your support in reinforcing the importance of following school rules and staying within designated pick-up areas at the end of the school day. We urge you to remind your child of the potential dangers of playing in non-designated areas and encourage them to prioritize their safety.
Furthermore, we will take additional measures to enhance supervision during dismissal to prevent students from accessing these restricted areas. Ms. Collins and our Safety Patrol leaders, Mr. Brannon and Mr. Davis, will help monitor these areas. However, we also rely on your assistance in emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety guidelines.
We will open the gates to the playground after 2:35 p.m. to those families who would like to return to play on the asphalt play areas, the big toy, and the field. Prior to 2:35, the gates will remain closed, except for the gates on 104th and 105th to exit the school grounds in the afternoon. We must maintain the closure of the gates at dismissal to ensure all students connect with their pick-up partners and honor any parenting plans. Thank you for your understanding and support.
If you have any concerns or questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact us. Your partnership in maintaining a safe learning environment for all students is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.
Sincerely, Christy Collins, The Building Leadership and Safety Teams
Plastic Film Collection with Ridwell
Did you know that 50% of plastic produced is single-use plastic and that only 9% of that plastic is recycled? Help prevent plastics from going into the landfill by participating in the Arbor Heights Plastic Film Collection in collaboration with Ridwell! This plastic cannot be recycled curbside, so bring it to school April 15-May 16 and Ridwell will help it turn into long-lasting decking!
What is plastic film?
Want to learn more about what plastic film is, click here.
Interested in signing up for Ridwell? When 10 families from Arbor Heights join Ridwell, Arbor Heights will be able to help keep plastic film out of landfills for the entire 24-25 school year! Click here to sign your family up for Ridwell today.
From the PTSA
Spring Auction
Last call – the Online Silent Auction closes on Friday, April 19that 9:00 p.m. Explore our catalog of silent auction items, buy-ins, and classroom projects on our Auction Website, and place your bids for a chance to win incredible items and support our school community! Thank you for supporting the mission of the Arbor Heights PTSA.
Yearbook Sale
Capture every moment of this school year with Arbor Heights Elementary’s yearbook! Secure yours now for just $20 if ordered before April 30, 2024. Ordering is easy—visit www.schoolannual.com, click on “Buy Student’s Yearbook,” and enter the school name, city, and state to place your order. Order forms were also sent home last week in student backpacks for your convenience.
Spring Enrichment
Spring Enrichment classes start April 22nd. If you have a child attending an enrichment class, please send them with a snack.
Mother’s Day Weekend Flower Sale
This Mother’s Day, support Arbor Heights Elementary School and Hmong farmers by buying flower bouquets! Proceeds go to Arbor Heights and a Title 1 school in Seattle and are tax-deductible. Bouquets will be available to be picked up at Arbor Heights Elementary on May 11th from 10am-12pm. They are $60 for one bouquet or $100 for two. Pre-order before May 4th to get your bouquet on May 11th. Click here to buy!
Arbor Heights Garden
Thanks to all the volunteers who participated in the spring work party last month! The next garden work party will be Saturday, May 11 at 9:30am. For more information about the school garden, including pop up garden projects and activities, please contact PTSA Garden Co-Chair, Stephanie Marshall (stephanie.ne@gmail.com).