Community Update • Arbor Heights • March 13, 2024

Important Dates:

• March 14: Global Reading Challenge at the Seattle Public Library
• March 23: Spring Clean-up Garden Party, 9:30 a.m.
• March 27: School Tour, 8:00-9:00 a.m., please call 206-252-3250 to RSVP
• March 29: Spring Fling, school dance for grades 3rd, 4th and 5th

Preschool (SPP+ and SPP) and Head Start

Applications open on March 15 for the 2024-25 school year

Program Information and Locations:  Arbor Heights has two SPP+ preschool classrooms with certified teachers and two to three instructional assistants in each classroom. SPP+ is an inclusion model with special education preschoolers learning and having fun along with three and four-year old peers.  There is a certified special education teacher and other specialists serving students within the class and in small groups.

Preschool Locations Map for locations of preschool programs operating in Seattle Public Schools, and/or printed or digital preschool program brochures and flyers.  

Application Process: 

To apply for preschool, students must be three or four by August 31. 

The application process differs depending on the program. The Early Learning website provides information about the various programs and for information about how to apply. 

Enrollment in preschool programs is ongoing as space is available. For SPP programs, enrollment is facilitated by the City of Seattle, and applications submitted between March 15 – April 15 receive priority enrollment for initial placements. 

Enrollment Support: 

For SPP Programs: 

Questions about the SPP program   or 206-386-1050 with questions about the application. 

Language support is provided through these channels.   

For program specific support needs or questions please contact your SPS Early Learning Manger, Whitney Smith-Sanders wnsanders@seattleschools.org – South end schools.

For Head Start Programs: 

Please call the Head Start office at 206-252-0960. 

For program specific application questions, staff may reach out directly to Casey Drobnick, who manages Head Start enrollment at cadrobnick@seattleschools.org  

From the PTSA:

Important PTSA General Meeting! 

Join us on March 21, 2024, at 7 p.m. for our virtual general meeting, to discuss the school’s FTE budget request to the PTSA.  The meeting is open to all who wish to attend but you must be a member to vote.  Become a PTSA member today!

 Additionally, we will be discussing transition planning for the 2024-2025 PTSA and the officer and chair positions we will be looking to fill.  Position descriptions

 The meeting link will be sent the day before via school messenger.

Spring Auction

Did you miss your opportunity to secure a ticket to the live auction?  There are still a few ways to support this event.

•  In-Kind Donations: We are still seeking items for our live and silent auctions.  Donations (experiences, items, wine) can be made online and a member of our volunteer team will coordinate pick up of your item(s).
• Monetary Donations: If you don’t have an item to contribute, cash contributions can be made online.  Check with your employer to see if they offer a company match. 
• Online Auction Participation: You can bid on a variety of amazing items online beginning April 10th through April 19th.  
• Spread the word: Ask your family or friends if they are willing to contribute!

 Thank you for supporting the mission of the Arbor Heights PTSA.

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. Buy Mothers Day Bouquets!  

Spring After-School Enrichment

 The Spring Enrichment Program Schedule will soon be available online, with registration opening on April 1st. 

 We are looking for interested parents in volunteering one day per week after school for the spring session in helping run this program. In exchange for your time after school, you will receive one free class for your child and priority registration for other classes for your child/children. Thank you for considering- we can’t do this without you! Enrichment Volunteer Interest Form. 

Spring Enrichment will also include 3 classes offered by either Arbor Heights teachers or PTA volunteers as lower costs options for families. This will include PE games with Mr. Brannon grades 3-5, a Garden Club grades K-5 and Environmental Art Club grades 3-5. We are seeking an assistant for the Environmental Arts class. This class is on Wednesdays from 1:10-2:20 p.m. and the session runs April 22 – June 12. Anyone interested in art, crafting or science would be great for this opportunity. In exchange for your help, you would receive one free enrichment class for your child for spring session.

Girls on the Run is coming to Arbor Heights Elementary!

We’re very excited to offer this program this spring for girls in grades 3-5. More information about Girls on the Run at Arbor Heights, which is also offered in Spanish, or contact Gwen at gwenmanchion@gmail.com .       

Garden Party!

The March Spring Clean-Up Garden Party has been rescheduled to March 23, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. in the Arbor Heights Garden.  Hope to see you there!