News from the Nest

Posted on: August 22, 2025

Summary : Arbor Heights Monthly Family Newsletter

Arbor Heights Monthly Family Newsletter

November 20, 2025

From the Principal’s Perch
Key Dates
Announcements
Arbor Heights Breakfast and Lunch
PTSA Updates
Arbor Heights Monthly Family Newsletter Archive

From the Principal’s Perch

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor and celebrate the rich traditions, stories, and contributions of Native peoples throughout our region and beyond. Today, our Arbor Heights community gathered for a special all-school assembly with Roger Fernandes, a Coast Salish storyteller, who shared two traditional stories — including “The Bear vs. the Ant.”The lesson reminded us that “if you want something special, you have to do something special.”

That message feels especially meaningful right now. Arbor Heights is truly building something special — a community rooted in care, belonging, and connection. This year, already, we’ve come together to celebrate one another and our many cultures, to support families experiencing food insecurity, and to create joyful learning experiencesfor our students every day.

If your family would like to continue exploring Native American Heritage Month together, here are some helpful resources:

Native Knowledge 360° (Smithsonian): https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360
PBS Kids – Native American Heritage Month Activities

Next week, there will be no school for conferences. Conferences give us important one-on-one time with families to connect, learn about your hopes and dreams for your children, and share their growth so far this year. We look forward to seeing you.

Key Dates

October and November

Every Monday: Junior Seahawk Pride, Wear your AHE Gear
Every Wednesday: Early dismissal, 1:10pm
Every Friday: Fan Friday (no costumes)
November 20 – 21: Remlinger Pie pick up
November 24 – 26: Parent Teacher conferences – NO SCHOOL
November 27 – 28: Thanksgiving Holiday – NO SCHOOL
December 2: PTSA Giving Tuesday
December 4: PTSA General Meeting, 7 – 8pm
December 5: PTSA Popcorn Friday
December 6: Cocoa, Crafts & Cinema, 2 – 4pm
December 19: 1 Hour early Dismissal
December 22 – January 2: Winter Break – NO SCHOOL

Announcements

Lost & Found is Overflowing!

Our Lost and Found is bursting with jackets, water bottles, and more! Tomorrow (Friday), all items will be laid out for students and classes to look through. Please encourage your child to check for anything that belongs to them.

Any unclaimed items will be donated on December 3rd, so now’s the time to find those missing sweatshirts and lunchboxes!

Last Week for Emergency Food Boxes to Address SNAP Uncertainty

Following the reopening of the federal government and a restoration of all SNAP benefits for the remainder of the year, the City of Seattle and Seattle Public Schools are ending food box distribution that was started to help families impacted by the uncertainty in SNAP benefits.

Nov. 17-21 is the final week food boxes will be distributed to families at Seattle schools.

Read more about SNAP benefit news at: Partial federal government shutdown | DSHS

We’re grateful to all the families, school staff, and community partners who helped ensure food was still available during the shutdown. If your family still needs support accessing food with SNAP benefits being restored, please visit SPS’ Support for Families in Need webpage or reach out directly to our school social worker, Jehn Greenstein (jgreenstein@seattleschools.org).

A message from our school social worker

AHE School Social Worker, Jehn Greenstein will be at our school during regular school hours on Monday of conference week. Mx. Greenstein is available to meet with parents on that day or if requested can join conferences. To ensure availability it is best to schedule ahead of time by reaching out by phone 206 252-9234, email: jgreenstein@seattleschools.org or via Talking Points.

Of course, you can reach out any time during the school year. Are you seeking resources for your child or family? Do you have questions or concerns about your child’s social or emotional development or experience at school? These are just a few good reasons to schedule a confidential meeting with Mx. Greenstein.

Madison Middle School Open House

Madison Middle School Open House for parents and guardians of incoming 6th graders

Thursday, January 8th

6:30-8:00pm

Join us for a full evening beginning with Principal’s welcome followed by classroom visits and teacher presentations. We ask adults only attend due to limited classroom space. *No RSVP required

We will share information from Denny Middle School as soon as it becomes available.

School day or snow day?

Seattle Public Schools is committed to keeping students, families, and staff safe and informed when snow and ice arrive. SPS will no longer implement a remote instructional delivery model in response to inclement weather.

Here’s how you can be ready:

Make sure your contact info is up to date with your student’s school and set your SchoolMessenger preferences to receive emergency notifications. Also, be sure to have a cellphone number on file to receive text messages!

If your student receives transportation services, check their bus snow routes and allow extra time for travel.

Dress for the weather—bundle up with hats, gloves, and boots, and wear bright clothing for visibility.

Stay tuned for updates via email, text message, robocall, and the SPS website. Decisions about late starts or closures are made with the safety of ALL students and staff as our top priority.

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

Giving Tuesday – December 2

This Giving Tuesday, please support our school! Your generosity funds supplies for the classroom, fun events, student experiences like Discover Dance and 5th Grade Camp, and school administrative costs. Your donation – big or small – makes a big impact on our school community. Thank you!

PTSA General Meeting

Thursday, December 4, from 7 – 8pm in the AH library
Snacks and childcare are provided!
Principal Porto will share a brief overview of our reading and math literacy programs, and we will discuss plans for the 2026 auction.

Cocoa, Crafts & Cinema

Come in your cozy pajamas, sip cocoa, make fun crafts, and enjoy a G-rated movie on the big projector in the gym. It’s a perfect way to kick off the winter season!

Saturday, December 6, from 10am – Noon
RSVP
Note: students must be accompanied by an adult.

After-School Enrichment

We need club leaders and on-site volunteers for our winter and spring sessions! Volunteers receive a free scholarship and priority registration for their child. Find more details here.