News from the Nest
Summary : Arbor Heights Monthly Family Newsletter
Arbor Heights Monthly Family Newsletter
From the Principal’s Perch
Happy 2026! It’s been such a joy to welcome students back and continue our learning, growing, and fun together in the new year. There is so much to look forward to, and it’s exciting to see our school full of energy again.
This week we celebrated Explorations Day, and it was incredible to see our students so deeply engaged. From building Hot Wheels tracks and crocheting, to baking, puzzling, cheering, and so much more, every space in our school was filled with curiosity, creativity, and laughter. The joy and focus our students showed was truly inspiring.
I also had the pleasure of leading a class alongside Chef Eda Martin, the executive chef of the local White Center restaurant Cocina Casera. Students learned how to make a zesty lime sauce, explore new flavors, and think about how food fuels our bodies — it was a wonderful example of learning that connects to the real world.
Moments like these remind us how special our Arbor Heights community is. We are building something strong together — a place where students feel connected, supported, and excited to learn. Thank you for being part of what makes our school such a wonderful place.
Principal Porto
Key Dates
- Every Monday: Junior Seahawk Pride, Wear your AHE Gear
- Every Wednesday: Early dismissal, 1:10 p.m.
- Every Friday: Fan Friday (no costumes)
- Friday, January 16: Denny International Middle School school tour, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
- Monday, January 19: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day – No School, See PTSA section for Community Service Opportunity
- Thursday, January 22: Denny International Middle School Open House for Rising 6th graders, 5- 6:30 p.m.
- Friday, January 23: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and AHE Month of Service Celebration Assembly, 8:15 a.m. (families welcome)
- Sunday, January 25: AHE Winter Garden Work Party
- Friday, February 6: Popcorn Friday
- Monday, February 9 – Wednesday, February 11: 5th graders attend Camp Seymour
- Monday, February 16 – Friday, February 21: Mid winter break – No School
Announcements
MLK Day & Arbor Heights Month of Service
Monday is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and we are proud to honor his legacy through our Arbor Heights Month of Service. Throughout January, students and families are invited to participate in acts of service—big or small—and help make a positive impact in our community.
We will come together to celebrate Dr. King and our shared service at our MLK Assembly on Friday, January 23 at 8:15 a.m. Families are welcome to attend. Please plan to arrive by 8:05 a.m.to allow for a timely start.
If your family has completed an act of service, we would love to include it in our celebration. Please email photos and a short description to lsporto@seattleschools.org so we can highlight the amazing ways our community is giving back and honoring Dr. King’s legacy through action.
Front of School Car Drop-Off & Pick-Up Safety Reminder
When using the front of the school for drop-off and pick-up, please pull all the way forward to keep traffic moving smoothly. For safety, students should only exit vehicles on the school/curb side.If you need to get out of your car to help your child, that’s absolutely okay—just please be sure to assist them on the school/curb side of the driveway.
Thank you for helping keep arrival and dismissal safe for everyone!
STEAM Night Planning Underway!
We’re excited to share that planning has begun for our upcoming Arbor Heights STEAM Night!
S.T.E.A.M. Night
Arbor Heights Elementary School
3701 SW 104th Street, Seattle, WA 98146
Thursday, April 30, 2026
5-7 p.m.
Join us for an evening of discovery, creativity, and fun! Explore hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and exciting demonstrations that celebrate the wonders of:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Art
- Math
Come build, experiment, create, and learn together.
Free admission | Snacks available | Giveaways
To volunteer please email Jessica Hunt at Jessica.HartHunt@bms.com
If interested in volunteering, I can either provide activities for you to lead or you can bring your own.
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
Serve Our Community This MLK Day
Join AH PTSA and staff as we care for our community’s green space.
- Monday, January 19 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Westcrest Park
- Gloves, tools, snacks, and hot drinks will be provided – just come dressed for the weather and ready to lend a hand.
- More details about Community Service on MLK Day. RSVP on the website if you’re able, but it’s okay to show up on the day of the event.
AHE Winter Garden Work Party
Help us prepare the garden for spring by turning compost and admiring worms. Bring seeds to donate to the school garden and exchange for your own planting.
- Sunday, January 25 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
- Held rain or shine! Hot drinks provided.
- Email Rachel rachgraf@gmail.com if you can lend a portable rain canopy or folding table.
Spring Auction Fundraiser
We need your help to make our biggest fundraiser a success:
- Donate something to be auctioned. Examples include artwork, gift certificates, tickets, merchandise, vacation rentals, party/experience, and more. Promote your small business or a friend’s. Email us ahptatreasurer1@gmail.com with the details.
- Sign up to Assist with data entry into our auction software or be the point-person for volunteers on the day of the event.
- Help your classroom Hawkeye in creating a class art piece or gift basket that will be included in the auction.