News from the Nest
Summary: Arbor Heights Monthly Family Newsletter
Arbor Heights Monthly Family Newsletter
From the Principal’s Perch
This month has been filled with joy and celebration at Arbor Heights. Our Arbor Heights Talent Acts during lunch have been a highlight. Students have shared everything from magic tricks and jump rope performances to fashion design and dancing. It’s been so fun to see their talents shine and their peers cheer them on.
March is also Women’s History Month, and I’ve had the privilege of visiting classrooms to read stories about influential women who have shaped our world. In one class, we read A Computer Called Katherine and learned about Katherine Johnson’s groundbreaking contributions at NASA. In another, students explored Amelia to Zora, choosing letters to discover inspiring women from history. I’ll be continuing these classroom visits tomorrow morning with Mr. Ogata’s kindergarten class—I’m still deciding which book to bring!
Thank you for trusting us with your children, we are grateful for our partnership.
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, March 20: Class Pictures
- Friday, March 20: AHE Night at Panda Express (see PTSA section for more info)
- Saturday, March 28: AHE PTSA Auction
- Friday, April 3: Popcorn Friday
- April 13 – April 17: Spring Break NO SCHOOL
- April 21 – May 14: 3rd – 5th grade Smarter Balance Assessments
Announcements
Free Community Store – March 21
Denny International Middle School is hosting a FREE Community Store on Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families can receive groceries and essential household items at no cost through a partnership with Partnership for Hope.
This event is open to students, staff, and the broader community.
Interested in volunteering? Sign up here:
Free Summer Opportunity – LEEP Program
Families of current 5th grade students are invited to explore the Lakeside Educational Enrichment Program (LEEP) — a free, four-week summer program designed to support students as they transition to middle school.
LEEP combines academics, outdoor activities, and fun, helping students build skills, confidence, and friendships. The program runs July 6–31 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.), and includes transportation, meals, and all materials at no cost.
Application deadline: April 1. Learn more and apply: www.lakesideschool.org/LEEP
Preschool Applications Now Open for the 2026-27 School Year!
SPS Seattle Preschool Program, Head Start, and Developmental Preschool Programs are accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year starting on Monday, March 16. SPS Preschool programs provide high-quality, evidence-based early childhood education for 3- and 4-year-old students.
Please see the Preschool Locations Map for SPS preschool programs offered near your home. You may be able to apply for a preschool classroom in your child’s elementary school! Families with 3- and 4-year-olds can visit the Early Learning website to learn more and apply.
In collaboration with the City of Seattle, the Seattle Preschool Program offers high-quality, affordable preschool to all of Seattle’s 3- and 4-year-old children on a sliding tuition scale. Applications submitted between March 16 – April 15 receive priority enrollment. Please direct families to the City of Seattle preschool@seattle.gov or 206-386-1050 with questions on application. Language support is available. Arbor Heights is a location for this program.
Click on the other preschool program links below for more information, program contacts, and how to apply:
Head Start programs in Seattle Public Schools
Early Childhood Special Education preschool peer informationo lead or you can bring your own.
5th Grade Families – CSIHS & DIMS Community Literacy Night
Rising Middle School Families! Denny International Middle School is hosting our first ever Community Literacy Night in collaboration with Chief Sealth on April 2nd from 5-7PM in the DIMS/ CSIHS galleria and we would like to extend an invitation to our rising 6th grade families! The event will feature numerous community partners, including Reading with Rover, the Seattle Public Library, and a book fair hosted by Paper Boat Books! There will be family friendly literacy activities, games, a poetry workshop, and a raffle running throughout the evening. Be sure to bring a family recipe to add to our community cookbook, or submit a family recipe in advance by clicking here. It is an event you don’t want to miss! For any questions, reach out to Ms. Risi at karisi@seattleschools.org. RSVP is appreciated but not required and all students should attend with a guardian.
Smarter Balanced Testing begin in April
This spring our students in grades 3-5 will take the Smarter Balanced tests in Math and English Language Arts (ELA). Students in grades 5 will also take the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS). The results from these tests are one of many ways of understanding where students are in their learning, relative to grade-level learning goals in Math, ELA, and Science. The state assessment results can help all of us work together to pursue additional support or accelerated opportunities that may benefit your student’s learning. These assessments also fulfill state and federal requirements to understand how districts and the state are doing in meeting all students’ learning needs and help to improve instruction. Most students will take the tests online.
Arbor Heights’ Test Schedule for all 3rd 4th and 5th graders is:
- April 21, English Language Arts Computer Adaptive Test
- April 23, English Language Arts Performance Task
- April 28, Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (5th gr only one day the week of April 28)
- May 12, Math Computer Adaptive Test
- May 14, Math Performance Task
For more information about the Smarter Balanced and WCAS tests, visit the OSPI State Testing page and click on the name of the test.
To try out an online Smarter Balanced practice or training test or WCAS training test, visit theWashington Comprehensive Assessment Program (WCAP) Portal and click on the Practice and Training Tests button.
Please contact Alana Haider if you have questions about state testing: amhaider@seattleschools.org
Thank you for continuing to work with us to make sure your student is successful. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to better support your student in building their skills so they can have a future full of opportunities.
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
Panda Express Fundraiser – TOMORROW!
Friday, March 20
- Enjoy dinner at Panda Express in Westwood Village and 20% will go to support our school!
- When dining-in, show the flyer attached.
- When ordering online or by app, enter 3854922 in the fundraiser code box.
- Tax, gift cards and retail sales are excluded from the donation.
‘Bring Back the Music’ Auction Fundraiser
The live auction event is just around the corner! Ticket holders will receive an email early next week about registration.
New this year: proxy bidding for items at our live auction. You do not have to be present at the live auction to participate. If you (or someone you know) would like to bid on the Pearl Jam autographed guitar or other live items, please email us.
The online silent auction begins Monday, March 23. Please send the link to family and friends so they too can bid on our amazing items! The online auction ends April 3 at 9pm.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.
After-School Enrichment
- Spring 2026 class information is available. Classes include cooking/baking, robotics, hip hop flip flop, flag football, all-sports, and…. the school musical!
- Volunteers are needed for daily logistics, the Tuesday art club (grades 3-5), and the school musical (grades 3-5, Mondays and/or Thursdays). Volunteers receive priority registration AND a scholarship.
- Registration begins Tuesday, March 24 at 9pm. Scholarships are available.
