News and Events
Principal Newsletter, 4/7/2014
Dear McDonald International School students and families,
Spring has sprung! The weather is changing, and next week is spring break! I hope you all have a great week off from school, and students, don’t forget to do lots of reading, writing, math, science, art, and singing while you’re out of school!
Please see below for important updates and information from previous newsletters:
Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) and Measurement of Student Progress (MSP) tests:
From April 29 to May 8, students in grades 3-5 will take the MSP test, and in May, students will take the MAP test. These assessments provide us with valuable data to help monitor student growth and design curriculum and classroom-based assessments that will help increase student achievement. It is important that students are on time to school, well-fed, and get plenty of sleep during these periods of testing.
Here is a link to more information on the Seattle Public Schools website regarding the MAP Test:
Here is a link to the OSPI website for more information about the MSP Test:
A message from Mr. Wetzbarger, our PE teacher:
When we return from spring break, we will be riding unicycles in PE. Students should bring their helmets if they own them.
A message from Mr. Seeberger, our Instrumental Music teacher:
Greetings, McDonald International parents and students! It’s springtime, and that means the McDonald Instrumental Music students will be presenting their annual Spring Concert in the McDonald gym on Thursday, May 22nd, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. This concert will feature all of the 4th /5th grade McDonald International Elementary Instrumental Music students including the Combined Band, Advanced Band, Beginning Strings, Advanced Strings, as well as some small ensembles. The students really sound great, and have been working diligently on learning their music, so come out and support our fabulous music students!
Spring Vacation:
School is out from April 14 to April 18. Have fun!
Parent Coffee This Friday:
See you in the McDonald International cafeteria right after school starts for coffee, bagels, and cookies.
Jose Louis Orozco Concert, Lincoln High School, 6:00pm, 4/21/14:
Our parents have organized a great family concert for us! Many of our students know Jose Louis Orozco from hearing his songs in class. He is a great singer/songwriter, and we are excited to have him perform for our families at Lincoln High School. Please note: this is the first day back from spring vacation. We hope to see you there!
Ms. Jane’s reminder about “labels for education:”
Save and turn in “labels for education” from food packaging. We were just able to order a few books and a DVD series for the classrooms using our points!
Introduction to Positive Discipline:
From the PTA website:
Come to an introduction on the discipline model Principal Golosman, teachers, and staff are using with our kids at McDonald. Based on the research of Adler and Dreikurs, and the book by Jane Nelsen, Positive Discipline teaches kids social and life skills with respect and dignity.
This FREE event is hosted by your McDonald PTA.
When: Thursday, May 8, 6:30-8:30pm Where: McDonald Cafeteria
School start and end times for 2014-15:
We have been told that our start and end times will not change by more than ten minutes. From the bus schedule we have been given, the most likely scenario is that the morning bell should be at 8:40am and school will end at 2:55pm. There is presently inaccurate information regarding our start time on the district website, and we are working to get this corrected.
No toys, electronics at school:
Toys and electronic games are distracting, and can easily become lost at school. Please remind your students that these items are not allowed at school. If your child needs to have an electronic device (a phone, for example) please communicate with his or her teacher and develop a plan to have this out of sight and secured in a backpack during the school day.
Remember to send changes to the “go home plan” in writing.
Emails are not always reliable, especially if you send an email on a day when your child has a substitute teacher. Please follow the guidelines from the “first day packet” and send a note with your child in the morning if there is a change in plans.
SPS Seeks Feedback on Proposed Elementary Math Instructional Materials:
The Seattle Public Schools elementary math adoption committee work has reached a critical stage. In looking to partner with parents and community to find the best possible math program for Seattle Public School students for the 2014-15 school year and beyond, the committee invites you to provide your thoughts and opinions.
The committee is excited to have three possible math programs as viable candidates:
· enVision
· Go Math!
· Math in Focus
So how can you get involved and help?
You can provide direct feedback at one of our display locations. There will be forms prepared for you to fill out at each site, as well as forms online. This is an opportunity to compare the programs and consider what type of program you think would be a good fit for your family and community, and most importantly, for your student.
From April 1 through April 25, please come to one of these schools during the school day:
· Catherine Blaine K-8, 2550 34th Ave W, 252-1920
· Bryant Elementary, 3311 NE 60th St., 252-5200
· Northgate Elementary, 11725 1st Ave NE, 252-4180
· West Seattle Elementary, 6760 34th Ave SW, 252-9450
· Wing Luke Elementary, 3701 S Kenyon St., 252-7630
Or visit the Douglass-Truth Public Library, 2300 E Yesler Way, during open hours, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 206-684-4704
While the math committee prefers community members review the materials in person, we know that’s not always an option. You can review materials online starting April 1. Visit http://bit.ly/MathAdoption2014
Have a wonderful week, and a great vacation!
Mr. Golosman
Principal
McDonald International School
206.252.2900
dpgolosman@seattleschools.org
- Art Dog, gr. K-5 @ Seattle Children's Theatre
- No School: Memorial Day Holiday - All District offices closed
- 2-Hour Early Dismissal: Professional Development
- First Day of School - Welcome back!