Meredith Hill Messenger
Volume 7, Issue 1	http://www.fwps.org/meredith		September 2001

Dear Meredith Hill Families,

Welcome to the 2001-02 school year. I hope that your summer was spent doing all those activities you love and that you are ready for a very successful school year! The Meredith Hill staff is glad to get back to school and we are enjoying the fresh start that every new school year brings.

Since this is my first year at Meredith Hill, I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My husband and I moved to the Seattle area seventeen years ago from Kansas City, Missouri where we were raised and educated. In Missouri, I taught elementary music for 10 years and continued teaching music upon moving to Federal Way. For the past five years I've worked for the district's curriculum department leading projects. In June of 2001, I earned my administrative credentials from Seattle Pacific University. It has been wonderful beginning my new career as principal at Meredith Hill, and I have felt very welcomed and at home. I am looking forward to meeting your families and getting to know each and every one of you.

We have several other new faces at Meredith Hill. Miss Weber is our new 3rd grade teacher having recently graduated from St. Martin's College. Mr. Sorlie, 6th grade, comes to us from the Seattle School district where he taught for over twenty years. Mrs. Iff, 5th grade teacher, has recently earned her master's degree in education from Pacific Lutheran University. Joining our 1st and 2nd grade teams are Mrs. Scott and Miss Williams who will be supporting students in reading. We also welcome Mrs. Banker who will be working with the Preschool students while Mrs. Prater is on leave. In Mrs. Rossmeier's classroom we are very lucky to have Mrs. Harada working with our students after having spent the last several years at Green Gables Elementary.

I hope that you and your children have a successful school year. We are here for you. If you have questions or need information, please call the school at (253) 945-3200.

Sincerely,

Cindy Kelsey

Mark Your Calendar

SEPTEMBER
6 - Preschool Orientation
6 - Entertainment Book Kick off Assembly
2:30 grades 4,5,6
2:50 grades K,1,2,3
6 - 3rd/4th Grade Curriculum Night, 6:30 p.m.
10 - 1st Day Preschool
13 - Cookie Day
19 - School Picture Day
20 - P.T.A. General Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
24 - P.T.A. Sweatshirt Sale begins
25-27 - Scholastic Book Fair
27 - Cookie Day
27 - Open House, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

OCTOBER
10 - Walk Your Child to School Day
11 - Cookie Day
12 - NO SCHOOL - State Inservice Day

Data Gathering Survey

The Office of Equity & Achievement is currently working with a task force comprised of students, staff, parents, and community members to conduct data gathering surveys.

District staff will have the opportunity to share their input during one of two upcoming forums. The first will be held at Saghalie Junior High from 3:00-4:00 on Tuesday, September 18th. The second staff forum will be held at Mirror Lake Elementary from 4:00-5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19th.

Parents will also have an opportunity to give input at Mark Twain Elementary on Tuesday, September 25th from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Electronic Newsletter

If you would like us to send your newsletter electronically, please send your email address to ledwards@fwps.org.

School Attendance Policy

Just a reminder... when your child is going to be absent, please call the school the day of the absence to report the reason for the absence. Also, please follow any absence up with a written note.

According to District Policy unexcused absences include any situation other than illness, a health condition, family emergency, religious purposes, education opportunities or special situations authorized and prearranged with the school principal. All other absences must be considered unexcused.

See You at Our Book Fair!

Would you encourage your child's love of reading if you could? Of course. What's more - you can!

Scholastic Book Fairs comes to our school on September 25th to share exciting books and educational learning products with our young readers. Parents and teachers will find plenty of items to interest them too. The Fair is open each day during school hours.

We're hosting a Family Event during Open House on September 27th. The fair will be open from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

When you visit the Fair, look for the Classroom Wish List display to see how you can help build your child's classroom library.

The Book Fair helps us promote learning while raising money for our library. Our goal for this year's fair is to improve and expand our library's fiction and non-fiction reading materials.

Don't miss out on the Scholastic Book Fair, September 25-27th. Call 253-945-3220 for more information.

New Start Times

Warning Bell: 8:38 a.m.
Tardy Bell: 8:40 a.m.
School Ends: 3:15 p.m.

Children should not arrive at school before 8:30 a.m. There is no adult supervision before that time.