Meredith Hill Messenger
Volume 6, Issue 7	http://www.fwps.org		February 2001

Dear Friends,

Every year instead of choosing a New Year's Resolution, I decide on a quote to think about during the year. Last year I chose a quote by Eudora Welty - "All serious daring starts within." It was a year of daring for me, new experiences and places to visit. As the year ended, I threw my hat into the ring for a job that sounded exciting and, as the new year began, I went through an interview process. Last week I was offered the job and I will take it.

Beginning July 1, I will be the director of Westside School, an independent school serving pre-school through grade 5 with about 150 students. It is located in West Seattle, 10 minutes from my home.

It is sad to think of leaving Meredith Hill and Federal Way 35 years after I began here as a kindergartner at Camelot. But, growth takes us places, and I relish growth.

Thank you all for your support over the years and, I hope, for the rest of this one!

Sincerely,

Christie Brown

Happy President's Day!

Mark Your Calendar

FEBRUARY
19-23 NO SCHOOL, Mid-winter Break
27 - Spring Picture/Class Picture Day
28 - Track Parent Mtg., 5-6:00 p.m.

MARCH
2 - Gentlemen Juggler Assembly, 2:30 p.m.
8 - 1st/2nd Concert, 7:00 p.m.
9 - NO SCHOOL, Teacher Inservice
12 - NO SCHOOL, Conferences

Custody Issues

The Federal Way School District is not the enforcing agency for court orders between parents (i.e. divorce decrees and parenting plans). In general, the schools will not attempt to implement such orders except when presented with a certified copy of a clear "no contact at any time" type of order, or one which specifically limits a parent's rights at school. (A certified copy may be obtained only from a court clerk and is clearly stamped and imprinted as such.) In such cases, the school will act to protect the safety of students and contact police regarding violations of court orders if, in the judgement of the school officials, the circumstances warrant such action. The school may attempt, but is not required, to notify the parent presenting the "no contact" order should the other parent attempt to remove the child from school. The District prefers that disputes between parents regarding court orders be resolved in court, not in school.
HIV/STD Prevention
Curriculum Preview

The Federal Way School District would like the opportunity to share with you the AIDS Prevention Curriculum which will be presented to students in grades 5-12. This focuses on the transmission and prevention of the disease, emphasizing abstinence.

Curriculum used at each grade level will be presented from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 6 in the Lakota Junior High School Library in different rooms according to grade levels.

Additional opportunities to review the curriculum materials will occur on:
Tuesday, Marcy 13, from 10:00 to 2:00
Wednesday, March 14, from 10:00 to 2:00
On these dates, the curriculum materials will be available for preview in Conference Room 5 at the Education Service Center (ESC) 31405 18th Ave. South.

This presentation is for parents only.

Jump Rope for Heart

Meredith Hill Elementary students will jump into the fight against heart disease and stroke with Jump Rope for Heart on Tuesday, March 13th. The event takes place from 5:00-6:00 p.m. at Meredith Hill's Gym, so make plans to join us.

This popular event takes place in other schools all over the country. Students jump rope and collect donations from family and friends. Our efforts help other kids and adults who may have heart disease or stroke.

Meredith Hill Track

On Wednesday, February 28th, Meredith Hill Track Team will have an informational meeting about the upcoming track season. Please plan to join us from 5:00-6:00 p.m. in Meredith Hill's Library. If you have had students in track in previous seasons it would still be beneficial to attend this meeting as there are some changes to the format as to how the meets are run.

As part of the Federal Way Elementary Track Games Committee, Mr. Navilio was involved in the changes that will take place for this year. Track practices will be held on Tuesday and Thursday after school. Visit Federal Way Public Schools Official Elementary Track Site (http://www.fwps.org/etrack) for information about meets. Looking forward to a great season and lots of faces at our informational meeting. If you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail me at tnavilio@fwps.org or leave a voice-mail at (253) 945-3221. This year's track coaches will be Mr. Navilio and Mr. Rea-Smith.

Field Trip Background Check

It is field trip season and the office needs a current Washington State Patrol form on file in order for you to be a volunteer with our students. There is no charge for the service but it is required. Forms are available in the office. If you think you have already turned in a form, you can check in the office to make sure it is still valid.