Silverdale Elementary School

Hello Dolphin Families,

The past month we were able to welcome families in for in person events including Full STEAM Ahead, Kindergarten Round Up, and the K-2 Learning Assistance Program Family Night. We continue to regain some normalcy with field trips and returning to the cafeteria in small groups. It’s hard to believe that there are just 10 school days left in the year!

Field Day: Mark your calendars for Tuesday, June 14! All students will be hitting the field for fun and games. We are still in need of station volunteers Click Here to sign up!  

Library Books: It’s time to turn in your library books! Notices will be going out for all overdue books. Please help your child find and return missing books. 

Moving: If you are planning on moving or attending a different school next year, please call our office to let us know! This will ensure a smooth transition to your next school. 

Online Learning Resources: If you are looking for resources to avoid the summer slide, check out Class Link on the CKSD homepage. Your student will use their regular school login to access their tailored online learning resources. Two highly encouraged resources are Imagine Learning for reading and Redbird for math. All students will continue to have access until July 31st. 

Before & After School Care: I am happy to announce that Y-Kids will continue to be available at Silverdale Elementary for the 2022-23 school year! Enrollment is open and you can register online at  ymcapkc.org/childcare.

Kindergarten Registration: Do you know someone turning 5 on or before August 31? Don’t delay in registering for Kindergarten! Click here to register online.

Upcoming Events: 

• June 6: 5th Graders Visit Middle Schools

• June 10: ASB Party

• June 13: 5th Grade Promotion Celebration (Students & Volunteers)

• June 14: Field Day 

• June 15: End of Year Assemblies & Ice Cream Social

• June 16: Last Day, School Dismisses at 11:50 

Sincerely,

Mackenzie Foley

Silverdale Elementary Principal

Hello Dolphin Families,

Month of the Military Child: April is Month of the Military Child. A time to honor military families worldwide and emphasize the experiences of military children. We are having a spirit week next week to show support and thank military youth for their strength and sacrifices. 

• Monday: Pajama Day

• Tuesday: R.E.D. Day

• Wednesday: Red, White and Blue Day

• Thursday: My Favorite Branch of the Military

• Friday: Purple Up Day

Middle School Information Night: Calling all 5th grade families! You are invited to attend a 6th grade parent/student information night at YOUR future middle school on Monday, April 18th from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. A family information night will be offered at the same time for each middle school. Elective request forms will be available on April 19th. 

Class Lists: As we prepare for the 2022-23 school year, staff will work on placing students into tentative class lists. There are many factors that go into class placement decisions including academic, study skills, developmental and social needs. If you would like to provide input for your child’s class placement, please complete this Parent Input Form no later than May 6. 

Yearbooks: Don’t forget to order your yearbook! To Order Online enter our school code 1016324528663911 and start customizing your 2 free pages. The deadline for free shipping to school is April 28th. 

Usborne Book Fair: Book orders were delayed due to weather but are predicted to be in on Monday. Thank you for your patience! 

Summer Learning Camps: This summer CKSD is offering free K-5 camps between mid July and early August from Monday-Thursday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Click here for Camp Registration!

Kindergarten Registration: Do you know someone turning 5 on or before August 31? Don’t delay in registering for Kindergarten! Click here to register online. Incoming kindergarten families are invited to a Kindergarten Roundup event on May 19 from 2:45 - 3:30. 

Smarter Balanced Assessment: This spring students in Grades 3-5 will participate in the SBA state testing.  These annual assessments measure how well students meet state learning standards and assess student learning growth. Here is more information about SBA Testing.

Levies are for Learning: Levy dollars bring our schools to life! The School Support Levy helps us offer our students quality, well-rounded education that goes beyond a state-funded basic education. The levy measure on the April ballot will replace the current levy. Learn more at ckschools.org. 

Volunteer Appreciation Week:  Thank you for your support with student learning, supervision, Dolphin Market sales, project preparation, event coordination, fundraising... If you have volunteered at Silverdale this year, please stop by next week to pick up your volunteer appreciation gift bag. We love our volunteers! 

Upcoming Events: 

• April 18: Middle School Parent/Student Information Night @ 6:30 

• April 18-22: Month of the Military Child Spirit Week

• April 19: Spring Clubs Begin

• April 28: Choir Music Concert @ 6:00 

• May 1-7: Certificated Staff Appreciation Week

• May 19: (New Student) Kindergarten Round Up at 2:45

Sincerely,

Mackenzie Foley

Silverdale Elementary Principal

Hello Dolphin Families,

Levies are for Learning: Levy dollars bring our schools to life! The School Support Levy helps us offer our students quality, well-rounded education that goes beyond a state-funded basic education. The levy measure on the April ballot will replace the current levy. Learn more at ckschools.org. 

Plans for Next Year: We are already planning for the upcoming school year. If your child is not attending Silverdale Elementary next year, please call our office at 662 - 9400.  An optional family survey for classroom placement preferences will be going home soon. 

McTakeover Results: It was great to see everyone at the McTakeover last week! Silverdale Elementary raised $1,640 for the school library. Thank you for the support! 

Handicap Parking: Friendly reminder that the handicap parking spaces are reserved for disabled visitors. We have students that need these spaces during arrival and dismissal. Please do not use these spaces as a loading/unloading zone without a parking permit. 

Battle of the Books Update: We are still in the first round of our Battle of the Books tournament with classroom teachers reading aloud to their class and then hosting discussions about which books get their vote in hopes of moving on to the next round. Stay tuned for the results or better yet ask your child which book they are hoping makes it to the championship! 

Food Drive Update: Thank you so much for your donations of non-perishable food for the Central Kitsap Food Backpack Program. We have collected 1,508 items and the following classes are currently in 1st place for the grade level competition: Ms. Ryan, Ms. Davis, Mrs. Harken, Ms. Spiegel, Mrs. Bauman, and Mr. Horton. We will continue to collect food until April 1st.

Report Cards: Report cards will be sent home in backpacks on March 28. Please check your child’s backpack and reach out to your child’s teacher with any questions. 

Volunteering: Are you a certified volunteer? If you are interested in volunteering, please be sure to complete a CKSD Volunteer Application. 

Upcoming Events: 

• February 28-April 1: Battle of the Books

• March 1 - 31: ASB Food Drive

• March 28: Report Cards Go Home 

• March 28 - April 1: Usborne Book Fair *New dates

• March 31: Family Information Night - Internet Safety 

• April 4 - 8: Spring Break

Sincerely,

Mackenzie Foley

Silverdale Elementary Principal

Hello Dolphin Families,

It’s looking like we have a bit of sunshine this weekend. Hope you all can get outside to enjoy the fresh air! 

Parent Conferences on Monday: Don’t forget, there is no school on Monday! For those attending parent conferences, please meet your teacher at their exterior door.  

Classified Staff Appreciation Week:  March 7 - 11 is classified appreciation week! That includes paraeducators, office staff, custodians, bus drivers, building maintenance and more. We are so grateful for the outstanding contributions that make Silverdale Elementary a successful school community. If you would like to share in our gratitude, please feel free to send cards or sentiments on Friday, March 11. 

Drop Off Time: Just a friendly reminder that students may be dropped off at 9:00 when staff supervision is available. Please remain with your child until that time! 

Willy Wonka Auditions: Central Kitsap Performing Arts Center is holding auditions for a musical production at the end of the month. Check out the Willy Wonka Audition Flier for more information. 

McTakeover - March 9: Come visit us at the McDonald’s on Silverdale Way next Wednesday! We will be working behind the counter from 5 - 7 pm. Money from sales will go toward new books for our school library. 

Life Skills Survey: Students in grades 3 - 5 will participate in an online survey that will prompt students to self-reflect on life skills such as setting and achieving goals, rising to challenges and managing their feelings so they can focus on school. For more information, please visit CK Schools Life Skills Survey.  

Battle of the Books: All classes are participating in a Battle of the Books where teachers will be reading different books each day and voting for their favorite. First week votes are in and they have 4 more rounds to compete for the final champion book on April 1st! 

ASB Food Drive: We are off to a great start…in our first week we collected 344 items! Keep the donations coming! During the month of March our school is collecting non perishable food for the Central Kitsap Food Backpacks 4 Kids program. All donated food will go to families in need in our school district. 

Upcoming Events: 

• February 28-April 1: Battle of the Books

• March 1 - 31: ASB Food Drive

• March 7: Non-Student Day, Parent Teacher Conferences

• March 9: McTakeover 5 - 7 PM

• March 17: ASB Spirit Day - Wear Green!

• March 24: Report Cards Go Home

• March 28 - April 1: Usborne Book Fair (updated dates)

• April 4 - 8: Spring Break

Sincerely,

Mackenzie Foley

Silverdale Elementary Principal

Hello Dolphin Families,

Please remember that there is no school on Friday, February 18th or Monday, February 21st. Wishing you all a wonderful long weekend ahead!

Battle of the Books: In honor of National Reading Month (March) all classes are participating in a Battle of the Books where teachers will be reading aloud different books each day, discussing the books, and then voting for their favorite. We have a Kindergarten and 1st grade division, 2nd and 3rd grade division and a 4th and 5th grade division. Similar to March Madness in college basketball, the books will compete through 5 different rounds until we have a final champion book announced on April 1st!

Contact Information: Please go into PowerSchool to verify your contact information and update emergency contacts. 

PTSA Fundraiser: The PTSA is hosting a Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraiser throughout April 28th. Proceeds will go toward purchasing books for the school library!

ASB Food Drive: During the month of March our school is collecting non perishable food for the Central Kitsap Food Backpacks 4 Kids program. All donated food will go to families in need in our school district. All classes that participate will earn popcorn at recess and the class at each grade level that brings the most items will also win a class party. Thank you to PTSA for providing the class parties!

Kindergarten Registration: Online registration is open for students entering kindergarten next fall! If you have questions or need assistance, please feel free to call the office. 

Parenting with Love and Logic: Love and Logic is a practical tool for making parenting fun and rewarding rather than stressful and chaotic. Learn how to prepare your child to be a successful problem solver, understand the techniques for limit setting and consequences in a healthy way, and build better relationships with your child. Join the virtual course on Monday, February 28th from 6pm-7pm. This course is free but registration is required - Sign Up Here! 

Family Information Night - Internet Safety: We look forward to hosting a family information night on March 3rd at 5:30pm, focused on the topic of internet safety for children. More than ever, children access the internet for education, socialization, and entertainment. However, it’s important for families and children to be smart and safe when going online. Join Mr. Alder and Mrs. Foley to learn some tips for getting the most out of the internet while staying secure.   Zoom Link  Meeting ID: 846 8537 4986  Passcode: 025973

Parent Conferences: March 7th is a non-student day for Parent Teacher Conferences. Teachers will reach out if they need to schedule a meeting with you. 

Upcoming Events: 

• February 18: Non-Student Day

• February 21: Presidents’ Day Holiday

• February 28: Parenting with Love and Logic 

• February 28-April 1: Battle of the Books

• March 1-31: ASB Food Drive

• March 3: Family Information Night - Internet Safety

• March 4: Snow Makeup Day (school in session)

• March 7: Non-Student Day, Parent Teacher Conferences

• March 9: McTakeover

• March 14-18: Usborne Book Fair

Sincerely,

Mackenzie Foley

Silverdale Elementary Principal

Hello Dolphin Families,

It may be hard to believe, but we are already halfway through the school year! It has been incredibly rewarding to have students at school in person full time and the kids are making remarkable growth.

Welcome Kindergarten Jump Start: Welcome Kindergarten Jump Start students and families! We are so excited to have you at Silverdale Elementary. 

COVID Information: The Department of Health has recently updated guidance for schools. The CKSD COVID-19 Guide is not yet updated but here is the High Level Changes and Revised Symptoms Decision Tree. If your child is not feeling well, please call our main office to report symptoms. 

Kindergarten Registration: Do you know someone entering kindergarten in the fall? Online registration opens February 2 (there is no paper option to register). If you have questions or need assistance, please feel free to call the office. 

Lost and Found: Parents, please remind your students to check the lost and found (located outside the gym). Items will be donated at the end of next week. Check out the Silverdale Elementary Lost and Found Photos to see if any items look familiar! 

School Supply Donations: Our schools moved to a $20 donation for student supplies. We will continue to accept these donations all year!  The $20 donation is Payable Online and covers the cost of supplies for the entire year. 

Parenting with Love and Logic: Love and Logic is a practical tool for making parenting fun and rewarding rather than stressful and chaotic. Learn how to prepare your child to be a successful problem solver, understand the techniques for setting limits and consequences in a healthy way, and build better relationships with your child. Join the virtual course on Monday, February 28th from 6pm-7pm. This course is free but registration is required - Sign Up Here! 

Clubhouse: The Clubhouse is new to our school this year! It is an optional indoor activities for kids who do not want to play outside during recess. Thank you to Mrs. Salstrom and the PTSA for collecting donations to stock it with board games, puzzles, jewelry making supplies, legos, stencils, spirographs, card games, and more! 

Watch D.O.G.S.: Silverdale Elementary is still seeking male volunteers who may be interested in being a positive role model for our students! Huge shout out to Mr. Hashiguchi who regularly joins our Dolphins on the playground and helps students with purchases at the Dolphin Market. Sign Up to join the Dolphin crew! 

5th Grade Human Growth and Development: If you have a 5th grader, please review the following  Informational Letter. Also available in Spanish and Tagalog. 

Upcoming Events: 

• February 18: Non-Student Day, Possible Snow Make Up Day 

• February 21: Presidents’ Day Holiday

Sincerely,

Mackenzie Foley

Silverdale Elementary Principal

Hello Dolphin Families,

These last few weeks before Winter Break are busy. We hope you can make the most of your opportunity to slow down and spend time with loved ones. 

Family Wellness: The Family Wellness Topics is a great place to explore strategies for emotional regulation, tips for healthy relationships, well-being and school/community resources. 

Holiday Support: A reminder to please bring wrapped presents to the office no later than Friday, December 10th if you signed up to donate gifts. It has been amazing to see staff, families, and members of our local community come together for our kids! 

Winter Weather Reminders: Winter weather is approaching! Please keep your phone number updated at school for the automated phone call. We want to remind families of our inclement weather procedures. 

School Closure: In the event of a school closure, all district transportation, school activities and meetings will be cancelled for the day. 

Late Start: If there is a two-hour delayed start, school times are 11:15 am - 3:30 pm. If the event is on a Thursday, school will get out at 3:30 instead of the usual 2:00 pm. 

Smoking/Vaping: Friendly reminder that the use of tobacco products are prohibited on school district property and within 500 feet of schools. Thank you for your support in protecting our students from exposure! 

Highly Capable Referrals: Central Kitsap School District is now accepting referrals for the Highly Capable Program for students in Grades 2 to 5 between November 22, 2021- January 7, 2022. Referrals for 1st grade students are not required since CKSD screens all first graders annually. Screening for the Highly Capable Program will take place in February. To be eligible for screening a student must be referred by staff, parent, or community member. 

Online Referral Forms: 

CKSD Highly Capable Referral Information 

HC Parent Referral Form 2021-22 

Upcoming Events: 

• December 16: Report Cards Go Home in Backpacks

• December 20-31: Winter Break, No School

• January 3: First Day Back After Break

• January 7: ASB Spirit Wear Day

Sincerely,

Mackenzie Foley

Silverdale Elementary Principal

Hello Dolphin Families,

It’s hard to believe that this week marks the end of the first trimester! There are moments right now when time feels like it is flying by. As we head into Thanksgiving break, we want to express our gratitude for your strong partnership. We are thankful for you!  

Fall Fundraiser Update: Wow! This Apex Leadership and Fundraising program has far exceeded our expectations. The “As One” student leadership focus has bonded our school community. More than anything, we hope you felt this brought our community together in a fun way. Thank you for all of your support the past two weeks!

Thanksgiving Break/Early Release: A reminder that there is no school on Thursday or Friday and school will dismiss at 11:50 on Wednesday. To-go lunches will be provided to any student who signs up for a school lunch in the morning. 

Evening Vaccine Clinics: Vaccines are available for children ages 5 - 11, by appointment only. Visit Vaccine Clinic Information for dates, locations and to request an appointment.  

Watch D.O.G.S. Volunteers: Calling all positive male role models! Silverdale Elementary is seeking dads, step-dads, granddads, uncles, and adult brothers who may be interested in being an extra set of eyes and ears for enhanced safety. Please join us for the Watch D.O.G.S. Virtual Information Night on Wednesday, December 1st at 5:00 pm via Zoom. *All volunteers must complete the CKSD Volunteer Application and have vaccination status verified with the district. 

Highly Capable Referrals: Central Kitsap School District is now accepting referrals for the Highly Capable Program for students in Grades 2 to 5 between November 22, 2021- January 7, 2022. Referrals for 1st grade students are not required since CKSD screens all first graders annually. Screening for the Highly Capable Program will take place in February. To be eligible for screening a student must be referred by staff, parent, or community member. 

Online Referral Forms: 

CKSD Highly Capable Referral Information 

HC Parent Referral Form 2021-22 

Holiday Support: Any families interested in giving or receiving assistance for the holidays can sign up this Google Form. If you are donating gifts, please bring wrapped presents to the office no later than Friday, December 10th. 

Upcoming Events: 

• November 24: Half Day Release/Parent Conferences, Dismissal at 11:50

• November 25-26: Thanksgiving Break, No School

• December 1-2: Vision & Hearing Screening

• December 3: ASB Spirit Wear - Pajama Day

Sincerely,

Mackenzie Foley

Silverdale Elementary Principal

Hello Dolphin Families,

We are heading into another great week at Silverdale Elementary! The buzz around the school for the next two weeks is our Apex Leadership Fundraiser. This is a two week interactive leadership & character building program combined with a fitness focused Fun Run event on November 18. Funds raised will directly support our school programs such as classroom grants, family engagement events, program subscriptions, restocking our Dolphin Market, and so much more. 

Fall Fundraiser: We are launching the one and only major fundraiser of the year! Pledging opens TODAY and you can get started at www.MyApexEvent.com and log in using your child’s unique access code. Be sure to pick your child’s t-shirt size and don’t forget to click the SHARE button to earn more pledges! 

Apex Leadership Video 

Dismissal Times: A friendly reminder that we have a staggered dismissal time to reduce traffic and help families get through the drop off line faster. Families with students in Grades K-2 should arrive at 3:30 PM and families with students in Grades 3-5 should arrive at 3:35 PM. To keep the pick up line moving, please do not arrive before your arrival time. Thank you for your assistance with this! 

We’re Hiring: Central Kitsap School District is hiring! Please visit our website for more information about open positions and hiring bonuses.

Holiday Support: It’s that time of year when we begin to think about the upcoming holidays and ways we can celebrate together. Some families may need assistance with the upcoming holiday season and some may be wondering how you can help. Let us know if you are interested in giving or receiving assistance for the holidays on this Google Form by Friday, November 12th. 

Family Information Night - Anxiety, Science and Solutions: Our school counselor, Mr. Alder, is hosting three virtual family information nights this year for relevant social emotional and wellness topics. Mark your calendars! The event will be via Zoom on November 18 at 5:30 (Zoom link to follow). The topic for the first family information night is Anxiety, Science and Solutions. *Spanish translation provided.

Native American Heritage Month: November is Native American Heritage month. This year, the CK celebration is a Virtual Showcase sharing Native American history, art, stories, and perspectives. Be sure to check it out weekly for the new additions! 

Test to Stay: You may have seen in the CKSD news that the district is implementing a new Test to Stay program for students who were exposed to COVID-19 at school and are identified as a close contact. This program will allow us to use testng to keep students in school when they would have been placed on quarantine. For more information about this program, please visit CK Schools Test to Stay.  

Trick or Treat Street Success: Thank you to all of the families that showed up to the Trick or Treat Street. We had a huge turnout, despite the pouring down rain. A huge shout out to our PTSA and volunteers who gathered donations, decorated doors, and endured the rain to provide a fun event for our families. 

Upcoming Events: 

• November 11: Veterans Day, No School 

• November 17: Picture Retakes 

• November 18: Fun Run

• November 18: Family Information Night - Topic: Anxiety

• November 24: Half Day Release/Parent Conferences, Dismissal at 11:50

• November 25-26: Thanksgiving Break, No School

Sincerely,

Mackenzie Foley

Silverdale Elementary Principal

Hello Dolphin Families,

It has been a pleasure to connect with families in conferences the past couple of days. We have had a very strong start to the year and appreciate the work you are doing alongside our staff to help your child succeed! 

Trick or Treat Street: Don’t forget... Silverdale elementary is hosting a Trick or Treat Street event this Thursday from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Families are invited to wear costumes and have fun collecting candy and prizes! Be sure to bring a bag or bucket to collect goodies. Click Here for more details about the staggered start times and COVID protocols.   

Spooky Spirit Wear: We ask that students do not wear costumes or masks during the school day on Friday. Students can wear Halloween themed or colored shirts! 

Health Attestations: Even though we are no longer doing health attestation card checks at arrival, all families should continue to look for the following symptoms prior to sending their child to school: 

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• Recent loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion of runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

Growth Mindset: Every parent wants to teach their child the life skills they’ll need for lasting success and happiness. Very often, we focus on the basics: good manners, respect, kindness, and empathy. Crucially, when you encourage your children to solve their own problems, make mistakes, and work through struggles on their own, you’re giving them one of the most important skills they’ll need as they go through life: A growth mindset! Please check out this month’s Family Wellness Tip for more guidance on helping your student see challenges as an opportunity to grow and to learn how to connect efforts to positive outcomes. 

Veterans Day: This month we are saying thanks to the many veterans in our school family and community. Check out this incredible display to honor our Veterans. A reminder that veteran photo contributions can be sent to school with your child’s name, class, and the name of your veteran. Photographs will be returned after November 15.  

Upcoming Events: 

• October 28: Trick or Treat Street 

• October 29: Spooky Spirit Wear - Halloween shirts and colors (no costumes)

• November 11: Veterans Day, No School 

• November 17: Picture Retakes 

Sincerely,

Mackenzie Foley

Silverdale Elementary Principal

Hello Dolphin Families,

During the first 6 weeks of school, we have specifically been focused around establishing relationships and creating a “culture of care” in our school community. We know that students first need to feel safe and cared for to be able to learn and grow. In the upcoming weeks, we will begin to increase the stamina for a focus on learning and build upon our successes. 

Impact Aid Survey: Fill out your 2021-22 Federal Impact Aid survey online today! The federal funds from our Impact Aid survey help all our students and are used for basic education programs district wide. Families can access the form now in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Read instructions for first-time users on how to access your account and complete the form online. Questions? Email ImpactAid@ckschools.org or call 360-662-1652.

Parent Teacher Conferences: Parent teacher conferences will take place next week. There will be no school for students on Thursday, October 21st and Friday, October 22nd. Be sure you have scheduled a time to connect with your child’s teacher either in person or virtually! 

Spare Masks: A reminder to please send your child with a spare mask with your child to school each day!  

Trick or Treat Street: Silverdale elementary is hosting a Trick or Treat Street event on Thursday, October 28th from 6:00 - 7:00. The PTSA will be sending home flyers with more information about this fun event! 

Life Skills Survey: Students in grades 3-5 will participate in a brief online survey that will prompt students to self-reflect on life skills such as setting and achieving goals, rising to challenges and managing their feelings so they can focus on school. This tool will help us better support students’ strengths and needs. Click here for more information.  

Veteran’s Day: In addition to a virtual program, we are creating a display to honor veterans. If you would like to contribute a picture of a veteran from your family, please send it to school with your child’s name, class, and the name of your veteran. Photographs will be returned after November 15.  

Healthroom Clothes: Our health room is in need of clothing donations. Shirts, pants, socks, and (new) undergarments in all child sizes are being accepted. Donations can be dropped off at the office or sent in with your child. Thank you! 

Upcoming Events: 

• October 21 & 22: Non-Student Days, Parent Teacher Conferences

• October 28: Trick or Treat Street 

• October 29: Spooky Spirit Wear - Halloween shirts and colors (no costumes)

• November 17: Picture Retakes 

Sincerely,

Mackenzie Foley

Silverdale Elementary Principal

Hello Dolphin Families,

It’s time to pull out that rain gear and enjoy the drizzly Washington weather. Thank you for a great first month of school and for partnering with us to keep things running smoothly. 

Update for Dismissal Procedure: Silverdale Elementary has an unprecedented number of car riders this year and we appreciate your patience at dismissal. We are implementing staggered pick up times in an effort to reduce student density, minimize traffic backup blocking the access to the bus loop and parking spots, and speed up the flow of traffic through the car loop. Please see the updated departure times and important protocols below: 

• Departure Times: Please do not arrive ahead of your departure time. Students will be released at different times and you may be asked to circle through the loop if your student is not present. 

• Parking: Due to unsafe conditions presented by our students and families parking and walking through the building next door, the gates have closed. As a reminder, parking is available on the side of Silverdale Elementary past the handicap spaces. 

• Car Seat Assistance: Please let staff know if you need assistance buckling your child’s car seat or pull forward to the first spaces to allow cars behind you to move forward into the loading zone. 

• Pedestrians: Students and families should not cross the car or bus loops during arrival and dismissal. Please park in the designated parking spaces and use the crosswalks. 

• Remain in Vehicle: Staff will assist in loading students into cars. Please stay in your car to improve safety and efficiency through the loop.  

Illness: It is imperative that we keep COVID out of our schools. Please keep your students home if they are experiencing symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID. You can report absences online or call our main office at 662-9400 to discuss the circumstances and we will be able to provide guidance on when your student can safely return to school. For more information about our safety protocols, visit the CKSD COVID-19 Safety Guide.  

Picture Day: School picture day is on Monday, October 4th. Picture packets will be sent home the Friday before or you can order online at Quality School Portraits. The online code is SILV7. 

Smarter Balanced Assessments:  Last spring, OSPI postponed our state testing. October 4 - 15 students in 4th and 5th grade will participate in a modified version of this assessment. Here is more information about SBA Testing.

Social Media: Silverdale Elementary is on Facebook! If you are not already doing so, please consider following us on social media. We will post reminders for spirit days, family events, and school updates. 

Upcoming Events: 

• October 4: School Picture Day

• October 11: Non-Student Day

Sincerely,

Mackenzie Foley

Silverdale Elementary Principal

Hello Dolphin Families,

I hope this email finds you well as we begin the first full week of school in 2021! It has been great seeing how excited students are to be back at school with their teachers and peers. 

Dolphin Market: Silverdale Elementary participates in Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports, a system for promoting a safe and effective learning environment. Students are explicitly taught the schoolwide expectations Respectful, Responsible, and Ready to Learn in each area throughout our school. This year we are incorporating Dolphin Dollars to acknowledge and reinforce appropriate student behaviors. Students will be earning these dollars throughout the school year and can purchase tangible (toys, dolphin gear) and intangible (sports with the principal, name announced) prizes. The Dolphin Market opens next week! 

Social Emotional Learning: We want our students to be successful in school and that includes both academic and social emotional development. Our district uses the Second Step program as a tool for teaching age appropriate lessons for social emotional learning. Here is an introductory Second Step Family Letter - Spanish Version. 

Arrival/Dismissal: Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we work through arrival/dismissal. We are experiencing a high volume of car riders. To keep things running smoothly, we encourage families to go through the loop and avoid parking/walking to greet your child. If you need to park, you will remain in the drive through loop until you reach the parking lot on the southwest side of the building. Please only park in the designated parking spots as pedestrians walking in roadways creates safety concerns and slows down the flow of traffic. Thank you again for your patience and commitment to safety! 

Tips for a Safe and Smooth Drop Off/Pick Up Loop: 

• Follow the arrows on the map for drop off and pick up

• Pull forward as far as possible

• Students will only depart vehicles in the blue zone, past the load/unload sign

• Students exit and enter vehicles on the right 

• Stay in your car, we will unload your student(s) curb side for safety

• Be alert for pedestrians in crosswalks

Tips for a Safe Park & Walk: 

• Follow the arrows on the map until you reach the parking lot

• Park in designated parking spaces

• Use crosswalks 

• Walk student(s) to pedestrian drop off zone

Attendance: Thank you for keeping your students home when they are not feeling well. We want our students to attend every day but we understand that is not always a reality. If your student will be absent, please contact the main office at 360-662-9400 to let us know. For more information about when to keep your child home, please visit: When to Stay Home.  

School Supply Donation: A reminder that we are still accepting school supply donations. The $20 donation is Payable Online and covers the cost of supplies for the entire year. If you can provide an additional donation for students who may need assistance, it is greatly appreciated. 

Counseling Services: We are fortunate to have two full time counselors at Silverdale Elementary this year! 

• School Counseling: Matt Alder supports classroom guidance lessons, small group social emotional development, and individual student support. 

• Military Family Life Counseling: Candance McKenzie is the Military and Family Life Counselor and is excited about working with military students and families. Permission slips went home with students this week. Please remember to return this if you would like your child to benefit from this service. 

CK Food Backpacks: The Food Backpack 4 Kids program is available for families in need of food assistance/support. Each weekend a backpack is filled with easy to prepare nutritious foods and snacks to help feed a family of four. If you would benefit from this program please fill out this Backpack 4 Kids Program Form -  Spanish . 

Upcoming Events: 

• October 4: School Picture Day

Thank you for partnering with us for a strong start! 

Sincerely,

Mackenzie Foley

Silverdale Elementary Principal

Dear Silverdale Elementary Families,

Welcome to the 2021 - 2022 school year at Silverdale Elementary!  It is an honor to introduce myself as the incoming principal of Silverdale Elementary School. I have been dedicated to the field of education for more than 15 years and most recently had the pleasure of leading the Central Kitsap Virtual Academy. Prior to that, I served as the Assistant Principal at Clear Creek and Hawk Elementary schools. I am excited to partner with you to ensure your child’s success! 

While we are once again starting our school year under unique circumstances, we are very excited to have students return to the building for full time in person instruction. The state Department of Health’s K-12 COVID-19 requirements provide the guidance that our school district is required to follow to keep students safe and engaged during the pandemic. My role is to follow the guidance, and to strive to keep our collective focus on what we all value most, our students and their learning.  

Important Information: 

• School Supplies: This year we are asking for a $20 donation for school supplies instead of publishing long lists of expensive supplies. The only additional items all students will need that are not included in the supply donation are the following: 

  • Backpack

  • Masks

  • Water bottle

  • Headphones (4th/5th graders may choose to use earbuds instead)

If you are not able to supply these items for your children, please notify the school so we can ensure your student has what is needed. The $20.00 donations can be paid by check to the school, exact cash to the office or online through the school website.

• Class Placement: Your child’s teacher will welcome you to their classroom by email or phone on August 25. 

• Meet and Greet: Save the Date! Thursday, August 26th from 4:30 - 6:00pm families and students are invited to visit classrooms and meet their teachers. If possible, we are asking families to stagger the arrival times to reduce the number of visitors at one time. 

  • Last names A - F: 4:30 - 5:00 

  • Last names G - O: 5:00 - 5:30

  • Last names P - Z: 5:30 - 6:00

If you are not able to attend during the designated time, please come at any time during the event. 

• School Bell Schedule:

  • M/T/W/F  9:15 am - 3:30 pm  (Breakfast begins at 8:50 am)

  • Thursday 9:15 am - 2:00 pm  (Early Release Day)

• COVID Impact On Schools: We plan to open schools full time for all students and largely the function of the school will be similar to a typical year. A brief summary of the critical COVID protocols is provided below:

  • We will continue our efforts to keep kids safe by cleaning the building and having kids wash hands as often as possible.

  • Masks will be worn by staff and students when inside school.

  • We will have PE, Music and Library classes. We will be allowed to move throughout the building between spaces more freely.  

  • We will do everything we can to social distance 3ft throughout the day.  

  • Details regarding recess/lunch and arrival/dismissal procedures will be communicated prior to September 1st. 

  • Volunteers: After the first 2 weeks of school, we will begin allowing parents into the building to volunteer for a specific purpose. Volunteers will need to have their volunteer paperwork approved and arrangements made in advance with staff.

More information about the CKSD’s COVID Response can be found at ckschools.org.  

• Kindergarteners: Kindergarten students traditionally begin school in a “slow start” to allow time for family connection, early learning collaboration, and assessments to learn about the skills and strengths of children in their classroom. A separate message will be sent to kindergarten families describing the events in the first days of school. 

• Free Breakfast and Lunch for all Students: Breakfast and lunch will be free to all students for the 2021-22 school year. We encourage families to complete the Free & Reduced Lunch Application so that we can receive reimbursement for eligible students.  

• Childcare: We have on site before and after school childcare provided through the YMCA.  Information can be found at https://www.ymcapkc.org/child-care  

Please stay tuned for additional information and contact the main office at 360-662-9400 if you have questions. 

Sincerely,

Mackenzie Foley

Silverdale Elementary Principal