Sun Dragons’ Dayette June – Dec 2022

Dr Zisko on Leave January & Meet Mr. Jaskot!

Dr. Zisko will take maternity leave at or around January 19 (or, whenever baby makes her arrival!). Upon Dr. Zisko’s absence, Mr. Jaskot, former B.F. Day principal, will be the substitute principal until about spring break. Dr. Morisco, our Assistant Principal, will continue to work Tuesday, Thursday and every other Wednesday. Mr. Jaskot is very familiar with B.F. Day, and already knows many of the staff and families. He will also be leading during budget season where we build the school budget for school year 2023- 2024. Thank you, Mr. Jaskot, for returning to B.F. Day! That’s what our Family School is all about!

Below is a Brief Introduction:

Greetings, B.F. Day Sun Dragons! I am excited to be returning as guest Principal in January. I was Principal at B.F. Day for 8 years prior to retiring after 38 years in education. 

I will be on the playground at arrival and dismissal times to meet and greet students and families. I look forward to getting reacquainted with all that is happening at school. If I’ve not yet met you, please make a point to say “hello.”

You can also contact the main office if you’d like to set up an appointment while Natalie is on her maternity leave. It will be nice to support the fine work happening at B.F. Day and to be in classrooms again!

My best for a happy holiday season and I will see you in January.

Thank you, Pagliacci Pizza!

Pagliacci pizza is donating a pizza lunch to our staff on December 14! B.F. Day was nominated by a parent to receive the pizza donation: In September Pagliacci put out a call to nominate a school for a pizza donation and I knew I had to nominate B.F. Day because of the incredible experience my family has had at the school so far. Our 3rd grader and kindergartner just started, having recently moved to town from the Midwest. They both felt immediately comfortable and at home in their new classrooms and are learning so many new skills, both academically and socially. We couldn’t be happier with school and so a little pizza treat is the least you all deserve!

Big thank you to Pagliacci Pizza on Stone Way! Thank you to our amazing parents for nominating B.F. Day!

Google visits our fourth grade classrooms!

On Monday, our fourth graders were visited by volunteers from Google to do a hour of coding. The class joined millions of students around the world celebrating Computer Science Education Week. It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn more about this profession as well as provide an opportunity for them to creatively develop their own short story, utilizing code.

First Trimester Report Cards

The end of the first trimester is Monday, December 12. Elementary progress reports will be available for families to view on the Source by January 10. We will print progress reports if there are individual parent requests. If you are seeking a paper copy of your child’s progress report, please email the front office: smhaas@seattleschools.org; ecdibble@seattleschools.org.

Learn more about the Source on this helpful link for families in navigating the Source.

Winter Enrichment Registration

Winter enrichment registration is Dec 12 starting at 12 p.m.!

The PTSA is excited to announce the winter schedule for after school enrichment classes onsite at B.F. Day. We have many returning vendors and even a couple of new ones!

Important Note: In an effort to make registration more equitable for all families in our community, sign-ups will look a bit different this time around.

A centralized registration link will be posted on the B.F. Day PTSA Website at noon on December 12.

Centralized Registration Link at Noon on Dec 12

The link will take you to a Google Form to fill out to register for classes. A separate registration form will need to be filled out for each student/class (e.g. if your student wants to take Drama & Art Club, you would need to fill out the form once for Art Club and again for Drama, or if you have 2 students interested in Karate, you would need to fill out the form for each child).

All vendors offer some form of financial assistance and the PTSA also has a scholarship fund. To request financial assistance, please email Mr. Taylor and enrichment@bfdayptsa.org and check the financial assistance box on the registration form.

Winter Enrichment Classes

• Monday
  • Karate with Sensei Harold Nichols: K-5 (gym)
  • Lego Classical Mechanics: Gr 1-5 (library)
  • Dance Fremont Jazz Funk: K-2 (TBC)
• Tuesday
  • Drama with July Bragg: K-2 (1st floor hallway)
  • Bricks for Kidz: K-5 (library)
• Wednesday
  • Art Club with Green Garage Art Studio (Carol): Gr 3-5 (TBC)
  • Parkour with Kong Academy: K-3 (library)
  • Sing Along with Mode Music: K-2 (TBC)
  • Science Club with Bruce Parker: Gr 1-5 (TBC)
• Thursday
  • World Dance with Marissa: K-2 (Music Room)
  • Drama with Julie Bragg: Gr 3-5 (1st floor hallway)
  • Chess Club: Gr 3-5 (library) 
  • Cooking Club: Gr 1-5 (312)
• Friday
  • Creative Coding: Gr 3-5 (312)
  • Chess Club: K-2 (library)
  • Basketball One on One: K-3 (gym)
  • Art Club with Green Garage Art Studio (Carol): K-2 (TBC)
  • Dance Fremont Jazz Funk: Gr 3-5 (TBC)

More Class Info on the PTSA Website

Like what you see? Want even more offerings? Join us! The Enrichment Committee could use extra hands to keep this program afloat. Contact enrichment@bfdayptsa.org for more information.

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School Vision and Mission Statement

Thank you to the parents that provided their input on our parent survey regarding updating our school vision and mission statement! We got over 100 responses. Your feedback was valuable in helping us to draft our vision moving forward. To build our vision and mission statement, our staff collaborated in four different meetings. Our Building Leadership Team, inclusive of two parent representatives, examined staff and parent feedback to build draft statements. Over the course of several weeks, we’ve made several revisions and have adopted a vision and mission statement that will guide B.F. Day moving forward in the years to come.

Vision

B.F. Day Elementary School empowers students to become the best version of themselves. Our confident and compassionate scholars acquire the skills needed to thoughtfully engage with the world around them and build an inclusive future for themselves and others.

Mission

Strong family and community partnerships define our Family School. Every child is seen, heard, and valued within an inclusive climate. We educate all students to become responsible and courageous problem solvers, who attain their highest levels of academic achievement and civic engagement.

Core Values

At B.F. Day, we are caring, engaged, and responsible.

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Parent Education Night Hosted by the Special Education PTSA

Special Ed and Dyslexia: Eligibility Under SLD Category
Register on Eventbrite. Event is on December 13th at 7:00 p.m.

Do you have a struggling reader and suspect Dyslexia? Or has your student been diagnosed with Dyslexia and are you wondering about the next steps with the school to see if they are eligible for Special Education? This presentation will be covering eligibility determinations under the Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) category of IDEA, what families want to ask for in their student’s evaluations, and resources families can use when navigating SLD eligibility.

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Snow Day Plan

Last week, Dr. Zisko sent a letter to families explaining what will happen in the event of a snow day. If a snow day occurs, classroom teachers will send out a Teams link for your child to participate in remote learning. The link will be the same for the entire grade level. Grade level teachers will partner to provide activities for the day. B.F. Day will follow a consistent schedule preschool – 5th grade. Students will continue to have scheduled times with our specialist teachers. Our hope is that families with multiple children will find the schedule easy to access. We know all our families have competing needs and priorities. As a community, B.F. Day will continue to be flexible and meet each other where we’re at. This means we trust you to make the best decision for you, your student, and your family on a snow day and in the moment. If your student finds joy in sledding down a hill and socializing with neighbors outside, please know that we also cherish childhood memories like these. We will provide learning opportunities, time for collaboration, and celebration for all students. We are equally committed to ensuring no one falls behind or misses anything essential during an online learning day.

If we are put on notice for a potential delayed start or snow day, Dr. Zisko will send out communication to families so that we can all adequately prepare.

Devices will be sent home on December 16 in case January 3 may potentially be called a snow day. If school resumes as expected on January 3, please send your child back to school with their device. Lower elementary students are issued iPads. Upper elementary students are issued laptops.

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Snow Day Schedule for School Closure (as needed) *Remote Learning*

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

Time	Activity
7:55 – 9:15	Learning Block 1
9:15 – 9:50	Recess
9:50 – 11:10	Learning Block 2
11:10 – 12:00	Lunch
12:00 – 1:20	Learning Block 3
1:20 – 2:25	Learning Block 4

Wednesday

Time	Activity
7:55 – 9:15	Learning Block 1
9:15 – 9:50	Recess
9:50 – 11:10	Learning Block 2
11:10 – 12:00	Lunch
12:00 – 1:10	Learning Block 3

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Enrollment and Kindergarten Tours

Registration opens January 3, 2023 for the 2023-24 school year. February 1 – 28 is the SPS Open Enrollment window. B.F. Day will be hosting incoming kindergarten tours on the following dates:

• January 10 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
• February 2 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
• January 26 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Students in kindergarten – fifth grade do not need to re-enroll for the 2023-2024 school year. They will be promoted to the next grade level at B.F. Day. If you know that your family will be moving or changing schools in the 2023-2024 school year, please email Ms. Sonja at smhaas@seattleschools.org. This information helps us in our preliminary budget and staffing process.

Current SPP+ families, if you are seeking to attend Seattle Public Schools for kindergarten, you must enroll your child in kindergarten. We always encourage enrolling early!

Applications for Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) open March 15 for the 2023 – 2024 school year. B.F. Day historically has a long wait list for our two SPP+ classes. Interested incoming preschool families, please mark your calendars for March 15, 2023.

Visit the Seattle Education Parent and Child Program site for more information on how to register for preschool at B.F. Day. All preschool registration is managed through the Department of Early Learning.

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A Parent’s Guide to Special Education

Have you seen this amazing resource from the Seattle Special Education PTSA? It’s a very helpful tool for families with children receiving Special Education services!

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Meet our newest recess supervisor, Rachael!

Hi everyone! My name is Rachael Hocevar, I’ve lived in the Fremont neighborhood for about two and a half years now. I moved from the Bay Area to Seattle a couple of years ago to attend graduate school at the University of Washington. 

I studied Community- Oriented Public Health Practice and am in the process of looking for a full-time position that combines my background working in K-12 settings with youth and my training in public health. I’m happy to be at B.F. Day during recess time, thanks for having me!

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Thank you, Family School!

We received 63 wrapped holiday gifts to distribute to B.F. Day students next week! Thank you for your generous donations! Mr. Taylor will inventory all of the toy donations and will distribute them to parents next week.

Career Fair

I am John Taylor and I am your school counselor. In creating a comprehensive school counselor program, my goal is to support students’ social/emotional well-being, their academic skills and their career aspirations. This school year we are putting together the first ever career fair for our fifth graders. 

The career fair will take place on February 28 and March 2. Each day, we will have four guest speakers sharing about their career. In total among the two days, we will have eight guest speakers. This will be an opportunity for various members of the community to visit our students and share about their careers. During the 25-35 minute discussion, our presenters will share what led them to their careers, the role their education played in their journey, moments of perseverance and general components of their job. 

Lastly, we will have a high school student at SPS who is/has participated in our Seattle Promise program where graduates of SPS can attend community college for two years for free. We want to provide an opportunity for our students to see and experience a diverse range of professions and presenters.

We’re looking for career fair presenters! The bolded positions the open positions for career day on 2/28 and 3/2. We’re looking for diverse demographic representation. If you or someone you know would be willing to come and present to our fifth graders for 25-35 minutes, please reach out to me via email at Jrtaylor@seattleschools.org.

Career Speakers:
Speaker 1: (Education) – Filled

Speaker 2: (Military) – Filled

Speaker 3: Unfilled (Medical: doctor, nurse etc. ) 

Speaker 4: Unfilled (Trade: electrician, plumber etc.)

Speaker 5: (Law) – Filled

Speaker 6: Unfilled (Entrepreneur)

Speaker 7: Unfilled (Public Safety: fire fighter, EMT, etc.) 

Speaker 8: Unfilled (Arts)

Holiday Gift Drive for B.F. Day Families

Our annual holiday gift drive ends December 9! We’re collecting donations that will be given directly to B.F. Day families and children. Donations can be dropped off in the front office.
We’re collecting:

• Wrapped toys for children. We educate children ages 4 – 11, preschool – fifth grade. On the wrapped toy, put a Post It note with an item description. School staff will distribute the toys to B.F. Day families based on the ages and interests of their children. Here are some toy donation ideas: Lego kits, craft kits, puzzles, games, toy trucks and cars, dolls, science kits, book sets, etc.

Donations will be given directly to B.F. Day families the week of December 12. Our goal is that all B.F. Day students will have a happy and festive winter break. 

We encourage all families who may be facing hardship this winter season to contact Mr. Taylor for resources and support. He can be reached at jrtaylor@seattleschools.org. Together, we are the Family School.

Direct Drive was a huge success!

We surpassed the school participation target of 70% (~74%) for the 2022 B.F. Day PTSA Direct Drive and blew past the goals that we had set internally for fundraising! We also set an all-time participation high, beating the previous record of 73% set in 2019.

The PTSA is going to be granting every class $300 for books!

Thank you to everyone for your support in ensuring B.F. Day’s school moniker as the “family school” is truly alive and well, and the teachers and staff have the necessary tools and support to ensure that our students thrive.

Dress for Success

Winter weather is upon us! Rain, snow, and cold. Be sure to send your students dressed for the worst, hoping for the best. Warm, waterproof coats (preferably with hoods), boots, warm sox, hats, gloves or mittens. Unless the weather is dangerous for students or staff, we are going outside for recesses.

A Quick Update from the Art Studio!

Winter art is in full swing in the art room. This week 3rd-5th is focusing on the Northern Lights. We are learning fun facts about the lights and then creating winter nighttime landscapes that are coming out just beautifully. We are focusing on balance and the rule of thirds in a landscape. Second grade is working on gingerbread houses. Students begin learning some cool historical facts about the houses and what part of the world they come from. We also discussed architecture and how this relates to proportion in their gingerbread houses. Kindergarten and first grade are learning fun facts about polar bears and then creating “cozy polar bears” that relate to line shape and warm vs. cool colors. Everything is looking great, and I will put a lot of the work on display later this week!

Yours in Art, Mrs. Hall

Vaccine Clinic

Clinic Name: Adams Elementary school
Address: 6110 28th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Date: 12/07/22; Time : 2:30- 5:00 p.m.
Vaccine: Flu, Covid boosters
Anticipated participants: 100+

Register at Safeway

Library and Reading News

Happy December Sun Dragons! Thank you so much to our November and December donors toward our Dewey wish list. Beautiful new books are being added to our library daily! For the months of November and December, we’re focusing on the 300-500 section of the library. View list on Amazon.

Here’s a peek at a great new book on sign language.

Parent Teachers Book Club Meeting

Also, as a reminder to our community of adult readers, our first parent/teacher book club meeting of the year will take place Thursday, December 8 at 7:00 p.m. 

We will meet at Retreat (6900 E. Greenlake Way) to discuss the amazing memoir Beautiful Country by Qian Julia Wang. 

Please join us for a rich conversation and a chance to get to know each other over a great book (even if you’ve only read a few pages…)!

What’s Coming Up?

• Dec 8, 5 – 6:30 p.m. Preschool – Grade 1 Parent Ed Night in the library: Play Therapy
• Dec 9, Annual Holiday Gift Drive ends
• Dec 15, 1-2 p.m. Dragon Dens
• Dec 16, Winter Wonderland Party; 1 Hour Early Dismissal
• Dec 19 – Jan 2, No School: Winter Break
• Jan 3, Return to school after Winter Break
• Jan 9 – 20, Kindergarten reading & math MAP assessment window
• Jan 10, 26 & Feb 2, Family Tours for Incoming Kindergarteners
• Jan 16, No School Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Jan 19, 1 – 2 p.m. Dragon Dens
• Jan 27, School Spirit Day: Decades Day
• Feb 6-10, National School Counseling Week
• Feb 9, 1 – 2 p.m. Dragon Dens
• Feb 10, School Spirit Day: Share the Love Day
• Feb 16, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Science Fair
• Feb 20 – 24, No School Mid-Winter Break

Last Call for Direct Drive!

The Direct Drive is PTSA’s largest fundraiser of the year, accounting for about $140,000 of the overall PTSA budget. B.F. Day PTSA supports key programs and staff that benefit all students, preschool – fifth grade. Through PTSA’s generous donations each year, we can offer professional development opportunities for staff, a full-time school counselor, reading intervention support, and arts and library improvements.

The deadline for Direct Drive has been extended to Friday, November 18. Our school goal is to reach 70% participation. To participate, please return your child’s golden envelope to the office. If you lost your envelope or donation sheet, please feel free to stop by the front office. We have extra! All donation amounts are valuable, even if your family is not able to donate the suggested amount of $358/student. Thank you for your generous contributions to our school community. We are so grateful for our parent community that continues to support our students and staff. Thank you, Family School!

Bench Project – Can you help?

Did you know that we are working on creating a quiet recess space in the tree-lined space adjacent to the lower playground? Our vision is that students will have a space to retreat for book reading, quiet games, or just friendly conversation at recess. Our first project in that space will be a bench dedicated to former B.F. Day Principal, Mr. Jaskot. Mrs. P, our librarian and lower elementary reading teacher, has graciously been leading this project and getting all the necessary district and city approvals. The B.F. Day PTSA has purchased the bench.

We need the community’s help! We’re looking for a licensed contractor that is willing to oversee laying a concrete slab for the bench and installing the bench on the slab. Are you a licensed contractor that can help with the project? Do you have a family friend that’s a licensed contractor that is willing to donate their time? If so, please email nlzisko@seattleschools.org and jlpapineau@seattleschools.org. Thank you!

Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council Applications Open

Seattle Public Schools is seeking members for the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council (PAC). The PAC reviews the district’s annual family engagement plan and advises the Superintendent on family engagement practices. The PAC elevates parent and guardian and family voice and is a critical resource for improving school and district culture.

The application will be open online until Nov. 18 for initial consideration. Selected applicants will be notified by email the last week of Nov in preparation to launch this year’s PAC with a kick-off celebration on Dec. 8. If you have questions or need more information, please email familypartnerships@seattleschools.org.

Dragon Dens Update

Nov 17 was our second Dragon Dens meeting of the school year! We read The Circles All Around Us by Brad Montague. Our theme was community.

“In the circles all around us everywhere that we all go, there’s a difference we can make and a love we can all show.” We are all part of different circles in our lives. As we read the book, we thought about the different circles in our lives (family, class, team) and how it feels to be part of a circle. 

The book prompted us to think about the communities that we’re a part of and how the communities make us feel unique and special. For the activity, students decorated their own chain link. The chain links for each den will be connected to each other in larger circles and displayed on campus. Our chain link will represent how each student is part of small and big communities at B.F. Day.

Still time to order pictures!

This year we officially changed to Yuen Lui for our school pictures (*we did also use them briefly during quarantine). One benefit of this change is that you can go back in and order pictures at any time. If you haven’t already, you can go to their website and order them now. Paper ordering forms are available if needed. You will need your student’s ID number. You can find that on the Source or call the office and we can help you with that. Visit the Yuen Lui site to order photos. 

Meet our new playground supervisor!

Eliot Jones is our newest recess supervisor! He was born and raised here in Washington state, and when he’s not working at B.F. Day Elementary, he likes to spend his time playing music, reading science-fiction, and enjoying the great outdoors. 

Eliot is also an accomplished musician, and an experienced music teacher. He teaches piano, guitar, and ukulele, and is the founder of a music lessons business called Cloud Chords. Welcome to B.F. Day Eliot!

Hello from the Art Room!

We have had an incredible year so far in art! Thank you so much for your generous donations of things like clay and supplies. The art room serves the entire student population from K-5 with the majority being seen twice per week! We go through supplies rapidly in the art studio and your support is greatly appreciated!

In October we were focused heavily on the season of fall. Pumpkins, trees, sunflowers, and fall landscapes were created. We also completed our clay unit on pinch pots. These turned out incredible and I am happy to say the kiln is still in working order! This month we are focusing on Native Heritage Month. So far, we have created paper sculpture geese based on the Mikmaq legend. 3rd – 5th focused on this while K-2 created paper woven “blankets”. This week we discussed the importance of the buffalo and used Anasazi symbols to create “story hides”. We will begin moving into winter themed activities after Thanksgiving break! Yours in Art, Mrs. Hall

Hello from the Music Room!

Our B.F. Day musicians have been busy getting back to the business of making music together this year! It has felt so good to be able to sing, play games, and share instruments with one another again after years of remote schooling and strict in person Covid precautions. We are still doing our best to care for one another and keep our community healthy by making the most of our outdoor music learning space and making surgical masks available for students to wear while singing indoors if they choose. It has been so healing for us to reconnect through full music making activities.

Our youngest learners (K-2) have been learning about the music of Mexico and India. Our second graders also just completed the 21st Century Common Arts Baseline Assessment, which is a district assessment that measures student growth in creating, writing, and performing. I am excited to see how our B.F. Day musicians will grow throughout the year!

Third graders have begun working on their ensemble skills and are loving the drum circle. We have been learning basic drumming skills and incorporated some Indian rhythms as we learn how to groove together. This is a big transition as students learn how to both play their own part but also how to listen to others and take responsibility for the success of the ensemble by coaching each other.

Fourth and fifth graders have been learning about Puerto Rican Jibaro music. We are starting to really own the instrumental parts that will accompany our original compositions, which we will hopefully start composing after Thanksgiving break. Students have already begun brainstorming social justice topics that are important to them, and these topics will be the starting point for our compositions.

Building community through music at B.F. Day has been such a joy this year! I am looking forward to seeing how far we can go Together. Musically yours, Miss Bethany

Library News

November is flying by, and we have lots going on in the library! 

The “Adopt-a-Dewey” wish list for November/December is now available. 

This list includes books in the 300 – 500 section of the library. What lives there?

The 300’s: The Social Sciences

• Sociology
• Anthropology
• Political science
• Economics
• Law
• Military science
• Education
• Customs and Folklore 

The 400’s Language

• Linguistics
• World Languages
• Dictionaries

Checkout our Wish List on Amazon to see what those books look like in an elementary school library!

Seattle Public Library Global Reading Challenge! Grades 4 & 5

In other news, many 4th and 5th students have opted to participate in Seattle Public Library’s Global Reading Challenge! This is a sort of “Battle of the Books” where teams of students from around Seattle read eight selected titles and become experts on the books’ many details as a team. 

They then compete at the building level, with the winning team competing against other schools, and then the city finals if they make it that far! We have seven amazing teams representing B.F. Day. The Seattle Public Library Foundation has generously donated ten copies of each book to our library! Teams will meet weekly to talk strategy and book details. Go Sun Dragon Readers!

Preschool – First Grade Parents Parent Education Night! Dec 8

Special event for parents of students in preschool – first grade! Join us in the library on December 8 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

Please RSVP by Friday, December 2 if you are able to attend. Please note, unfortunately, we won’t be able to offer childcare for this event.

Meet other B.F. Day early childhood parents, share some snacks, and let’s learn! We’re hosting a parent education night focused on how to have intentional play time with your children. Below is a brief description:

30 minutes of child-led play once a week can strengthen the bond between parents and children, and make a huge difference in your child’s attitude, leading to increased self- esteem, self-control, and self-discipline.

Lindsay Simon is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in Play Therapy, and will be teaching how to facilitate an intentional, weekly playtime with your child. The session will include lecture and activities to solidify the skills parents need for special playtime.

What’s on the Calendar

• Nov 19 (Sat), 21, 22, Conferences
• Nov 24-25, No School: Thanksgiving, Native American Heritage Day
• Nov 28, Annual B.F. Day Holiday Gift Drive. Ends Dec 9
• Dec 2, National Special Education Day. Thank a SpED teacher!
• Dec 2, Shelter in place drill; Time: Unannounced 
• Dec 2, School Spirit Day: Wacky Socks
• Dec 8, 5 – 6:30 p.m. Preschool – Grade 1 Parent Ed Night in the library: Play Therapy
• Dec 9, Annual Holiday Gift Drive ends
• Dec 15, 1-2 p.m. Dragon Dens
• Dec 16, Wonderland Party; 1 Hour Early Dismissal
• Dec 19 – Jan 2, No School: Winter Break
• Jan 3, Return to school after Winter Break
• Jan 9 – 20, Kindergarten reading & math MAP assessment window
• Jan 10, 26 & Feb 2, Family Tours for Incoming Kindergarteners
• Jan 19, 1 – 2 p.m. Dragon Dens
• Jan 27, School Spirit Day: Decades Day

Safety Updates from Campus

We had our first lockdown drill of the year on Monday, November 7, 2022. It was a scheduled event. Teachers and parents knew the date/time of the drill in advance. The drill was successful. We were able to lock the campus down within four minutes. Students are aware that lockdown procedures are for a danger near our school or on our campus. All windows are closed and covered, doors are locked, lights off, and students are as quiet as possible within the safest possible corner in a room.

So far this year, we have successfully practiced earthquake, fire, shelter in place, and lockdown drills. B.F. Day conducts a safety drill once per month. Now that students have been taught the procedures of each type of drill, our future drills this year will be on unannounced times. Teachers and parents will know the date (or window of dates) that the drill will occur. However, the time of the drill will be unannounced. Practicing safety drills throughout the school day will ensure that our entire campus is prepared for an emergency.

If there is an imminent danger near our campus, Dr. Morisco or I will call a shelter in place or lockdown over the intercom. As appropriate, we will also notify Seattle Police and/or the Seattle Public Schools emergency response team. When events occur in and around other school campuses, we take direction from the Seattle Public Schools emergency response team. This communication is directed at the front office, including school leaders and front office staff. Parents will be notified if the school shelters in place or is in lockdown.

Finally, if there is an emergency on campus and Seattle Police are on site, school staff will follow the direction of police. Our plans may be adjusted based on police guidance.

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Emergency Information: Family Reunification

Each year, B.F. Day updates its Site Emergency Plan. One part of this plan is the student-family reunification plan. In the event of an emergency that requires you to pick up your child during school hours or off-campus, please note the procedures below.

Relocation Areas

• On-site relocation areas: school library, gym, main office
• On-site outside relocation areas: upper playground by Linden Ave N. steps
• Off-campus preferred alternate site: B.F. Day field south end (north of campus) – Off-campus alternate site: B.F. Day field north end (by baseball field)

The following steps will be taken for successful student/parent reunification:

• Parents will report to the assigned Check-in area and give the name of their child(ren).
• Picture I.D. will be required to ensure the person requesting the child / children is a match to the name listed on emergency information forms.
• Check-in staff will sign “Student Release/Runner Form,” form indicating that I.D. has been checked and give the form to Runner.
• Check-in staff will enter student name and parent/authorized adult name on “Check-in Log.”
• A runner will go to the Student Supervision area and get the child(ren) requested by the parent/authorized adult.
• Student supervision staff will sign the “Student Release/Runner Form” indicating student status. The runner will take the form and escort the student(s) to the Family Reunification area.
• Parent/authorized adult will sign “Student Release/Runner Form” when they receive their child.
• The completed “Student Release/ Runner Form” will be returned to the Check-in area.
• Check-in area staff will properly file the completed “Student Release/Runner Form.”

Student Release Team

The student release team that will coordinate this process and interface with parents includes Sonja Haas, Jaimee Papineau, Carmen Delgado, Brooke Dawson, Eloise Sidhu, Randi Noreng and Janet Sawyer.

Notes

If the child is in the First Aid area, the parent/authorized adult will be escorted to that area for reunification with their child(ren).

School staff are not permitted to release students to anyone who is not listed on the student’s emergency contacts, or who is not able to produce identification. A well-intentioned friend may offer to take a child home; however, school staff must be certain that students are only released to the appropriate people so students’ families will know where they are. Please ensure that your emergency contacts are up to date.

Traffic Control

• Traffic will be controlled by school-based staff until local law enforcement is available and on scene at the school.
• To every extent possible, two-way traffic will be maintained to allow for entry and exit of emergency vehicles.

When law enforcement arrives on the scene, they will take command.

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Preschool – First Grade Parents Parent Education Night!

Special event for parents of students in preschool – first grade! Join us in the library on December 8 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

Meet other B.F. Day early childhood parents, share some snacks, and let’s learn! We’re hosting a parent education night focused on how to have intentional play time with your children. Below is a brief description:

30 minutes of child-led play once a week can strengthen the bond between parents and children, and make a huge difference in your child’s attitude, leading to increased self- esteem, self-control, and self-discipline.

Lindsay Simon is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in Play Therapy, and will be teaching how to facilitate an intentional, weekly playtime with your child. The session will include lecture and activities to solidify the skills parents need for special playtime.

Please Note! Unfortunately, we won’t be able to offer childcare for this event. Please RSVP to our First Grade Parent Ed Night Form by Friday, December 2, 2022.

Counseling Intern Joins the Team this Winter

Our school counselor, Mr. Taylor, will provide mentorship for a counseling intern this winter. Welcome, Ms. Shelly Frappier, to the B.F. Day family. She’ll be working with Mr. Taylor from January – March, providing social-emotional support for our students. Below is a brief introduction:

My name is Shelly Frappier, and I am very excited that I will get to join you all this winter. I originally grew up in Flint MI, moved to San Francisco, and then up to Seattle where I have been for the last 12 years. I love theater, dance, and thrifting in my spare time. I have worked with kids and adults in schools and homes for 17 years now as a behavior technician, teacher, and most recently transition counselor. I am completing a master’s program through Seattle University and am so blessed to spend my practicum at B.F. Day learning from Mr. Taylor and the rest of your wonderful team. Thank you so much!

Bike PE Unit

As a reminder, Mr. Delaney is teaching his bike unit to our upper elementary students. Bike riding occurs on the blacktop by the upper playground. We have P.E. classes that run until the end of the day. We respectfully ask parents to wait outside of the blacktop area before pickup time. Once Mr. D’s class is dismissed and bike equipment is cleaned up, we can let parents onto the blacktop. Thanks for your patience!

B.F. Day Parent-Teacher Book Club!

Join us for this year’s first book club meeting. All are welcome!

We’re reading Beautiful Country by Qian Julia Wang. If you’d like to join, please read the book before our meeting. Come ready to enjoy good conversation, connection, and cheer with other parents. Even if you’ve only read part of the book, you are still welcome to come!

Time/Location: Retreat (6900 East Greenlake Way North). December 8 at 7:00 p.m.

Brought to you by the PTSA and Ms. Papineau and the B.F. Day School Library.

Direct Drive

The final day to turn in golden envelopes is November 16! Thank you, families, for your generous contributions! Learn more about Direct Drive!

Fremont Crosswalk and Student Safety

Please be mindful not to park next to the crosswalk when dropping off your students in the morning. This prevents other cars and pedestrians from having a clear view of oncoming traffic and students crossing the street. Thanks for your cooperation in helping us keep our students safe.

Got Questions?

Have you checked out the B.F. Day website lately? We’ve been very fortunate to have the wonderful Ms. Diane Taylor helping us update our website. If you have questions about goings on around the school, or even the District, we recommend checking it out. Diane is timely with entering valuable content while also tapping into SPS related updates.

Many of your questions may be answered through the web site. Visit our B.F. Day Calendar and News page. 

What’s on the Calendar

• Nov 11, No School: Veterans Day
• Nov 16, Last day of the PTSA Direct Drive Fundraiser
• Nov 17, 1 – 2 p.m. Dragon Dens
• Nov 19 (Sat), 21, 22, Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Nov 24-25, No School: Thanksgiving, Native American Heritage Day
• Nov 28, Annual B.F. Day Holiday Gift Drive. Ends Dec 9
• Dec 2, National Special Education Day. Thank a SpED teacher!
• Dec 2, Shelter in place drill; Time: Unannounced 
• Dec 2, School Spirit Day: Wacky Socks
• Dec 8, 5 – 6:30 p.m. Preschool – Grade 1 Parent Ed Night in the library: play therapy
• Dec 9, Annual Holiday Gift Drive ends
• Dec 15, 1-2 p.m. Dragon Dens
• Dec 16, Winter Wonderland Party; 1 Hour Early Dismissal
• Dec 19 – Jan 2, No School: Winter Break
• Jan 3, Return to school after Winter Break
• Jan 9 – 20, Kindergarten reading & math MAP assessment window
• Jan 10, 26 & Feb 2, Family Tours for Incoming Kindergarteners
• Jan 19, 1 – 2 p.m. Dragon Dens
• Jan 27, School Spirit Day: Decades Day

Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming!

B.F. Day will host parent-teacher conferences on:

• Saturday, November 19
• Monday, November 21
• Tuesday, November 22

Conferences will be held in person. If you are requesting a virtual conference, please contact your child’s teacher.

Check out the Family Learning Guides provided by SPS! They are helpful resources for families to prepare for their child’s conference. 

Family Vacations and Trips

While there is no school the week of Nov 21, this time is set aside for parent- teacher conferences. Families should schedule their conferences with their child’s teacher and plan any vacation time around their conference. Please do not ask teachers to schedule conferences outside the designated times to accommodate family vacations.

Additionally, as we approach the holiday season, please plan trips around already designated school closure dates and minimize missed school days due to vacation. There will be three weeks of no school over the next two months. This is the optimal timeframe to schedule trips.

We have 180 days of school and seek to maximize our instructional time with our students. There is no take-home activity that can supplant the direct instruction a student receives from their teacher at school, or the learning that happens alongside their classroom peers.

Please note that if a student misses 20 consecutive days of school, they may be dropped from B.F. Day. If your student will be missing a day due to a planned absence, please email the attendance line at: bfday.attendance@seattleschools.org first and copy your student’s teacher.

Direct Drive Fundraising Nov 2 – 16
A Message from PTSA

B.F. Day PTSA’s Direct Drive started Nov 2 and runs through Nov 16!

Your child’s take-home folder should have a golden envelope that contains the Direct Drive flyer and a pledge card. Please take time to read it. The 2022-2023 budget goal for Direct Drive is $140,000 or $358 per student. The goal for this year is 75% all school participation where participation is just returning the pledge card. So, make sure you fill out and return the pledge card (the flyer is yours to keep). If a class reaches 70% participation it helps your child’s class receive money for new books!

Thank you for being such an engaged community!

Family Tours for Incoming Kindergarteners

In person school tours are back! Do you know a family that has an incoming Kindergartener expected to enroll for the 2023-2024 school year? 

In-Person Tours

• Tuesday, January 10 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
• Thursday, January 26 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. 
• Thursday, February 2 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Open Enrollment dates for the 2023-2024 school year will be announced soon. We will post it in the Dayette and on our B.F. Day home page once we have the dates.

Our Lost and Found is piling up!

The lost and found rack in our entryway has become very full of coats, lunch boxes, water bottles, and other items! We have a student lost and found student leadership team that has been working to label and identify anything with names on it, and sort what we have, but they’re getting overrun! When you pick up/drop off your child, please come take a look. Also, please consider labeling everything your child brings to school so we can help get those items back to your student if they get lost. Thank you!

Biking at B.F. Day From Mr. D, our P.E. Teacher

The annual Basics of Bicycling program for 3rd-5th graders begins on Thurs, Nov 10 and ends on Dec 8. This is a fun, exciting way to learn the rules of the road for cyclists, along with basic “how to” for students just learning to ride.

Students should dress warmly on days they have P.E. and are welcome to bring their own helmets and/or bikes (with a bike lock!) if they have them. To minimize interruptions to the school day, we are not going to accommodate calls home to retrieve bikes or helmets. If your child wants to bring their own bike, please have them bring it to school in the morning.

The Cascade Bicycle Club will provide more than enough helmets and bikes for those who need them.

Let’s get ready to ride!

Minimizing the Impact of Snow Days

Seattle Public Schools and Seattle Education Association are working on innovative solutions that will minimize the possibility of extending the 2022-23 school year into July, while still meeting the state-required 180 days of student-centered learning. Together, they are exploring using technology so students can continue to learn from home during inclement weather/snow days.

We cannot predict or control the weather, but we can maximize our response to it. Every SPS student has access to a laptop or an iPad along with options for internet access. This means we now have a proven way to engage with students even when snow or other extreme weather makes it unsafe to go to school buildings.

If we work now to take the necessary planning steps to pursue this alternative, it will make it far less likely that the school year will extend into the summer. Additionally, we can eliminate extended periods away from learning. No solution to missed school days is ideal. However, SPS and SEA continue to discuss all the options and encourage families with questions to reach out through the SPS website.

We have a New Playground Supervisor!

Hip, hip, hooray! We have a new playground supervisor that began this week. Welcome, Julian Cassano. 

Julian comes to us from Colorado where he worked as an after-school program coordinator at a nature center, high in the Rocky Mountains. Julian is originally from California and after finishing grad school in Colorado he made his way to Seattle. 

He is excited to be back on the west coast! In his free time, he enjoys reading, hiking and playing soccer and is excited to be working outside with children again.

Annual B.F. Day Holiday Gift Drive

Our annual holiday gift drive is scheduled for Nov 28 – Dec 9, 2022. B.F. Day will collect donations that will be given directly to B.F. Day families and children. Donations can be dropped off in the front office.

We’re collecting:

• Wrapped toys for children. We educate children ages 4 – 11, preschool – fifth grade. On the wrapped toy, put a Post It note with an item description. School staff will distribute the toys to B.F. Day families based on the ages and interests of their children. Here are some toy donation ideas: Lego kits, craft kits, puzzles, games, toy trucks and cars, dolls, science kits, book sets, etc.
• Gift Cards to Fred Meyer for families to buy new coats, shoes, food, and household products.

Donations will be given directly to B.F. Day families the week of Dec 12. Our goal is that all B.F. Day students will have a happy and festive winter break.

We encourage all families who may be facing hardship this winter season to contact Mr. Taylor for resources and support. 

Our B.F. Day Counselor Mr. Taylor can be reached at jrtaylor@seattleschools.org. 

~ Together, we are the Family School

Library News!

The Seattle Public Library offers some AMAZING resources for students. With the holidays approaching, the ability to check out audio and e-books can be a special treat. The Libby App can be downloaded onto your phone, iPad, home computer as an e-reader. 

Here’s how to set it up your SPL account…visit the Seattle Public Library website at SPL.org and select on “my account.”

Your library link number is 990000 (four zeroes) followed by your student’s 7-digit ID number to create a 13-digit number. The PIN is the month and date of your child’s birthday, 2 digits for the month and 2 digits for the day. So, a birthday of November 7 would be a PIN of 1107.

From there you have access to the library collection and an array of resources including these below. I haven’t yet investigated Tutor.com, but it appears Seattle Public School students have access to Free Tutoringthrough this site! If anyone wants to give it a try and report back, go for it!

SPL Resources

• Libby App
  • Download OverDrive’s Libby app for iOS or Android to check out e-books and e-audiobooks. 
• BookFlix
  • BookFlix pairs over 135 animated stories with real-world concepts to help new readers improve their skills in English and Spanish. Animated stories and interactive games keep kids engaged and help build vocabulary. Access Bookflix for free with your Library card.
• Hoopla
  • Enjoy thousands of always-available digital comics and graphic novels in our Hoopla digital collection for free with your Library card. With Hoopla you can also access over 6,000 movies and TV shows, and 300,000 music albums.
• Tutor.com
  • K – 12 students in Seattle can get free virtual tutoring from Tutor.com with a Library card or Library Link number. 

News From Nurse Annette

Flu Shot Clinic was very successful! Over 250 people received their flu shots. Thank you for attending to help keep our community healthy. If you missed the clinic or would like a covid booster SPS has the following upcoming clinics as soon as this weekend. Visit the district’s site for Fall Flu and COVID Vaccination Clinics.

Hearing & Vision Screenings Nov 10

I will be performing mandated hearing and vision screenings on your students in their classrooms on November 10. Please follow through with the recommended evaluation and return doctor’s note to me if you receive a referral form.

What’s on the Calendar

• Nov 10 Hearing and Vision Screenings
• Nov 10 Biking at B.F. Day Basics Begins Gr 3-5
• Nov 11 No School: Veterans Day
• Nov 17, 1 – 2 p.m. Dragon Dens
• Nov 19 (Sat), 21, 22 Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Nov 24-25 No School: Thanksgiving, Native American Heritage Day
• Dec 2 National Special Education Day
• Dec 2 School Spirit Day: Wacky Socks
• Dec 15, 1-2 p.m. Dragon Dens
• Dec 16 Winter Wonderland Party; 1 Hour Early Dismissal
• Dec 19 – Jan 2 No School: Winter Break

PTSA Direct Drive

B.F. Day PTSA’s 2022-2023 Direct Drive is just around the corner. It will run from November 2-16.

Here are some of the wide-ranging impacts of PTSA support from last school year.

• Academic Support
  • During the 21- 22 school year, 43 students in K – 2nd grade met in small reading groups 3-5 times per week, instructed by a support teacher partially funded by PTSA. Within 3 months, 37% of targeted students had either met or nearly met grade-level standards in reading. Exiting Kindergarteners within this group, (now first graders), showed tremendous growth; 60% of them tested above grade level on the beginning of the year assessments in 2022-2023.
• Social-Emotional Support
  • The PTSA continues to fund .5 of our school counselor’s position, allowing Mr. Taylor to be a full-time counselor at B.F. Day. Mr. Taylor was a finalist for the 2021-2022 Seattle Public School’s School Counselor of the Year.
  • Outcomes from a full-time school counselor include:
    • All students were supported through a comprehensive school counseling program in the 21-22 school year.
• Supporting families in need
  • Coordinated monetary and clothing support for 20 families, totaling approximately $ 5,000 for families furthest from educational justice.
  • Conducted 32 home visits to support families in need. 
• Classroom Lessons
  • 62 classroom lessons on subjects including, but not limited to, empathy, problem solving, anti-bullying, mindfulness and academic anxiety. Each classroom received at least three lessons.
• Small Group & 1:1 Counseling
  • 71 students served through weekly small group sessions (6-8 weeks)
  • 149 students served through weekly one on one sessions (6-8 weeks)
  • 86 students served through unplanned, walk-in counseling support
    • Topics included: anxiety, family separation, depression, academic confidence, emotion regulation, and social skills.
• Family Support
  • The PTSA funds a “Families in Need” program to provide clothing and monetary support for 20+ families. B.F. Day PTSA also contributed to a PTSA equity fund to ensure that PTSAs across the region can meet their needs.

More on how to participate in Direct Drive in next week’s Dayette when the program gets underway! Thank you, Family School!

Guide to Special Education

Do you have more questions than answers trying to understand special education in Seattle Public Schools? Seattle Special Education PTSA’s Guide to Special Education in SPS is written by parents and caregivers to help other parents and caregivers of students with disabilities navigate the complex special education system. Written in plain language, the Guide is designed with easy-to-follow steps, timelines, FAQs, and resources. It is available in 10 languages on the PTSA’s website and in print.

View or Download the Guide to Special Education

Parent Education Opportunity

Dr. Ross Greene: Kids Do Well If They Can

Reserve a spot at this free event

This free, online event is on Nov 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. “Kids Do Well If They Can” will explore how Dr. Greene’s evidence-based model, Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) uses compassion and problem solving to help schools meet the needs of all learners, while reducing punitive, exclusionary disciplinary practices like suspensions, restraints, and isolation.

Thank You Lighthouse Roasters!

Since the start of school, not a week has passed that Lighthouse Roasters did not support B.F. Day by supplying coffee to our faculty. Please help us to say thank you by patronizing them and letting them know how much B.F. Day appreciates their support.

Walking in a winter wonderland! Volunteers Needed

Our annual winter wonderland party is scheduled for December 16. Consistent with last year, students will earn special winter dragon scales for demonstrating the B.F. Day way: caring, engaged, and responsible. Classes that reach the goal of 100 winter scales will participate in the school-wide winter wonderland party. We’re looking for volunteers that are willing to help us set up our winter wonderland the day before (December 15). We’re also looking for volunteers that are willing to support during the school day on December 16. Please email nlzisko@seattleschools.org and jrtaylor@seattleschools.org if you’re able to lend a hand!

Annual B.F. Day Holiday Gift Drive

Our annual holiday gift drive is scheduled for November 28 – December 9. B.F. Day will collect donations that will be given directly to B.F. Day families and children. Donations can be dropped off in the front office.

We’re collecting:

• Wrapped toys for children. We educate children ages 4 – 11, preschool – fifth grade. On the wrapped toy, put a Post It note with an item description. School staff will distribute the toys to B.F. Day families based on the ages and interests of their children. Here are some toy donation ideas: Lego kits, craft kits, puzzles, games, toy trucks and cars, dolls, science kits, book sets, etc.
• Gift Cards to Fred Meyer for families to buy new coats, shoes, food, and household products.

Donations will be given directly to B.F. Day families the week of December 12. Our goal is that all B.F. Day students will have a happy and festive winter break.

We encourage all families who may be facing hardship this winter season to contact Mr. Taylor for resources and support. He can be reached at jrtaylor@seattleschools.org. Together, we are the Family School.

From Nurse Annette

Thank you very much to the parents that donated clothing items. I very much appreciate your generosity. I no longer need any more clothing items.

I’m looking for two volunteers to assist with hearing and vision screenings on November 10. Please email alcologna@seattleschools.org if you’re able to help!

Reminder: Flu shot clinic is coming up!
When: Thursday, November 3 – 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Where: B.F. Day Classroom 106 (next to music room) Enter through the outside entrance at the south parking lot.

Registration Link for Nov 3 Flu Shot Clinic

What’s on the Calendar

• Nov 4  School Spirit Day: College Swag Day
• Nov 7, 8 a.m. Lockdown Drill
• Nov 11 No School: Veterans Day
• Nov 17, 1 – 2 p.m. Dragon Dens
• Nov 19 (Sat), 21, 22 Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Nov 24-25 No School: Thanksgiving, Native American Heritage Day
• Dec 2 National Special Education Day
• Dec 2 School Spirit Day: Wacky Socks
• Dec 2 TBD Shelter in Place Drill
• Dec 15, 1-2 p.m. Dragon Dens
• Dec 16 Winter Wonderland Party; 1 Hour Early Dismissal
• Dec 19 – Jan 2 No School: Winter Break

Greetings from the library!

Wow, wow, wow! Our entire October wish list was purchased, and new books are finding their way to the shelves! It’s amazing to watch students’ natural curiosity come alive when they’re exposed to new topics through literature!

We also continue to benefit from PTSA’s generous grant, adding new fiction titles daily.

A shout out this week to our wonderful new 4th and 5th grade library leaders who are preparing books and working on special projects!

Many students have mentioned it’s difficult to remember which day they visit the library each week. For now, please rely on your classroom teacher’s information regarding the week’s schedule. I am working on creating a reminder card for each student to keep at home to reduce stress. Stay tuned!

As daylight gets shorter, remember dark and stormy nights are a perfect reason to snuggle up with a good book!

Parent Survey

We’re updating our school vision and mission statement! We want to hear from our parents. Please give us your input by completing the parent survey.

Please Complete our Parent Survey

We appreciate and value your input as the mission and vision work unfolds. Thank you for completing the survey by October 28.

Updated Attendance Policies

We’ve gotten through our first whole month of school! Now that we’ve all had a chance to settle into the rhythm of the school year, we are going to be enforcing our attendance policies.

Our vision for students is that they are present and punctual at school in order to receive the best learning opportunities we can give them. When students are late or absent, they miss a lot of development and interaction with their peers. When students are late, it is harder for them to focus on the school day, it disrupts their peers who were on time, and it sets them apart because they then have to catch up on what they’ve missed. Because we take this seriously and want to support you in getting your students to school and on time, we’re implementing the following framework:

1. For every unexcused absence, the office will call parents to inquire about your student.
2. When your student has accrued 3 unexcused absences or tardies, we will call to inform you of their absence and tardy counts.
3. When your student has accrued 4 unexcused absences or tardies, we will send a letter mandated by SPS home.
4. Upon the accrual of 6 unexcused absences or tardies, Dr. Zisko or Dr. Morisco will call to discuss our concerns for your student’s attendance.
5. Upon the accrual of 8 unexcused absences or tardies, we will call to schedule a meeting with you and a success team for your student.

We appreciate your cooperation in our mission to support your student’s education and success.

Dragon Dens are Back!

Yesterday, we had our first Dragon Den of the 2022-2023 school year!

Our focus was belonging. It’s a human need to connect and belong. In the past, students have come to school with plants of connections with family, neighbors, and friends. Our first Dragon Den lesson set the stage for the rest of the year, giving students the sense of grounding and well-being needed to be successful learners at school as well as feeling connected to their school community. We read the book Pebble by Susan Milord. We answered questions like, “What would it feel like not to belong? To feel like you don’t fit in or are not a part of something? … What can we learn from the pebble about finding our place or fitting in?” Just like in Pebble, each one of us is important in our own ways. The parts of us are what makes us special and unique, just like the pebble’s roundness and size made him perfect for the boy.

Each Dragon Den is led by a staff member, or Den Leader.

Dragons Dens are groups of about 12-13 students in mixed grade levels.

Dragon Dens remain consistent from year to year, so your child will have the same Den Leader for their duration at B.F. Day.

Each year, we welcome Kindergarteners into the Dens and celebrate the 5th graders promoting on to middle school.

Direct Drive

B.F. Day PTSA’s 22-23 Direct Drive fundraiser will start November 2 and will run through November 16. This fundraiser is the only direct appeal to the parents for contributions to the PTSA to fund the efforts into fulfilling its mission around “enabling the success of each student learner.” This includes supporting hiring of much needed staff, like counselor and support teachers, grants to support teacher enrichment programs and materials, as well as some targeted social support programs for families of our students.

Some fun facts around Direct Drive …

1. Direct Drive usually accounts for greater than two-thirds of PTSA’s revenue.
2. About one-third of the Direct Drive collections come through employers’ matching programs. So, if your employer matches your giving, be sure to take advantage of it to amplify your contribution.
3. While we have a goal for raising money, the focus is always around hitting participation targets for the whole school. One of the more ambitious goals for every year is 75% all school participation where participation is measured by just the return of the pledge cards. We have managed to cross 70% the last few years, and we’re hoping we can meet the 75% threshold this year!

We will share more specifics about Direct Drive in next week’s Dayette!

PTSA Membership

Be part of B.F. Day PTSA membership!
Some of the benefits:
1. Show support to students, teachers and school.
2. Be an advocate of your student and school.
3. It makes you an official member of our own PTSA.
4. Help fund the WA State PTSA so they can advocate for all of us. It’s a paid membership, $15 for individuals and $25 for family.

PTSA Membership Information

PTSA Calendar

Check out the B.F. Day PTSA calendar!

View the Calendar on the PTSA Website

Reading with Mrs. P.

How do I help my child with phonemic awareness?

What is phonemic awareness? This is the ability to manipulate individual sounds. In essence, it’s knowing the word “dog” is made up of the individual sounds /d/ /o/ /g/. Phonemic awareness and letter-sound knowledge are the two biggest indicators of how well a child will learn to read in the first two years of school. If students learn to play with sound, and then learn that letters go with those sounds, they have a better foundation in learning to read!

Building phonemic awareness is all about playing with sound.

• Practice by….
  • Saying the sounds in a simple word (/m/ /a/ /t/ for “mat,” /sh/ /o/ /p/ for “shop,”) and ask kids to put the sounds together to tell you the word.
  • Do the opposite! Say a word, and have kids tell you the individual sounds in the word. Cash = /c/ /a/ /sh/.
• If kids struggle to do this out loud, you can use cars, figurines, coins, etc. to represent each sound.
  • Have them move an object while saying each sound.
  • Alternatively, kids can tap each sound by tapping a part of their arm or patting on their lap.

Having fun with sounds leads helps kids learn to read!

News From Nurse Annette

Hello Parents – This year school nurses are seeing many different viruses aside from Covid. Please be mindful to keep your child home when they are sick. Here is a helpful guide of when to keep your child at home.

Is My Child Too Sick To Go to School Guide 

Learn more on the B.F. Day Nurse page.Thank you, nurse Annette

Flu Shot Clinic

When: Thursday, November 3 from 2 p.m. -.6 p.m.

Where: B.F. Day Classroom (next to music room) Enter through the outside entrance at the south parking lot.

Flu & COVID Vaccine Clinics

Visit the district Fall Flu and COVID Vaccination Clinics Info page for listings of clinics.

Upcoming Dates to Remember

• Oct 26 | Picture Re-Take Day & Preschool Picture Day
• Oct 27 | Occupational Therapist (OT) Appreciation Day
• Nov 4 | Spirit Day: College Swag Day
• Nov 7, 8 a.m. | Lockdown Drill
• Nov 11 | No School: Veterans Day
• Nov 17, 1 – 2 p.m. | Dragon Dens
• Nov 19 (Sat), 21, 22 | Parent Teacher Conferences
• Nov 24-25 | No School: Thanksgiving, Native American Heritage Day

B.F. Day’s Ultimate Frisbee Team Start practicing!

B.F. Day has an Ultimate Frisbee team that practices 1 day a week and competes against other elementary schools in the spring. We will advertise for the team(s) in February. The teams are open to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders.

Although the season does not start until the Spring, we (a team of parent/coaches) want to invite you and your kids (of any age and playing level) to join us on Fridays at the Upper Uppers (B.F. Day Park) for informal throwing and pick-up games. One or more of us will be there with frisbees after school on most Fridays (not the 14th when there is no school, and not on terribly windy/rainy days). This is not official practice, so we won’t be taking attendance. Please have a designated grown up to accompany your child if they are not self-sufficient in getting up to the field, or home from the field.

To receive information about the season and updates on when we will or won’t be at the Upper Uppers on Fridays, please contact lorianaberman@gmail.com to be added to our mailing list. Go Sun Dragons!

School Pictures

We will distribute student pictures to teachers’ mailboxes Monday afternoon. They will go home with students on Tuesday. Picture re-take day and preschool picture day is October 26.

Volunteer(s) Needed to Distribute Flyers

B.F. Day needs three recess monitors. We are looking for a volunteer or two to distribute color flyers to all the downtown Fremont businesses/restaurants. We will print the flyers, and you will need to go door-to-door asking for permission to post the flyer on their community bulletin board. If you are willing to take on this task, please email jsmorisco@seattleschools.org. Also, if you would like a copy of the flyer to post a at your business or local hangout, please pick up a flyer in the main office some details are listed below.

We’re Hiring

B.F. Day is looking to hire three new recess supervisors to join our team.

Shifts are M-F, 10:15 a.m. – 12:40 p.m. Pay is $17.00 hourly

If interested, please contact Dr. Zisko 206-252-6015 at nlzisko@seattleschools.org or Dr. Morisco 206-252-6018 at jsmorisco@seattleschools.org

Lunchroom Volunteers Needed

We are looking for lunchroom volunteers to help supervise students! The lunch block runs from 10:25 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.. If you’re able to assist on any given day of the week, please email Elise Dibble ecdibble@seattleschools.org. If you can help, we would really appreciate it!

Room Parents Needed

The following classes need Room Parent volunteers:

• Ledee – Pre-K
• Steel/Siler – First Grade
• Anderson – First Grade
• Dawson – Second Grade
• Hill – Third Grade
• Strand – Fifth Grade
• West – Fifth Grade

Room Parents serve an important communications role in assisting the PTSA and the classroom teacher with email or other class-wide communications. For more information, pick up an information sheet in the office or email any questions at all to the B.F. Day Room Parent Coordinator, Mandy Watson at roomparent@bfdayptsa.org Thanks for your help!

News From Nurse Annette

Testing Positive for Covid

New Link! If your child tests positive for Covid at any time during the school year, parents must self-report at CIC-Health. Parents Self-Report CIC Health Link. Learn more on the B.F. Day Nurse page.

Flu & COVID Vaccine Clinics

Visit the district Fall Flu and COVID Vaccination Clinics Info page for listings of clinics.

Upcoming Dates to Remember

• Oct 18, 8 p.m. | PTSA General Membership Meeting on Zoom
• Oct 20, 1 – 2 p.m. | Dragon Dens
• Oct 25, 12:40 p.m. | Shelter in Place Drill
• Oct 26 | Picture Re-Take Day & Preschool Picture Day
• Oct 27 | Occupational Therapist (OT) Appreciation Day
• Nov 4 | Spirit Day: College Swag Day
• Nov 7, 8 a.m. | Lockdown Drill
• Nov 11 | No School: Veterans Day
• Nov 17, 1 – 2 p.m. | Dragon Dens
• Nov 21, 22, 23 | Parent Teacher Conferences
• Nov 24-25 | No School: Thanksgiving, Native American Heritage Day

Make Up School Days – Updated SPS Calendar

Fifth Grade Promotion Rescheduled

Five days must be added to make up the delayed start of the school year. The five make up days are Feb. 2, June 27, 28, 29, and 30. The last day of school is June 30. It will be a 1-hour early dismissal.

Our fifth-grade promotion has been rescheduled to Thursday, June 29 at 6:00 p.m.

Library News

Hello B.F. Day Readers! During the last few weeks, library classes have been enjoying books about identity and diversity. We also celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day listening to Raven, a northwest tribal tale explaining how the sun ended up in the sky!

Students are doing a FANTASTIC job acclimating to the library and learning how to enjoy the space responsibly. Thank you for helping your student find consistent places to keep library books at home, so they’re easy to find and return. Thanks to our generous PTSA, new fiction titles are continuously flowing into the library. The kids are SO excited to find new books on the shelves. Our nonfiction section needs some love, as many titles were outdated and weeded over the summer. To help with this endeavor I will be posting a new nonfiction wish list each month associated with different call numbers in the library.

This month will focus on 000-200. What lives here?? Well, I’ll tell you! 000’s: Computers, libraries, UFOs and the Unexplained, Books of Facts 100’s: Ghosts, Dreams, Psychology, Ethics 200: Religions, Mythology

Want to see some kids’ books on these topics? Checkout our Amazon Wish List for October!

All books purchased will ship directly to B.F. Day and immediately become part of the library. Thank you in advance for your support. Visit our B.F. Day Library page for more information and resources. ~ Mrs. Papineau

Most Spirited Staff Members!

Congratulations to Ms. Noreng for being the most spirited staff member at our first school spirit day, pajama day! Mr. R. and Teacher Deb were tied for second place. Our next spirit day is college swag day on November 4!

After School Enrichment Starts Next Week

Fall after school enrichment classes are starting! All classes, except for chess and science club, begin next week. Coding also doesn’t start until next week, but that’s because there’s no school on Friday.

The PTSA is looking for volunteers to walk Kindergarteners to their enrichment class and check in with vendors. The volunteer time is about 15 minutes at most right after school.

Pickup for after school enrichment occurs at the classroom doors where the enrichment class is being held.

• Monday: Karate (gym); Legos (library)
• Tuesday: Drama Club (1st floor hallway); Yoga for Kids (library); Vocal Performance (107)
• Wednesday: Art Club K-3 (301); Science Club 1-5 (312 on 1st day, playground thereafter)
• Thursday: Drama Club 3-5 (1st floor hallway); World Dance (107); Chess Club (library) 
• Friday: Chess Club (312); Creative Coding (library)

Childcare Closures

• Hilltop Childcare is Closed 10/6-10/10
• Onsite Boys & Girls Club is Closed 10/10 & 10/14
• Wallingford Boys & Girls Club is Closed 10/10 but Open 10/14

Getting on the email list for your child’s class

Next week, teachers will be sending out an email to parents in their class. Please reply “yes” to your child’s teacher if you would like your email information to be shared with classroom parents and the Room Parent for social events, like birthday parties, or other informal classroom communications. Room Parents may reach out to connect on classroom gifts or announcements from the PTSA.

Campus Jobs for Fourth and Fifth Graders
A Note From Mr. Taylor

4th and 5th grade School Wide Jobs!

This school year Ms. Papineau and I are leading school-wide leadership opportunities for our 4th and 5th graders. The opportunities will come in the form of school-wide jobs. In order to be chosen for specific jobs around campus, students will be asked to fill out a official Sun Dragon Leadership application. The application will include things such as reasons for applying and two adult references. The jobs include Morning Greeters, Morning News Crew, Bus Crew, Lost and Found Leaders, Café Crew, Art Assistants, Library Leaders and Recess Leaders. All jobs are sponsored and supervised by a B.F. Day staff member. 

We are requesting all job applications be submitted by Thursday, October 13. Students will have an opportunity to change jobs and re-apply mid-year.

We can’t wait to see our young leaders in action! 
Best,
John Taylor
Your School Counselor

Reminders!

• There is no school for students on Friday, October 14. It’s a teacher workday on campus.
• The first General Membership PTSA meeting is October 18 at 8:00 p.m.
• Our first Dragon Den for this school year is October 20 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Hearing & Vision Screenings

Notes From Nurse Annette

• When? During School Hours
  • October 11: Pre-K
  • November 10: Kinder, 1, 2nd 3rd, 5th grades

Please note that the district does not require 4th grade to be screened. Feel free to email me, Nurse Annette alcologna@seattleschools.org if you have concerns regarding the hearing and/or vision of your 4th grader or any student. I am happy to screen them. 

Volunteers for Screenings

I would love for a few volunteers on Nov. 10 to help with sign-up and flow for the all-day event of hearing and vision screening. 

Please send me an email at alcologna@seattleschools.org if you can help out. Thank you!

Donations Needed for the Nurse!

Do you have extra items that you would like to give away?

In need of pre-packaged underwear and pants for girls’ and boys’ sizes 3T- kids medium. We only need donations of bottoms (underwear, sweats, leggings). Please do not bring other items as I don’t have any room for them. Thank you very much for your generosity! ~ Nurse Annette

Halloween

We do not celebrate Halloween on campus. Some classroom teachers may coordinate fall harvest activities within their classrooms. Please reach out to your child’s teacher if you’re wishing to support the festivities on October 31. Students are not permitted to wear their costumes to school.

Looking for Room Parents!

Are you interested in being a Room Parent this year? Room Parents serve an important communications role in assisting the PTSA and the classroom teacher with email or other class-wide communications. If you’re interested in serving as a Room Parent, the Room Parent Coordinator is Mandy Watson and if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to send her at: roomparent@bfdayptsa.org 

Elementary Instrumental Music (EIM) Sign Ups (Grades 4 & 5 Only)

Dear Families,

We are excited to offer Elementary Instrumental Music (EIM) to your student! My name is Cayley Buie and I’ll be your EIM teacher this year. The program is for Grades 4 & 5 if space is available. Instruments we teach are Violin, Cello, Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, and Trombone.

This is an optional program that students and families choose to participate in. During the school day, students leave their regular classrooms to go to EIM for about 30 minutes, one day per week.

The program serves a limited number of students. To support equitable access within the boundaries of the program, EIM uses a lottery enrollment model. This means that if more students submit enrollment forms than space allows, there is a chance a student won’t be able to participate in the program this year.

How do I enroll my student for EIM?

Fill out the Online Enrollment Form

• English EIM Form
• Amharic EIM Form
• Spanish EIM Form
• Chinese EIM Form
• Somali EIM Form
• Vietnamese EIM Form

Due Date is October 5, 2022

I will get back to all families that enrolled to let you know if your child will be in EIM this year and what instrument they will play.

Thank you, Cayley Buie

School Lunches

There is a district-wide shortage of kitchen personnel. B.F. Day currently does not have a permanent Kitchen Manager. At the beginning of the school year, Culinary Services was providing a temporary Kitchen Manager. We recently received news that the temporary Kitchen Manager won’t be returning. Culinary Services is looking for a replacement for her. As a result, school staff are serving lunches. We are provided bagged and cold lunch options to distribute to students. 

At this time, the meals that students receive may not match what is advertised on the menu. All students are given 20 minutes to eat and 20 minutes to play. Parent volunteers that have completed the background check process are welcome to volunteer at any time in the cafeteria. Lunch runs from 10:25 a.m.– 11:50 a.m. Our cafeteria is small. To fit comfortably fit students, we need several lunch periods. 

If your child consistently accesses school lunch, please check in with them. Some families may consider sending lunch from home during this period to provide more variety or preferred items for their child.

Know someone that may be interested in a Kitchen Manager position? Visit the district job postings.

Volunteers Needed to Chaperone Childcare at Curriculum Night Oct 6

B.F. Day will be offering childcare during Curriculum Night! Please fill out this form if you haven’t already and you plan to use this option. We are also looking for a couple parent volunteers for each 30 minute session. If you don’t need to attend all sessions please consider helping out the community so all parents and guardians are able to attend! Sign Up if you can help out.

Volunteers Needed on October 26

We’re looking for about three parents that are willing to volunteer on October 26 for picture re-take day! Please email smhaas@seattleschools.org if you’re able to support. Thank you!

October Happenings

• October 3; Custodian Appreciation Day
• October 3 – 14; MAP reading and math testing for grades 1, 2, 4, 5
• October 5 – 19; MAP reading and math testing for 3rd grade
• October 6, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Curriculum Night (on campus, in person) Earthquake Drill
• October 7, 10:10 a.m. Earthquake Drill
• October 7; Spirit Day: Pajama Day!
• October 12; Kindergarten completes reading and math MAP testing
• October 14; No School: Teacher Inservice Day
• October 18, 8:00 p.m. (virtual); PTSA General Membership Meeting
• October 20, 1:00 – 2:00; Dragon Dens
• October 25, 12:40 p.m. Shelter in Place Drill
• October 26; Fall Picture Re-Take Day & Pre-K Picture Day
• October 27; Occupational Therapist (OT) Appreciation Day

Testing Positive for Covid

If your child tests positive for Covid at any time during the school year, parents must self-report at CIC-Health.

The information goes to our central district data system (CIC) and Nurse Annette. Parents will receive updated isolation and return to school guidance from CIC. Currently, isolation is based on date of onset of symptoms (if no symptoms- use test date). 

Typically, students will isolate for 5 days and return on day 6, if symptoms have significantly improved and fever has resolved within 24 without medication. Student must wear a mask on campus days 6-10. If a student cannot wear a mask, they need to stay home through day 10.

If there is another child in the household that has not tested positive, it is recommended to wear a mask and watch for symptoms for 10 days. The child can continue to attend school pending negative test results and fever free for 24 hours. Refer to the district Covid Dashboard.

Flu & COVID Vaccines Info for this Weekend

Flu and Covid vaccine Clinics in NE Seattle

All families are welcome to come to SPS COVID and Flu vaccine clinics this weekend in Northeast Seattle!

Bring COVID vaccine card and pre-registration needed

Nathan Hale High School

Date: Saturday October 1
Vaccines Pfizer COVID vaccines for 3+ including bivalent Omicron booster for 12+, Moderna vaccines including bivalent booster for 18+ and Flu vaccine
Hallway near main office, 10750 30th Ave NE

Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm for flu vaccine, 10:00am-2:00 pm for COVID vaccines Medical Providers: Othello Pharmacy and Seattle Visiting Nurse Association 

SVNA Registration for Flu vaccine
Register for COVID Vaccines

Olympic Hills Elementary

Date: Sunday, Oct. 2
Vaccine (Pfizer COVID vaccines for 3+ including bivalent Omicron booster)
Lunchroom, 13018 20th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98125
Time: 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Please register by 9 a.m., Thursday, Thursday, September 29. After registering on the Safeway website, please print and bring your consent form to the clinic. 
Medical Provider: Safeway Pharmacy

Eckstein Middle School

Date: Sunday October 2
Vaccines: Pfizer COVID vaccines for 3+ including bivalent Omicron booster for 12+, Moderna vaccines including bivalent booster for 18+ and Flu vaccine
Lunchroom , 3003 NE 75th St
Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm for flu vaccine, 10:00 am-2:00 pm for COVID vaccines
Medical Providers: Othello Pharmacy and Seattle Visiting Nurse Association
Register for COVID Vaccine
SVNA Registration for Flu vaccine

First Day of School Forms: Reminders

Please complete your child’s first day paperwork. Below is the link to the flyers and forms that should be printed by families for the start of the 2022-23 school year. The forms necessary to fill out and return to the office are the FERPA and Health Information Form. If you complete the Student Data Verification Form (Student Verification Form), on the Source it is not necessary to fill out the Emergency Information and Student Release Form.

The Student Verification Form will be available for parents or guardians to confirm and update online through The Source September 14 – 30. This is the time families are strongly encouraged to take this opportunity to make any updates to your student’s information here. An important factor to consider when signing on, is the parent’s email MUST match what is listed in PowerSchool. If you’re having difficulty logging into the Source, check which email you are logging in with. If you are uncertain which email is in the system, you can call the office and we can look it up. The window to make these changes online ends September 30. Visit the SPS Start of School Forms page for more information.

Chat with the Principals Night

Please join Dr. Zisko and Dr. Morisco for our first Chat with the Principals Night of the school year. The meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, September 29 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Dr. Zisko and Dr. Morisco will discuss highlights for this school year, a brief snapshot of schoolwide data, and assessments that will be completed in the 22-23 school year. Finally, we’ll offer a space to take questions and comments from parents.

Curriculum Night Oct 6

Friendly reminder that Curriculum Night is on October 6 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.Parents are invited to come to campus and participate in a presentation offered by their child’s teacher. We will host three 25-minute presentation blocks. Classroom teachers will repeat the same presentation three times in a row.

This way, parents with students in multiple classrooms can visit each of their children’s classrooms. Our specialists (P.E., music, art, and library) and Special Education teachers will also have open classrooms for parents to visit. Parents may choose to visit one or more of these rooms during Session 1, 2 or 3.

We will be offering on-site childcare. Childcare is only for school-aged children.

If you are seeking childcare for Curriculum Night, please complete this Curriculum Night Child Care Form.

Completing the childcare survey will help us staff childcare and prepare an appropriate number of materials. Please complete the survey no later than Friday, September 30.

Here is how the night will be organized:

• 5:30 – 5:55 p.m. Session 1
  • 5 minute passing period
• 6 – 6:30 p.m. Session 2
  • 5 minute passing period
• 6:35 – 7 p.m. Session 3
• 7 – 7:05 p.m. – Event Concludes

Greetings From the Library!

We had an amazing turnout at our 1,000 Minutes of Reading Celebration. Congratulations to all our amazing readers!

Students have begun checking books out to bring home. A reminder to handle our books with clean hands, keep books away from pets/babies, keep books away from liquids (including Seattle rain), and return books on time. Books may be checked out for two weeks and may be renewed if students would like more time with them.

Students have a rotating library schedule. Please check with your classroom teacher regarding which day(s) your child has library.

Back to School Kickoff Assemblies

Next week we’ll be hosting two morning assemblies, one for grades K-2 and one for grades 3-5. Kinder – second grade will be on Wednesday, September 28 from 8:05 – 8:25. Third – fifth grade will be on Friday, September 30 from 8:05 – 8:25. All our assemblies are held in the gym. Dr. Zisko, Dr. Morisco, and Mr. Taylor will be leading the assemblies. We will reintroduce the B.F. Day way. At B.F. Day, we are caring, engaged, and responsible. We’ll also introduce new staff members, introduce incident report forms for students, and sing our B.F. Day song. We will host these types of assemblies about 3-4 times per school year, particularly after long school breaks. Looking forward to kicking off our school year with our students next week!

Supplies Money

At the beginning of the school year, B.F. Day purchases school supplies in bulk. As a result, parents do not need to bring in school supplies from home. We are able to make bulk purchases because of the generous donations our PTSA makes each year. Each year, we suggest a $40 donation to the B.F. Day PTSA to cover the cost of your child’s school supplies. This year, donations have been lower than expected. If you are able, please consider a $40 donation to the B.F. Day PTSA. Checks addressed to “B.F. Day PTSA” can be dropped in the front office. Parents can also make donations via PayPal.

PTSA General Membership Meeting

Our first PTSA general membership meeting of the school year is October 18 at 8:00 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. We encourage all families to attend! Please mark your calendars!

After School Enrichment

After school enrichment is BACK! The Enrichment Committee is rebuilding its membership and rebuilding our after-school program! We welcome more volunteers!

Registration for after school classes is open. More information & class descriptions available on the PTSA Website.

Classes will start the week of October 10, 2022. 

Questions? Email enrichment@bfdayptsa.org

Enrichment Classes

• Monday
  • Karate (Harold Nichols) 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., K-5, Cost: TBA
  • BEAM Legos 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., K-5, Cost: TBA
• Tuesday
  • Drama – Julie Bragg 2:30- 3:30 p.m., K-2, Cost: $200
  • Sea Yoga Kids, 2:30-3:30 p.m., K-1, Cost: $120
  • Mode Music – Vocal Performance, 2:30 – 4 p.m., Grades: 2-5, Cost: $200
• Wednesday
  • Art Club with Green Garage Art Studio, 1:10 – 2:30 p.m., K-3, Cost: $185
  • Science Club – Field Trips, time varies, 1:10-4:30 p.m., Grades: 1- 5, Cost: ~$40
• Thursday
  • World Dance with Marissa, 2:30-3:30, K-2, Cost: $153
  • Drama – Julie Bragg 2:30- 4:00 p.m., Grades: 3-5, Cost: $200
  • Chess Club, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., K-2, Cost: $128
• Friday
  • Coding, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m., Grades: 3- 5, Cost: $252
  • Chess Club, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., Grades: 3-5, Cost: $96

Fire Drill

Our first fire drill of the school year will be on Tuesday, September 27 at 10:10 a.m.

Greetings! 

September 16, 2022

Below is the Dayette for this week. Don’t forget that Picture Day is on Wed, Sept 21. Ordering information can be found in the Dayette this week. 

Enjoy your weekend! 
Cheers,
Natalie 

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Snack Donations Needed

Our classroom and Special Education teachers very much appreciate bulk snack donations. Students are offered snacks from the classroom snack bin at our morning and afternoon recess times. Sometimes, students will access snacks throughout the school day to help keep them regulated. 

Our Preschool – 5th grade teachers, including Access, Resource, and SEL, very much appreciate snack donations. If you’ve got a grocery trip coming up this weekend, please consider getting some snacks to donate for classrooms. Please drop off to your child’s classroom teacher. Thank you!

Kindergarten and First Grade Pick Up & Drop Off

The ramp walkway by the lower playground is a bit crowded at drop off and pickup. Moving forward, Kindergarten and first grade will line up for drop off/pick up on the sport courts by the lower playground. Parents, please keep walkways clear and wait with your students on the sport court areas. 

At pickup, it is especially important for our youngest students to have a 1:1 checkout with their teacher when they see their adult. Because of visibility concerns, parents will no longer pick up students by the exterior side door. Lines will move out to the sport court line up locations. It’s especially helpful if parents wait along the fence so there is room for the lines to come out. Then, we can begin dismissing students to families.

Morning Playtime

Students are permitted to play on the playgrounds from 7:35 – 7:50. Kindergarten and first graders are permitted to play on the lower playground. Grades 2-5 are permitted to play on the upper playground. During morning drop off, students may not play outside of their grade level assigned playground. The reason for this is student safety. Thank you for your help in reminding your child where they may play in the morning.

A Note from the Library

Greetings B.F. Day Readers!

We’ve had a great first week back at school getting to know all about our “new” library! Since school began a bit late, we have new dates for our Summer Reading Challenge Breakfasts. This is for students who completed the 1,000 Minutes of Reading Challenge.

• K-5 Breakfast will take place in the library before school Tuesday, September 20, 7:15- 7:55.
• Grade 6 breakfast will take place Thursday, September 22, 7:45-8:30.

School Lunch Menu

School Lunch Menus

Picture Day!

Yuen Lui Studio will photograph students at B.F. Day Elementary on Wed, September 21.

• Families can save on shipping and preorder photos.

• Print preorders will be shipped to the school and distributed to students at school within three weeks after the picture day
• Digital preorders will be sent via email from no-reply@imagequix.com within three weeks after the picture day (use “no-reply@imagequix.com” to search your inbox/spam folders if you don’t see the email come through)
• Photos will be available to view after the bulk order is placed (about a week after picture day) — families can view and order photos using their student’s school ID number — these print orders are shipped directly to students’ homes (+ a shipping fee) within 10-14 business days after the order is placed; digital images will be sent via email from no-reply@imagequix.com to the address provided within 10-14 business days after the order is placed

Say Cheese!

• Wed, September 21 – Fall Picture Day
• October 26 – Fall RE-Take Picture Day
• April 3 – Spring Picture Day

For questions, please contact customerservice@yuenluischools.com

Buses Only on Linden Ave. in the Morning

Please do not drop your child off from Linden Avenue. Instead, drop them off at Fremont Avenue. Linden Avenue is narrow, and we are not able to get buses through with cars parked or lingering on the curb. For example, one of our big buses was late dropping off students because of parents parked on Linden Ave. Please help us keep the buses coming and going by not dropping your child at the front of the school.

Now Hiring

We’re hiring playground supervisors for this school year. We’re looking for 3 adults, age 18 or older, for about 2.5 hours per day. The times are 10:15 – 12:40. Playground supervisors monitor behavior and games to ensure they are positive and fun. Most importantly, they have fun with the students! The hours are Monday – Friday, all weather conditions. This is a great job for an active parent, neighbor, or grandparent that has a couple hours to hang out with fun little people in Fremont!  Must be a high school graduate and be able to pass a Washington State background check. And, as a staff member you would need to be fully vaccinated. Pay is $17/hr, and while this is not a benefited position, kids keep you young! Please contact Dr. Zisko nlzisko@seattleschools.org or Dr. Morisco jsmorisco@seattleschools.org if you’re interested in this position.

Welcome to Our New Instrumental Teacher, Ms. Buie Grades 4 & 5

Cayley Buie (she/they) cabuie@seattleschools.org

I studied at University of Colorado-Boulder and graduated in December 2015, then lived in Japan for 1 year, teaching English. For the past 5 years, I was teaching band and orchestra at a high school in Denver Metro. This year, I moved to Renton with my partner and our cat (Squeaks) and dog (Bailee). I am also a trumpet player in the Rainbow City Concert Band in Seattle. I love reading and writing fiction, and volunteering outdoors to restore forests in the Seattle area.

I will be at B.F. Day on Friday mornings teaching both band and string instruments. Information about Instrumental Music will be sent out via email next week, hopefully by Monday, so please keep an eye out for it. We had a great demonstration class on 9/16 and I look forward to working with your students! Registration will be online this year. Please let me or the student’s classroom teacher know if you need a paper copy.

Calendar Reminders!

• September 27 10:10 a.m. Fire Drill
• September 29 Chat with the Principals Night 6:30 – 8:00 Join Meeting
• October 3 Custodian Appreciation Day
• October 6 Curriculum Night 5:30 – 7:00

Covid Testing

At this time, Covid-19 testing is not occurring in school buildings. SPS has not yet requested consent from families for the 2022-23 SY to provide this testing. If a student or staff member is symptomatic, they will be sent home with an iHealth test kit.

Washington State Fair

The front office has tickets to the Washington State Fair. We can provide one free admission ticket for each B.F. Day student. The ticket is valid for any day of the Washington State Fair, September 2-25, 2022. Children under 5 do not need a ticket. Students may come to the front office (during office hours) to get their ticket!

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Hello Families!

Our school building will be closed on Friday and Monday for the holiday weekend. We reopen on September 6. If you aren’t able to make it to the ice cream social, you may call the office on Tuesday, September 6 to get your child’s classroom assignment. 

(Delayed Start to School) September 7 is the first day of school for grades 1-5. September 7 is not an early release Wednesday. Early release will occur every Wednesday except for the first week of school. School will dismiss at 2:25 on September 7. 

(Delayed Start to School) Our preschool and kindergarten teachers host family connection meeting September 7-9. The first day of school for preschool and kindergarten is Monday, September 12. 

Wishing you a joyful last weekend of summer break! 

Go Sun Dragons!

Natalie 

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Happy start of school!
First Day Packets: Please Complete

Please complete your child’s first day paperwork. Below is the link to the flyers and forms that should be printed by families for the start of the 2022-23 school year. The necessary forms to fill out and return to the office are the FERPA and Health Information Form. If you complete the Student Data Verification form (Student Verification Form), it is not necessary to fill out the Emergency Information and Student Release Form

The Student Verification Form will be available for parents or guardians to confirm and update online through The Source September 7 – 30. This is the time families are strongly encouraged to take this opportunity to make any updates to your student’s information here. An important factor to consider when signing on, is the parent’s email must match what is listed in PowerSchool. If you’re having difficulty logging into the Source, check which email you’re logging in with. If you are uncertain which email is in the system, you can call the office and we can look it up. The window to make these changes online ends on September 30.

SPS Start of School Forms

If you have any questions, please email smhaas@seattleschools.org or ecdibble@seattleschools.org.

Please complete the first day paperwork as soon as possible. It’s imperative for student safety that our students’ documents are updated for start of school. Forms may be turned into your child’s teacher on the first day of school.

The First Day of School

Our outdoor supervision begins at 7:35. Students are permitted to arrive as early as 7:35. Please do not drop off your child earlier than 7:35, as there are no staff on duty to provide adequate supervision. Students may play on the playground in the morning. Students in grades K-1 will play on the lower playground (the playground with the spider web). Students in grades 2-5 will play on the upper playground (the playground with the spinner). Before school, students are not permitted to play on playgrounds that are not assigned for their grade level designation.

At 7:50 the first bell will ring. Students will report to their line up locations by 7:50 a.m. Kindergarten will line up adjacent to the lower playground. First grade will line up on the sport court by the basketball hoops.

Second – fifth grade students will line up on the upper blacktop. Third and fourth graders will line up facing the Linden Ave. N. stairwell gate. Second and fifth graders will line up by the Fremont Ave. stairwell gate, facing the playground/building.

On the first days of school, classroom teachers will be at their line up locations. Each teacher will hold up a sign with their name, grade level, and classroom number.

The first bell rings at 7:50. This is when classrooms will begin moving inside for instruction. Instruction begins at 7:55. The tardy bell rings at 7:55. At about 8:00 a.m., we will lock the perimeter gates with street access (Linden Ave N. and Fremont Ave.).

On the first days of school, you can support your child by establishing predictable morning routines. Children thrive when they can connect with friends before school and are present for their classroom’s morning meeting. By arriving on time at school, you are also supporting your child’s classmates and teacher by limiting interruptions and re- teaching that occurs when children enter late.

On the first days of school, please say goodbye on the playground. Our school staff, including Mr. Taylor, will be present for students that need additional emotional support separating from parent(s).

School Leaders This Year

Dr. Morisco, our Assistant Principal, is working a half-time contract this school year. His days on campus will be full days on Mondays and Wednesdays. On Friday, Dr. Morisco will work half day, morning – lunch. In January, Dr. Zisko will take a maternity leave. She will return in the spring. During Dr. Zisko’s leave, Mr. Jaskot will act as the substitute principal in her absence. Mr. Jaskot is a former B.F. Day principal. He led B.F. Day for eight years, prior to retiring in the 2021-2022 school year. He is excited to rejoin our Family School in the new year!

Walking Bus

Are you able to volunteer after school in September? We’re looking for adult chaperones that can help with a walking bus to Wallingford Boys and Girls Club. Please email Kyle Zeller, B.F. Day PTSA Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@bfdayptsa.org.

Dragon Dens Are Coming Back!

This year, we are bringing back Dragon Dens! Dragon Dens are a school-wide event. Students in grades K-5 are placed into multi-grade “dens” with a “den leaders.” Den leaders are school staff, like school leaders, teachers, librarian, counselor, and support staff. 

Each Dragon Den reads the same picture book aloud and completes a correlating activity based on the theme of the book. We also have snacks! Themes may include topics like inclusion, empathy, or kindness. Dragon Dens allow our students to make peer connections across campus, get to know another familiar adult on campus, and discover a sense of community within our school. Dragon Dens occur during the school day from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Our preschoolers will also participate in Dragon Dens by reading the book and completing the activity within their respective classrooms. Below are the dates for Dragon Dens this school year. 

Students may be disappointed if they miss Dragon Dens, so pencil in these dates and schedule any necessary appointments around them.

• October 20
• November 17
• December 15
• January 19
• February 9
• March 16
• April 20
• May 18
• June 15: Culminating school event

The B.F. Day Way

The B.F. Day Way is a positive behavioral strategy that helps all students and staff members support a positive, and safe learning environment. Specifically, the B.F. Day Way states that we are caring, engaged, and responsible in each area of the school building. For the first month of the school year, students will be taught, retaught and have opportunities to practice these expectations.

B.F. Day learners are caring, engaged and responsible!

Location	Caring	Engaged	Responsible
Hallway	I allow other to learn	I listen for and follow adult directions	I follow expectations, even when no one is watching
Cafeteria	I invite classmates to eat with me I don’t “yuck someones else’s yum”	I stay seated until I am dismissed by an adult I eat healthy foods first	I walk safely and slowly in the cafeteria I clean up after myself
Classroom	I take care of school supplies and property I am kind to all classmates	I listen to classmates and teachers I have a growth mindset	I honor our classroom agreements and expectations
Technology	I treat my laptop/iPad gently	I keep eyes on own screen	I work on my assigned task I move with awareness when carrying equipment
Restrooms	I respect others’ privacy I use appropriate language	I return to class when I am done	I wash my hands and I use restroom supplies responsibly
Playground	I invite others to join games  I show good sportsmanship win or lose	I listen to and follow adult directions	I report problems to an adult I leave nature in its place I line up when I hear the whistle

Lunch

Below are the lunch times for the school year. All students will eat inside the cafeteria.

Grade Level

Kindergarten

First Grade

Second Grade

Third Grade

Fourth Grade

Fifth Grade

Eating Time

10:25 – 10:45

10:45 – 11:05

10:45 – 11:05

11:10 – 11:30

11:10 – 11:30

11:30 – 11:50

Playing Time

10:45 – 11:05

10:25 – 10:45

10:25 – 10:45

11:30 – 11:50

11:30 – 11:50

11:10 – 11:30

Lunch Volunteers Needed

During the first week(s) of school, we welcome parent volunteers to join us in the cafeteria. We need volunteers that have already completed the SPS volunteer application and have been cleared by our front office team. As students acclimate to our lunch time routines and procedures, we appreciate extra adult hands in the cafeteria to maintain clean tables and assist students.

The K-5 lunch blocks run from 10:25 – 11:50.

If you are interested and have not already completed the volunteer application, visit the SPS Volunteer Process. We are also looking for lunch volunteers to continue throughout the school year! If you’re able to volunteer one day per week, please email ecdibble@seattleschools.org.

PTSA General Membership Meetings

The PTSA hosts three general membership meetings per school year. We encourage all families to attend and participate in these meetings. Meetings will be held virtually at 8:00 p.m. Here are the meeting dates for the year:

• October 18 – Fall General Membership Meeting
• March 2 – Winter General Membership Meeting
• May 22 – Spring General Membership Meeting

In Person Family Events

Save the dates! Mark your calendars for the return of some of our favorite B.F. Day events.

• October 6 – Curriculum Night 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
• November 21 – 23 – Elementary Conferences
• February 16 – Science Fair 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
• March 16 – Math Night 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
• April 27 – Bring Your Family to School Night 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
• May 25 – Art Fest 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
• June 16 – Village Day 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.

Say Cheese!

• September 21 – Fall Picture Day
• October 26 – Fall RE-Take Picture Day
• April 3 – Spring Picture Day

Updates from Nurse Annette

Contact information: alcologna@seattleschools.org 
ph: 206 252-6017 | fax: 206 743-3108

Important Health Information for the New School Year

Health Questions	Health Answers
Immunizations Up to Date?	If you received a letter from Health Services about immunizations your student needs for school, please make sure your student receives the immunization(s) listed in the letter. Send the immunization record to the school nurse or have your health care provider fax the record to the nurse. Immunization requirements can be found in the Health Services Immunizations page
Flu Shots Help Save Lives!	Schedule a flu shot for your student and family members.  Here’s how: Contact a School Based Health Center (students only) Seek care from your health care provider Look for upcoming announcements for opportunities in the Seattle Public Schools website
Be COVID Smart!	Take actions to help manage the spread of coronavirus and keep each other safe. Get vaccinated Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms Wash your hands frequently Keep hands away from your face If you feel sick, stay home For current Seattle Public Schools COVID guidance, check the SPS COVID website. Ask your school nurse for resources around vaccination clinics and testing.
Health Updates	Please report any health issue your child has that could impact safety and learning to the school nurse Complete the Annual Student Health Update form: Visit the Source online Complete a paper copy You may also contact the nurse directly by phone or e-mail
Register Your Student for a School Based Health Center!	Your student can go to any School Based Health Center within the district. Please call in advance. Locate a School Based Health Center near you or use this interactive map to find the one closest to you.
Medication Form	Ask your health provider to complete the Authorization for Medications Taken at School Each medication requires its own form Your health care provider must sign You must sign the form This is required for ALL medications.
Medication	All medications must be in their original container with a pharmacy label. Emergency medications must be in the building on or before the first day of school. *Check medication expiration dates! Try to get medications that that will last the entire school year.

School Nurse Resource Links

• Immunization requirements
• Seattle Public Schools Flu Clinic
• Get vaccinated
• Get tested
• Seattle Public Schools COVID-19 Response
• Annual Student Health Update
• School Based Health Centers
• Interactive map of King County School Based Health Centers
• Medication Authorization Form

August 26, 2022

Dear B.F. Day Families,

How to Buy School Lunch: Correction

Apologies for the misprint in last week’s Dayette! School lunch is purchased through PayPams, not through The Source/School Pay.

Culinary Services offers a variety of convenient ways to pay for school meals. Checks and cash are accepted by the school’s Lunchroom Manager either as a pre-paid deposit to a student’s account or for purchasing individual meals, milk or other a la carte item. Checks should be made payable to Culinary Services.

Student meals may also be paid for with a credit card online at PayPams.com. PayPams requires the Student’s ID number or meal account pin number (provided by the school) to create an account. The Student ID number can be found on report cards or by accessing The Source. PayPams charges users a payment transaction of $ 1.95 per student for each transaction.

Reminder: Ice Cream Social

Our annual ice cream social is September 1 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Class lists will be posted in windows. Our team took great care to develop the lists. There were hours of thought and consideration. Please do not request a classroom change at the ice cream social or on the first days of school. I’m confident that all our teachers will lead our students through a successful school year. We look forward to seeing students on campus again soon!

School Swag

You can buy our amazing B.F. Day School merchandise at Team Locker! Don’t forget to wear your Sun Dragon swag on Fridays!

Meet our New Nurse

My name is Annette Cologna, and I will be your nurse for B.F. Day this year. Check out my updates on the School Nurse webpage. 

A little about me: I went to University of Washington School of Nursing and graduated in 2000. After graduation, I worked in many states as a hospital nurse in different settings, specializing in caring for the heart and lungs. I have worked at Ballard High and Hamilton International Middle Schools for the past 6 plus years. I am confident I can care for your child’s ills, injuries, and health needs.

More about me: I am fun, kind, and have a big heart. I live close by in Ballard and love the community I live in. I have also heard many great things about B.F. Day’s community.

I am looking forward to meeting you and being your nurse! 

Meet our 5th Grade Math & Science Teacher

My name is Richard West and I’m very excited to be teaching 5th Grade Math and Science at B.F. Day! I just finished a year in the Seattle Teacher Residency, where I earned a Master in Teaching while co-teaching 5th grade at Maple Elementary. The year before, I worked with 5th graders at John Muir Elementary, and before that I spent the prior 10 years teaching academic English language skills mostly at the college level. I decided to move into Elementary teaching so I could create powerful learning experiences for more diverse learners, and also have a lot more fun during the day. I especially love bringing real world math and science problems into the classroom to make our work more meaningful.

I grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, with my parents, my little sister, and a bunch of animals. I went to Grinnell College in Iowa, then lived in Ohio for several years before moving to Seattle in 2017. When I’m not teaching, I’m playing music, ultimate frisbee, or board games, or doing fun things outside with my wife, my 3-year-old son, and my dog. I’m looking forward to being a Sun Dragon and a part of the B.F. Day community!

Congratulations, Ms. Davis!

This summer our second grade teacher, Eloise Davis, got married. 

Her new name at school is Mrs. Sidhu!

This summer I got married! Sunny and I celebrated our wedding with some traditional Indian celebrations with a wedding at the end of the week. 

Both of us felt so much joy being around all of our favorite people and are still in wedding bliss.

Art Teacher Congratulations!

This summer our art teacher, Janine Pierce, got married. Her new name at school is Mrs. Hall!

On Saturday Aug 20th I got married on the Hood Canal in Union, WA. to Max Devon Hall. Me (Ms. Pierce) and my husband Max will be combining our names and now I will go by Janine Chiorazzi (my maiden name) Hall. 

So instead, of going by “Ms. Pierce”, I will now be going by Mrs. Hall around the school. It may take a while to get used to for all of us including myself! I’m sure we will all have to remind each other for the rest of the year. I just wanted you all to know the happy news and join me in this new name transition! Looking forward to the new school year with you, in a new room, with a new name!

Yours in Art, Ms. Hall

Mark Your Calendars!

School Spirit Days

• October 7: Pajama Day
• November 4: College Swag Day
• December 2: Wacky Sock Day 
• January 27: Decades Day 
• February 10: Share the Love Day 
• March 3: Wacky Hair Day
• April 7: Superheroes Day
• May 5: Dress like a B.F. Day Teacher or Staff Member
• June 23: Sunglasses Day

Chat with the Principals Night

On Microsoft Teams:

• Thursday, September 29 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 4 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

A Note from our new Librarian Mrs. Papineau

Congratulations B.F. Day Readers on an amazing summer of reading!

A Special Congratulations goes out to those students who completed the 1000 Minutes of Reading challenge. As a reward you are invited to a special celebratory breakfast! 

Dates and times are as follows:

• Grade 6: 7:45-8:30 a.m.Friday, September 9 (you can walk in a parade to Hamilton afterward!)
• Grades K-5: 7:15-7:50 a.m., Tuesday, September 13

Both events will be in the library. Bring your completed form to breakfast or turn it in to Mrs. P. in the library beforehand. More updates on the B.F. Day Librarywebpage.

Covid Health & Safety Guidelines

Health and safety are top priorities for Seattle Public Schools (SPS). We continue to partner with staff and families, and with our local and state public health agencies — the Washington state Department of Health (DOH) and Public Health–Seattle & King County (PHSKC) — to keep our school communities healthy throughout the 2022-23 school year.

Keeping school communities healthy

During the 2022-23 school year, SPS will offer vaccine and booster clinics, and access to COVID-19 testing at schools to detect infection early.

SPS buildings meet indoor air quality standards set by air quality professionals. Common spaces will continue to be regularly cleaned.

COVID-19 Guidance

Recently, the DOH updated its COVID-19 guidance for the start of school.

Symptoms, testing, and isolating

The DOH requires anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 to stay home and get tested for COVID-19. Additional guidance includes:

• A person who tests positive for COVID-19 must isolate at home for five days. After five days, if symptoms improve and the person does not have a fever for at least 24 hours (without taking fever-reducing medications), they can return to school or work. COVID-19 tests are encouraged before returning.
• If an individual tests positive after five days of isolation, they must stay at home for the full 10-day isolation period.
• Anyone returning to school or work after isolation should wear a well-fitted mask from day six to 10. These individuals should also remain masked for sports and other extracurricular activities.
• If an individual is unable to wear a well-fitting mask, they should continue to isolate for a full 10 days. 

Notifications

Schools are required to have a process in place to notify families and staff about COVID-19 outbreaks.

• Schools are no longer required to directly notify high risk students.
• SPS will maintain a dashboard for total COVID-19 cases within buildings. We will also communicate directly with families who are impacted by COVID-19 outbreaks in school buildings. 

The DOH no longer requires the following at SPS facilities:

• Physical distancing
• Field trip restrictions
• Restrictions on assemblies and other gatherings
• Universal masking (except in medical spaces) 

SPS highly recommends the use of masks in school settings. The correct use of a well- fitting mask reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19. Masks will continue to be available in SPS buildings. 

Visit the COVID-19 response page for more information. Details about the monkeypox virus (MPV) are on the SPS website and in back-to-school packets families will receive on the first day of school. If you have questions, please contact us at csh@seattleschools.org. 

Together we can keep our schools healthy and thriving throughout the upcoming school year and beyond.

August 17, 2022

Dear B.F. Day Families,

Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! Our team has been especially busy this summer. Many teachers changed classrooms, we did a lot of cleaning around our building, and we’re bringing in new energy for the new year ahead. As we approach September, I am feeling hopeful and optimistic for the year ahead of us. We have a great team assembled, with so many strengths and talents. Our school year is looking to be just about as “normal” as it can be. We’ll be bringing back activities like after school enrichment, Dragon Dens, and our favorite B.F. Day traditions. We’ll be hosting in person, in building events on campus. Our enrollment remains steady, and we’re staffed for success. We certainly have a lot to celebrate ahead of us.

September 7 is the first day of school for grades 1-5. Please note that September 7 is not an early release day. The first day of school for Pre-K and Kindergarten students is September 12. Our Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers will host the annual family connection meetings September 7-9. We’ll be announcing the morning line up locations in an upcoming Dayette before the first day of school.

On a more personal note, I wanted to share that I am pregnant. I am expecting a baby girl in January. Our family is very excited to welcome the last addition to our bunch. I appreciate all the sentiments of support and congratulations from those that I’ve connected with this summer. The Family School is such a special community in so many ways. Thank you for your graciousness. I’ll be taking a maternity leave after winter break and look forward to returning to the principal’s office in the spring. While I’ll be taking a short break from the role of principal, I am not taking a break from being a B.F. Day parent. You’ll be seeing me at drop off and pick up, getting our Kindergartener to and from school.

I am grateful that you are a part of our Family School and I am very proud of our team and our community. I especially want to thank our new Assistant Principal, Dr. Morisco, for going above and beyond this summer to get our campus ready. Our school is grounded in inclusivity, love, and respect for our children. This year we will continue to celebrate our historic building as B.F. Day enters its 130th year in education. Together, we will have a successful and joyful 2022-2023 school year.

Go Sun Dragons! See you soon, 
Natalie

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Ice Cream Social & Classroom Assignments

Save the date! Our annual back to school ice cream social is scheduled for Thursday, September 1 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Thank you to our amazing PTSA for coordinating the ice cream! Class lists will be posted in windows and children are welcome to play on our playgrounds.

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Teaching Assignments

• Preschool
  • Kelsey Ledee 
  • Emilie Trott
  • Claire McCallum Special Education
• Kindergarten
  • Reny Mathan
  • Shellie Ferrel
  • Lauren Smith
• First Grade
  • Tracy Anderson 
  • Tamara Siler/Britta Steel
  • Joran Hanna
• Second Grade
  • Elizabeth Dawson
  • Randi Noreng
  • Eloise Davis
• Third Grade
  • Stephanie Hill
  • Carly Riepe
  • Jennie Berlin
  • Janet Sawyer
• Fourth Grade
  • Jennifer Hogue, Language Arts & Social Studies
  • Eric Richardson, Math & Science
• Fifth Grade
  • To be announced soon! Math & Science
  • Annalise Strand, Language Arts & Social Studies
• Special Education
  • Valerie Gildemaster, SEL
  • Deborah DeRaadt, Access
  • Lucy McMillan, Resource
• Specialists
  • Vince Delaney, P.E.
  • Bethany Grant-Rodriguez, Music
  • Janine Pierce, Art
• Support Teachers
  • Brooke Dawson, Multilingual Students, Kindergarten Reading
  • Jaimee Papineau, Librarian, 1st & 2nd Grade Reading
  • Doe Olegario, Grades 3-5 Reading & Math

Staff Directory

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Meet our Newest Staff

Makena Gadient: SEL Instructional Assistant

Hi Everyone!

My name is Makena and I’m super excited to be a part of BF Day! I’m currently a student at UW getting my special education certification. I am the oldest of three girls, and very close with my mom and sisters, plus Luna, who is my sister Jewel’s cat. This is a photo of us at Luna’s 3rd birthday party! I love glitter and sparkles, colors, dressing up, and playing pretend (as you can see in the other photo) I love to read and come up with stories, and travel too.

I was born and raised in Maui, Hawaii and have been working in special education at SPS for the past 6 years. I have worked with all ages of students and while in high school and college I volunteered at a summer camp for kids with disabilities age 5-21. I am very passionate about disability justice since my sister has cerebral palsy, as well as advocating with all the students and families I have the privilege of working with. I am a big believer in inclusion and anti-racist practices in and outside of the classroom. In the last few years I have been learning more about Ethnic Studies; and had the opportunity to teach 5 lessons on the Hawaiian Sovereignty movement with an Ethnic Studies framework this spring.

I am a visual artist as well as an educator, and love how the creativity and flexibility of art lends itself to working with students in schools. I am so excited to be at BF Day as a special education IA / student teacher this upcoming year. I truly can’t wait to meet you all!

Abby Baker: Access Instructional Assistant

My name is Abby Baker and I will be an IA on the Access team. I have worked as an IA in the Pre-K program here at B.F. Day, and also at Hazel Wolf K-8 on the elementary team. I am excited to be returning to B.F. Day and am looking forward to a great year working with our students and being part of a great team.

I grew up along the Jersey Shore, moved to Seattle to attend UW, and graduated with a BA in Art History. I love anything to do with the beach, especially lighthouses. I have 3 kids, a high school junior, a sophomore at Whitman College, and a Senior at UW. My husband and I have lived in NE Seattle for the past 23 years.

Elise Dibble: Front Office Assistant

Hi B.F. Day family!

My name is Elise and I’ll be moving into the Office Assistant role. I’m a brand-new University of Washington graduate and I am thrilled to share my experience with this community and to learn even more from all of you! In my educational background, I focused a lot on disability and identity studies, and my passion is for creating and maintaining safe spaces for all students, but especially neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+ students. My long-term goal is to work in academic counseling in higher education, but I am so excited for this role because I know big dreams start at young ages, and I know how important it is to nurture young minds from the very beginning.

When I’m not working as a server at Eureka! in U-Village, I love gardening, baking, and watercolor painting. I have a special love for bees and am cultivating a pollinator garden plan for next spring, and my favorite Seattle activity is going to the Woodland Park Zoo to ride the carousel! I also love fun earrings (the ones in this picture are gummy bears I got at a maker’s fair on campus) and will often be wearing fun designs!

I can’t wait to meet everyone and to work with your community and your children! See you soon!
– Elise

Jordan Hanna: First Grade Teacher

Hi! My name is Jordan Hanna, and I have been teaching in Seattle for 7 years. I taught 3rd and 1st grade at John Rogers, 2nd grade for four years at West Woodland, and then looped with my distance learning class to 3rd grade last year. I am a strong advocate for racial equity and have been a member of the Race and Equity team at WWE for the last five years, in addition to being a member of the new Advanced Learning team to bring opportunities to all students. I love teaching math and am committed to integrating STEAM lessons within my classroom. I push independence and leadership in my classroom and encourage students to self-advocate for their learning. I want each of my students to feel respected, confident, and empowered.

I grew up in Seattle swimming, playing board games, cooking, and hiking with my family. Now I row for Lake Union Crew and do Orange Theory, enjoy farmers’ markets, checking out new restaurants and cafes with my sister, and growing my plant collection. I live with my two kitties, Leo and Bella. I am so excited to be a Sun Dragon and part of the B.F. Day community!

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Supplies

Consistent with previous years, no school supply lists will be distributed this year.

B.F. Day orders school supplies in bulk. This saves on costs and ensures the teachers have all of the materials that they need.

Please consider a $40 donation to the B.F. Day PTSA to cover your child’s supplies for the year. As not all families may be able to afford $40, we encourage donations of all amounts. If you prefer to write a check, there is a box in the front office where checks can be stored for the PTSA Treasurer to pick up.

B.F. Day PTSA PayPal Supplies Donation

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Attendance & Tardies

The new school year is a great opportunity to reinvent morning routines so that your child can get to campus on time. Being on time is the best way for your child to start the day! Students may arrive on campus as early at 7:35. They may play on the playground, line up in their classroom area, or get breakfast in the cafeteria. The first bell rings at 7:50. This is when classes will begin moving inside. Instruction begins at 7:55. Please support your child’s classroom and limit interruptions by arriving at campus on time.

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Buying School Lunch This Year

Last year school breakfast and lunch were free for every student. This year, SPS is returning to a paid system. Students will be issued a lunch code to debit their transactions. If you would like to check your balance or put money on your child’s lunch account, log onto the PayPams Account.

We encourage all families that may qualify for free and reduced lunch to apply. Students approved for free and reduced lunch may be eligible for other school benefits such as reduced field trip fees and discounted home internet.

Breakfast and lunch will be served at no cost to K-12 children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Breakfast is $2.25. Lunch is $3.25.

Learn More on SPS School Lunch

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Snacks

Our teachers keep extra snacks handy to distribute as needed. Consider donating snacks to your child’s teacher, the front office, or your child’s Special Education teacher. Items like applesauce pouches and crackers make great snacks!

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After School Enrichment

After school enrichment is back! Many thanks to the PTSA volunteers that are coordinating this work. Enrichment classes will be about $150/class. There will be fall, winter, and spring offerings. Classes are taught from 2:30 – 3:30/4:00. Parents register directly through vendors. Information about what is offered and when to register will be sent through a September Dayette. Fall classes will begin in October.

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Transportation

Consistent with last year, Seattle Public Schools is experiencing a bus driver shortage. We are not expecting our big buses to resume in the fall. When we get notification that big buses are running, we will certainly be in contact as soon as we can. A lack of big buses presents a burden to families, especially to working families and children attending Wallingford Boys and Girls Club. We’ll continue to partner with PTSA to determine the feasibility of a long-term walking bus. Please email volunteer@bfdayptsa.org if you’re able to support.

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A Note From our Counselor Food Bags for Families

Dear B.F. Day Community,

I am John Taylor and I am the school counselor at B.F. Day. I want to share a resource for families who may need weekly food assistance. We partner with Wallingford’s Family Works Food Bank to provide weekly, non-perishable food bags. Students will receive a bag each Friday afternoon. If you are interested in this form of assistance, please reach out to myself or Ms. Sonja and I will connect with you to follow up!

Thank you and look forward to seeing everyone in September! 
John Taylor
Jrtaylor@seattleschools.org

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B.F. Day Now Hiring

We’re hiring playground supervisors for this school year. We’re looking for 2 adults, age 18 or older, for about 2.5 hours per day. The times are 10:15 – 12:40. Playground supervisors monitor behavior and games to ensure they are positive and fun. Most importantly, they have fun with the students! The hours are Monday – Friday, all weather conditions. 

This is a great job for an active parent, neighbor, or grandparent that has a couple hours to hang out with fun little people in Fremont!  Must be a high school graduate and be able to pass a Washington State background check. And, as a staff member you would need to be fully vaccinated. Pay is $16.69/hr, and while this is not a benefited position, kids keep you young! Please contact Ms. Sonja, smhaas@seattleschools.org if you’re interested in this position.

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The PTSA Needs You!

Open positions on PTSA for next year are:

• Building Leadership Team (BLT) Co-chair
• Communications (e-news)
• Library Liaison
• Social
• Staff Appreciation
• Technology

If you’re interested in volunteering, please visit our Current Volunteer Opportunites page.

For additional information about us can be found on our B.F. Day PTSA Website Members page and consider Joining the B.F. Day PTSA today!

Questions? Email! president@bfdayptsa.org

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Moving Day

While many of our teachers are teaching the same grade level as last year, most of our teachers are in a new classroom assignment. 

Some of the reasons for the classroom moves include:

• Improved collaboration for the Special Education team; teaching within closer proximity of each other
• Improved proximity for students receiving Special Education services; closer to homeroom classroom and office supports
• Two-thirds of kindergarten classrooms have greater square footage for student movement and teaching
• Art is now located in the kiln room
• Music has an improved classroom assignment with improved student visibility to teacher and greater square footage
• Occupational therapy has greater square footage for sensory and movement work
• Kindergarten and first grade teachers are working within closer proximity of each other for increased collaboration

We’ve been moving teachers over three separate dates. Our last moving date is August 22, beginning at 9:00 a.m. If you’re able to volunteer please email jsmorisco@seattleschools.org It’s extra helpful if you bring a hand truck! Many, many thanks to the parents that have already come out to lend a hand at previous moving dates. We appreciate you so much!

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What’s coming up this fall? 

• First day of school for grades 1-5: September 7
• Family conferences for Pre-K & Kindergarten: September 7-9
• Incoming Kindergarten Playdate: September 10 10:00 a.m. – noon at B.F. Day playground
• First day of school for Pre-K & Kindergarten: September 12
• Picture Day: September 21
• Chat with the Principals Night: September 29, 6:30 – 8:00 (on Microsoft Teams) 
• Curriculum Night: October 6, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.; on campus and in person

June 17, 2022

Dear B. F. Day Families,  
Thank you for a wonderful school year! This week we celebrated the successes and achievements of our students. We’re proud to send off our 5th graders into middle school, and we’re excited to welcome in our newest group of Kindergarteners for Jump Start in August. Today we held our annual staff v. 5th graders kickball game on the upper uppers. It was an exciting event! Thank you to Mr. Luke for being the referee, including wearing one of Mr. D’s amazing black/white striped shirts! We are closing our school year with so much love, joy, and excitement.  
 
Dr. Morisco and I are hopeful for all that a new school year will bring. We will be working over the summer to prepare to welcome back our students and staff for a successful 2022-2023 school year. This summer, Mr. Taylor and I are also beginning our work to become a nationally recognized school counseling program at B.F. Day. I am especially looking forward to bringing back B.F. Day traditions next year, like Dragon Dens and Village Day.  

We love your children. Thank you for entrusting them in our care this school year. Wishing you and your family a healthy summer vacation ahead. Make lots of memories! See you in September!  

Gratefully, 

Natalie 

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Help Wanted! 

We’re looking for parent volunteers that can help move boxes and small furniture during the month of August. To poise all our students for success, we’ll be reassigning some teachers into new classrooms. The move will be a community effort! Please email nlzisko@seattleschools.org if you’re able to help!  

Congratulations Ms. Sonja!  

Ms. Sonja will be replacing Ms. Carrie in the front office. Her new title is Administrative Secretary. We are so happy and fortunate that she agreed to make this big transition! In the coming days, we will begin our search for a second office assistant to replace Sonja’s previous position. Congratulations, Ms. Sonja! 

I am 

by 

Sonja Haas 

I am Daughter, Sister, Mother, Partner 

I am beach, and sand, and sea, and sun 

I am an island dreamer 

I am vintage cars 

I am late night drives with windows rolled down and loud music. 

Yes, I AM that person 

I am Minnesotan even though my path has been in Seattle longer 

I am a Cobblers daughter 

I am a camera lens & a filter 

I am hope 

I am happy 

I am love and loved 

I am Groot 

And now, 

I am the Head Secretary at B.F. Day 

School Gear 

Every Friday we wear B.F. Day spirit gear! Here’s the link to order school swag.

New Preschool Instructional Assistants 

Next school year, each of our Preschool classrooms will have one teacher and two Instructional Assistants. We will also have one Special Education teacher. Joining the team as Instructional Assistants are Ms. Gina and Ms. Vicky. Congratulations to both on their new roles! Below are brief introductions: 

Hey, everyone! 

My name is Gina Peterson, and I am going to be an Instructional Assistant with the wonderful preschool team. I have been with B.F. Day for three years working as an Itinerant IA and I am excited for next year to have it be official!  My background is a BA in Psychology and a few Early Childhood Education Certificates. Over the years I have worked with families from a diverse range of cultures and age groups. I love working in a collaborative environment where kids are encouraged to feel creative, safe, to try new things, and have fun. I believe that we have the power to unfold children’s potential through art, music, science, and pro-social skills. We also can encourage kids to trust their internal wisdom to explore with imagination. For fun I like to sing, write songs, play 

 with my dogs, visit with friends and family, practice my Spanish and travel to new places. I am grateful to continue being a part of the special BF Day family.  

Hello B.F. Day Family! 

My name is Victoria Stewart. Or, once you get to know me, you can simply call me “Vicki”. I’m thrilled to join the illustrious B.F. Day staff and Preschool team in the role of Pre-K Instructional Assistant starting Fall 2022. 

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and moved to Seattle, Washington in the Summer of 2000. I have a BS degree in Landscape Architecture from California State Polytechnic University Pomona and I am currently working on getting my BAS degree in Early Childhood Education at North Seattle College. 

I come from a design and customer service background. Some of the jobs I’ve had includes working in Project Management at LA Parks and Recreation when I lived in Los Angeles. When I moved to Seattle, I was a real estate broker for 10 years and then worked for a couple of years at Tree Solutions as a Consulting Arborists’ Assistant. 

I live in the Wallingford neighborhood with my husband (a native Seattleite), daughter, son, and cat named Ozzy. We have been a part of the B.F. Day family for a total of 10 years. This year marked a bittersweet end of a chapter with both of my kids now completing their K-5th grade schooling here. My youngest, Ryan Stewart, had his 5th grade promotion tonight. However, I’m glad that I am continuing on and not yet “graduating” from B.F. Day. 

I’ve searched a long time for my calling and what truly brings me joy while feeling I am doing something good and being of service. When I took on the part-time job of Preschool Tutor last November here at B.F. Day, interacting and working with the preschoolers daily and seeing them learn new things and make discoveries reminded me of the early days of raising my kid’s and, most of all, it confirmed to me that I am indeed on the right path. Also, my mom was an elementary school teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District for many years. I guess the older I get, I’m seeing that I want to be more like my mom and work at a school! 

On my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, petting my cat, cooking, weeding (ha ha), hiking, camping, traveling, reading, writing, listening to music (my teen daughter has introduced me to K-pop and I love it), and watching movies and YouTube. 

Thank you for the opportunity to allow me to continue being a part of this wonderful and diverse community. I look forward to getting to know more of you.