1739 NE Park Drive Issaquah WA 98029 425-837-7925
Grand Ridge Elementary E-News
April 18, 2008
Principal Corner
Did you know that by kindergarten age, the average child has spent more time watching television than a college student has spent in four years of classes, about 5,000 hours?
We encourage you to take part in National T.V. Turn Off Week this month. From April 21st-28th you can join eight million other viewers in pulling the plug on T.V. and video games for at least a week. The benefits of stepping away from television or video games include increased family togetherness, a defense against obesity, and added learning through more time reading and doing other activities.
Looking ahead to the 2008-09 School Year
We are looking at our student numbers for the 2008-09 school year. If your family is moving, or your child will not be attending Grand Ridge next year, please let the office know as soon as possible. Thank you.
Stanford 10 Results
Parents of students in grades K-9 will be able to view their students’ Stanford 10 test scores online in Family Access by mid-May. Additional information will be available when the results become active in Family Access. Side note: 2008/09 Teacher Assignments will also be posted on Family Access in late August.
Class Picture Day
Class pictures and individual spring portraits will be held on Tuesday, May 6th. Look for order forms to come home with your child!
Health Room News -Attention Fifth Grade Parents: Two new Immunization Requirements!
Varicella (Chickenpox) and Tdap are required for students entering sixth grade in September 2008
Varicella (Chickenpox) – Vaccine or Parent Reported Disease History
Students entering sixth grade are required to have the Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccine or parent documentation of disease history.
Tdap (given after 11th birthday)
Students entering sixth grade are required to have the Tdap vaccination if they are 11 years old and it has been five years since receiving a tetanus-containing vaccine (DTaP, DT, or Td). Tdap vaccine protects adolescents against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. It is recommended for all children 11 years and older. This vaccine replaces one tetanus-diphtheria (Td) booster.
Washington State allows exemption from these vaccines for medical, personal or religious reasons.
Your child’s middle school must have documentation of these immunizations before the first day of school September 3, 2008. A health check-up that includes vaccinations is recommended for all children 11-12 years of age. Schedule your child’s check-up appointment at least one month before school starts to make sure they get the vaccinations needed for school. A sports physical form is needed for participation in middle school sports. You can download it from Pine Lake or Issaquah Middle School’s website.
In February/March, notification letters will be mailed to parents of fifth grade students. Return the letter to elementary school office with updated information as soon as it is available. The Tdap can be given after your child’s 11th birthday (not before).
Summer Program
Looking for a great summer camp for your student? CLUB MID offers tremendous opportunities for graduating 5th grade students that you cannot find anywhere else! Please click on this link to visit the website for more information. Registration ends April 30th!! http://www.issaquah.wednet.edu/district/departments/sac/mid.asp
The Grizzly Growl
The Grand Ridge PTSA newsletter, The Grizzly Growl will be published twice monthly on Fridays. To access the newsletter, go to: www.grandridgeptsa.org Click on the "latest Grizzly Growl”.
Dates to Remember:
MAY
06 Class Pictures and Spring Portraits
12-16 Staff Appreciation Week
22 Save the date – Luau at Grand Ridge
26 NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day
28 Kindergarten Parent Orientation meeting, 2 PM
29 Volunteer Tea – Look for invite to come home!
29 PTSA General Membership Meeting, 10 AM, Grizzly Club
JUNE
4 School tours for incoming kindergarteners,
4-6 PM
16 5th Grade Farewell Ceremonies
19 Last day of school