Lakota Middle School Falcons - School Web Sites - Federal Way ...

Lakota Middle School
1415 SW 314th St
Federal Way, WA 98023
(253) 945-4800
www.fwps.org/lakota
Highlights From The Principal—Pam Tuggle
Page 1
Lakota Middle School
Falcons
August 2012
Pam Tuggle, Principal
Michael McCarthy, Assistant Principal
Lakota Calendar
Dear Lakota Families,
Bienvenido de Nuevo (Spanish), Maligayang Pagbalik (Tagalog),
Welcome Back! It is almost time for a new school year to begin. I know
you are all enjoying the final days of summer break and we are busy getting
ready to open the doors to greet each and every one of you with excitement
for another outstanding year at Lakota Middle School. We have
some BIG changes for our students and staff this year, changes that are
guaranteed to create great enthusiasm and highly engage us all in learning
like never before. I am pleased to announce our new “academy” framework
for our 6 th and 7 th graders and our new comprehensive schedule for
our 8 th graders. Of course, a long standing academy at Lakota is our
Cambridge Academy, which remains at all three grade levels. We currently
have a waiting list for the Cambridge Academy, but please inquire
about it, if you are interested, because we have some other options. Additionally,
our excellent AVID program is growing strong in all three grade
levels. Relationships, Relevance and Rigor continue to be a strong focus
for us and are embedded in all learning environments at Lakota, but the
new Academy structure this year includes:
Technology Academy - 6 th and 7 th grades
Integrated Environmental and Sustainability Academy
(IESA) 6 th /7 th grade
Lakota Arts Academy – 6 th and 7 th grades
Please read further in this newsletter for a more in depth description of
each new academy or look on our website for details. http://
schools.fwps.org/lakota/
Our 8 th grade Academy is on a six period day schedule with tablet and laptop
technology readily accessible to enhance their integrated and blended
learning process. Because we continue to believe strongly in Howard
Gardner’s multiple human intelligences of every individual, we want to
offer what ignites “passion” in our students’ learning and provide them
multiple opportunities to express their learning in different ways.
August
20—8th Grade Schedule Pickup 9:00-12:00
20—7th Grade Schedule Pickup 1:00-4:00
21—6th Grade Schedule Pickup 9:00-12:00
21—Open Schedule Pickup 4:00-7:00
28—Summer Success Camp 8:30—12:30
September
4—No School—Labor Day
5—First Day of School
5—1st Sports Season Begins
12—Student Pictures
October
4—Lakota Open House
12—No School—Teacher In-Service
November
5—2nd Sports Season Begins
8/9—No School—Student Led Conferences
12—No School—Veterans Day
22/23—No school—Thanksgiving Break
December
24— Jan - 4 No school—Winter Break
January
21—No School—Martin Luther King Jr. Day
31—No School—Data Day
School Hours
8:00—2:45
Office Hours
7:30—3:30

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Highlights From The Principal—Continued
I get really excited just thinking about tapping into the amazing potential of our kids. Along with that, we
will be designing lessons through “project based learning” or PBL a lot more this year, so students can use
their multiple intelligences in all content areas. PBL highly engages students in their learning process,
even students who don’t always want to be engaged, will become more involved. With the federal
standards of “Common Core” upon us, we want to make sure our students are well prepared and
challenged with these new standards and learning targets that integrate their knowledge and allow it to
be demonstrated in so many different ways. I will be sharing more information as we go this year. The
many years we have spent on Standards-based education just lends itself to a much more successful transition
to the Common Core Standards. We will continue our “engaging” conversations about Standardsbased
education, assessment, grading and the Common Core Standards at the monthly “Coffee and
Conversations with the Principal,” again this year. However, I am always open for a great conversation
about kids and their learning or all of the exciting things going on in our school and our district. Below is a
simple illustration of the multiple intelligences for your reference.
I want to extend my heartfelt and personal welcome to all of our new students and families and of course,
I am excited to see our returning families and students. We anticipate having more than 800 students this
year, so we will be ONE, BIG, HAPPY FAMILY! We also have some outstanding new staff joining us at
Lakota this year. Again, Welcome All! In our main office, you will want to meet Ms.
Denise Dagley, our new Coordinator of Office Operations, who comes to us by way of Silver Lake
Elementary and TAF Academy. Of course, we don’t want to overlook Ms. Lisa Sotl, who joined us mid-year
last year and has done a tremendous job as our Registrar/Data Secretary. You will find a list of all staff
members included in this newsletter to help you get acquainted with us.

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Highlights From The Principal—Continued
Some important dates to remember:
8/20 9am-12pm 8 th Grade Schedule pickup
1pm-4pm
7 th Grade Schedule pickup
8/21 9am-12pm 6 th Grade Schedule pickup
4pm-7pm
All Grades schedule pickup
8/28 8:30am-12:30pm 6 th Grade Summer Success Camp
(Pre-registration is still open)
9/5 8am-2:45pm first school day
(School uniform required)
9/12 All Day Picture Day – Free Dress Day
10/4 6:30pm-8:00pm Open House
During schedule pickups, our Lakota PTA will be signing up new memberships and selling Lakota
Wear, so please stop by their table and see what we are all about. Last year, our PTA was recognized
by the State as, PTA of the YEAR! We had over 225 members. For the
past three years we have logged in 2000-3000 hours of volunteer time in our school for each
year. We enjoy working together in our community and for our kids. Please introduce yourself
to Theo Butler, our PTA president and the other Board members.
Finally, in Lakota Native American culture, family and community are the foundations of life and
we want to be a demonstration of the Lakota ideals such as strength, cooperation, generosity, affinity
(kinship) and community. We all have something to give and add value to our community.
What a great journey we are on together this year. Again, I say …
welcome!
Ms. Pam Tuggle, Principal
“Respect means listening until everyone has been heard and understood; only then is there a
possibility of balance and harmony.” Dave Chief (grandson of Red Dog)

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Assistant Principal’s Corner—Michael McCarthy
Dear Falcons Families and Friends,
It’s hard to believe that the summer is quickly coming to an end and we are preparing for
another year. I would personally like to welcome each of you to the 2012-13 school year; it is going to be
an excellent one! For those of you joining the Falcon Nest for the first time, I am excited to meet you and
for those familiar to the flock, it will be great having you return to Lakota. We have some incredibly exciting
programs and activities for you and your students to be a part of this year. A new Academy focus
for 6 th and 7 th grade will allow students to explore and discover their talents in the Arts Academy, in the
Technology Academy, or in the Integrated Environmental and Sustainability Academy. We will also
continue our highly successful Cambridge Academy as well during the 2012-13 school year for all grade
levels.
Our teachers, counselors, and support staff have been working extremely hard to prepare for your arrival
attending training and professional development, scheduling classes, cleaning the facility, designing
curriculum, and creating excellent programs just for you! We will be welcoming several new staff members
to Lakota this year as well and are ecstatic about their passion for creating the best possible learning
environment for each and every Lakota Falcon.
As the Assistant Principal, I wear several hats to ensure that we are offering you and your child that
best possible learning environment. My responsibilities include supervision of our building-wide climate
and behavior expectations, Student Discipline, oversight of such programs as athletics, activities, and
community partnerships (including the Watch D.O.G.S. program) and shared leadership of Teaching for
Learning within our building focusing on Math, Science, PE and Music. Just as I will commit to listening
to your students when they have concerns, I welcome any comments, ideas or feedback you have for
Lakota in these, and other areas, as we move through the year.
I’d like to take some time to highlight several pieces of information in this newsletter.
Summer Success Camp
August 28 th - 6 th Grade Families please send your student this exciting event so they can get a jump
start on learning the Falcon Way.
Registration/Schedule Pick Up
August 20 & 21 - All students should plan on attending registration this year. Pay fees, pick up athletic
forms (and for 6 th and 7 th grade students not already in the Cambridge Program)—Select your Academy
preferences (Arts, IESA, or Technology). For more information please see the Lakota Website or stop by
the main office for details.
Lakota Standardized Uniform Policy (Dress Code)
Lakota has been a uniform school for many years. Staff, students, parents and community members collaborated
to create the current Lakota Standardized Uniform Policy to serve two purposes:
To promote a safe and civil school community
To support an atmosphere that encourages learning

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At Lakota, we like to believe that the Uniform Policy does accomplish these purposes. On any given day,
staff can look out amongst the student body and see who belongs and who does not. We can identify
guests, staff members, and potential threats to our school community easily because of our policy. In
addition, the uniform policy works to promote a level of professionalism each of our students will need as
they continue to emerge as our nation’s future leaders. Based on the 2011-12 school year, I have created
a list of tips and reminders regarding uniforms:
Dress Code Tips and Reminders:
Hats are not to be visible during the school day and should be stored in students’ backpacks
Black denim or jean fabric/material should not be worn as part of the Lakota uniform.
No form-fitting, yoga style pants, spandex clothing, or otherwise revealing pants or tops should be
worn as a part of the Lakota uniform.
Students may purchase Lakota Wear Crew-Style Sweatshirts from the main office for $11.00.
Lakota T-Shirts are also available for purchase through clubs and activities.
PE uniform items may not be worn as a part of the Lakota Uniform.
Accessories such as bracelets, belts, jewelry, socks, hair clips or bands, etc must not create a distraction.
If students are not in compliance with the Lakota Middle School Standardized Dress Policy, they will
not be admitted to class. Instead they will be given an opportunity to change clothing via the Lakota
Uniform Closet or by calling a parent/guardian. Disciplinary consequences will not result from violations
of the dress code. However, if a student becomes defiant about following a staff member’s reasonable
request to change, go to the uniform closet, or call home for replacement garments, consequences
will result. In addition, the act of repeatedly refusing to abide by the Standardized Dress
Policy will be considered an act of defiance and will result in disciplinary consequences.
It is going to be a great year! Thank you for entrusting your children to us; I look forward to seeing you
and your student in the upcoming weeks.
In Service,
Mike McCarthy
Assistant Principal
mmccarth@fwps.org
253 945-4815

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Nurse Notes—Mrs. Overton
Welcome back to all returning Falcons and welcome to our new families. I am the
school nurse and I am in this office Mondays and Wednesdays. If you have health concerns,
need insurance or help finding a provider, give me a call.
Remember that if your child has a potentially life threatening condition such as diabetes
or an Epi-pen for severe allergies, I must have all orders,
medications, and care plans in place BEFORE school
starts including training appropriate staff. Please call or e-
mail me to set up an appointment.
Individuals and families should make plans now for
keeping themselves and their children at home and away
from work, school, and child cares if they are ill until they are
no longer infectious. This also means working with schools
to assure learning continues at home whenever possible.
A reminder about medications: ALL prescription medications
taken at school must have a written doctor’s order,
parent permission, and labeled container. This includes inhalers for asthma. You can
pick up the forms from the front office or health room. Over-the-counter medications may
be carried by the student with a written note from the parent/guardian, and only one
day’s dosage. Remember no sharing with other students.
To reach me, call 253-945-4809 or e-mail me at soverton@fwps.org with any questions
or concerns.
All students enrolled in P.E. class will be required to wear a P.E. uniform along with
tennis shoes and socks. The student’s name will be printed on the white identification
bars on the uniforms. Students should remember that prevention is the best deterrent to
theft and always lock up their uniform securely in their PE locker. Do Not bring tennis
shoes from home until requested by the P.E. staff. Uniforms will be available for purchase
at registration and throughout the school year.
The uniform cost is $11.00: $6.50 for shorts and $4.50 for shirt. We also offer
sweatpants for $10.50 as an optional item.

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If you have fines from lost or late library or text books, you will need to
clear them. Please remember that outstanding fines can affect sports eligibility
and other school activities.
You’ve been caught exhibiting excellent behavior at Lakota. When the staff of Lakota
observes a student showing respect and support for fellow students, demonstrating Falcon
pride for school building and environment, being helpful and supportive to staff, and/or taking responsibility
at Lakota for their actions, they will be given a GOTCHA slip. The slips will have the student name as well
as explaining the excellent behavior that they were observed demonstrating. It can be redeemed on Fridays
during the student’s lunch.
The program is one of the many ways that Lakota celebrates student successes, so if your student
gets a GOTCHA, be sure to celebrate with them. It means they should take great pride in their accomplishments
and we GOTCHA doing something good.
Cell Phones
Students may carry cell phones with them at school, but may not have them turned
on for any reason during the school day, unless under the direct supervision of a teacher
for academic purposes, they must be turned off prior to entering the building each
morning and they can be turned on once the final dismissal bell has rung.
Use of cell phones for any reason during the school day can be disruptive
and is prohibited. The phone must remain in a pocket, backpack,
or purse. Cell phones out during the school day can be cause for discipline
and the phone can be taken by a staff member. The school is not responsible
for loss or theft of cell phones.
Stay Connected to Your Student—Lakota and the Federal Way School District provide a
number of ways that you can stay connected with your student.
E-mail or Call Teachers: The Lakota website also provides this information under the staff
information link.
Homework Hotline: Lakota teachers record homework information that is available on
their voicemail. Phone numbers are available on our website.
School and District Websites
Online Grades
BE INVOLVED!!!

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Attendance Information You Need to Know—Mrs. Ancheta
The attendance phone number is 253-945-4812
When a Student Arrives Late
If you are not in your first period class when the bell rings, you are tardy. The Student Handbook lists
the consequences for tardies, and these are cumulative.
Set your alarm—Oversleeping is not considered an excused absence or excused late arrival.
When a Student Leaves Early
If your student needs to leave early for an appointment, please send a note with them in the morning.
We will issue an Off-Campus pass and you can sign them out at the Attendance office.
Last minute appointments or plans do come up, and we just ask that you call us as soon as you know,
and we will do our best to get the pass to your student ahead of time. PE, music classes, and lunches take more
time to locate students. On assembly days, we can seat students at the bottom of the bleachers if we know ahead
of time that they will need to leave.
When a Student Stays Home Sick
Please call our Attendance office when you know your student will be absent for the day. You can call
before school starts and leave a message with your student’s name and reason for absence.
The school needs notification each day your child is ill unless you have notified us in advance. If you
forget to call first thing in the morning, you can call any time of the day or send a note when your student returns
to school.
If you know in advance that your student will be absent for three or more days, please let the Attendance
office know in writing. Your student can request homework in advance from his or her teachers for the time
they will be gone.
Homework
If students are ill for three days or more, parents/guardians may request homework to be picked up after
24 hours from the notice.
For extended absences approved by parent/guardian for more than three days (pre-arranged absences),
the unfavorable effect on the education progress may be minimized by requesting approval for the absence in
writing at least three days prior to the absence, requesting make-up work from the student’s teachers at least three
days in advance, and following established timelines to return the completed work.
When a Student is Absent Too Much
Students with accumulated unexcused absences will become subject to the Becca Bill (Washington
State’s Compulsory School Attendance Law). Failure to comply with the law may subject the student and parents
to legal sanctions.

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Connect-Ed
The Federal Way Public School District uses the Connect-Ed call out system as one way to
communicate with parents. It provides notification of school closures, emergencies, attendance
information, and event information. In order for it to work, we must have correct
contact information for you. If you need to change your contact information, call the office
at 253-945-4800. If you do not wish to receive the information and grade threshold calls,
you may fill out a form at the main office to opt-out of these calls. You will not be able to
opt-out of attendance or emergency calls.
Bus Schedules
2012-2013 bus schedules are listed here: http://www.fwps.org/info/bus/
If you do not have internet access, you can find them printed in the Federal Way Mirror. Please
check them carefully, as they may have changed from last year. If you have questions about busses,
please call FWPS Transportation at 253-945-5960.
Learning Opportunities For Our Students—Mrs. Silver
After School Tutoring and Homework Club: Teachers will be available after school
Mondays through Thursdays to help students in math, reading, writing, and science. Laptops will
be provided for student use. Students who use IXL and Teenbiz during the school day will have
the opportunity to continue working on these programs after school. More information will be
sent home soon!
First Lego League Team at Lakota: Last year’s sixth and seventh grade students
participated in the 1st FLL Team at Lakota. Any interested students are welcome to attend the
first meeting of this year, which will be announced very soon.
Information about clubs and other after school activities will be announced in the mornings
and will be included in newsletters and/or on the Lakota website. Students who stay for activities
after school will be provided transportation home, if they normally ride the bus. The hours are
2:45 – 3:45.
Any questions, please contact Mrs. Silver, at 253-945-4803.
Volunteering at Lakota….Welcome to Lakota. Our office is here to help you make your volunteering experience
a positive one. Below you will find some basic information. If at any time you have questions regarding our policies
or procedures, please do not hesitate to ask the office staff. Steps to volunteering:
1. Complete or have on file the Washington State Patrol background forms. The background check may take
several weeks to process. You must be cleared before you volunteer, so please obtain a packet and turn the
forms several weeks prior to the date you wish to begin volunteering. If you have a form on file with another
school, you may have the school fax a copy to Lakota. The background check is good for 2 years.
2. Sign in and out of the office on the volunteer binder. Please take a volunteer sticker and wear it
while you are on campus. Please make sure you total and record your own hours each time you
volunteer.
3. Questions? Please contact Rose Ancheta at 253-945-4812.

Picture Day—Wednesday, September 12
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School pictures will be taken on Wednesday, September 12th. These pictures will be used for school yearbooks,
student ID cards, and the student’s permanent record file for identification. Pictures for school use are
taken at NO COST to you.
Look for order forms to come home with your student after school begins!
2012-2013 Student Planner
Student planners will cost $5.00 this year. All students are required to have their planner
at school everyday. If a student misplaces their planner, the replacement cost will be $5.00.
Planners contain the Student Handbook. All students and parents are responsible for
reading the handbook so you will know and understand school policies and procedures.
Lakota Lunches
Lunch will be provided starting the first day of school. Student meal prices are
$2.75 for a full lunch including milk, breakfast is $1.50, and milk is $0.50. Adult meals
are $3.75 for a full lunch and $2.50 for breakfast.
You may prepay for lunches online at http://www.fwps.org/dept/nutrition/ or by
calling 253-945-5555.
Free and Reduced Meals: If you were in the Free and Reduced Meal Program
last year, you will receive an application in the mail for the 2012-2013 school year.
If you have an application on file from the 2011-2012 school year, you have a 30-day grace period to renew
your application. During this time your student will be on the same meal status as the prior
year, even if you reapply and your meal status changes to paid. If you were not on the Free or
Reduced Meal Program last year, you will need to either send meals with your student or pay
for meals at school until your application for 2012-2013 is processed and approved.
If you have any questions about any Nutrition Services program, please call at 253-945-5555.
On-Line Grades
To view your student’s grades on-line, please access this website:
http://grades.fwps.org
1. Select Lakota from the school list
2. Enter your student’s ID number
3. Enter your student’s password
4. Click “Check Grades”
5. Click “View Grade Book” graphic to view gradebook details
Your student’s ID number and password are available from the office or
their teachers. It will also be sent home with student mid-September.
Federal Way
Public Schools
We’re on the
web!
Federal Way Public
Schools Homepage
www.fwps.org
Lakota Homepage
www.fwps.org/lakota