August 2012 Newsletter - Federal Way Public Schools

Sacajawea Middle School
Back to School News
August 2012
253-945
945-49004900 Website: www.fwps.org/sac
1101 South Dash Point Road – Federal Way, WA 98003
JoAnne Landis, Principal
Scott Haines, Assistant Principal
A message from the Principal
Dear Sacajawea Family,
I want to officially welcome all of you to the 2012-2013 school year! Summer has come and gone and now it is
time to continue with the excellent traditions of Sacajawea, as well as to introduce new staff and revisit our
school vision.
Sacajawea staff have been busy preparing for another amazing year. Over the summer break the school has
been cleaned, repainted and reorganized. Our dedicated staff has been working hard to ensure a successful
start of school on Wednesday, September 5, 2012.
This will be my first year as Principal of Sacajawea, and I am thrilled at the opportunity to continue the
outstanding work I have been a part of as Assistant Principal as we engage in the educational process together.
The middle school years are critical times of development for students and families alike, and I look forward to
working with all of you to make this year successful. I am a lifelong educator who brings a firm commitment to
students and families as well as a love of learning and problem solving.
As I have evolved in my role to Principal, that created an opening for a new Assistant Principal. I am excited to
introduce Scott Haines as a new Warrior. Prior to joining the Sacajawea team, Mr. Haines was a Dean of
Students at Sequoyah for two years, and before that taught at Todd Beamer High School and Saghalie Middle
School. Mr. Haines brings a wealth of experiences to his role as Sacajawea's new Assistant Principal. When
you meet him I have no doubt that you'll find him to be an energetic and optimistic educator with a true passion
for middle school students. We welcome Mr. Haines as a Warrior!
In addition to Mr. Haines, I have a few other new staff members I would like to introduce you to. We welcome
the following staff as Warriors:
Mehgan Colkitt, Science Teacher
Derek Higgins, Math Teacher
Jerome Hunter, LA/SS Teacher
Kahanu Kahoonei, School Outreach Coordinator through Communities in Schools
Ashley Meyer, Math Teacher
Holly Van Hee, Special Education Teacher
Additionally, Khalsa Joslin will be taking on the role of Interventionist Specialist this year.
-continued on next page-
AUGUST SCHEDULE PICK-UP
7th/8th grades—Thursday, August 23
7:00 – 11:00 AM and 1:00 - 3:00 PM
6th grade—Friday, August 24
7:00 - 11:00 AM
If necessary, you may attend either date, particularly if you
have more than one student to register.
ENCLOSURES TO BE RETURNED AT
SCHEDULE PICK UP—PLEASE BE SURE
TO BRING THESE FORMS WITH YOU
Yellow Student Emergency Card—REQUIRED
in order to pick up schedule
Health History (green)
User Agreement (for computer usage) (lavender)

Continued from page 1—A Message from the Principal
As we begin this new year, our vision continues to be that every Sacajawea Warrior will be prepared for
success in high school and beyond. This means that students will learn the content needed for success, master the
study skills and strategies necessary to learn and retain that knowledge, and learn to consistently demonstrate positive
academic behaviors. In short, they will learn how to learn so that they are prepared for the increased challenges of high
school and wherever life takes them after that.
We will continue to strive to make our vision a reality through three school improvement goals:
1. Increase student achievement through high-quality, effective instruction every day.
2. Increase student achievement by promoting, teaching, and recognizing positive behavior.
3. Increase student achievement by partnering with families and community to support students.
In order for your student to be successful, he/she will be enrolled in rigorous classes and be given access to a wide
array of electives. We also encourage all students to participate in at least one after school activity, club or school sport.
We know that students who are connected to school beyond the academic day find more success at school and enjoy
school more.
We know that a student’s success is connected to a partnership between student, school and family. I strongly
encourage you to remain active in that partnership this school year. Your middle schooler needs your involvement in
school! Some ways to stay involved are:
Talk with your student regularly about their work at school and his/her progress
Have conversations with your student about the connection between school now and his/her future goals
Check GO2 (Grades Online) and your student’s planner regularly
Communicate often with teachers about your student’s learning and progress
Volunteer in PTSA
Serve as a mentor here at Sacajawea
As a school community, we want you to know our door is always open. Please come visit, get involved, and be a
Warrior! As the year progresses, we will provide current information for you at our website, in our main office, and
through Grades Online. Please access our website at http://www.fwps.org/sac for updated information.
I look forward to getting to know you and working together to ensure your student is successful this school year!
Warm regards,
JoAnne J. Landis, Principal
Welcome remarks from our new Assistant Principal, Scott Haines
All for one, and one for all!
It is with great excitement and enthusiasm that I start this school year as Sacajawea's new Assistant Principal.
This is an honor and opportunity that I will work hard to fulfill. I look forward to working with and
walking along side this awesome school community to have the greatest year ever. The traditions, academic
rigor, school involvement, staff and students have established a growing trend in a positive way. I look forward
to working extremely hard on behalf of this trending toward greatness.
Throughout my career in public education, I have had the opportunity to work and be involved in amazing
and extremely diverse schools, as well as communities with rich traditions, caring families and citizens.
Through meaningful partnerships, early and continuous academic, school and family support, and creating a
safe environment for students and staff to thrive, I believe we can become even better!
Even though I am starting my seventeenth year with Federal Way Public Schools, I have never felt more
fresh and ready to dig my heels into this school and community. I truly look forward to meeting and seeing
each of you at our events and activities this year. In fact, I want to personally invite you to come to our
school and participate, whether it be part of our PTSA, volunteering, or just attending sports and activities.
The old adage "it takes a village to raise a child" couldn't be more true to truly serve our students and help
them in their success. I will see you around campus soon, so please come up and say hello. Go Warriors!
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Getting started . . .
IMPORTANT REMINDER -
MISSING IMMUNIZATIONS
Please be sure that your student is up to date
on his/her immunizations and that we are
provided documentation of additional
immunizations your student may have
received. Students may not be able to pick up
their class schedule for next year if their
immunization records are not complete.
It could be a matter of life or . . .
It is vital to your child’s safety during the
school day that you contact the school nurse
or principal, if your child has a lifethreatening
health condition such as
severe food allergy reactions, asthma, or
seizures that may require medical services
to be performed at school.. All medications
and required paperwork must be signed and
delivered to school before the first day of
attendance. Your student may be delayed
entrance to school if this is not received prior
to the first day of school per Washington state
school regulations.
A special goodbye to the following
staff leaving Sacajawea this year:
Principal:
Teachers:
Para Educator:
Communities in
Schools Coordinator:
School Pictures
Monday, September 11
Student pictures will be taken in
uniform. ALL students will have their picture
taken for the yearbook and their student ID Card
free of charge. If you would like to purchase
pictures, an ordering envelope will be sent home
with your student prior to picture day. Your
student will need to give the envelope and
payment to the photographer at the time the
picture is taken. Please do not return it to a
teacher or the office.
David Brower
Deena Agledal
Daleena Blair
Delise Flynn
Joyce Gran
Melody Nordstrom
Gillian Flynn
Sarah Curl
From retirement to moving to other positions,
these staff members will be greatly missed.
We wish them the very best in their future.
Moving?
If you have or will be moving before school starts,
please contact the office with your new address. If
your student will not be returning to Sacajawea we
would like to hear from you as soon as possible.
We will prepare the paperwork for transfer to your
new school. If you have any questions, please call
our registrar, Mrs. Brooks, at 253-945-4902 with
your updated information.
Box Tops for Education
Please continue to save your Box
Tops for Education. This is a
great fundraiser and the school collects
10 cents for each Box Top submitted.
Mark your calendars:
OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, October 11, 2012
6:30 PM
Bus Schedule
School bus schedules will be posted
on the FWPS and the Sacajawea
websites, as well as the local newspapers
when they become available
in mid-August. They will also be posted in the
office window and available at schedule pick up.
Please call the Transportation Dept. at
253-945-5960 for bus questions.
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Suggested Supply List
All students should have the following:
(1 each) 1” 3-ring binder (science)
#2 Pencils
Pencil Pouch
Pens (blue, black & red)
Colored pencils (8 colors)
Ruler
Spiral notebooks (5)
College rule paper
Pink Erasers
Pencil sharpener
Highlighters (green, blue, yellow, pink)
(highlighters are optional in 6th grade)
Box of tissues
Sturdy backpacks
Students should have their name on the inside
of the bag. NO inappropriate markings on the
outside, please!
In addition to the above, the following grade levels
should also have these supplies:
8th Grade
(3 each) 2” 3-ring binders with dividers
7th Grade
(2 each) 2” 3-ring binders with dividers
Graph paper
Markers
Glue stick
School scissors
Pocket Dictionary & Thesaurus
6th Grade
(3 each) 2” 3-ring binders with dividers
Pocket Dictionary & Thesaurus (optional)
This is a general list for all students. Individual
teachers may request other items. Any donations for
our supply closet would be greatly appreciated.
Fees and Fines $$$$
Students were mailed fine letters with their June report
cards. Grades, Diplomas, and Transcripts may be withheld
for non-payment of fines. Students may also be excluded
from extracurricular activities, including dances and sports.
Fines will follow students to high school. Please mail your
payment to Sacajawea Middle School, 1101 S. Dash Pt. Road,
Federal Way, WA. 98003—attention Finance Office.
Beginning September 1st you can pay fees/fines in the office.
Fee Schedule
PLEASE—NO BILLS LARGER THAN A $50
All grades
PE Uniform * $12.00
($6.00 for each piece, last years uniform is ok)
Planner * $ 5.00
Composition Books (3 @ $1.50 each) $ 4.50
(all students will use one composition book for Math and two for Science)
* Planners & PE uniforms are out to bid and prices may vary slightly
Elective fees (per semester)
Art class
Photography Class
Computer Class
6th Grade Expo
Musical Instrument Rental *
(or $100.00 per year)
Percussion Rental *
(or $55.00 per year)
* Pay after class begins
Optional Fees:
Yearbook $25.00
ASB (Required for athletics and clubs) $15.00
$ 7.50 per semester
$ 7.50 per semester
$ 5.00 per semester
$10.00 per year
$60.00 per semester
$35.00 per semester
Athletic Participation Fee $70.00
(up to $210.00 maximum)
($30.00 each sport w/ signed Release of Free & Reduced
Information Form)
School Lunch
6th grade lunch— 11:08—11:38
8th grade lunch—11:40—12:10
7th grade lunch—12:12—12:42
Lunch will be served on the first day of school. Lunch prices for the
2012-2013 school year are as follows:
Breakfast $1.50
Lunch $2.75
Milk $ .50
If you prefer buying lunches in advance:
5 meals $13.75
10 meals $27.50
15 meals $41.25
20 meals (full ticket) $55.00
Payment can be made to the cafeteria directly (please make check
or money order payable to Nutrition Services and put in a sealed
envelope) or on-line with a credit card —
www.lunchmoney@fwps.org
Free and Reduced lunch forms will be mailed directly to the families
on the program last year. Although they send one per child, please
return only one form listing all students enrolled in the district. All
new applications must be returned by the end of September in order
for students to continue receiving these services.
New this year: You can now complete the application process
online at http://www.fwps.org/dept/nutrition/ This
online system is very secure and very fast.
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Uniform Shopping
Information
Sears
Fred Meyer
Nordstrom’s
Eddie Bauer
Target
Old Navy
Walmart
JC Penney
Many of these stores have on-line shopping. Please
remember the guidelines for dress. Check the enclosed
uniform policy carefully before you shop. The policy can
also be found at the Sacajawea website fwps.org/sac
Black pants, jeans or jeggings of any kind are not
allowed.
Uniform Sweatshirts will be available to
purchase during schedule pick up and in the office
throughout the school year. We have crewneck sweatshirts
for $14.00 and 1/4 zip sweatshirts for $22.00. All
sweatshirts are available in adult sizes small through
xxlarge and come in gray, navy and black. We will no
longer carry the white crewneck.
24 hour
Attendance Line:
253-945-4968
Please post this number by your
phone and use it to call in when your
student is going to be late or absent.
You can also use this number to
request homework for your student if
he/she is going to be gone
more than 3 days.
SAFE SCHOOLS TIPINE
CALL OR TEXT
24 hours a day
(253) 945-SAFE (7233)
Please call or text our “Safe Schools Tipline” to report any knowledge of:
the possession or potential use of a firearm or any other weapon;
any potential act of violence against persons or school facilities;
information relating to the safety of any student;
information relating to a crime on school or other district property;
anyone unlawfully possessing property of the Federal Way Public Schools, students, staff, or patrons.
School Bus Safety and Other Reminders
The Sacajawea parking lot and bus pick-up/drop-off area can get very congested at the beginning
and ending of each school day. If you are picking up your student, please pull down to the end of the
bus parking area to pick-up your student at the end of the day.
Please do not exceed 8 mph in the parking lot, and remember that the school buses always have
the right of way. Don’t forget that the speed limit on Dash Point Road is 20 mph in a school zone
when students are present.
At the end of the school day in particular, students must stay behind the yellow safety line that is painted on the edge of
the sidewalk. Students should wait for the bus without pushing and shoving so that there is no danger of someone
falling in front of a moving bus.
In addition, students must use a crosswalk when crossing Dash Point Road (Highway 509) and Pacific Highway. It is
very dangerous for students to jay walk, or cross outside a crosswalk, because the cars lack visibility on the busy roads.
Finally, unless staying for a school-sponsored event, students should be off campus and headed home by 3:00 p.m.
Thank you for your support!
5

Sacajawea Middle School Dress Code for Students
The judgment of the staff as to the appropriateness of dress is final.
Shirts - Solid Navy, White or Black
No emblem, logo, or writing on any top other than SAC
sweatshirts
Tops must be tucked in and stay tucked in when sitting
down. Tops may not be worn half on and half off
Polo style - (long or short sleeve, no cap sleeve) in navy, white, or
black
Tucking of the polo is optional unless it comes past the
hips. The polo must still cover the waist band and be buttoned
within two buttons of the top
If wearing a T-shirt under a top, it must be plain white
without any writing on the T-shirt or the PE shirt and
MUST BE TUCKED IN.
Dress Code at a Glance
Navy, White, or Black Polo Shirt with an
optional white t-shirt or PE shirt underneath.
Polo Shirt must be tucked in if it comes past
the hip.
Tan, Khaki, or Navy Blue Docker-Style Pants,
Shorts, or Skirts (shorts and skirts must not be
more than 3 inches above the knee)
Official Sacajawea School, Club, Activity, or
Sport Sweatshirt or T-shirt may be worn over
your polo
No short sleeve polo shirt worn over a long sleeve T-shirt, no see-through or tight tops
Turtlenecks - white only worn under crewneck sweatshirt
Cardigan sweaters - navy blue, black, white
Sweatshirts - the only sweatshirts allowed in class are SAC sweatshirts
Must wear a polo shirt or turtleneck underneath the sweatshirt
Crewneck sweatshirt with Sacajawea logo in navy, white or black
1/4 zip collared sweatshirt with Sacajawea logo in navy, black, or grey
Official Sacajawea Sport or Club Sweatshirts (Hoodies or Crewneck) are allowed as the top layer, with a
polo or turtleneck underneath
Coats - Worn outdoors only, not in the classroom or building. Purchase a SAC sweatshirt
Pants - Tan, Khaki, or Navy Blue (no black pants)
Tan (Dockers style) cotton, cotton blend. No denim fabric; No corduroys or cargo pants
Worn at the waist
Hemmed, No frayed or torn items
Must be belted if there are belt loops
Length – at the top of the shoe, not dragging on the floor
No more than one size larger than the waist
No labels, No adornments, including seams with stripes, multi-colored stripes, or cord-laced pants
No stretch pants, overalls, sweatpants, stirrup pants, spandex, nylon parachute pants, cargo pants, zip-off
pant legs , painter style pants or jeggings
No tight stretch fabric
Skirts - Tan, Khaki, or Navy Blue
Worn at the waist
Must be belted if there are belt loops
Pleated, A-line, straight, gored, or gather styled skirts
Length – No shorter than 3” above the knee
Shorts - Tan, Khaki, or Navy Blue
Walking style only
No more than one size larger than the waist
Worn at the waist
Hemmed
Must be belted if there are belt loops
Length- No shorter than 3” above the knee
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Dress Code continued
Shoes
Socks
Athletic or tennis shoes
Leather type shoes
All sandals must have a heel strap for safety reasons
Shoe laces must be matched and tied
Both shoes must match each other
No flip flops, soccer sandals, slippers, or high heels (must less than 2”)
Girls may wear skin-tone pantyhose
Girls tights or knee-highs can be solid white, navy blue, khaki, brown, or black
Belts
Belts must fit and the end of the belt can only be three inches beyond the buckle
Belts must be worn with bottoms that have belt loops
No spiked, sharp edged items on the belts, printing on belts
Jewelry
No nose/eyebrow/lip/tongue jewelry be to worn on campus
No spiked or sharp edged items
No sweat bands
No large chains allowed worn around the neck, wrist, waist or hooked to wallets or keys
All jewelry must be under clothing
No more than 3 bracelets per arm
Hat/Head coverings - No hats, hoods, bandannas, sweatbands, caps, beret, doo rags or any other covering of the head
Gloves
Gloves must match each other – either both gloves or none!
Gloves may not be worn indoors
Ties
Must be school appropriate and worn with a Navy Blue, Black, or White dress shirt (not a polo)
Must be properly tied and worn
Chains - Not allowed hooked to wallets, belts or keys
Hair
Coloring that is disruptive is not acceptable
Hairstyles that are disruptive are not acceptable
Scarves - Only worn outdoors
Coats
Do not buy big, bulky coats. It would be preferable to purchase lightweight coats that are easy to store
Jackets and coats are not to be worn in the classroom or building during the school day. Purchase a SAC
sweatshirt
Unacceptable Clothing and Accessories
Oversized clothing
Hats, caps, berets, doo rags, bandannas
Chains hooked to wallets, belt, keys, etc.
Denim of any color or denim-looking material, corduroy
Stretch pants, overalls, sweatpants, stirrup pants, spandex, nylon parachute pants, cargo pants, zip-off
pant legs or painter style pants
Scarves worn indoors
Tight or revealing clothing that may expose the bare torso or undergarments
Tops too tight or too short; tops that you can see through
Jackets or coats worn in the classroom or the building during the school day
Logos, emblems, or labels on clothing
Writing on the student’s body or any items of clothing
Excessive makeup (no black lipstick, no thick black eye makeup)
Wristbands
7

Standards-Based Education –
Federal Way Among Leaders In a National Initiative
This fall begins the second year since the district implemented a standards
-based education (SBE) and grading system. Why the change? FWPS
cares about the education of each and every student. Like other school
systems across the nation, Federal Way has adopted a standards-based
education system because research shows it has a positive impact on
student learning.
SBE establishes challenging and appropriate learning targets in every
course, at every grade level, so that students graduate with the most
important knowledge and 21st century skills. The use of standards-based
instruction, assessment and reporting at all schools in the district provides
students with a seamless K-12 curriculum, as well as consistent and fair
measurements of student performance.
With standards-based education, teachers, students and parents all know
which skills and knowledge are the highest priorities on which to focus.
Students have a clear picture of what is expected in each class, and how
to show they’ve mastered the standards.
Our staff worked to create this standards-based approach from the ground
up. A team of more than 400 teachers examined thousands of the state,
federal and international standards to determine which were most
important for students to learn. They pinpointed no more than 15
standards in each subject and at each grade level. These became the
power standards – the basis for classroom instruction and grading.
Some of the power standards and learning targets have already been
revised for this school year, as part of an annual review. Most of the
changes were made to the learning targets, which are components of the
power standards that shape classroom instruction and grading in a
standards-based system.
For more information about SBE, visit the district website at:
http://www.fwps.org/cur/sbe/.
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Sports . . .
Sacajawea Girls Cross Country 2012
There will be an informational meeting after school on Wednesday, September 5th. Practices
will run from 3:00 to 4:30 daily. In order to practice you need to turn in a completed
Physical Form (signed by a doctor – good for 2 years)
Athletic Participation Form
Emergency Card
You will need to pay the Athletic Participation and ASB fees before the first meet. Please
meet in the Small Gym dressed to run on Thursday, September 6th. You must participate in
ten practices in order to be eligible to compete in a meet. Cross country is a non-cut sport.
All 6 th , 7 th , and 8 th grade girls are welcome !
Come join us!!!
Sports Physicals
Summertime is an excellent time to get
those sports physicals done to ensure
your student’s eligibility for sports during the next
school year. Sports Physicals are good for 2 years
and must be current for a student to participate in a
sport. Forms are available in the office.
Detailed sports information will be available at
the athletic table during schedule pick-up on
August 23 and 24.
Athletic Participation Fee —
$70.00 per sport
(up to $210 maximum)
$30.00 for C Team Basketball
($30.00 Free and Reduced—be
sure to fill out the “Release of Free and
Reduced Information” form)
10

Sacajawea Middle School
2012-2013 Athletic Calendar
Season #1
September 5 – October 31
Football
Girls Fastpitch
Girls Cross-Country
7th and 8th graders may participate (non-cut)
7th and 8th grade girls will be selected after try-outs
6th, 7th, and 8th grade girls may participate (non-cut)
Season #2
November 5 – January 24
Girls Basketball
Wrestling
2 teams of 7th and 8th grade girls will be selected after try-outs.
6th, 7th and 8th graders may participate on the non-cut team which will practice 3 to
5 days a week from 2:50 to 4:00. (The non-cut team will pay $30)
All students may participate (non-cut)
Season #3
February 4 – March 27
Boys Basketball
Gymnastics
2 teams of 7th and 8th grade boys will be selected after try-outs.
6th, 7th and 8th graders may participate on the non-cut team which will practice 3 to
5 days a week from 2:50 to 4:00. (The non-cut team will pay $30)
6th, 7th and 8th grade girls may participate (non-cut)
Season #4
April 8 – June 6
Baseball
Volleyball
Track
2 teams of 7th and 8th grade boys will be selected after try-outs
2 teams of 7th and 8th grade girls will be selected after try-outs
All students may participate (non-cut)
First date listed for each season is the first day to turn out for the sport. You will receive practice and
game schedules form the coaches. Games begin at 3:40 unless noted. Practices are Monday through Friday
from 2:45 to 4:30 or 5:00 – check with your coach for schedule. Due to safety issues you must
provide prompt pick up and your own transportation home. Supervision is not available after practices
or games.
Before you can turn out for a sport you must turn in:
Physical form – Signed by a doctor - good for 2 years from date of physical exam
Participation form – You will need to provide medical insurance information on this form – student
accident and health insurance applications are available in the main office from an independent
insurance provider
Emergency / travel card (blue)
Concussion Form
$15 for ASB membership
$70 Athletic Participation fee - $30 for those who qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch with
Release of Information form turned in at time of payment
• pay before 1st practice for football, cross-country, wrestling, gymnastics and track
• pay after teams have been selected for girls fastpitch, basketball, baseball and volleyball
11