The Skyview Site Decision Leadership Team is organizing a subcomittee called Community Unity in order to look at ways throughout the 2010-11 school year to make sure that our students are connected in positive ways to Skyview Junior High and the community.  We intend to have parents, students, teachers and support staff on this committee.  To start, we will schedule the last Thursday of each month from 7-8 a.m. to meet.  The committee will determine whether they need to meet more or less and if there are better times and dates to meet.  This committee will also consider the Healthy Youth Survey that is taken by 8th graders every other year and gets student input from Skyview students, all district 8th graders and students across the state.  This group will report to the Skyview Site Decision Leadership Team so we can make sure that we a doing our best to make Skyview a positive school for everyone.  We hope to have three parent representatives, 3 students, 3 teachers and 1-2 other staff members.

If you are interested in participating on this committee then please e-mail the principal, Mike Anderson at manderson@nsd.org by Friday May 14th.

School Hours: 7:55am - 2:25pm Office Hours: 7:00am - 4:00pm

Summer Office Hours:

• The office will be closed for the month of July and will reopen August 2nd.
• Our Student Store will be open for the purchase of PE uniforms and student planners on August 24 from noon until 4:00pm and on August 25th from 9:00am to noon.

Eagle Day is coming!
Ms. Grimes is looking for parent volunteers to help supervise Eagle Day festivities on June 17, 2010.
We need about 10 - 15 parent volunteers to help make sure all activities run smoothly. We need volunteers to arrive at Skyview around 10:00 am - 2:25 pm.
Please contact Ms. Grimes or Ms. Alo at 425-408-6803. All volunteer paperwork can be completed in the main office. Thanks!

• Need: Please let Ms. Grimes know if you are interested in donating something SWEET for the Something Sweet walk. She is looking for cup cakes, cookies, brownies etc.

 
Recognition Assembly
Our Recognition Assembly is the last day of school on June 18, 2010. Skyview staff will be wrapping up the 2009-2010 school year with a wonderful 8:00 am assembly. Buses depart Skyview at 10:00 am for Summer vacation. Assembly theme is Community: Act-Go-Serve.

Northshore Family Center Summer Opportunities
The Northshore Family Center has many classes and opportunites for families and kids.  Check out what's going on in the following newsletter: NFC (English) and NFC (Spanish).

Input for School Improvement Plan
At Skyview, we have a School Decision Making Leadership Team that is responsible for writing and carrying out an annual school improvement plan.  Nine department heads serve on this team and they are working with all of the Skyview teachers and staff  to come up with a plan for using our school budget, inservice days and non-student days to improve student learning.  On March 22nd and April 2nd teachers met to discuss the School Improvement Plan and specific actions we can take next year.

We would love to get input from Skyview parents on what we can improve next year and maybe what you want to make sure stays the same.  Feel free to e-mail your ideas about school improvement to me at manderson@nsd.org and I will share all of the input with our department heads. We are interested in any of your ideas ideas about grades or discipline or parent communications or teacher web sites or homework or the curriculum and anything else.

You are also welcome to e-mail any of the department heads directly if your suggestion is about a particular department. 

Chris Harrison, Math  (charrison@nsd.org)
Sparky Parker, English (dparker@nsd.org)
James Wilkowski, Social Studies (jwilkowski@nsd.org)
John Schmied, Science (jschmied@nsd.org)
Brett Geller, PE   (bgeller@nsd.org)
Doug Pumputis, Electives (dpumputis@nsd.org)
Bobby Mueller, Support Staff (bmueller@nsd.org)
Rob Tomlinson, Special Education (rtomlinson@nsd.org)
Leonard Hansen, Library (lhansen@nsd.org)
Frank Dellino, Counselor (fdellino@nsd.org)
Mike Anderson, Principal (manderson@nsd.org)

If you are interested in reviewing the rough draft of the Skyview Junior High School Improvement Plan to get an idea of the projects that Skyview teachers believe will lead to improved student learning please click here.

New Federal and State Requirements on Ethnic and Race Information
Help us meet these requirements by updating your child's ethnic and race information by May 11.

Every year, Northshore School District is required to report student data by ethnicity and race to the state. Recently, the federal government and the state's Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) changed the reporting categories for student ethnic and race data, and the district must have updated information on file before next school year.
 The superintendent mailed a letter and the form to families on April 2. Please fill out the form and return it to your child's school by Tuesday, May 11.

 The state does not report individual student data to the federal government-only the total number of students in various categories is reported.

 The new reporting categories will ask you to identify your child as either Hispanic/Latino or not Hispanic/Latino and by one or more racial groups. Washington has 57 racial categories from which to choose.  Forms must be returned by Tuesday, May 11.

 How to fill out the form:

1. Please write your child's name, date of birth, school and student ID number (if you have it) at the top.
2. Answer the question: Is your child of Hispanic or Latino origin? (Please check all categories that apply. You must check at least one of the listed categories that apply.)
3. Answer the question: What race(s) do you consider your child? (Please check all categories that apply. You must check at least one of the listed categories that apply.)

Additional information is available online at www.nsd.org/ethnicracedata. If you need assistance, please contact Evie Shoeman, Elementary Education, 425.408.7705, or Ellie Snyder, Secondary Education, 425.408.7703.

(Back to the Top)

Honor Society Service Project
Did you know that 4,500 children will  die today due to water related diseases? Many of these diseases are preventable if people in poverty-stricken areas had access to clean drinking water.  Well the Skyview Honor Society wants to take action and help those in need.  On Fri. May 21st, during all 3 lunches, there is going to be a Cupcake Walk to raise money for a nonprofit organization called Charity Waters. You can help by encouraging your son/daughter to participate in the  50 cent Cupcake Walk or send money to buy a delicious cupcake for $1.00. Honor Society is in need of cupcakes and if you are willing to provide 2 dozen cupcakes, please email Gin Ernster at gernster@nsd.org or call 425-408-6893.  Tax-deductible donations are also accepted. All proceeds will go directly to Charity Waters, a 501 c3 non-profit organization that brings clean drinking water to those in need.

Attention Skyview Families
Would you be able to donate 2 dozen (or more) cupcakes for the May 21st Honor Society Cupcake Walk?
Skyview officers are in need of cupcakes to give away in the 50 cent Cupcake Walk during 7th, 8th and 9th grade lunches. If so, please contact Gin Ernster at gernster@nsd.org or call 425-408-6893. Please bring cupcakes to the Skyview cafeteria by 8:00 a.m. on Fri. May 21st. In order to comply with Snohomish County Health Code, cupcakes must be completely covered during transport.  Thank you in advance for your help!

Bothell Parent Shares His Tragedy with Skyview Students and Parents
A Bothell parent talked with Skyview students at lunches and with the Skyview PTSA this May. His son died of a drug overdose when he mixed prescription drugs. He shared how much he misses his son and wishes with his whole life that he was able to do something as a father to save his son. That is why he is sharing his son's story with students and parents throughout Northshore School District. At the PTSA Meeting, he shared three steps for reducing the risks of prescription drug use in your home.

1. CHECK: What medications are in your home? Keep carful track of the quantities and expiration dates
2. LOCK: Medications that are currently in use should be under lock and key
3. DISPOSE: Dispose properly of all medications that are expired or no longer used. For information about safe disposal: www.samafoundation.org

Attention 9th Graders, It's Cruise time!!
Come celebrate graduation with your friends  Thursday June 17th aboard the S.S. Skyview:  Mexican Riviera themed dinner/dance cruise around Elliott Bay in Seattle.

• Time:  5:00pm check in starts, buses leave for Seattle at 6:00pm
• Cruise from 7-10:30 and pick up at Skyview at 11:30pm
• Cost:  $60.00 for cruise, dinner and picture  (checks to Skyview PTSA) (Only $53 if purchased by May 15th)
• Dress:  Cruise type clothing (**nice pants, shirts, dresses **)

Ticket sales start Monday 4/26 at 9th grade lunch and will continue Monday and Thursday lunch times through 5/27.  So bring your checks, pick up your tickets, and come cruisin'!!

• Dress code:  The PTSA would like to encourage all parents to assist their students in selecting appropriate attire for this event.  The dress code will be similar to what Skyview enforces, the one exception is that girls will be allowed to wear dresses/tops with straps***
• Also NO cell phones or purses are allowed on the boat, CAMERAS ONLY, please leave your cell phones at home***
• If you are on the reduced lunch program, are interested in attending cruise and would like a scholarship, please complete a form in the main office and place in a confidential envelope. Please mark to the attention of the 9th Grade Cruise on the outside of the envelope and turn into the office. The cost will be $20 to those students that are qualified and who turn in this form. If you have questions you can contact Jamey Austad at jameyaustad@hotmail.com or 425-330-7550.

(Download the 9th grade cruise permission form)

(Back to the Top)

Mealtime Milk Substitution at School
Due to changes in USDA regulations we are no longer able to substitute juice as a meal component  for students who are allergic to milk.  We may substitute soy milk or lactose free milk. In order to choose a substitution please stop by the school office to complete the appropriate form.


Next Year 
We now have elective course requests for all of our students for next year. Initial runs of next year's schedule look very good.

PTSA News

• MAY 12TH PTSA MEETING LIBRARY 7:00....
  • This Wednesday evening we will be honoring the PTSA volunteers, I hope you can join us in the fun.  There will be refreshments and a celebration performance by the Skyview Choir! …

• VOLUNTEER OPPROTUNITIES
  • EAGLE DAY is fast approaching, June 17, 2010.  This will be such an exciting day for the kids! There will be inflatable's.  Kids can buy churros, cotton candy, popcorn, Jamba Juice, snow cones, and more!  DJ Dave will be there to add to the fun. ...... If you would like to help out, please contact Carmen Angel carmenangel@verizon.net
  • HONOR SOCIETY SERVICE PROJECT.....Did you know that 4,500 children will  die today due to water related diseases? Many of these diseases are preventable if people in poverty-stricken areas had access to clean drinking water.  Well the Skyview Honor Society wants to take action and help those in need.  On Fri. May 21st, during all 3 lunches, there is going to be a Cupcake Walk to raise money for a nonprofit organization called Charity Waters. You can help by encouraging your son/daughter to participate in the  50 cent Cupcake Walk or send money to buy a delicious cupcake for $1.00. Honor Society is in need of cupcakes and if you are willing to provide 2 dozen cupcakes, please email Gin Ernster at gernster@nsd.org or call 425-408-6893.  Tax-deductible donations are also accepted. All proceeds will go directly to Charity Waters, a 501 c3 non-profit organization that brings clean drinking water to those in need.

• STAFF APPRECIATION UPDATE THANKS YOU'S
  • The PTSA Staff Appreciation Committtee hosted a Mexican Fiesta luncheon during Teacher Appreciation Week.  We'd like to thank all of the parents who donated food and money towards this event.  Your cooking and baking was amazing and one would be hard pressed to find a better Mexcian buffet anywhere in Bothell!  Mucho gracias to: Alba Stavig, Anne Marie Winward, April Buckner, Bonnie Warf, Brenda Garner, Carmen Angel, Cassie Tarleton, Catherine High, Denise Randall, Denise Roll, Emi Biery, Heidi Bock, Helen Mahrt, Ikuko Arche, Jill Simmons, Jovanna Brohaugh, Kamber Derosier, Karlie Kirkham, Lesa Dingle, Lisa Leonard, Lori Howard, Marci Repaci, Mary White, MaryJean Nealy, Melissa Lima, Nancy Plenert, Nancy Stratton, Pamela Williamson, Patricia McCormick, Sally Graeschel, Sue Hamilton, Susan Townsend, Tammy Cox, and Tena Martins.

We'd also like to again thank everyone who has helped with our events this year!  We so appreciate your culinary gifts and generosity!  ~Jennifer Cox and Barb Wiper

PS  A special thanks to Jennifer Cox for serving as a co-chair for the past two years!  Jennifer will be missed as her son moves on to Bothell High next year!  Let us know if you are interested in being added to our list for next year.  Our first event is August 31st--the Teacher In-Service the day before school starts. bnwiper@comcast.net  

Summer Academy
Schedule and registration information is now available online for Secondary Summer Academy (http://www.nsd.org/ssa) and Elementary Summer Academy (http://www.nsd.org/esa).  Registration can be completed online, by mail, or in person. Complete instructions can be found online. Forms can be downloaded from the website and copies have also been sent to each school.

What Parents Can Do To Stop Harassment and Bullying
From Great Schools Website. <http://www.fresno.schools.net/parenting/bullying/stamp-out-bullying.gs?content=64>

When a California teacher caught a class bully in the act of punching another student, she immediately sent the bully to the principal's office. The bully's punishment was a one-day suspension which he spent sitting in the school office, where other students could see him. The student learned his lesson and never bullied again, and the bully's victim learned that his school was a safe place where bullying and violence would not be tolerated.

The best way to combat bullying, says the mother whose child was the victim of this bully, is having a school community where the message is clear: Bullying simply is not tolerated.

Teachers, students and administrators are all very aware of the policy. If an incident occurs, the teachers respond immediately. The students know that the behavior is unacceptable, that there are trusted adults they can confide in and that there will be consequences.

Debra Chasnoff, a San Francisco-based filmmaker who has produced a video for schools in which bullies and the bullied tell their stories, advocates a kinder, gentler approach. "Just focusing on tough discipline isn't enough. Schools should place a priority on building community. Teachers who can get kids to know and trust each other, to empathize with each other, will have fewer problems in the classroom and on the playground. You are less likely to turn on someone you know as a fellow human being."

(Back to the Top)

What are the signs that my child is being bullied?
Look for:
  * Torn clothing
  * A loss of appetite
  * Lack of desire to go to school
  * Mood changes

What are the signs that my child is a bully?
Look for:
  * Impulsive behavior
  * A desire to always be in control
  * Showing little or no empathy for others

What are the long-term effects of bullying?
Melissa Smith, a California mother, recounts what can happen when bullying is not stopped. Her son was the victim of a gang of five elementary school bullies who continually verbally abused him. For four months her son tried to ignore them and always walked away. Finally, the gang left him alone. But her son continues to suffer from a lack of self-esteem, has had trouble making friends, and years after the bullying incident, is now in counseling.

Bullying, commonly thought to be a problem for boys, is just as prevalent among girls. It often takes the form of intentional verbal abuse or malicious gossip by several girls ganging up on one girl. Jessica, an overweight sixth grader in Canada, recounts the torment of being continually teased by three girls she previously considered her best friends: "How many times do you feel so bad that you want to change schools, leave all the actual friends that you do have or just lock yourself in a room forever?" she asks as she recounts her story of being bullied.

Characteristics of bullies
  * Tend to have problems at home
  * May be the victim of aggressive behavior or abuse at home
  * Receive inconsistent discipline and/or poor supervision at home
  * Tend to be aggressive, self-confident and lacking in empathy

Characteristics of victims
  * Tend to be quiet, passive children who don't have many friends
  * Tend to be smaller in size and/or physically weaker than the bully

The problem of bullying is widespread and is often cited as a contributing factor in the recent cases of school shootings. According to the National Resource Center for Safe Schools in Portland, Oregon, 30% of American children are regularly involved in bullying, either as bullies or victims, and approximately 15% are "severely traumatized or distressed" as a result of encounters with bullies. Researchers agree that children who bully in childhood are more likely to become violent adults and engage in criminal behavior; victims of bullies often suffer from anxiety, low self-esteem and depression as they grow into adulthood.

When is it teasing and when is it bullying?
One of the common myths about bullying is that it is just a normal part of childhood. Everyone gets teased now and then without a great deal of harm, but bullying, characterized by repeated, intentionally hurtful acts, can have long-term consequences for the bully and the victim. These acts can be physical, verbal, emotional or sexual, and there is generally an imbalance of power between the bully and the victim.

(Back to the Top)

Statistics on bullying
According to Indicators of School Crime and Safety, 2007, a report issued by the Justice Department and the Department of Education, in 2005:
  * 28% of students, 12- to 18-years-old, reported that they had been bullied sometime in the prior six months.
  * 11% reported that someone at school had used hate-related words against them.
  * 9% were bullied by being pushed, tripped or spit upon.

Other studies indicate that:
  * 60% of students identified as bullies in grades 6 to 9 had at least one criminal conviction by age 24.
  * Bullies are at even greater risk of suicide than their targets.
  * About two-thirds of students involved in school shootings say they had felt persecuted, bullied or threatened by others.
  * School-based intervention programs can reduce bullying by 30% to 50%.

What can I do about bullying?
The most important thing you can do is listen to your child. Ask about how things are going at school. Ask if your child has had any experience with bullies or has seen other children experience bullying. Often children are too embarrassed or scared to bring up the topic on their own. You can bring it up by discussing sympathy and respect for others, asking such questions as "Why do you think she said those hurtful things?" or "How do you think it feels to be bullied?"

You'll want to have a discussion about how to handle bullying situations and warn your child never to resort to violence, even as a reaction to a bully. Stan Davis, a Maine school guidance counselor and trainer in bullying prevention, advises encouraging the majority of students who are not victims or bullies to stand up to bullies, to ask adults for help and to reach out as friends to isolated students.

You may be tempted to intervene by confronting the bully and his parent yourself, but most experts advise against doing so. If you confront the bully, you will only verify for him that your child is a weakling. Many bullies come from homes lacking in parental involvement, so confronting the parent might not prove productive. Besides, it will probably be difficult for you to talk to the bully's parent in a calm and rational manner and that might only exacerbate the problem.

Your instincts may tell you to let the child learn to handle the situation himself, but in actuality he may need an adult (either a teacher or a parent) to intervene when bullying takes place because of the imbalance of power. Alert your child's teacher or principal when bullying occurs and work with your school to make sure the atmosphere is safe and that there is effective monitoring. Ask to be notified should your child be involved in a bullying incident. To really know what goes on at school and to help create a positive atmosphere, volunteer to be a playground supervisor or a classroom assistant.

Four myths about bullying
  * Victims are responsible for bringing bullying on themselves.
  * Bullying is just a normal part of childhood.
  * Bullies will stop if you just ignore them.
  * Victims need to learn to stand up for themselves.

What should my child's school be doing to address bullying?
Look for a positive, supportive atmosphere where students know that bullying will not be tolerated, where students know they can go to adults for help, and where there are clear consequences for bullying. An ongoing commitment to promoting this kind of school environment is key. An effective technique used in many schools is to have each class develop its own code of conduct.

Here's the code of conduct that one class wrote:
  * We don't want any hitting, punching or kicking.
  * We don't want any name-calling or put-downs.
  * We include everyone when we do group activities.
  * We help others when they are bullied.

Teachers and staff should be on the alert and should intervene when they see bullying occur. They should be aware that bullies often try to operate in places that are not in direct public view, such as school bathrooms or locker rooms. Some schools hold assemblies to present the topic of bullying, but these one-shot efforts have not been proven to be as effective as a consistent, ongoing school-wide effort to combat bullying.

(Back to the Top)

Skyview School Supply List
· A Skyview (or similar) planner for homework recording
· Nystrom Desk Atlas (recommended for 7th and 8th grade and available at Skyview)
· Two packages of dividers
· College ruled notebook paper
· An 8-1/2"x11" tablet of grid paper
· One composition book
· One spiral notebook
· Book covers for each book issued to you
· Pencil pouch
· Pencils (four or more, sharpened)
· Blue or Black ball point pens (two or more)
· Red pens for correcting (two or more)
· Fine tip black sharpie
· Highlighter pens
· One set of colored pencils (24 or more)
· Erasers (not pencil type please)
· Ruler (including metric measure), preferably wood
· Calculator (a simple calculator which includes a square root key)
· (TI-83 or 84 is required calculator for all 9th graders and for 8th grade honors)
· Flash Drive USB for data files
· A package of plain white 3x5 note cards
· A suitable novel to get you started on your reading record. No Magazines

Parent Handbook/Student Handbook
Parents and students can review Skyview's policies and procedures, as well as have many questions answered, by perusing the student and/or parent handbook.  The student handbook can be found in the front of the student planner, and the parent handbook can be found on the school website under Information Links at the top of this page.

School Communication With Parents
Please be sure to remind your friends that all Skyview newsletters are sent through e-mail and they can sign up automatically by following these directions.  This is really the best way to stay connected with what is happening for your student at Skyview Junior High. We also post the same information on the school web site.

How to Start or Stop Getting this Newsletter

If you would like to subscribe to the Skyview Junior High Newsletter simply send an e-mail to one of the following address and you will automatically be added.

9^th Graders/Class 2013  =  SJH2013-join@lists.nsd.org
8^th Graders/Class 2014  =  SJH2014-join@lists.nsd.org
7th Graders/Class 2015   =  SJH2015-join@lists.nsd.org

A confirmation message will then be sent to your email address. Do a simple reply to that message and you will be added to the list.
---------------------------
Unsubscribe to the Skyview newsletter by sending an email to

9th Grade = SJH2013-leave@lists.nsd.org
8th Grade = SJH2014-leave@lists.nsd.org
7th Grade = SJH2015-leave@lists.nsd.org

A confirmation message will then be sent to your email address. Do a simple reply to that message and you will be removed from the list.

"

"