News From the Nest

NEWS FROM THE NEST
Principals’ eNewsletter to the Audubon Community
June 2024

Hello Audubon Families,

With a few short days left in this school year I want to share a thank you for another wonderful year. We started the year unsure if we would have flooring installed and a completed parking lot in time but we made it! A minor hiccup of a broken sewer line was unexpected but we persevered. Throughout the year there was overwhelming attendance at events like the back to school bash and dance night thanks to the incredible PTSA. Teachers worked hard to continue the work of inclusive practices each day and our equity team held a community book study with the highest amount of attendees we've ever had. There is so much to be thankful for this year. 

As we look forward to next year I want to share some changes in our staff:
- Mariel Zink to move to Snohomish School District. Audubon's staffing has been reduced to a half time associate principal next year, and Ms. Zink has made the difficult decision to move on. She has accepted a position in the Snohomish School District where she can maintain a full-time position in one building while also shaving some time off of her commute. She has been an integral part in the Audubon community for two years and will be missed. Mr. Neil Gerrans will be joining us as our half time AP for the upcoming year and looks forward to getting to know the students, staff, and parent community.

- Madeline Voight on to her next adventure. Mrs. Voight has been a pillar of the first grade team at Audubon for the past five years and has decided to step away from the classroom to pursue other interests. She is a teacher with a heart for students and has played a role in the school's equity team, book studies, assemblies, and positive behavior efforts. She even welcomed a student teacher this year to share her knowledge and grow the profession of teaching. Wherever she goes from here she will always be an Audubon Owl. 

- Lastly, Colleen McAlerney is retiring. After a long career in the Lake Washington School District as a speech language pathologist, 25 years at Audubon alone, she has decided it is time to retire. She has touched the lives of many students and supported vital growth in communication skills with those who she served. Although Ms. McAlerney modestly expressed a desire to step into retirement without fanfare, we would be remiss not to recognize her remarkable dedication and impact.

Best of luck to all of our staff who are moving on to their next chapters. Any additional staffing updates including grade level assignments will be shared closer to the start of the school year. 

With gratitude, 
Megan Ames and Mariel Zink

Hello and Happy May! 

The sun is out and we are all excited for the adventures that May will bring. Dance Week, field day, field trips... oh my!

Additionally, each year around this time a team of staff members gather to begin the class placement process and assign students to their classes for the 24-25 school year. We have a process to ensure student needs are being met and that we have well balanced, thoughtful classes. Staff members take care to consider different aspects of student life including academics, friendships and social interactions (positive or negative), work habits, and any accommodations or other relevant information. More about the process as a whole can be found here:  Audubon Elementary Placement Policy Procedures.docx

At this time families also have an opportunity to share additional information that may be considered for the placement process and can do so by completing the following: Placement Family Input Form.docx. This is completely optional but allows families to share about their student as a learner. Please note that we do not take requests regarding placement with or away from specific teachers. If you choose to provide additional information the form is due back by May 15th. 

Wishing you a happy spring,
Megan Ames and Mariel Zink

NEWS FROM THE NEST
Principals’ eNewsletter to the Audubon Community
April 2024

Hello Audubon Families,

Spring has sprung, which means ever changing weather and students coming to school dressed in layers. Unfortunately, that also means that our lost and found is overflowing with forgotten jackets, shirts, gloves, and water bottles. We try to reunite items that are labeled but still have many things that need to find their way back to the correct student. You can help by stopping by the lost and found any time before or after school to see if your missing items are there. The lost and found is located right outside of the gym/cafeteria. All items not claimed by the end of each school year will be donated.
  
Although students and staff are excited for spring break, there are many fun things to look forward to in the month of April. We have an author visiting to share about the book they have written, and Career Day right after our return from break! If you are interested in coming to share about your career with students on April 18th please see the PTSA newsletter for sign up information. 

Enjoy the upcoming break and we look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready to learn.

Warmly,
Megan Ames and Mariel Zink 

NEWS FROM THE NEST
Principals’ eNewsletter to the Audubon Community
March 2024

Hello Audubon Families, 

March is here and will bring an exciting new change for families who pick up via car. I thank you for your cooperation while we have all learned a new parking lot procedure since the construction and remodel this summer. While some things are working well, there are other sticking points that need to still be worked on. Having the use of two lots for drop off and pick up should give us all enough space to have no queuing on the street at any time. While we are currently far from this goal, we can get there. 

Starting on March 11th, parking lots will be designated by student grade level. 
- Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade students will be picked up in the main loop
- 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students will be picked up in the north loop (the old bus loop)
- Sibling sets will wait at the lot of the *youngest* sibling

Classroom teachers will be communicating specific pick-up details over the next week. In order to make this a success PTSA has created a sign up for Parking Lot Volunteers who are able to help out. Check it out here: https://audubonptsa.membershiptoolkit.com/volunteer

Along with the change in routine comes a reminder to follow safety procedures- only walk into the parking lot at a crosswalk, all students should be picked up along the curb only, and if you need to park please do so in a spot rather than along the curb in either lot. 

We all greatly appreciate your help in making our parking lots safe and efficient for everyone. 

Sincerely,
Megan Ames and Mariel Zink 

NEWS FROM THE NEST
Principals’ eNewsletter to the Audubon Community
February 2024

Happy February! 

Spread the word! We are so excited to welcome in the class of 2037! Kindergarten registration is open now at: Kindergarten Information - Lake Washington School District (lwsd.org) for the 2024-2025 school year. Registering early helps us to more accurately plan for the new year. On Thursday, February 22nd we will be offering an information session for incoming families as well as the opportunity to take a school tour. This event will be from 4:15-5:00pm. Feel free to share this info with your friends and neighbors who may have a Kindergartner joining us. It's going to be a HOOT! 

This month the character trait we will focus on is Honesty. Students will learn that practicing honesty with ourselves allows us to identify, be aware, regulate and advocate for our emotions. 

Thank you for the incredible response to our community-based book study presented by the Audubon Equity Committee. This year we have 33 participants! We appreciate the partnership with you in this important work. 

Best regards,
Kyle Hutchinson (admin intern), Megan Ames, and Mariel Zink

NEWS FROM THE NEST
Principals’ eNewsletter to the Audubon Community
January 2024

Happy New Year! 

January brings a fresh start and another busy month at Audubon. This month teachers are focusing on accurately assessing the learning progress of each student, which will be reflected on report cards later this month. We will be learning about Martin Luther King Jr Day and beginning to talk about Black History Month coming up in February. Also, the character trait of the month is perseverance and students will learn what this looks like at all ages. 

Mark your calendars- parent teacher conferences will be on January 23, 25, and 26. School will dismiss extra early those three days in order to allow families to come meet with their child's teacher to learn about progress so far this year and set goals for the remainder of the year. More details can be found in the section below. 

Don't forget, this month also brings an opportunity to partner with the school's equity team to participate in a community book study. The first session is soon, so if you're interested in participating, please fill out this form: Microsoft Forms. 

Warmly,
Megan Ames and Mariel Zink

NEWS FROM THE NEST
Principals’ eNewsletter to the Audubon Community
December 2023

Hello Audubon Families,

The month of December brings more than just rain and cold weather, we are busy packing many events and activities into these short few weeks at school. Students in all grades have been sharing about the winter holidays they celebrate, and we are honored to have such a diverse community of students. Later this month the King County Library System will be coming to share about Otter Awards, students are participating in a hearing and vision screening this week, and we even earned a whole school reward for earning over 2,000 owl tickets so far this year!

Teachers are using these few weeks to wrap up units of study and begin to prepare for the close of the semester, grades, and conferences when we return in January. Mark your calendars now for parent teacher conferences on January 23, 25, or 26. 

Whether you are traveling over winter break or staying close, we wish you a warm and joyful vacation. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year. 

Sincerely,
Megan Ames and Mariel Zink

NEWS FROM THE NEST
Principals’ eNewsletter to the Audubon Community
November 2023

Happy Fall! 

This month our schoolwide character trait is *gratitude* and students and staff will spend time reflecting on what they are thankful for. We will find various ways to show our appreciation for things great and small, both in and outside of school. 

Here are some activities planned in November that we are thankful for:

- 5th grade classes going to Camp Waskowitz next week and all of the outdoor fun that will bring
- Honoring veterans at our assembly and throughout the week
- Learning about Diwali and Native American Heritage Month
- Celebrating World Kindness Day

World Kindness Day is coming up on Monday, November 13th. As a school we look forward to celebrating this special day by having activities that will showcase kindness towards each other and build our community. Look for more specific information to come soon for details on planned events and how you can participate at home. 

Sincerely,
Megan Ames and Mariel Zink

NEWS FROM THE NEST
Principals’ eNewsletter to the Audubon Community
October 2023

Hello Audubon Families,

The first month of school has been eventful to say the least- getting to know students, family connection meetings, a successful welcome back bash, and an unexpected school closure is a lot to fit into a month. We are happy to say though that students and staff are getting into the swing of the new school year. 

We recognize that all families may not have had an opportunity to come into Audubon and see where their students spend a large part of their day. We envisioned school tours this summer, but the construction projects impacted that plan. Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 19th! In lieu of a traditional Curriculum Night we will instead be hosting an optional Fall Open House. Learning about curriculum will always be important, so all families will receive information about curriculum this year via ParentSquare over the next few weeks. Some grade levels have already sent this out. 

At our Fall Open House there will be a principal presentation in the gym with general Audubon information. Then, classrooms will be opened up for student led tours. Students can show their families their desks, where they have specialist classes, and more. We hope to continue to find ways to bring families into Audubon throughout the school year. 

- Principal Presentation: 4:30-5:00
- Student Led Tours: 5:00-5:45

Construction update: The temporary bypass that was installed the day that school was cancelled last week is working well. However, the sewer line will need to be replaced at some point in the future. The district and City of Redmond are working through the planning and preparation for this project, which should not impact the student school day. More information will be shared as we learn what next steps are. 

Warmly,
Megan Ames and Mariel Zink