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Important Upcoming Dates

Jan 27 No School—Semester Break Jan 30 Start of 2nd Semester/3rd Quarter Feb 1 Early Release @ 1:15 pm Feb 15 Early Release @ 1:15 pm Feb 20 & 21 No School—Mid-Winter Break Feb 23 STEM Exploration Night, FWHS, 5—7:30pm Mar 1 Early Release @ 1:15 pm Mar 8 & 9 Student-led Conferences

Mar 10 No School—Teacher In-Service Mar 21 Incoming SAC 6th Graders Family Night, SAC

Cafeteria, 6pm Mar 22 Early Release @ 1:15 pm Apr 3—7 No School—Spring Break

Sacajawea Middle School 1101 South Dash Point Road

Federal Way, WA 98003

253-945-4900

From the Principal . . .

Dear Warrior Community:

Happy New Year and welcome back to school! I hope you and your family enjoyed a restful and restorative Winter

Break. I thoroughly enjoyed downtime with my family decorating cookies, playing board games, and watching

movies. I also took time to cook and read. I am well rested and looking forward to getting back to school. January

is sure to be a busy month. In the classroom, we will be focusing on independent reading skills and building the

reading culture in both ELA and Social Studies, tackling rich math tasks and math talks to build conceptual

understanding in Math, and using models to explain natural phenomenon in Science. As a Professional Learning

Community, all staff and teams of teachers will be spending time looking at our data to make sure we are making

good progress towards our School Improvement Goals to improve learning for all of our scholars.

continued on page 2

January/February 2017 Robin Furlan, Principal Trish Nesbitt, Asst. Principal

Let’s Finish 1st Semester Strong

The end of the semester is quickly approaching, and now is a great

time to check in with your scholar and grades online https://

grades.fwps.org/ to ensure that they on track to be successful first se-

mester. As we head into the second semester, just a few reminders:

Scholars should be using their planners daily, so that you can check

what learning is taking place in their classes. Continue to monitor pro-

gress of daily assignments, and assessments in order to ensure that

your student does not fall behind. Please communicate with your scholars and their teachers regularly

about missing or below standard work. The entire Sacajawea staff, with your support, is looking to

finish the first semester strong; and start the second on the right foot. Go Warriors!!!!

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From the Principal continued from page 1

In December, all Federal Way schools presented their School Improvement Plans to a District panel. It was an

interesting process where all the great work of the schools in our district had the opportunity to be highlighted. I am

excited to share some highlights of our School Improvement Plan with you. For a full copy of our School Improvement

Plan, please see Laura Wittenauer in our Main Office.

Below is brief summary of the Sacajawea Middle School Current State of Scholar Achievement as measured by the

2016 SBA and Attendance Data.

Equity-

2016 6th grade Math SBA scores improved with the Black (5%), Hispanic (4%), and Pac Islander (16%) populations.

Consistency-

53% of cohort 7th graders met standard on the ELA SBA. Scores increases by 6.0% over 6th grade ELA SBA.

63% of cohort 8th graders met standard on the ELA SBA. Scores increases by 3.0% over 7th grade ELA SBA.

Growth-

45% of 6th graders met standard on the ELA SBA. Scores decreased by 2.0% in 2016.

53% of 7th graders met standard on the ELA SBA. Scores decreased by 7.0% in 2016.

63% of 8th graders met standard on the ELA SBA. Scores increased by 7.0% in 2016.

Standards- Results show that our scholars are making growth in their three years at Sacajawea in both ELA and Math. We still see

disproportionality in the data among our scholars of color and special needs including ELL. However, 6th grade Math

SBA scores improved in lower performing sub groups between 4% and 15%.

Attendance rates in 2015-2016 were 95% and in 2016-2017 are currently 94%.

Based on this and more Sacajawea Middle School’s Improvement Plan was written to support the District Strategic Plan

Goals #2 The Whole Child and #4 Mastery of All Subjects. The Stretch Goals for 2016-2017 are as follows:

Attendance- Decrease unexcused absences of scholars by 20% during the 2016-17 school year (from 2.0% to 1.6%).

ELA- All scholars will increase their achievement on the SBA ELA standards by the following percentage:

6th - 45.0% to 53.3%

7th - 53.0% to 60.1%

8th - 63.0% to 68.6%

MATH-All scholars will increase their achievement on the SBA Math standards by the following percentage:

6th - 34.0% to 43.9%

7th - 42.0% to 50.7%

8th - 44.0% to 52.4%

READING- 80% of scholars will make one or more year’s growth in independent reading levels from October

2016 to May 2017 as measured by the IRLA and classroom based assessments.

SCIENCE- All scholars will increase their achievement on the MSP Science Assessment by 6.3% based on the MSP

results from 2016: 8th - 58.0% to 64.3%

We support our struggling scholars with an Academic Intervention Plan which includes multiple targeted and directed

programs to support the individual learning needs of scholars. If you would like more information about Academic

Intervention opportunities at Sacajawea, please contact Jenn Marquez, Interventionist. Please let us know how we may

partner with you and your scholar to ensure your scholar’s success. Again, Happy New Year! May 2017 bring joy and

prosperity to you and your family.

Yours Truly,

Robin Furlan, Principal

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Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS)

The students at Sacajawea Middle School have been learning about school-wide behavioral expectations. These expec-

tations have been agreed upon by the staff as an effective way to be proactive in managing behaviors. The following

information shows the expectation along with what the particular behaviors should look like at the middle school.

Please take this opportunity to talk to your child about the expectations at school and the importance of continuing to

demonstrate the SAC WAY behaviors. With your continued support and involvement, Sacajawea Middle School will

remain a school where students can excel.

Trish Nesbitt, Assistant Principal

pnesbitt@fwps.org

BE A WARRIOR

School Wide

Passing

Time

Restroom

Lunchroom

Courtyard/Commons

Safe

Report con-

cerns to staff Walk on

sidewalks

and path-

ways When possi-

ble, stay to

the right Open doors

slowly

Wash hands

with soap Follow “Eyes

Up” and listen for

announcements

and dismissals

from administra-

tor

Stay within court-

yard/commons area

(within yellow lines)

Accountable

Use appropri-

ate voice and

language Be in uni-

form at all

times

When you

see litter,

pick it up Walk with a

purpose to

your destina-

tion

Put towels

in garbage

can Flush Keep it

clean, save

writing

skills for

class

Honor other’s

spot in line Clean up after

yourself Use trash and

recycling cans

properly Food and drink

stay in cafeteria

Clean up your area Be aware of the time Move toward destination

at bell

Caring

Use kind

words and

actions

Hold the

door for the

person be-

hind you Share the

space

Respect

privacy of

others

Welcome new

students to sit

with you Say thank you to

kitchen staff

Use good sportsmanship Stand up for others Include all students

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As the Winter #1 sports season comes to an end, the Warrior wrestling team had an outstanding

season wrapping up with the district tournament at Todd Beamer on January 21st. A number of

Warrior wrestlers were crowned district champions. The girls basketball teams also had a great

deal of success this season. They are currently in the mix for district championships as

well. Winter #2 sports season will begin in February. This season offers basketball for the boys

and gymnastics for the girls. Please make sure all required forms are completed online at

rankonesport.com and physicals are turned into the main office. Go Warriors!

Testing Updates All SAC Students: We will be giving the state benchmark assessments (SBA) between April 24 and May 26. Please do not schedule appointments that would take students out of school during this time, if at all possible. English Language Learners Attention to all parents/guardians of ELL students. All active ELL students and those who were waived from the program will be taking the Washington State ELPA21 test. There will be a detailed letter sent home with your student that explains the test. The ELPA21 will be given in on Feb 7 –9, as well as Feb 13—17. All 8

th grade families!

Please look for your student’s PSAT 8/9 results coming home Wednesday, January 25 th. There will be information included with the results on how to use the information to help guide your stu-dent. You may also go to the website www.collegeboard.org for more information. Your student’s report will come with an access code that you can use with that website to see more details.

Incoming SAC 6th Graders Family Information Night— March 21

Please help us spread the word! Sacajawea Middle School is having a Family

Information Night for current 5th grade students, and their families, that will

be attending SAC next year as 6th graders. More details to come, but please

save the date if you have an incoming 6th grader.

Tuesday, March 21 from 6:00—7:30pm @ Sacajawea M.S. 6:00—6:30pm Pizza Dinner & Presentation

6:30—7:30pm Breakout Sessions

Donate Outgrown Uniform Clothes

Our uniform closet is getting low. If your student has outgrown any uniform clothes, please

consider donating them to the SAC uniform closet by bringing them to the main office. Also

if your student has borrowed any items from the closet please remind them to return them.

Thank you!

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6

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EXTRA MATH & READING SUPPORT

We have some wonderful opportunities for your students who may have below

grade level gaps in their math and reading skills.

During the day ...

MATH: Within the next couple of weeks identified students will be joining our Cambr idge Seminar math classes for a shor t

period of time to get caught up on basic skills. We’ll send advance notification home with selected students.

READING: Teachers will be " pushing in" to language ar ts classes to conference with selected students on identified reading

skills.

After school ...

MATH & READING: Some students have already joined our 7th hour after school. Thank you parents and guardians for

attending the 7th hour kick off. We are excited to be working with your student and look forward to partnering with you to help your

student be successful.

Ways to support at home …

READING:

Encourage your student to read at least 30 minutes in a book of their choice every day.

Invite your child to read out loud to you or to a younger sibling.

MATH:

Help them practice measuring things (while cooking, cleaning, building, gardening, etc.) or figuring out the best deal when

comparison shopping.

Play games that require basic math skills (Yahtzee, Rummikub, Rummy, Monopoly, etc.)

Mrs. Marquez, Interventionist

jshell@fwp.org

Communities In Schools of Federal Way is happy to be back at Sacajawea. Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. We offer a range of services that include basic needs support (food, clothing, home items, healthcare, etc.), academic assistance, mentoring, referrals to counseling, family engagement opportunities, after school clubs, field trips, progress check-ins, and life/social skills groups. We are here to partner with families, students, the community and the school in order to give all students access to what they need to reach their goals. Contact our School Outreach Coordinators with any questions, requests, or concerns. Se emociona Communities In Schools of Federal Way a continuar en la escuela de

Sacajawea. De nuestra mision, queremos envolver los estudiantes con una comunidad de apoyo, empoderandolos a seguir asistiendo la escuela y tener exito en la vida. Ofrecemos muchos servicios que incluyen necesidades basicos (comida, ropa, cosas de la casa, cuidado de salud, etc.), asistencia academica, mentores, referencias para consejo, oportunidades de la familia para involucrarse en la escuela, actividades despues de la escuela, viajes educacionales, citas de progreso, y grupos para aprender habilidades sociales y practicales de la vida. Estamos aqui para formar conexiones con los estudiantes, familias, la comunidad y la escuela. Esperamos darles a todos los estudiantes el aceso al lo que necesitan en su camino a realizar sus metas. Contactele a nuestra School Outreach Coordinators con preguntas, pedidos o preocupaciones.

Kimberly Foster & Yulisa Cardona 253-945-4921

kimberlyf@cisfederalway.org

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School Bus Safety and Other Reminders Once again we would like to remind you that the Sacajawea parking lot and bus pick-up/drop-off area can get very congested at the beginning and end of each school day. When picking up your student after school, please pull down to the end of the bus parking area. Please do not exceed 10 mph in the parking lot, and remember that the school bus-es 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 with-out 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 jaywalk, or cross outside a crosswalk, because the cars lack visibility on the busy roads.

Silent Reading (IRLA*) Update

Every SAC student is reading books in language arts and

social studies class most every day and meeting briefly

with their IRLA teacher about once every 2 or 3 weeks to

check progress and set a new Power Goal. The teacher

enters points to track and encourage students with each

goal and with reading progress in general.

We have already seen jumps in reading color levels for

many students who read below grade level.

Students on or above grade level are also

building their vocabularies and comprehen-

sion skills with their Power Goals and the

just-right books they are devouring.

HOW YOU CAN HELP AT

HOME: Talk to your child about reading. Reading is

thinking. Use a comprehension question from

his SKILLS CARD to start a discussion. Or

just ask, “What are you thinking?” Explore,

don’t test. Just as adults enjoy talking to

friends about their reading, kids do, too.

Make book talk a regular activity in your home--over dinner, in the car, any-

where--so long as it happens!

It’s plain and simple. Students who spend more time reading become better

readers.

SMART is not something you are.

SMART is something you become. * IRLA = Our new Independent Reading Program from American Reading

Co.

Every day:

30 minutes

in school

… 30

minutes at

home!

Responsibilities of a

Home Reading Coach

Turn off TV, phone, computers, and games.

Eliminate distractions.

Ask your child if she has knows her current

color level and power goal. Does she have a

SKILLS CARD? Encourage her to talk to her

teacher for a reminder or replacement.

Read with your child, or observe him reading

for 30 minutes.

Think and talk about the books afterward. Ask

to see your child’s SKILLS CARD.

What word on this page is new for you? What

do you think it probably means?

What genre would you say this book is? How

do you know?

Use a comprehension question from the

SKILLS CARD* to start a discussion. Ex-

plore and be curious—don’t test.

Ask your child to choose and explain a few of

the Academic Vocabulary words from the

back of the SKILLS CARD* each night.

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JAMBA JUICE DAY

$2.00

MOST FRIDAYS DURING LUNCHES

There is an upcoming Parent Information

Night regarding our district’s

curriculum for teaching students about

HIV/AIDS.

Wednesday February 1st, 6:00-8:00pm

ESC Room 104

Hello AVID Families,

Our AVID community is getting prepared for our second field trip to

Evengreen State College. These dates are on February 14th or 16th

depending of the AVID teacher. Our students are also getting prepared for

the annual district wide AVID writing contest this month. Students will be

focusing on timed writing and citations in their AVID classes. The winning

writer from each school gets a dinner in their honor.

Thank you for your support,

Mr. Higgins, dhiggins@fwps.org

School Safety and Security updates:

Hello Sacajawea parents and students,

Just a reminder for any parents or guests who come onto Sac Campus, you will

need to check in at the Main Office to get a visitor pass. This is a safety

measure so we know who is on our campus.

Please be cautious and slow down as you drive through our school parking lot—

conditions get wet and slippery due to weather and we want to make sure you,

your student, and our Sac Staff all remain safe.

I have seen parents dropping off their students behind buses and near the bus areas—this is unsafe and we can’t have

this happening. I will have you move your vehicle if I see it from this point on. Student drop off areas are to be

done at the far end of the main parking lot which is clear of the buses--near the Café area. Another drop off option is

in the west lot, which is between Main Office and church parking lot.

Please do not park in the bus parking area before and after school. This is a bus loading zone only. Once the buses

have left for the day, after 8 AM and after 3 PM, then it is clear for you to park in these spots. I appreciate your

cooperation of yielding to our school buses before and after school as they enter and exit the parking lot.

Feel free to contact me for any security related concerns at 253-945-4915.

FWPS Security, Officer Sitzler