Hey All! I hope the weekend treated you well and that you were able to get out and play a bit. I skied into Todd Lake from Dutchman for the first time-oh my! Can’t wait to go back!
A few notes to get you going… 1) It’s time for the Winter ROAR Assessment–you can start any time. As you will recall, this is available on student’s iPads. Note: K/1 should be waiting for some info from the district as there were issues with those assessments.
2) SIW this week is a Teacher Work Day–enjoy the time!
3) Cafe Amity this week, Kinder hosts.
4) Visiting artists start this week during Enrichment: Bree Beal will be working with Kinder, Grade 1, and Grade 2; Matthew Gwinup will be working with Grades 3-5
5) I know some of you are curious what we’ll be doing on the January 30th Teacher Work Day, so I wanted to give you a little info. We’ll be focussed on 2 things: 1) connecting with 3 to 5 families as a mid-point check in between our October and March Conversations–more details coming in an email soon; 2) exploring a shift to standards-based reporting and what that could look like for Amity in the future–also more details coming soon. We’ll also check in about the launch of the Variety Show.
6) I’ll be away from school on Friday–Brian and Brad will be covering for me.
Other SIWs/Meetings for January: 21st-Educator Network 27th-Teacher Collaboration Time (2:30-3:15) 28th-Teacher Work Day 30th-No School, teacher work day
Upcoming January 14: Cafe Amity, Kinder hosts January 19: No School in honor MLK–what do you plan to share about MLK with your class? January 20: DIBELS January 27: Teacher Collaboration Time January 30: No students, work day February 2-6: Variety Show launch and planning week February 5: Camp Amity! February 25-Variety Show May 2-Auction
Happy New Year! I hope you all had an amazing, relaxing, fun-filled break! What an incredible reset we get each year at this time!
As we head into 2026 I feel tremendous appreciation for our amazing school community, and to be able to show up each day at school and spend my days with all of you. You are all such wonderful, loving, caring, compassionate, and down right fun people and I don’t take for granted the privilege we have at Amity. Sure, there are rough days, but I look forward to coming to work every day, it’s just so much fun with all of you! I’m looking forward to an extraordinary new year and I look forward to lots of new memories with all of you!
A few notes to get you rolling… 1) Returning from Winter Break is always a good time to reconnect with students, remind them about reentering the school community, and remind them about our overarching mantra–Take Care of Yourself, Take Care of Each other, and Take Care of This Place. As we know, adjusting back to school life after this long break can be challenging for some of our kiddos-please let me know if there is anyone showing signs of needing a little extra love and attention. I’m here to help!
2) SIW this week will be focused on 2 things: Amy Yillik returns for part 2 of her presentation related to our work with Neurodiversity (1 hour) and we need to talk about the Variety Show roll out! We’ll dive back into our book study at our February 4 SIW.
Other SIWs/Meetings for January: 14th-Teacher Work Day 21st-Educator Network 27th-Teacher Collaboration Time (2:30-3:15) 28th-Teacher Work Day 30th-No School, teacher work day–info to share about how we’ll spend some of this time coming soon.
3) Amity Eats is this week at Pastini on Wednesday, January 8. I already shared this date with families before the break and will remind them first thing this week.
4) New Visiting artist reminder: *Bree Beal will be working with Kinder, Grade 1, and Grade 2 during Enrichment for 3 Tuesdays in January–starts next week. *Matthew Gwinnup will be working with Grades 3-5 during Enrichment during January and February with an eye towards performances at the Variety Show. Grades 3-5 will get to work with Bree later in the year.
5) New Buddies and Theme as we start the new year: *New Buddies-K/3, 1/2, 4/5 *New school wide theme: Integrity and Responsibility *Hallway bulletin board-Frans
Upcoming January 7: SIW with Amy Yillik, Variety Show conversation January 8: Amity Eats at Pastini January 14: Cafe Amity, Kinder hosts January 19: No School in honor MLK–what do you plan to share about MLK with your class? January 20: DIBELS January 27: Teacher Collaboration Time January 30: No students, work day
Save the dates: *February 25-Variety Show *May 2-Auction
Here’s to a great first week of January 2026! Andy
Good Morning All! Well, we made it to Winter Break–congrats! This is always such a milestone during the school year, an opportunity to reflect on all the great things that have happened so far this year, acknowledge the challenges faced and overcome, and the growth that has occurred. Make sure to enjoy some good connection time with your classes this week–so much for which to be grateful!
A few notes to get you going…
1) We have a Staff Meeting scheduled for Tuesday–this meeting will only be about 15-20 minutes as I have to get to another meeting by 3pm.
2) SIW this week is a Teacher Work Day-enjoy the time!
3) On Thursday at Community Time we have invited representatives from the 3 non-profits that we raised money for to join us for a presentation of the checks. Jammie Jam raised over $9000, so each organization will receive just over $3000! Our little school…AMAZING!!!
4) Bread and Jam on Friday
5) A few notes for when we return in the new year: *Bree Beal will be working with Kinder, Grade 1, and Grade 2 during Enrichment for 3 Tuesdays in January *Matthew Gwinnup will be working with Grades 3-5 during Enrichment during January and February with an eye towards performances at the Variety Show. Grades 3-5 will get to work with Bree later in the year. *We’ll talk about the lead up to the Variety Show at our January 7 SIW.
SIWs for January: 7th-Amy Yillik returns to continue our work focussing on neurodiversity, and we’ll have time to chat about the Variety Show 14th-Teacher Work Day 21st-Educator Network 28th-Teacher Work Day
Coming up in the new year: *New Buddies-K/3, 1/2, 4/5 *New school wide theme: Integrity and Responsibility *Hallway bulletin board-Frans
Save the dates: *January 8-Amity Eats at Pastini *February 25-Variety Show *May 2-Auction
Upcoming December 19: Bread and Jam January 8: Amity Eats at Pastini January 19: No School January 20: DIBELS January 27: Teacher Collaboration Time January 30: No students, work day
Good morning all! I hope the weekend was good to you! I am down in LA for the next few days helping my mom move into assisted living–I return to school on Thursday. As usual, Brian and Brad will be covering my duties while I am gone. If something significant comes up you can call or text me.
A few notes to get you rolling… 1) Cafe Amity on Wednesday, Grade 1 hosts.
2) SIW is in house. Lori will be here to talk about Amplify math, and Lauren will give an update related to the equity work in the district. Will someone volunteer to retrieve the snack box in my office, please?
3) Fire Drill on Thursday. We need to have this drill at a time that we wouldn’t normally have a drill so we will do this at 11:30am. Yes, just as lunch recess ends! Please meet outside at exactly 11:30am as we will be ringing the bell and the fire alarm at the same time. Gather your students and make your way to Broadway. Let’s see how this goes.
4) Staff gathering at 3:30pm on Thursday–hope you can make it, even if it’s just for a little while! Location TBD
5) I’ll be away from school Friday morning from 8:15am until around 10am for an admin meeting. I’ll be at Westside, so if you need me please reach out.
6) Coming up in the new year: *New Buddies-K/3, 1/2, 4/5 *New school wide theme: Integrity and Responsibility *Hallway bulletin board-Frans
7) Save the dates: *January 8-Amity Eats at Pastini *February 25-Variety Show *May 2-Auction
Upcoming December 10: Cafe Amity, Grade 1 hosts December 11: Fire Drill, 11:30am December 11: Staff Gathering, 3:30pm December 14: Hanukkah starts at sundown December 19: Bread and Jam January 8: Amity Eats at Pastini
Hello All! I hope you had an amazing break filled with family and way too much food! I had a really great, restful week and am looking forward to this magical little 3 week stretch between breaks!
A few notes to get you rolling…
1) SIW this week is a Teacher Work Day-enjoy the time! Next Wednesday we will have Lori sharing a little regarding Amplify math, and Lauren will be providing an update in her role as our equity team rep.
2) Bread and Jam this Friday (and Dec 19)
3) Ian will be leading a Singing Showcase next Monday at Community Time-it will be fun to see what all the classes have been working on!
4) Cafe Amity next Wednesday hosted by Grade 1.
5) Hanukkah begins December 14 at sunset and continues until December 22
6) Coming up in the new year: *New Buddies-K/3, 1/2, 4/5 *New school wide theme: Integrity and Responsibility *Hallway bulletin board-Frans
7) Save the dates: *January 8-Amity Eats at Pastini *February 25-Variety Show *May 2-Auction
Upcoming December 3: SIW is TWD December 5: Bread and Jam December 10: Cafe Amity, Grade 1 hosts December 14: Hanukkah starts at sundown December 19: Bread and Jam January 8: Amity Eats at Pastini
Hey Team, Hope you had a great, restful weekend! We’re on the verge of a much needed break, so let’s enjoy the week and ease into vacation.
In the spirit of thanksgiving, I want to share my deepest thanks with all of you. I love coming to work because I get to spend my days with you–every day we laugh and even on our hardest days there is a sense of love and unwavering support. This is a special group of people, and I feel incredibly grateful that I get to be a part of it!
A few notes to get you going… 1) Jammie Jam is this Friday from 9:45–10:45 AM. K-2 will run the course from 9:45-10:15, 3-5 from 10:15(ish)-10:45. As in year’s past, we’ll have lots of parent support to set the event up and monitor the laps. This is also pajama day, consider what movie/program you might show. Please hold on to pledge sheets/envelopes for now, we’ll get them from you. Thanks!
2) Cafe Amity is hosted by Grade 2 this week. Gina will organize this with your Class Lead.
3) SIW this week is site based. Anna and Haley will present on our Continuum of Care, and Sara will lead us in our next book study conversation (please see her email from last week as a reminder). 1:00pm in Brian’s room.
4) Food Drive continues this week and goes until December 5. Please include in your weekly note for this week and the one after break. Thanks!
5) Virtual district wide meeting on Tuesday. Below is the communication we received–maybe we watch together? Superintendent Steven Cook and Deputy Superintendent Lisa Birk will host an update for all District staff on Tuesday, November 18, with two 30-minute virtual sessions: Session 1 – 3:05 – 3:35 p.m. (LINK to join Session 1) Session 2 – 3:50 – 4:20 p.m. (LINK to join Session 2)
They will begin by recognizing several major accomplishments and celebrations from this school year. Other updates include:
State and federal funding
Long-term enrollment projections
Facility updates
Elementary and secondary priorities
They will provide the same update at the beginning of both meetings, then answer questions sent in from staff. Attendance is optional. If you can’t join either meeting live, we plan to share recordings with you afterward.
HAVE A QUESTION FOR DR. COOK? Use THIS LINK to submit a question for the first meeting (3:05-3:35 PM) Use THIS LINK to submit a question for the second meeting (3:50-4:20 PM)
6) Running Club will be on Thursday at morning choice due to Jammie Jam on Friday.
Upcoming Nov 18: Virtual district update Nov 19: Cafe Amity, Grade 2 hosts Nov 19: Continuation of Care presentation at SIW by Anna and Haley Nov 21: Jammie Jam, 9:45-10:45–see info above Nov 24-28: Thanksgiving Break!
Howdy All, I hope you had an amazing weekend. A belated Happy Birthday to Amanda who celebrated her birthday on Sunday. It’s a wonky week, but then again, when isn’t it?!
A few notes to get you rolling…
1) No School Tuesday, enjoy!
2) Bread and jam on Friday. The Amity store will be open that day for families to shop.
3) SIW this week is a Teacher Work Day. I’ll be leaving at 2:30pm to get to an admin meeting.
4) Next Tuesday, November 18 we have picture retakes. This is for students who missed the original picture day and for those that want to have a retake. If they want a retake they have to bring the originals back and have them on that day. Parents have been notified already and I’ll include it in my blog again.
5) Next Wednesday we will Cafe Amity hosted by Grade 2. Gina will reach out to your class lead.
6) Info about Jammie Jam went home to parents last week. Pledge sheets will go home this week. Below is what was shared, the most important pieces being the dates and that all proceeds are going to FAN, The Giving Plate, and Family Kitchen this year!
Dear Families, Our 4th Annual Fall Fundraiser, Jammie Jam, is coming up on Friday, November 21! This beloved event has quickly become a favorite for our students — a one-hour fun run and obstacle course that they complete in their pajamas!
Because our kiddos earned enough coins at the Harvest Festival, everyone gets to come to school in their jammies that Friday — just one more reason to celebrate before Thanksgiving break!
🌟 How It Works
Each student will bring home a pledge sheet soon (sent home November 10th). We’d love your help in finding a few family and friends sponsors — no door-to-door needed! Sponsors can make a flat donation or pledge per lap. Most students run around 10 laps, some 2-3 laps and some especially driven kiddos might go even further!
🙌 Volunteer Opportunities
We’d love for parents to join in the fun! The Jammie Jam runs from 9:45–10:45 AM, and we’re looking for volunteers available from 8:15–11:30 AM to help set up, cheer on the kids, and take down the course. Moreover, this will be Angela Spaid’s, our wonderful event coordinator, last year of organizing Jammie Jam. If you are interested in volunteering OR taking over as event coordinator, please email Angela at [email protected]
💛 Giving Back
This year, we are excited about shifting our fundraising purpose to benefit a few nonprofits in our community. Thanks to last year’s generosity in fundraising for the school, we asked our teachers and staff where they thought our Jammie Jam dollars could do the most good. During a time of increased food insecurity, we are so excited to be raising money to benefit the following organizations:
Family Access Network (FAN)
The Giving Plate
Family Kitchen
Funds will be evenly split among the three. Tax ID info and links to learn more will be included on the pledge sheets and at the bottom of this email. **If your family has been impacted by SNAP cuts, please reach out to Patti ([email protected]) to help arrange food support. All outreach is confidential. You are not alone.**
📅 Important Dates
November 10: Pledge sheets go home
November 19: Pledge sheets due back to school
November 21: Jammie Jam event day!
Thank you for helping make this event such a fun and meaningful tradition. With your support, our students learn the joy of giving and community — all while having a blast in their jammies!
Upcoming Nov 11: No school Nov 14: Bread and Jam Nov 19: Continuation of Care presentation at SIW by Anna and Haley Nov 21: Jammie Jam, save the date Nov 24-28: Thanksgiving Break!
Happy November–I can’t believe it’s already this time of year! I hope the 3 day weekend treated you well and that you are feeling good about how Conversations went. Please be sure to reach out to families who missed (or didn’t schedule) their meeting time.
Our new school theme for November is Belonging. We frequently talk about the importance of a sense of belonging, both for the children at Amity as well as their parents. Having belonging as a school-wide theme is powerful because it touches the core of what every student needs to thrive—a sense of being seen, valued, and connected. Belonging is intentionally woven into the culture here at Amity, and as a result most of our students feel safe to express themselves, take risks, and engage deeply in learning. Belonging fosters empathy, strengthens relationships, and breaks down barriers between individuals and groups. Our focus on belonging is what makes Amity a true community, so I’m glad we take time each year to do a deeper dive!
A few notes to get you rolling…
1) Student Success Meeting on Wednesday, Brad will be covering classes. Please be sure you have filled out the prep form prior to the meeting, this really helps us focus on our most needy kiddos. Here is the link. 8:45-9:15-Lauren/Sara 9:45-10:15-Lindsey 10:15-10:45-Frans 11:45-12:15-Brian 12:15-12:45-Amanda
2) Amy Yillik will be here Tuesday to present on Trauma Informed practices, this is related to our book study. 2:30-3:15pm in Brian’s room. Please be on time so we can start at 2:30pm.
3) SIW this week is in house–it will only be from 1:00-2:15pm (we borrowed some time for the Tuesday presentation). We will be talking about what we’ve learned so far from our book study and what we gleaned from Amy’s presentation.
4) Pie the Principal (fundraiser from Harvest Festival) is on Thursday at the end of Community Time!
5) Staff get together on Friday around 3ish at BBC. Hoping you can make it! The next gathering will be on December 5-same time and place.
Upcoming Nov 4: Amy Yellik from ESD to present at staff meeting, 2:30-3:15pm Nov 5: Student Success Meetings–Brad will cover classes Nov 5: SIW-in house, book study (1:00-2:15pm only since we added meeting on 11/4) Nov 6: Pie the Principal at end of Community Time (switched from 11/7) Nov 7: Staff gathering, 3ish at BBC Nov 19: Continuation of Care presentation at SIW by Anna and Haley Nov 21: Jammie Jam, save the date–more info coming this week Nov 24-28: Break!
Greetings All! It was a wet weekend but I’m hoping it was a good one for everyone! It’s Conversations week, so not a whole lot to share. Enjoy the connection time with parents this week! I’m loving the great feeling around school right now-thanks for all you do!
A few notes to get you going…
1) Families have been invited to participate in our annual Ofrenda, and I am encouraging you, too, to participate if you feel compelled. Here’s what I shared with families:
For many years now we have created an Ofrenda (oh-friend-ah) here at school and the tradition continues this year. A little background information first: Around this time of year in Mexico (November 1 and 2) they celebrate Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Part of this celebration is the Ofrenda. Ofrendas (ofrenda means offering in Spanish), are an essential part of the Day of the Dead celebrations. While they are also called alters, they are not for worship or religious purposes, but rather a way to honor and keep the memory of loved ones in the present. Ofrendas are constructed to remember and honor the memory of ancestors and loved ones that have passed. It is a beautiful ritual, and one that truly honors those that have been a part of our personal history and journey. This year is particularly emotional for me as I lost my dad in March, and last week I had to say goodbye to my beloved dog. I hope you will share with me in honoring these two special souls.
If you’d like to participate in the Ofrenda, you have two options for sending in a photo. You can bring in an original photo (labeled, in a frame if possible–we will return it!) or send it in with your child, or you can send a digital image to Patti ([email protected]) and we will print it out . We always love the stories connected to your loved ones, so if you are inclined to share a story please do! In years past this has been something we deeply cherish and we hope you consider honoring your loved ones along with us. We will begin collecting photos next week, and we’ll start creating the Ofrenda.
2) Please remember that we have a master calendar in the office (black one on the shelf next to my office), and it’s important for you to get dates on the calendar as you set them. Keeping this up to date is extremely helpful for all of us! Thanks!
3) How are your Vector (Safe Schools) Trainings going? Please remember they are due to be complete by the end of next week!
4) Please be sure you have your singing time with Ian on your calendar/lesson plan each week. There have been multiple occasions where Ian has showed up to a classroom and it’s clear that the classroom was not expecting him.
Upcoming Oct 29-30-Conversations Oct 31-No School! Nov 4: Amy Yellik from ESD to present at staff meeting, 2:30-3:15pm Nov 5: Student Success Meetings–Brad will cover classes Nov 5: SIW-in house, book study (1:00-2:15pm only since we added meeting on 11/4) Nov 6: Pie the Principal at end of Community Time (switched from 11/7) Nov 19: Continuation of Care presentation at SIW by Anna and Haley Nov 21: Jammie Jam, save the date–more info coming soon
A happy Monday to you all! The Harvest Festival was a huge success and lots of fun! We have such an amazing community of parents who made the magic happen, we are so incredibly fortunate! Hoping you all had a great weekend!
The biggest thing this week are the murals. 2 things related to this: 1) We need volunteers for every class–at least a few. 2) The community mural painting will take place Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 1:30-2:30. This is for EVERYONE–students, parents, and staff! Please find a time on one of the days to participate. It’s going to be amazing!
A few notes to get you rolling… 1) Three field trips this week: Grade 4 goes to Tumalo on Tuesday, we all go to the Tower Theater on Thursday, and Grade 2 heads to Fall River on Friday.
2) We have Team Collaboration Time on Tuesday from 2:30-3:15. Try to use this time to hone in on something you are all wanting to work on this year–could be the new math curriculum, EL, reading support, etc. Find something your team wants to work together on.
3) Cafe Amity on Wednesday, hosted by Grade 4
4) SIW this week is a Teacher Work Day–enjoy the time!
5) Links to Conversations were sent out on Friday–thanks to all of you for getting me your links! Parents have already been thanking us for doing this! You are free to send out your link to families if you haven’t done so already.
6) Please let me know when you have completed your Bias lessons. They need to be completed this month. Thanks!
7) Change of date for Student Success Meetings-we will do these on Wed, Nov 5.
8) Just FYI, new Buddies begin on November 3: K/4, 1/3, 2/5
Upcoming Oct 20 to 24-Murals! Volunteers needed! Community mural M/Th/F 1:30-2:30pm Oct 21-Grade 4 to Tumalo Oct 22-Cafe Amity, Grade 4 hosts Oct 23-Jazzy Ash at the Tower! Doors open at 9:30am Oct 24-Vision Screening Oct 24-Grade 2 to Fall River Oct 29-30-Conversations Oct 31-No School! Nov 4: Amy Yellik from ESD to present, 2:30-3:15pm Nov 5: Student Success Meetings–Brad will cover classes Nov 7: Pie the Principal at end of Community Time Nov 19: Continuation of Care presentation at SIW by Anna and Haley Nov 21: Jammie Jam, save the date
