South Shore PreK-8 Community Bulletin

A Great Week at South Shore!
We’ve had an exciting and successful week at South Shore! Our 5th-grade camp has been going exceptionally well, with students and staff working together to create lasting memories. A huge thank you to all of our students and staff for their dedication and hard work to make this camp experience a memorable one. Your teamwork and positive energy have made it a true success!

Coffee Chats with the Principal
Join us every first Thursday of the month from 8:00 AM – 8:35 AM for our community chat with Principal Foyston. These informal chats are a great opportunity to connect, ask questions, and share thoughts on how we can continue to make South Shore the best it can be. We look forward to seeing you there!

Ramadan Mubarak!
As we Continue the holy month of Ramadan, we would like to extend our warmest wishes to all of our students, families, and staff who are observing this special time. Ramadan is a time of reflection, self-discipline, charity, and community. It is an opportunity to grow in kindness and compassion, as well as to connect with family and friends.

At South Shore, we celebrate the diversity of our community and support one another in fostering understanding and respect for all cultures and beliefs. We wish everyone a peaceful and blessed Ramadan.

Ramadan Kareem!

Billy Frank Jr. Day
Billy Frank Jr. (1931–2014) was a Native American civil rights activist and a key figure in the struggle for fishing rights in the Pacific Northwest. A member of the Nisqually Tribe, Billy dedicated his life to advocating for Indigenous rights, particularly the right to fish. His advocacy led to the landmark “Boldt Decision” in 1974, affirming treaty rights for Native American tribes. Frank was also a passionate environmentalist, serving as a leader for the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission and working to protect natural resources for future generations. His legacy continues to inspire efforts for Indigenous sovereignty and environmental conservation.

Visitor Guidelines
For the safety and security of all students, all volunteers and guests must sign in at the front office, wear a visitor badge, and have a scheduled appointment. Volunteers working directly with students must complete the volunteer application, background check, and required training. If you need to visit a classroom, please arrange this in advance with the teacher. In order to minimize disruptions during learning time, if you need to check in with your child, we will ask them to come to the front office to meet you.

Our Community Values
At South Shore, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every student, regardless of their background or identity, is welcomed and valued. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to support all learners, ensuring that diverse perspectives and experiences are integrated into our educational programs. This approach enriches the learning experience and promotes a sense of belonging for every student.

Thank you for being a part of our vibrant and diverse school community!

Thank You for a Wonderful Week!
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for a truly wonderful week at South Shore PreK-8. This year’s Black History Month assembly was a great success, and it was such a joy to see all of our students participating. We are proud of their enthusiasm and commitment to celebrating diversity.

Coffee Chats with the Principal
Join us for our monthly Coffee Chats with the Principal!
Every first Thursday of the month from 8:00-8:35 AM, we hold a community chat where you can connect with Principal Foyston to share ideas, ask questions, or just have a conversation about what’s happening at South Shore. We look forward to seeing you there!

America’s Favorite Teacher – Support Ms. Karbula!
Let’s rally behind our incredible teacher, Ms. Karbula, as she competes for America’s Favorite Teacher! If she wins, we will have a special assembly with Bill Nye the Science Guy!
Voting is free and can be done once per day until March 6. Currently, Ms. Karbula is in 4th place, and every vote counts! Let’s show our support and help her climb to the top!

Visitor and Volunteer Guidelines
To ensure a safe and focused learning environment, we kindly ask that all visitors and volunteers follow these guidelines:

• Sign-in at the front office upon arrival
• Wear a visitor badge while in the building
• Have a scheduled appointment
• Volunteers working with students must have completed a volunteer application, background check, and required training.
• Any classroom visits must be arranged in advance with the teacher.
  If you need to check in with your student, we will ask them to come to the front office to meet you.

Our Community Values
At South Shore, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every student, regardless of background or identity, feels welcomed and valued. Our curriculum is intentionally designed to support all learners, integrating diverse perspectives and experiences into our educational programs. This approach enhances learning and fosters a deep sense of belonging for all students.

Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support!

We are thrilled to share that our Lunar New Year assembly was a great success! Students and staff came together to celebrate this important cultural holiday, learning about its traditions and significance. The assembly was filled with joy, learning, and a strong sense of community. A special thank you to the Lion Dance Club from Cleveland for joining us and adding an extra layer of excitement and cultural richness to our celebration. We’re so proud of everyone who contributed to making this event a memorable one!

Coffee Chats with the Principal
Join us every first Thursday of the month from 8:00 AM to 8:35 AM for a community chat with our principal. It’s a great opportunity to discuss school matters, share ideas, and connect with the school leadership.

Kids Co. Care Availability

• Available Care: Tuesday, February 18; Wednesday, February 19; Thursday, February 20; Friday, February 21.
• Closed: Monday, February 17, in observance of Presidents’ Day.

If you are interested in Kids Co. care, please see the attached flyer for more details.

• Kids Co. at South Shore Mid-Winter Break Flyer 2025.pdf 
• Kids-Co Break Day communications Mid-Winter Break 2025.pdf 

Visitor and Volunteer Guidelines

• All volunteers and guests must sign in at the front office, wear a visitor badge, and have a scheduled appointment.
• Volunteers working directly with students must complete the volunteer application, undergo a background check, and complete the required training.
• Any classroom visits must be arranged in advance with the teacher.
• To minimize disruption and maintain focused learning time, we will bring your student to the front if you need to check in with them during the school day.

Our Community Values
At South Shore, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every student, regardless of their background or identity, feels welcomed and valued. Our curriculum is designed to support all learners, ensuring that diverse perspectives and experiences are integrated into our educational programs. This approach not only enriches the learning experience but also fosters a sense of belonging for every student.

Thank You for Your Support!

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our families for supporting their students with online learning this week due to the weather. It was wonderful to see so many of our students engaged and participating. Your flexibility and dedication to their education make a huge difference—thank you again!

Coffee Chats with the Principal

Join us for a casual conversation with the principal every first Thursday of the month from 8:00-8:35 AM. This is a great opportunity to connect, ask questions, and share ideas.

Open House – February 13, 4-5 p.m.

Do you know a family interested in joining South Shore next year? Please share this date with friends and family! If you have a 5th-grade student and want to learn more about our middle school, we encourage you to attend.

Rainier Valley Little League

Rainier District Little League (RDLL) welcomes all players—no experience needed! Open to ages 4-16, this program teaches skills, sportsmanship, and athleticism.
Scholarships & Financial Assistance Available – RDLL supports all families without question. Contact info@rdll.org for help covering registration and gear costs.

registration 2025

Kids Co. – Childcare Services

Care will be available on:

• Tuesday, Feb. 18
• Wednesday, Feb. 19
• Thursday, Feb. 20
• Friday, Feb. 21
• Closed on Monday, Feb. 17 (Presidents’ Day)

For more details, please see the attached flyer:

• Kids Co. at South Shore Mid-Winter Break Flyer 2025
• Kids-Co Break Day communications Mid-Winter Break 2025

Global Reading Challenge

Come support our 4th and 5th-grade students as they showcase their reading knowledge in the Annual Global Reading Challenge, sponsored by Seattle Public Library.

• When: Wednesday, Feb. 12, 9:15-10:30 AM
• Where: South Shore Rotunda
• What: Students form teams, read selected books, and compete in a trivia challenge.
• Next Steps: The winning team advances to the Semi-Final Challenge at the Central Public Library on Thursday, March 13, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Visitor & Volunteer Guidelines

All visitors and volunteers must:

• Sign in at the front office.
• Wear a visitor badge.
• Have a scheduled appointment.

Volunteers working with students must complete:

• A volunteer application.
• A background check.
• Required training.

Classroom visits must be pre-arranged with the teacher. To protect focused learning time, students will be called to the front office for any check-ins.

Our Community Values

At South Shore, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all students feel welcomed and valued. Our curriculum is designed to embrace diverse perspectives and experiences, ensuring every learner is supported. Together, we foster a community of belonging and academic excellence.

Coffee Chats – 1st Thursday of Every Month
Join us for a community chat with the principal on the first Thursday of each month from 8:00–8:35 AM.

Open House – February 13th | 4:00–5:00 PM
Please share this date with any friends or family who may be interested in attending South Shore next year. Additionally, if you are a family with a 5th-grade student and would like to learn more about our middle school, we encourage you to attend.

Rainier Valley Little League
Rainier District Little League (RDLL) welcomes all players—no experience needed. Open to ages 4–16, your child will learn skills, sportsmanship, and athleticism necessary for the game.

Interested in a scholarship or financial assistance? RDLL supports all families without question. Email info@rdll.org for assistance with registration and gear costs.

registration 2025

Kids Co.
Care available: Tuesday, February 18; Wednesday, February 19; Thursday, February 20; Friday, February 21.
Kids Co. CLOSED: Monday, February 17 in observance of Presidents’ Day. See the attached flyer for more details.

• Kids Co. at South Shore Mid-Winter Break Flyer 2025
• Kids-Co Break Day communications Mid-Winter Break 2025

Rainier Beach High School Open House
We are hosting an open house for prospective scholars and families on Wednesday, February 5th, from 5:00–7:00 PM. Register for Rainier Beach High School Open House. 

A.T. Sugiyama High School Open House
Join us for an exciting opportunity to explore our school and learn about our innovative programs. 

Sugiyama open house

Visitor Guidelines
All volunteers and guests must sign in at the front office, wear a visitor badge, and have a scheduled appointment. Volunteers working with students must complete a volunteer application, background check, and required training. Classroom visits must be arranged with the teacher in advance. To maintain a focused learning environment, we will ask students to come to the front office if they need to meet with a visitor.

Our Community Values
We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every student is welcomed and valued. Our curriculum supports all learners by integrating diverse perspectives and experiences, enriching the learning experience, and promoting a sense of belonging.

Message from Dr. Jones
Dear SPS Families and Staff,
Seattle Public Schools (SPS) remains steadfast in our commitment to providing safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments for every student, regardless of race, religion, national origin, immigration status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. We have a constitutional obligation to educate all students. No matter where you’re from, you are welcome here.

We are closely monitoring new policies that may impact our district. As changes arise, we will provide clarity, calm, and stability. The recent announcement regarding the removal of protected areas and the possibility of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) entering schools is deeply troubling to our district and community.

School districts educate school-age residents regardless of their immigration status. Washington state law directs districts to limit immigration enforcement to the fullest extent allowed by federal and state law. SPS has adopted procedures based on the Washington State Attorney General’s model policy to guide district interactions with federal immigration authorities. You can read the Superintendent’s Procedure on Limiting Immigration Enforcement for more details.

In SPS, we respect every student’s right to a safe school experience. Our schools are places of safety and belonging. We will not tolerate any actions that disrupt students’ sense of security or their right to an equitable education.

Furthermore, we remain committed to protecting the rights of LGBTQIA+ students and staff, including non-binary individuals. The district will continue fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, guided by Superintendent Procedure 3211, which ensures gender-diverse students have access to necessary resources and respect.

We are reviewing our policies with legal counsel to ensure clarity for students, families, and staff. We will collaborate with families, educators, and community partners to advocate for policies that protect our students and uphold their academic, social, and emotional well-being.

SPS stands with every student and family, ensuring their rights are protected and their voices are heard.

MLK Event Success!
We are thrilled to share that today’s Martin Luther King Jr. event was a huge success! Our students proudly marched with their handmade signs, showcasing their creativity and commitment to Dr. King’s legacy. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this meaningful event.

No School Monday
A reminder that school will be closed on Monday, January 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Upcoming Events & Announcements

Coffee Chats
Join us for casual conversations over coffee on the first Thursday of every month. This is a great opportunity to connect with other families and staff.

Open House
We are excited to welcome families to our upcoming Open House events:

• Elementary (K-5): 9:30 AM
• Middle School: 6:30 PM
  More information will be shared soon.

Rainier Valley Little League
Rainier District Little League (RDLL) invites all players ages 4-16 to join—no experience necessary! Your player will develop skills, sportsmanship, and athleticism while having fun.

• Scholarships & Financial Assistance: RDLL is committed to supporting all families. For help covering registration and gear costs, email info@rdll.org.

• Skills Day Warm-Up
• registration 2025

Kids Co. Childcare
Kids Co. will offer childcare on the following dates:

• Tuesday, February 18
• Wednesday, February 19
• Thursday, February 20
• Friday, February 21

Kids Co. will be closed on Monday, February 17, in observance of Presidents’ Day. For more details, please see the attached flyer.

• Break Day communications Mid-Winter Break 2025
• Kids Co. at South Shore Mid-Winter Break Flyer 2025

Visitor Information
To ensure safety and protect learning time:

• All volunteers and visitors must sign in at the front office, wear a visitor badge, and have a scheduled appointment.
• Volunteers working with students must complete the volunteer application, background check, and required training.
• Classroom visits should be arranged with the teacher in advance.
  If you need to check in with your student during the day, they will meet you at the front office.

Our Community Values
At South Shore PreK-8, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every student is welcomed and valued. Our curriculum reflects diverse perspectives and experiences, enriching learning and promoting a sense of belonging for all.

Thank you for being an integral part of our South Shore PreK-8 community!

Celebrating Our Amazing Students
We are constantly inspired by the greatness of our students. Every day, their curiosity, creativity, and resilience remind us why we love being part of this incredible community. Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and we are here to support each and every one of them as they learn, grow, and shine.

Community Event
There will be a community meeting this Wednesday, January 15th at 5:30 PM at Aki Kurose Middle School. This event is just for families of South Shore and Aki Kurose. Look for more details to come—we hope to see you there!

MLK Event
We are excited to announce that our students will be participating in an MLK Day event! As part of this meaningful day, students will join in an assembly honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and then participate in a small walk around the block as a whole school. We look forward to the learning, reflection, and growth that this event will inspire in our students.

Visitor Policy
We welcome all volunteers and guests to South Shore PreK-8, but please note the following guidelines:

• All visitors must sign in at the front office, wear a visitor badge, and have a scheduled appointment.
• Volunteers working with our students must complete the volunteer application, background check, and required training.
• Classroom visits must be arranged with the teacher in advance.
  To protect valuable learning time, we will ask your student to come to the front office if you need to check in with them during the school day.

Our Community Values
We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every student, regardless of their background or identity, is welcomed and valued. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to support all learners, ensuring that diverse perspectives and experiences are integrated into our educational programs. This approach enriches the learning experience and promotes a sense of belonging for every student.

Thank you for your continued support in making South Shore PreK-8 a safe, inclusive, and thriving community for all.