Great news about our neighborhood middle school, Mercer!!!!

Community Friends whose kids may end up going to Asa Mercer Middle School, I wanted to share some good news about Mercer: In addition to being chosen for a second year by the State Superintendent of Schools as a “School of Distinction” (meaning that we were in the top 5% of schools in the state according to a series of assessments by the state, an award that I believe is also held by Beacon Hill and Orca) Mercer has been featured in a case study, just published by the Washington State Board of Education (SBE). To spotlight effective practices, the SBE is highlighting schools that are closing achievement gaps and performing at high levels. Check it out: http://www.sbe.wa.gov/documents/Mercer%20Middle%20School%20Case%20Study.pdf . The purpose of this case study is for other schools to learn from Mercer and incorporate some of our school’s professional practices. It has lots of information, some nice photos of our students and teachers, and lovely tidbits such as “Mercer Middle School is third in the entire state on the science Index rating and tied for second place for science performance for low-income students.”
--From our friends at Mercer PTSA

From Ms. V.- Great News About our Annual Care Package Drive for Soldiers

Hello Everyone!

Thanks to the Maple Community! F3 packed up 29 large boxes to go to active duty soldiers in Afghanistan. Items we shipped included letters, wet wipes, books, magazines, DVDs and CDs.

Thanks to Don Mills at the American Legion Seattle Post #1 for donating all of the funds necessary for the shipment of all of the boxes. And thanks to Shannon Ritscher, parent of a first grader, for taking the time to bring all of the boxes to the Georgetown post office.

Thanks again to everyone for making this event now a Maple tradition.

On a personal note, I do hope and pray that someday there won’t be a combat zone to send the packages, and that instead we can surprise soldiers with packages at peacetime.

All the best.

Marcia Ventura

Budget cuts are a comin'... PLEASE provide your ideas to the District

Please click here to provide your ideas on how the school district should balance its budget for the 2011 2012 school year. Some very important decisions need to be made.

-Thanks!!

Mark your calendars and plan to join us for a Fall Concert!!!

Thursday, December 2nd from 6:30 - 7:30 pm
on the Maple Elementary School Stage (seating in the gym)

This fall, Maple students have been working hard on music in Multi-Arts. Now, it’s time for them to perform! Please join us for an evening of fun and music!

We will be doing an all-school dress rehearsal from 2:20 to 3:20 pm in the gym on Thursday, December 2nd. You are welcome to attend this dress rehearsal assembly as well!

If you’d like to help – please let me know!

Kate Baker Multi-Arts Specialist 206.252.8364
kabaker@seattleschools.org

A letter to Mrs. Hunter from Mike Dardis from KOMO-4! Maple's Going to be on TV!

Dear Pat Hunter,

All school year long, KOMO 4 Morning News will be customizing forecasts for specific schools that have been nominated by teachers, students, and/or parents. I am happy to let you know that Maple Elementary in Seattle has been nominated and will be featured on our newscast Thursday, November 11th between 6:30 and 7am.

Our meteorologist, Paul Deanno will be making a forecast specifically for your school… and will share a few quick/fun facts about your school. Please feel free to e-mail me any other interesting things about the school and a photo of the school or a particular class or activity. We’d appreciate it if you could let people there know that they will be featured in a weather segment on KOMO 4 Morning News with Paul, Molly Shen, Mike Dardis and Rachelle Murcia next Thursday the 11th.

Thanks!

Mike Dardis

Picture Day Thank You!!!!

Many thanks to the following parent volunteers who made sure Maple students and staff smiled for the camera on Picture Day. Maple parents are the best!

Emily Riesser, Shannon Ritscher, Kristine Moore,
Erin Brannan, Lorna Allen, Elinor Roderick

If your child missed Picture Day or want a retake, you will have another opportunity on Wednesday, December 1st. Please watch for a flyer coming home.