Horizons Elementary Newsletter - North Thurston Public Schools

Horizons Elementary Newsletter
November 2012
Tim Fries, Principal
Office: 412-4710
Fax: 412-4719
Visit our Website at:
www.nthurston.k12.wa.us
4601 67th Avenue SE
Lacey, Washington 98513
PRINCIPAL’S CORNER
Tim Fries
When Horizons Elementary School opened in 1992, most of the students rode
the bus to school. At that time, Horizons was surrounded by undeveloped
land, and nobody would have imagined that Horizons would become the
largest elementary school and that most of the students would live within the
walking zone. Today, of our almost 750 students around 500 either walk to
and from school each day or travel by car. North Thurston Public Schools
has made the allowable improvements along 67 th Avenue and in the parking
lot, but we have far more traffic than our parking lot can handle.
During conference week, we will distribute a letter about the parking lot
policies and ideas for improving the parking lot challenges. In the meantime,
I would like to share the benefits of walking. Without a doubt, the most
effective way to avoid parking lot issues is to leave the car at home and walk.
While walking to and from school may require a change in routine, the
benefits are well documented and go well beyond avoiding traffic issues.
Top Ten Reasons to Walk:
* Walking nourishes the brain reduces the likelihood of developing dementia
* Walking five days a week can reduce the risk of suffering a stroke or heart
attack
* Walking aids weight loss and it helps maintain a healthy weight
* Walking regularly can reduce back pain and fibromyalgia pain
* Walking in the grey winter months of Western Washington increases
exposure to sunlight, which increases vitamin D synthesis and leads to
stronger bones and better overall health
* Walking saves money—it’s less expensive than going to the gym and it
saves on gas
* Walking is associated with healthier children who perform better
academically
* Walking models a healthy lifestyle for your child
* Walking provides invaluable time with your child to talk and encourage
open communication that is critical to your child’s development,
especially as he or she gets ready for middle school
* Walking means you don’t have to deal with driving (aka idling, waiting,
and being honked at) through the round-about, on 67 th , and/or in the
parking lot
Once you establish your routine, walking will be a valued part of your day.
Even when the weather is wet and cold, a walk will leave you feeling better
and it will benefit your health and pocketbook!
* The benefits of walking are from Safe Routes National Center for Safe Routes to
School (http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/) and (http://www.realage.com/walking/
walking-benefits)
IMPORTANT DATES
End of Quarter
Friday, November 2
Daylight Savings Ends
Sunday, November 4
Remember to set clocks back one hour!
PTSA Book Fair
November 5-9 In the Library
Conference Days
November 6-9
Release at 11:05 a.m.
November 6: AM Kindergarten Attends
November 7: PM Kindergarten Attends
November 8: AM Kindergarten Attends
November 9: PM Kindergarten Attends
**For Students Receiving School Lunch,
Sack Lunch Will Be Served**
NO PRESCHOOL
November 6-9
Veterans Day
Monday, November 12
No School
Veterans Day Assembly
Tuesday, November 13
In the Gym 1:15 to 2:15 p.m.
PTSA Military Appreciation
Tuesday, November 13
In the Gym 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Picture Retakes
Monday, November 19
Blue Pod Celebration
Tuesday, November 20 at 11:40 a.m.
Thanksgiving Break
November 22-23
No School
Girls’ Mentoring Club
Thursday, November 29 at 2:35 to 3:45 p.m.

WELCOME NEW STAFF MEMBERS
Please welcome the following new staff members
who are joining us this year at Horizons:
Kelli DeMonte — Dean of Students
Chantale Packard — Librarian
Kristen Olson—AM Kindergarten Teacher
Ciera Meyer — 1st Grade Teacher
Brea Larson—2nd Grade Teacher
Laura Hurley - 2nd Grade Teacher
Kassie Ludeman — 4th Grade Teacher
Hadley Jensen — 5th Grade Teacher
Candace Alvarino — Paraeducator
Adrienne Perez — Paraeducator/Military Para
Vilma Hegarty — Paraeducator
Sharmin Dia—Preschool Para
Dianna Ullery—Resource
Basilio Elevado—Custodian
We are delighted to have these new staff
members with us!
PICTURE RETAKE DAY
Individual Picture Retake Day will be on
Monday, November, 19.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day,
began on November 11, 1918, as a holiday to
honor the end of World War I. In 1938, legislation
was passed that dedicated November 11 “to the
cause of world peace and to be hereafter
celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day’” as a
way to honor World War I veterans. In 1954, after
both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd
U.S. Congress, at the urging of veterans service
organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by
striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting
the word “Veterans,” making November 11 a day
to honor American veterans of all wars.
Thank you, Veterans!
TWISTIES FROZEN YOGURT
SUPPORTS HORIZONS PTSA
Thank you to Twisties FrozenYogurt!
On Thursday, November 8, from 11:00
am to 9:00 pm. Twisties will contribute
25% of the day's profit to Horizons
PTSA. We hope Horizons families will
invite their friends and neighbors to
Twisties. We appreciate your generous
support of our school!
Twisties Frozen Yogurt is located in
the same plaza as Lowe’s, at 5500
Corporate Center Lane SE, Ste B.
PTSA BOOK FAIR
Dates and Times
Monday, November 5: 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 6: 11:10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 7: 11:10 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 8: 11:10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday, November 9: 11:10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Programs for
Highly Capable Students
North Thurston Public Schools offers two programs that
serve the needs of highly capable students. The TAG
program, housed at Lakes Elementary School, serves
students in grades 3-5. The Challenge Academy , housed
at Aspire Middle School, serves students in grades 6-8.
You can find more information about both the TAG
program and the Challenge Academy on the school
district website: www.nthurston.k12.wa.us) under
Family Resources/Gifted Education.
Referrals to both the Challenge Academy and to the
TAG program may be initiated by parents, students, or
community members. If you think your child might be a
good candidate for the TAG program or Challenge
Academy, you are encouraged to discuss the possibility
with your child’s teacher. Application packets are
available on the district website or by calling Young Lee
in the Assessment Office (360-412-4497)