November 2009  

       www.mead354.org/farwell            

Please report absences by calling

our absence HOTLINE:  465-6584

Message from Mrs. Pybus

Dear Farwell Families,

Welcome to the month of November! This time of year is when teachers are busy assessing student progress and preparing for Parent-Teacher Conferences. Please remember to call the office to schedule a conference with your child’s teacher. Conferences are a great opportunity to focus on your child’s learning and celebrate their accomplishments.

Across the Mead School District you will notice that the report card system has undergone a major change. We shared our planning last year, but now is the time to implement the new Standards-Based Report Card with our students.

A Standards-Based Report Card shows student progress in relation to state standards (or expectations) at a specific grade level. You will see the specific grade level targets (standards) listed on the report card for each subject area. The teachers will assess students and determine where they are in relation to the grade level targets. Your child will receive one of the following scores:

                                                4 – Exceeding Standard

                                                3 – Meeting Standard

                                                2 – Developing Toward Standard

                                                1 – Significantly Below Standard

                                                NE – Not Evaluated at This Time 

It is important to remember that the standards on the report card are the targets that your child is working to reach by the end of the school year. The report will share with you how your son or daughter is progressing toward these end-of-year standards (targets).

We realize that it will take some time to clearly understand the way student progress is reported. This change is based on the fact that focusing on clear targets, assessing for understanding and communicating this to the learner will increase student achievement.

Please join us for the PTO Meeting on Monday, November 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Farwell Library. I will be sharing a brief presentation about the Standards-Based Report Card and how we will use it to communicate about your child’s learning.

Thanks for partnering with us to help your children be successful! Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

Barb Pybus
Farwell Elementary, Principal

PTO News

Halloween Bingo was a great success.  Lots of fun was had by all and we saw many wonderful costumes.  Approximately 150 Farwell families attended and everyone went home with a prize!!  A BIG thank you to the Ragan Family, whose daughter, Kami is in the 1st grade.  They donated a Retro Kettle Popcorn maker, which will be used at upcoming meetings and events.

INNISBROOK FUNDRAISER

A HUGE thank you to the entire community for your generous support of the Innisbrook Fundraiser.  Our school earned over $9,000 that will be used to support learning!

The products have arrived and are ready for pick-up.  If you have not received your order, please come to the school office to get your merchandise.

SAVE THE DATES!

Thursday, November 12th
Family Portrait Night by Leo's Photography
in the Multi-purpose Room
from 4:00 - 8:00 pm

Leo's Photography will be here at Farwell to take family photos.  The sitting cost is $5 and you will be able to access and choose your photos online.  Appointments will be made on a first come, first served basis.  To sign-up, please email FarwellPTO@mead.k12.wa.us.  An email confirmation of receipt and your scheduled time will be emailed to you.

Monday, November 16th
PTO Mtg.     NEW DATE!
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Library
Due to many school activities, conferences and the holiday, our next meeting will be held on Monday, November 16th.  On topic this month will be the fundraiser update, parent/teacher conferences and Mrs. Pybus will be sharing important information about the new report card.  As time allows, we will also review the budget and look forward into spring.  Childcare will be available in the YMCA room (Portable 48). 

 Tuesday, November 17th
Family Skate Night
6:30-8:30
Pattison's North
Come and skate with your friends!  The cost is $3.75 for skate rental, $2 more for rollerblades.  You will need to bring a signed permission slip with you to Pattison's.  Click here to print. 

REMEMBER TO SAVE
Box Tops for Education.  We will be doing a big collection soon. . . date to be announced later.  Thank you!  

FARWELL T-SHIRTS, SPORTSWEAR AND OTHER ACCESSORIES
GO Farwell Falcons!  The PTO is excited to announce the opening of their new e-store!  Go to http://www.estoresbyzome.com/farwell_elementary.php and check out the t-shirts, hoodies, and much more.  The PTO receives 15% of all the sales which will be used to support our school.  Shipping is free if your items are sent directly to the school.   

 2009-2010 PTO Board Members    
Rebecca Bennett - President
     Laura Bacon - Vice President
     Secretary - Amber Renford
     Treasurer - Lori Jarvis
     Volunteer Coordinator - Stephanie Jones
Marketing Director - Mylene Warren

Be sure and visit our website at http://www.mead354.org/page.cfm?p=10944 or click on the PTO button from Farwell's homepage.  There you will find our Event Calendar, Skate Night Permission Slip, PTO Bylaws, Meeting Minutes and other items of interest.

  

Lunch Accounts

Did you know that you can receive an email alert when your student's meal balance is low?  Sign up in PowerSchool and you will always have a heads up.  You may choose how often you want to get the alert and sign up for other information also.  To do this, you will need your PowerSchool parent/guardian username and password, which is available by calling the office at 465-6500.  Then go to the Farwell homepage and click on the PowerSchool button.  Once in PowerSchool, you will add your email address when prompted to receive the information.

                                         Mead Food Bank                      

     Located at 12611 North Wilson in Mead
     Open Wednesdays from 4:00-6:45 P.M.
Phone 466-7068
  Serving the entire 
                        Mead School District area