Southwood Newsletter

Message From the Principal

Greetings Southwood Families,

I am so proud of the students, families, and staff of Southwood Elementary. Together, we are building a learning community where every child:

• Feels physically and emotionally safe,

• Develops a sense of belonging, and

• Experiences academic success while reaching their fullest potential.

This year, we’re excited to pilot a research-based program called CharacterStrong. The program strengthens class and school community through character development, helping students practice life skills like empathy, responsibility, perseverance, and teamwork. Each month we’ll focus on a different trait under the themes Be Kind, Be Strong, and Be Well, with students engaging in weekly lessons that include stories, songs, and games.

In each newsletter, I’ll highlight the month’s skill so you can join us in modeling and encouraging these practices at home. Here’s our year at a glance:

Thank you for the many ways you support your child and contribute to our school family. We are looking forward to a wonderful year together!

Partnering with you,

Andy Means

Open House and Share Fair

Southwood has a special tradition called the Share Fair—a chance for every student to showcase their heritage, hobbies, talents, experiences, and interests that make them unique. During the school day, students practice presentation skills as they share their projects with classmates from across grades. 

This year, we’re making a few adjustments to help the Share Fair strengthen our sense of community and belonging:

• Equitable access: In past years, family time and financial constraints made it harder for some students to participate. This year, the school is providing materials for everyone—mini-trifolds for 1st–5th grade students and fillable posters for Kindergarteners. Students will also have time during class to create their projects.
  

• Earlier in the year: We’re moving the Share Fair to late September so we can celebrate each child’s uniqueness early on, setting the tone for a year of belonging.
  

• Combined with Open House: To simplify schedules, the Share Fair will be held alongside Open House on Thursday, September 25, 5:15–6:45 p.m.
  
  

Family Involvement

Even though students will have materials and work time at school, families play an important role too. Talk with your child about possible project ideas, and consider sending in photos or small items they’d like to include in their presentation.

What to Expect at Open House

Open House will look a little different this year. Families are welcome to come and go anytime between 5:15 and 6:45. When you arrive, you’ll receive a “passport” to guide you around campus. You’ll:

• Meet several adults who support your child each day
  

• Tour your child’s classroom with them
  

• Get key information from the teacher and ask questions
  

• Explore Share Fair projects in your child’s class and others across the school

Dinner Provided

To make the evening easier, the Southwood PTO is offering a free pizza dinner from 5:15–6:15. To help them plan, families will be asked to RSVP through an online link (coming soon).

We can’t wait to celebrate all the ways our students shine—and to welcome you into their learning world!

Free and Reduced Meals

School breakfast and lunch is free to all Southwood students. Please note, if your student is bringing home lunch and wishes to purchase a milk, there will be a $0.65 charge.

Although, as stated above, all students are free this year, it is VERY important that you fill out the application if you qualify. As a school, we receive school wide free breakfast/lunch due to the number of qualifying students last year. We need to maintain at our qualifying number this year in order to get free lunch again next year. Additionally, if you qualify and are approved for free lunch there are additional benefits such as the Summer Sun Bucks and other connected benefits.

Please visit https://www.enumclaw.wednet.edu/o/esd/page/free-and-reduced for more information and to sign up. Paper applications are available in the school office.

Please fill out and return the free and reduced meals application.

Register to Volunteer

We love having parents on campus, volunteering in a variety of ways. We do ask that all parents pass a background check prior to being on campus with students. Volunteer applications (online) must be completed to chaperone on field trips or to eat with your student in our lunch room.

Please note that volunteer paperwork is required each year!

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please follow this link - Click Here!

From the School Counselor

Welcome to a new school year! My role as the school counselor is to support the social and emotional growth of students and foster a strong connection between family and school. Throughout the year, we will have Panther Lessons for all K-5th grade students where we will be learning skills to help us be Safe, Respectful, Responsible, and KIND. Instruction using the Second Step and Kelso’s Choices Curricula will provide opportunities to learn and practice a growth mindset, goal setting, emotions management, and problem solving.

In addition to whole school support, I will be offering small group lessons for students to learn healthy emotion management and friendship skills as well as check on individuals who are experiencing emotionally challenging situations. I am available to consult and discuss resources with parents regarding family issues that may impact their child’s ability to fully participate in school, such as job changes, moving, money worries, medical concerns, peer or sibling issues, parental stress, separation/divorce, illness, or the death of a loved one. Please contact me if I can be of assistance.

Read A Thon Fundraiser

Student Handbook - Attendance, Birthday Treats and More

Serving over 350 students requires many procedures and guidelines to help ensure students are present, safe, and ready to learn. Please take time to look through Enumclaw School District's Elementary Student Handbook.

You can find out why we cannot hand out homemade birthday treats, why we have to follow attendance laws, and other student rules for our school.

Follow this link for the student handbook - Click Here

Picture Day

Picture day is scheduled for September 24. Please watch for more info and picture packets to be sent home soon.

Required Student Information Update

It is time for ESD families to verify their demographic information and update annual forms through Family Access. Please complete this process for each current Enumclaw School District student in the household by logging into Skyward Family Access at https://www.enumclaw.wednet.edu/page/family-access

Full details can be found on our website

Attendance Matters

September is Attendance Awareness Month

School attendance is a major factor in student academic success. At all grades, students who miss no more than nine days per school year are the most engaged and on track for graduation. In fact, by 6th grade chronic absenteeism becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.

Everyone plays a part in student attendance - families and school staff are in this together. To learn more about promoting good school attendance and how you can help, visit www.attendanceworks.org

Southwood PTO

Highly Capable

Highly Capable Program and Services 2025-2026

Referrals and Permission to Assess are due before September 26, 2025 at 4:00 pm/ Las remisiones deben presentarse antes del 26 de septiembre de 2025 a las 4:00 pm. 

Please click HERE to refer a student for grades 3-4 & 6-7

Please click HERE to refer a student for grades K-1

5th grade students will be screened in January for Highly Capable eligibility.

This year's 2nd grade students were screened as first graders in late spring for Highly Capable eligibility. They will not be screened again this year

Enumclaw School District Statement of Non-Discrimination

Enumclaw School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, age, and honorably discharged veteran or military status. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Title IX/Chapter 28A.640 RCW Officer, Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator
Stephanie Berryhill
2929 McDougall Ave.
Enumclaw, WA 98022
360.802.7113
stephanie_berryhill@enumclaw.wednet.edu

Section 504/ADA Coordinator
Carolyne Zieske
2929 McDougall Ave.
Enumclaw, WA 98022
360.802.7104
carolyne_zieske@enumclaw.wednet.edu