Principal Poage's Tiger Talk

Great First Week of School!

2008-09-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Carnation Parents,

We’ve had a great first week of school with our wonderful Carnation Tigers! How lucky we are to have such wonderful children and families to work with. The staff and I are very excited to be working with you and your children again this year. It’s great to see so many new faces as well as those of you who have been with us before. While at the end of last school year our enrollment figures were down a bit, we’ve gotten quite a few new students since then and our K-5 numbers are back up to approximately 415 students. In addition, we have over 100 students in the PARADE Home-school Program (K-12) and two and half Preschools with approximately 30 students on campus. All in all, that makes for a pretty big campus with over 550 children coming and going. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation to follow our building safety guidelines and for communicating effectively with the school office and administration. Working together we will have a great year!

This first week of school was filled with getting students settled into their new classrooms and school routines, learning all the rules and guidelines set forth to keep everyone safe, and meeting new friends.

Meeting the learning needs of each student is our top priority at Carnation Elementary. Our state test scores (see on Page 3) continue to demonstrate steady progress this year in Reading and Writing. As a school we were above the state average on nearly every WASL Test (3rd-5th Grades). Our greatest success this year was in 4th Grade Writing where 71% of our students met or exceeded state standards.

With the hard work of our staff and students we have increased this score by 23 pts. in the past 4 years. In addition, over 80% of all 3rd, 4th and 5th graders passed the WASL in Reading. We are very proud of our hard work and yet we still have a ways to go in Math (as does the rest of WA state). Teachers district and state-wide are already digging in to work on Mathematics improvement this year. The state just revised and released the new Math Standards for the State and teachers started working before school began to understand those standards and develop grade level alignment plans to improve student learning in math.

Carnation teachers will share more with you about their curriculum, classroom expectations, and classroom goals at our annual Carnation Elementary School Curriculum Night on Tuesday, September 16th starting at 6:30pm.
Please plan to attend!

Individual student WASL Reports will be mailed out from the district to all 4th & 5th grade parents in late September.

Mr. Doug Poage, Principal

Welcome to the 2008-2009 school year at Carnation Elementary School!

2008-09-15T15:22:00.000-07:00

Whether you are new to our school this year or you are returning once again, we are excited to have you and your child as a part of our “school family.” Many of you may already be aware that Carnation Elementary is a unique place for children to learn. With its warm, caring staff, small size, and child-centered atmosphere, our goal is to work together to meet the needs of every child.

I am excited to be back again this year, beginning my 8th year at Carnation, to lead this outstanding staff and be a part of this supportive community. It is our goal to continue the tradition of putting what’s best for kids first in every decision we make at Carnation Elementary. It is a great privilege that we have to care for and educate the wonderful children of this community. Each child is unique and special and it is our job to find new ways to challenge and stimulate them using a variety of methods and learning strategies.

I hope you will join us this year, in partnership, to make your child’s learning experience positive and rewarding in every way. Please find a way to get involved this year either through PTSA or as a partner in the classroom.

Once again, welcome back to school. The staff and I look forward to working with you and your child this year. If you ever have any questions please feel free to call me at the school office (425) 844-4553 or E-mail me at: poaged@ riverview.wednet.edu . We also encourage you to check out the Riverview & Carnation Elementary Websites at www.
riverview.wednet.edu for additional information about our school, staff, and district programs.

Mr. Poage, Principal

CLASS/TEAM PLACEMENT REQUESTS - 2008-2009

2008-04-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, it’s about that time of the year to begin thinking about and planning for the next school year. The Carnation Staff is about to begin the student placement process for the 2008-2009 school year. We value your thoughts and input about your child’s needs and would like you to share your input with us if you have concerns about their current team placement and would like a change for next year.

If you have concerns about your child’s current team placement (multiage classes or single grade team) you will need to complete and submit a “Team Placement Change Request Form” by Friday, May 2nd (4pm). If you have requested a team change in the past and it was granted we ask that you not request a change again without talking with the principal. We DO NOT accept requests for specific teachers or gender of teachers. This form is available by request only in the school office or on the school’s website: www.ce.riverview.wednet.edu. (Useful Resources Section). It WILL NOT be sent out to every parent. If you do not complete a change request form by the deadline (5/2/08), we will assume that your child’s current team placement is acceptable.

We realize there are many factors to consider when thinking about what type of classroom/team is best for your child. At Carnation Elementary we work hard to provide parents and students with good choices and alternative classroom programs on all teams. Our staff placement team and the principal will make the final placement decisions as to the specific classroom/teacher your child will be in, based on a wide-range of criteria. Our number one priority is to balance ALL classrooms. Parents will be notified of their child’s placement on Move Up Day, during the last week of school.

SPRING TESTING SEASON HAS ARRIVED!

2008-04-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

From April 14th through May 2nd, school districts in the state of Washington will be administering the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) in Reading, Writing, Math and Science to students in grades 3-5. Each grade level group at the elementary level will take the following tests during this testing window:
Grade 3— Reading & Math
Grade 4—Reading, Writing & Math
Grade 5—Reading, Math & Science

Students do not test every day during the testing window but have specific testing days within that time frame depending on their grade level. The WASL requires students to answer questions, write explanations and/or essays, and explain their reasoning in math and science. Each student’s work is compared to a standard of what students should know and be able to do at their grade level in the state of Washington.

By the fall of 2008, the results of all these tests will be returned to the Riverview School District from the state. At that point, teachers, specialists, and administrators, along with parents and students will review the results with the goal of improving student learning. The results will be
mailed to you at that time (typically in September).

It is important to remember that scores from a test like the WASL cannot replace a teacher’s observations and judgments. However, they can provide useful information to improve student learning. Students should be encouraged to do their best on the WASL. It is important to maintain a typical schedule and atmosphere at home during the testing window, giving extra attention to getting to bed on time and eating a healthy breakfast and lunch.

Appointments, such as orthodontist visits, should be rescheduled if they have been scheduled during the regular school day (9:15-3:25pm). By minimizing outside interruptions to the regular school day, we are maximizing the level of success for all students.

In addition, due to testing security measures parent and/or community volunteers will not be able to work or volunteer directly in the classrooms while a test is being given. Only trained school district employees are permitted to be present in the room during testing. Please check
with your child’s 3rd-5th grade teacher if you are a regular volunteer, to find out how they would like to use your volunteer time during this three
week testing time.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Feel free to contact the school or district office if you have questions about the WASL or testing
process.

O Ambassador's Club - Shows They've Got HEART!

2008-02-29T19:37:00.000-08:00

The O Ambassador's Club at Carnation Elementary School hosted a special event to raise awareness and funds for development projects in Eastern Africa. Students like Hailey G. (above) sold carnation flowers donated by the local QFC & Safeway stores for $1.00 and raised $370 to help support educational programs for kids in Eastern Africa.

In addition, to raise awareness about global education needs and issues around the world, each flower had a special message and a "Did You Know Fact" attached to help our school community learn about the needs of others around the world. For instance, "Did you know that in Tanzania, Africa the average student to teacher ratio is 73:1?"

The Carnation O Ambassador's Club participates in the program, a joint project of Oprah's Angel Network and Kids Can Free The Children. The O Ambassadors program inspires young people to become active and compassionate global citizens by connecting youth in N. America with disadvantaged children in the developing world, thus building bridges of understanding and encouraging lifelong community service.

The funds raised through this event will support Kids Can Free The Children's international development projects. These projects focus on tackling poverty as well as providing education, health care, and sustainable development - the four themes of the O Ambassadors program, which are well aligned with the Millennium Development Goals.

To learn more about the O Ambassadors Program please go to their website at:

www.oambassadors.org.

To view the Carnation Elementary O Ambassadors Club Blog Page go to that website and then type in:

Username: Carnation O Club

Password: Tiger 123

There are lots of great activities and resources for parents and kids and you can find out what our club is doing next. Our next club meeting is Monday, March 17th (wear green and get a special treat!) from 3:30-4:30pm in the school's LRC.

C-ya there!

Mr. Poage, Principal

O Club Sponsor

Enjoy!

Welcome Children's Author David Greenberg!

2008-02-04T23:13:00.000-08:00

Today we had an exciting and hilarious time with children's author David Greenberg. He entertained and taught us about writing funny poems and stories. Some kids (the library helpers) even got to have lunch with Mr. Greenberg. He kept us laughing the entire time. Check out some of his books listed below - see if you can find any of them in our school or public library! If you really like one of them you can purchase it online!
Thanks Mr. Greenberg for coming to Carnation!

Most Popular Books by David Greenberg:
Slugs (Little, Brown & Co.)
Bugs! (Little, Brown & Co.)
Skunks! (Little, Brown & Co.)
Snakes! ( Little, Brown & Co.)
Whatever Happened to Humpty Dumpty? (Little, Brown & Co.)
Your Dog Might Be a Werewolf, Your Toes Could All Explode (Bantam)
The Great School Lunch Rebellion (Bantam)
The Book of Boys for Girls — The Book of Girls for Boys (Little, Brown & Co.)
Don't Forget Your Etiquette! The Essential Guide to Misbehavior (Farrar Straus Giroux)

MISSOULA CHILDREN'S THEATER - COMING TO CARNATION SOON!

2008-01-03T15:03:00.000-08:00

The audition for the Missoula Children's Theatre production of “JACK AND THE BEANSTALK” will be held on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008 at 3:30pm-5:30pm in the Carnation MPR. There are roles for students in Kindergarten through 5TH grade. Approximately 50-60 local students will be cast to appear in the show with the MCT Tour Actor/Director. There is no guarantee that everyone who auditions will be cast in the play. Students wishing to audition must arrive by the scheduled starting time and stay for the entire two-hour session. The first rehearsal begins approximately 15-30 minutes after the audition and those cast must attend.

This is a group audition - no advance preparation is necessary, but a smile J never hurts. Students should just be ready to come and have a good time!

Rehearsals will be conducted every day the week of January 22nd-25th from 3:30pm to 8:00pm in the CE – MPR. In addition, since this is a 4 day week, there may be an extended rehearsal Friday afternoon, January 25th (1/2 Day early release that day). Although not all cast members will be needed at every session, those auditioning must have a clear schedule for the entire week and if selected, be able to attend all rehearsals required for their role. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be distributed at the conclusion of the audition. Cast members scheduled for the full 4½ hours of rehearsal will be asked to bring a sack lunch, dinner or snack.

The performances will be held on Saturday, January 26th at 3:00pm & 7:00pm and will be presented in the Carnation Elementary MPR. The students in the cast will be called for dress rehearsal before the performance that day. All those cast must be available for all scheduled performances. Tickets will be on sale to parents/family of participating students and staff first for $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students/children. Additional tickets will be on sale at the door.

The Missoula Children's Theatre is a non-profit organization based in Missoula, Montana. This coming year more than 65,000 cast members across the globe will take to the stage to the delight and applause of their families, friends, community, neighbors and teachers! The residency in Carnation is made possible by a grant from the Target Educational Grants with help from the Carnation PTSA.

If you have questions please contact the school office (844-4551) or Missy Paulsen (333-5569).

CARNATION CARES: HOLIDAY GIVING TREE!

2007-12-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

We have been amazed at the overwhelming response from our wonderful Carnation community to our first community holiday giving tree. With over 140 tags available to start with, only 5 remain. All gifts will go to children and families in need right here in our own school and community (include the Stepping Stone Preschool).

The holiday time can be very stressful for many families who are struggling to make ends meet, but with your support these kids will not be disappointed with their holiday gifts. With your generous donations each child in the family (living at home) will receive one nice new clothing outfit (including pants, shirt, shoes, socks & undergarments) and a requested toy. In addition, each family will receive a gift card for food or other needs. Cash donations and Safeway or QFC giftcards are welcome donations too (please make checks payable to the Carnation Elementary Sunshine Fund).

If you are participating please remember to get your unwrapped gifts delivered to the school office by Friday, December 14th - so we can wrap them and get them delivered by the winter break.

Thanks Carnation for showing how much you care!

Mr. Poage

CONFERENCE TIME IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

2007-11-05T15:04:00.000-08:00

The days seem to be speeding past as we enter our third month of school. We are approaching the end of our first quarter of school already, which means it’s time for us to meet with families to share student progress, set social and academic learning goals and visit with you and your child about the good things that are going on in school.

Fall Conferences at the elementary schools, in the Riverview School District, are November 16th, 19th, 20th & 21st. School will be dismissed each day at 12:30pm and there is NO 1/2 day Kdg. on these dates. Lunches will be served each day that week.

Students who are pre-registered may attend the Carnation Extended Day Care Program from 12:30-6:30pm. Please contact Mary Jacobson @ 844-4529 to get your child registered today.
Please be sure to return the conference notes we have sent home and write your conference times on your calendar. If you are unable to attend your child’s conference or need to reschedule, please contact your child’s teacher directly. Please try to make other childcare arrangements for siblings so that you may direct your full attention on your child and his/her teacher.

Please help us reach our goal to have 100% conference attendance.

CARNATION COSTUME BALL - A BASH!

2007-11-01T14:11:00.000-07:00

Students and staff alike dressed up for the 4th annual Carnation Elementary ASB Costume Ball, October 25th. With fun music to dance to and lots of snacks from the snack bar, young and old had a grand ole time dancing, doing the limbo, and checking out all the fun costumes.

Even Mr. & Mrs. Poage dressed up this year. Pictured above, they came as Edna & Tracy Turnbladt from the musical "Hairspray." Yes, that is Mr. Poage - John Travolta better look out!

CARNATION PJ BINGO - A BIG HIT!

2007-10-13T11:27:00.000-07:00

PJ Bingo brought a full crowd out Thursday night (10/11) at the Carnation Elementary School MPR. There were lots of winners of toys, games, candy, a portable DVD player and even $100 gift certificate to Ticketmaster.com.

Many kids and parents alike dressed up in their PJ's to settle in to try their luck at BINGO. Missy Paulsen, Mr. Poage, and Mrs. Panesko were the "celebrity" callers that night. Carnation 5th graders sold pizza and cookies for camp. Special thanks to PTSA parents Missy Paulsen, Shelby Winston, Kristie Bergquist, and Marilyn Loftus for all their help that night.

All-in-all it was a great time!

The next exciting Carnation Family Event will be Thursday night, October 25th when we have our annual ASB Costume Ball. Find your favorite costume and join us in the gym at 7pm for lots of fun!

C-ya then!
Mr. Poage

DID YOU KNOW?

2007-10-03T18:32:00.001-07:00

Carnation Elementary 4th graders have improved on the Writing WASL by 20 pts. over the past 2 years. Teachers have worked hard to improve instruction and increase opportunties for writing with students.

This year our staff has adopted a Writers Notebook Program and all students and staff write frequently in their notebook or journal. Teachers even use their notebooks at staff meetings and do reflective and dialogue writings together with Mr. Poage.

Our goal is to increase our writing scores even more this year. Please help your child develop their skills in writing by doing one of the following activities this week:

1. Write a family story after dinner. One person starts the story and writes what happens first. Then the next person takes over the writing and tells the next part of the story. This continues until everyone has had a chance and the final person has to write a conclusion to the story.

2. Write a note to your child and put it in their backpack or lunch box. Ask them to write you back.

3. Write a letter to a relative or family member.

4. Have your child explain how to do something using only writing and pictures. For example, How to make a PB&J sandwich. Then follow the directions exactly how they wrote it and see if it works? Have them make modifications to their writing if needed.

5. Visit these websites to learn more about writing:

http://www.creativewriting4kids.com/
http://www.kidsonthenet.com/create/index.cfm
http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/english/creative.htm

Happy writing!
Mr. Poage

WHAT DO YOUR TEACHERS DO ON 1/2 DAYS?

2007-09-28T20:42:00.001-07:00

Often, parents and kids wonder, "Why do we need to have 1/2 days?" or "What do the teachers do during those 1/2 days when the kids aren't there?"

The fact is, that the 1/2 day early release Fridays are extremely valuable to our staff and in turn have a great impact on what and how your children learn. As I'm sure you can imagine, a day in the life of an elementary classroom is very busy and there is little, if any time for the teachers to work together and collaborate in planning their curriculum or evaluating their instruction. During 1/2 days teachers can work together in grade level teams, curriculum teams, or staff committees.

Today, during our 1/2 day teachers worked in grade level teams to analyze reports from the state OSPI and WASL data related to Math. We looked at three different articles related to math instruction, "WASL Math Strengths & Weaknesses," "Lessons Learned from Scoring the Math WASL," and "What a Strong Math Classroom Looks Like." Teachers read and discussed these articles and then brainstormed ways that we can improve in the math areas that our students struggle with: measurement, geometry, and probability and statistics.

The good news is, because of this type of collaboration our math scores have greatly improved. Our 3rd grade Math WASL Scores were quite good this year and exceeded the district and the state. We had over 85% of our 3rd graders meet or exceed the standard in Math! Way to go 3rd graders (now 4th graders).

Please feel free to ask your child's teacher what they learned on the last 1/2 day and how this time helped them be a better instructor.

FIRST - CARNATION TIGER TABLE!

2007-09-26T15:38:00.000-07:00

Today was our first Terrific Tiger Table for the 2007-2008 school year. We honored about 40 Carnation students who got to have lunch with me (Mr. Poage) and Mrs. Marvin (our counselor) on stage. In addition, students got a special certificate from their teacher, and a pencil, Juicy Juice, and special eraser from our school business partner, Nestle. It was a great day! Please check out the newsletter on Friday to see who got a Tiger Award this month!

(Right) is our new Tiger mascot, purchased by the CE-PTSA. He came to lunch with us too. Help us name our tiger by voting below!

Have a great week!

Mr. Poage

CLASSROOM VISITS!

2007-09-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

I have had a great time these past couple of weeks getting to visit every single classroom in our school. During this time we visited about the job and responsibilities of a principal and decided that my biggest job is to keep everyone safe and to help people learn. Some classes even had time to do some acting when we acted out the different Respect Rules for our class to help us learn.

In addition, we talked about our 3 Carnation Respect Rules:
1. I will RESPECT myself and others.
2. I will show RESPECT for safety.
3. I will show RESPECT for school and personal property.

And, we practiced the Carnation RESPECT sign (the letter "R" in sign language) and how and when to use it.

Thanks so much for being such TERRIFIC TIGERS when I came to your classrooms! You were very RESPECTFUL and good listeners! Mrs. Marvin, our school counselor will be back soon to visit with you about good friendship skills and bullying.

Have a great week!
Mr. Poage, Principal

FLASHBACK!

2007-09-15T09:28:00.000-07:00

Remember this? Last year we had a special treat having the "Hip Hop Handbook" Team come to Carnation Elementary. They taught us how "break-down" and create Hip Hop Style Music and Art. It was an awesome time for everyone!

Did You Know?

2007-09-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

This summer 9 of our Carnation Elementary Staff members attended a wonderful Arts Camp at Seattle Art Museum? Teachers learned how to dance, act, and create beautiful artwork, all of which will be taught to our students at Carnation this year. Samples of our artwork are displayed in the Gold Hallway (outside the MPR) in our beautiful "Carnation's Featured Artists" display case purchased last year by our school partner, Nestle.

Look for more exciting Arts Activities this school year at Carnation. Including:

-Our "Me, Myself, & I" - Snapshots Displays - on display in September
-Costume Ball - October
-"Snapshots of our Community" -Theme - Fall
-Annual Veteran's Day Assembly - November
-Annual PTSA Reflections Arts Contest & Winter Band Performance - November 29th
-Kindergarten Music Program - December
-Missoula Children's Theater Production - "Jack in the Beanstalk" - January

Don't miss these fabulous opportunities to expose your children and family to the ARTS!

Carnation Curriculum Night - Success!

2007-09-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all the Carnation parents and kids who made it out the school Thursday night (9/13) to learn more about our classrooms. We are so fortunate to have outstanding classrooms and teachers for everyone. We look forward to all that we have to learn this year.

We also had about 115 kids come to our PTSA Movie Night to watch "Cars" that night. There was popcorn and juice and water and lots of fun. Thanks to our childcare sitters (Elizabeth and Ryan) for all your help! Thanks also to Joyce & Missy for ALL your help that night.

By the way, Congratulations to Mr. Owen's 5th Grade Multiage Class for winning the PTSA Door Prize for having the most parents attend the PTSA Meeting! You get an extra $50 for your classroom grant.

Did You Know?

2007-09-14T23:09:00.000-07:00

Did you know that 90% of Carnation's 3rd graders passed the Reading WASL this past spring? That was higher than the district and the state scores for 3rd grade! Way to go 3rd graders!

The Principal's Page

2007-09-14T23:05:00.000-07:00

Hello Carnation Friends,

Thanks for visiting my new blog. This is something we've wanted to try at Carnation Elementary School to help enhance our webpage, our community communications, and to provide a wonderful opportunity to connect "virtually" in our school community. I hope you find this blog informative and helpful.

I've listed several resources for parents and kids of websites and books that I found particularly helpful. I hope you enjoy them as well. Please feel free to share your ideas or links for others to view of websites that you like and think are educational and helpful.

Here's to another great school year!
Mr. Poage :-)