Happy New Year, Madrona!

From the Principal

Happy New Year Madrona Community!

I hope you enjoyed the holidays and the time with your children. My family had a wonderful vacation including some sledding in Eastern Washington which was really fun!

This month we have two opportunities I want you to be aware of. One is on Thursday evening, January 24th when we are hosting national expert/author Gloria DeGaetano to speak to us. She will give her presentation from 6:30-8:00 in the library entitled, Raising Our Children in a Media Saturated World. I’ve heard Gloria several times and her presentations are research-based, informative and compelling. We have sent more detailed information with our Notes From The Office and child care will be provided thanks to MIT! I hope you will come join us for this special evening!

The second opportunity is one that I hope to continue on a monthly basis. Craig and I will host a casual coffee hour in the library, beginning Friday January 18th from 9:00-10:00. We have no presentations or agenda, just a chance to come visit if you are interested. I am trying to see if we can rotate the day of the week each month – our biggest obstacle is a meeting space so I’ll see what I can do. My intention is to add this opportunity to the one that already exists with our monthly evening MIT meeting. Hopefully with an evening and a daytime meeting monthly there will be something that works for everyone!

By the time the Bear Facts goes to press we will have had our annual District Information Fair and our January Parents Tour. Both are usually well attended and prepare us to begin the lottery process for next year’s kindergarten later this month. If you have a sibling ready for kindergarten next year, please be sure that Kelly (in the front office) has your child’s name on our sibling list. If you have neighbors or friends interested in Madrona please remind them that we have one more tour opportunity in March to visit our school.

One of the very best features of my job is the fact that I get to visit classrooms daily and see first hand the excitement, challenge and fun of learning. I am so proud of what our students are doing and this incredible staff working with them. There will be a lot to celebrate this coming year!

- Lynda

MIT Co-Chair’s Corner

Sharing our talents and knowledge

For the past few years I have subscribed to the Seattle Symphony's "Musically Speaking" series, 6 concerts on Sunday afternoons during the season. I started going so my daughter could be exposed to more classical music than she gets listening to 98.1 KING-FM in the car. She no longer resists getting dressed up and spending an afternoon in the concert hall, as long as I take binoculars and markers and paper for a diversion, and let her buy a glass of Sprite during intermission. I was afraid the whole exercise was a lost effort until I caught her humming a theme from a Mozart concerto. The program is really great for me, too. I never got much music education as a kid, and the conductor or guest instrumentalist gives a brief talk about the pieces to be played, so I know what to listen for.

The other activity that supplements this series is something put on by Soundbridge, the educational organization attached to the Symphony. Soundbridge offers "Meet the Musician" before the concert. We have been able to see and touch 300-year-old violins and wind instruments, and have seen demonstrations of instruments and playing styles. The sessions also make the symphony more personal, as my daughter can recognize somebody on stage who was sitting only 10 feet away from her an hour before.

Last weekend we met members of the brass section of the orchestra at the Meet the Musician session. The big “aha” I got is that the Seattle Symphony rehearses its major concerts only 4 times before opening night. Concerts that play more popular pieces sometimes get only one or two rehearsals. That's broken down into a single rehearsal for each piece that's being played, plus a full run-through. I find that totally amazing. Musicians are given the music 2 weeks before they are expected to sit down and play it, and they only get to practice together twice before going on stage in front of thousands of people. They are required by their profession to be completely self-motivated and responsible to themselves and to their colleagues. Not only that, but they also have to be so confident in their abilities that they can fine-tune their performance and collaboration with their colleagues without lengthy negotiations. And I always thought musicians were out of touch with reality and the outside world. I was so wrong!

Listening to the players made me reflect on how much easier life would be if we were all so well-prepared and knowledgeable about our skills and abilities that we could offer them freely to one another and have everybody profit. I just wish I had the dedication, confidence and expertise to do it. And to get my child and extended family to recognize the beauty of the idea and strive for it. Anybody got any ideas?

– Linda Hood

MIT Family Dance!

MIT and Madrona Middle School will be having their annual Family Dance on Friday, February 22nd. The theme this year will be the 60’s! Get out your old clothes and come dressed for the decade. Tickets will be on sale beginning the middle of January outside the main office. Please look for more information in the weekly Notes From The Office every Wednesday. If you are interested in helping with the dance, please contact Linda Park at labpark@comcast.net.

- Linda Park

MIT Business Meetings 2007—08

All meetings will be held in the library at 7:00 PM

• February 7th - Thursday
• March 18th – Tuesday
• April 15th - Tuesday
• May 21st – Wednesday
• (Nick Brossoit visit)
• June 10th* - Tuesday

Citizens Planning Committee (CPC) Report

I mentioned in last month’s Bear Facts that the CPC committee of the Edmonds School District would be discussing ways of cutting bussing costs, including altering bus routes/schedules for choice schools (which includes Madrona).

We met on December 10 and concluded that it was not cost effective to change choice school bussing, so Madrona’s current bus routes and schedules will stay the same. Instead the CPC committee will focus on altering bus schedules for certain schools with special education programs which have a much higher potential for savings.

During these discussions, school district administration had indicated that approximately 222 students take the bus to Madrona, an increase from 175 the previous year. It came as no surprise to find that Madrona averaged 243 cars in the parking lot during the morning drop off and 212 cars during the afternoon pick up times. The School District receives approximately $300 per rider per year, so for the sake of reducing parking lot congestion and increasing revenue for the School District I would encourage bus ridership.

We also discussed the upcoming May 20 technology capital levy, which is a renewal levy. The renewal levy will cost 28 cents per thousand dollars of assessed valuation, a significant decrease from the current 52 cents per thousand approved for the 2004 capital levy. There is more information on this at the Edmonds School District website.

If you have questions about the School District bussing considerations, I can be reached at kdemun@comcast.net or 425.775.6027.

– Kory DeMun

Parent of the Month

Another nomination to the totally informal Parent of the Month award -- Gwen Anderson! Gwen always seems to be in the right place at the right time, and she is never shy about stepping in to help in just about any situation. She does scrip, Wednesday banking, Wednesday mail, middle school activities, MIT committee work, and she's everywhere at once during production of the annual musical. She's always cheerful and never complains, and has a huge capacity for work. Where would Madrona be without her, and the many other people who toil alongside her?

THANK YOU Gwen!

– Linda Hood

Staff Star

Welcome Judi Lawrence to Madrona! Judy has been working in schools for 7 years and is in her first year in the Summit Center here at Madrona. Judi loves learning with, and working with her students and really appreciates the kind and caring community we have at Madrona. When not at school Judi enjoys caring for her dog, walking, gardening, Wii, singing, exercise, cooking, church plays, reading and planning her upcoming wedding! We are so glad she has joined our school!

More Info

From the School Nurse

SCOLIOSIS SCREENING FOR 5th and 7th GRADE STUDENTS

Scoliosis screening for spinal curvature is required by law in Washington State for students in grades 5, 7, and 9. This simple but important procedure can detect spinal curve in its early stages and the student can be treated while still growing. Our School Nurse and trained screening team will screen 5th and 7th grade students on Tuesday February 5, 2008. A letter of explanation will be sent home close to the date of the screening. Further questions can be directed to our nurse, Jennifer May, at mayj@edmonds.wednet.edu or (425) 431-1098 (voice mail).

– Jennifer May

Library News

The final count from our Barnes & Noble book fair is in. Because we purchased over $10,000 worth of books, our profit was $2,500. WOW!! Thank you so much for supporting our Madrona Library. We have been brainstorming what books we want to purchase with our profit and will soon get to enjoy those selected. Thank you again for your support.

-Ann DeVight

Attribute of Character for January - Self-Control

“Nothing makes it easier to resist temptation than a proper bringing-up, a sound set of values - and witnesses.”

-Franklin P. Jones

“I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over self.” – Aristotle

“The best time for you to hold your tongue is the time you feel you must say something or bust.”

- Josh Billings

Bear Facts Newsletter

Many thanks to all who contributed to this newsletter! It’s your articles that keep the Bear Facts interesting. Our next deadline is February 2. It’s going to come up quick because of this later issue. Send all articles to nancykaris@comcast.net.

-Nancy Karis

Math Curriculum Adoption

Our District is engaged in a math curriculum adoption this year, slated to be completed by June. A team of teachers, principals and curriculum specialists have been working throughout this year to select a set of materials that matches our District instructional philosophy and will provide a better alignment of instruction K-12. Look for opportunities in coming months (published in our Notes From The Office and on the District Website) to attend a meeting to review the materials being considered if you are interested. This is a challenging process, but it has been designed to consider the needs of our students and their success in math as the top priority!

– Lynda Fischer

Bear Facts Web Site

The Madrona Bear Facts Web site (http://madronabearfacts.com) is YOUR reliable source of information about Madrona! Please contact Allan Townsend, if you have suggestions or concerns about the Web site. It is updated constantly with fresh information. Keep checking back throughout the year. And don’t forget the online Calendar -- it's a great way to check on Madrona events and meetings.

- Allan Townsend, MIT Communications Director

Safety Corner

Sex Offender Update & 2008 Madrona Safety Resolutions

By the time you get this edition of the Bear Facts, Detective Joe Beard of the Snohomish County Sheriff’s office will have already attended our January 15th MIT meeting to discuss sex offenders. We advertised this meeting in several December and January editions of Notes from the Office, via email lists, at the December MIT meeting and on our Madrona web site, so if you missed it and need some information, please send me an email. Here is an update on the situation as of January 11, 2008.

The Snohomish county Sheriff’s department is responsible for community notification of sex offenders, and the District has no policy at this time regarding notification to parents who would not otherwise be notified by the Sheriff. The Sheriff’s department generally sends letters to residents within a one-mile radius of a sex offender’s home, and the School District has always been a partner in hosting the meetings (scheduled and facilitated by the Sheriff’s department) in local schools.

In December, Principal Lynda Fischer, Nancy Duffy (another parent) and I attended a meeting at the District office to discuss sex offender notification procedure. Currently, Debbie Jakala, the District Public Relations officer, is in discussion with Superintendent Nick Brossoit about how to best proceed with the recommendations from the committee. The committee may need to meet one more time in this New Year before the final recommendations are agreed upon, and I am hopeful that we can create a policy for future notifications that includes increasing communication to school populations.

I will continue to keep you updated about this important topic and hope that you were able to attend the January MIT meeting. In addition, I encourage any parent who has any concern about our Madrona community to come to the MIT meetings or contact MIT leadership. MIT includes all teachers, administration staff, students and parents at Madrona, and we are open to any and all topic discussions.

SAFETY REMINDERS FOR THE NEW YEAR:

(AKA, Ellen’s wish list for Madrona

New Year Resolutions

• Follow the Parking Lot guidelines (drop off and pick up your children off in the parking lot – not on the street or in the bus lane, please)
• Drive slowly and carefully around our precious children
• Be kind and courteous
• Wear your name tag, or get one in the Main Office, when you are on campus
• Attend an MIT or a Safety Meeting – get involved!
• __________________________(Add your own Safety resolution)

Have a safe and happy 2008!

- Ellen Ernst, eernst60@aol.com, Madrona Safety Committee

How Well Do You Know Your Child's Peers?

This short exercise will help parents begin to see how to become positively engaged in their child's peer influence.

• Name your child's best friend.
• Name your child's next closest five or six friends.
• Do you know those friends' ages?
• Name those friends' parents' first names.
• Describe those friends' relationships with their parents.
• Name as many young people as you can in your child's peer group (usually about 50 individuals).
• Describe the social and behavioral characteristics of the leading (most popular) crowd at your child's school.
• Describe the social and behavioral characteristics of your child's school

Source: Peer Potential: Making the Most of How Teens Influence Each Other by Peter Bearman and Hannah Bruchner, B. Bradford Brown and Wendy Theobald, Susan Philliber.

Something to think about…

Our Children's Safety

Who is going to feel worse: the parent who thoughtlessly sends his/her kid scampering across 236th Street or between cars in the parking lot before zipping off to work or the gym or Starbucks, only to find out via phone that the child is on the way to the emergency room; or the parent who is dealing with his/her own concerns and hits that kid who is in a place where she was never expected to be?

To the woman in the light blue Toyota -- I hope you have a lot of spare time and great health insurance, because you may end up taking care of your 11 and 7-year-old injured children who never learned to be safe when they're tossed out of the car in the left-hand lane of the parking lot in the morning, and encouraged to run between cars to get into your barely-stopped car on the driveway in the afternoon.

To the guy in the maroon SUV who stops on 92nd and sends his kids alone across the crosswalk in front of the dad in the silver Expedition who is sitting 5 feet above the kids' heads -- that guy is also in a rush to get rid of his child, and he's on the phone, and your kids are not even on his radar! They will end up as hood ornaments, just because you can't manage to leave your house 5 minutes earlier and drive through the drop-off lane.

To the woman in the white Explorer who parks in the striped handicap access "door-zone" to drop her kids off, then speeds away at well above safe speeds -- do you want your kid or somebody else's kid to need one of those blue placards because of you?

To the mom who almost flattens one of the crossing guards because she has the gall to try to stop you so a dad can cross safely with his 2 kids and a babe-in-arms -- do you feel justified in running red lights, too? Those ladies take their lives in their hands to keep your kid safe -- why can't you give them the same courtesy they give your children?

To the woman in the grey wagon who needs to give her middle-schooler yet another 5-minute lecture on why he should practice his instrument more, while stopped halfway across the crosswalk -- please pick another moment for quality time with your kid. Talk to him in the evening, during breakfast, on the drive into school, just not in the middle of the parking lot, while other parents wait.

To the school bus drivers who proceed down the wrong side of the street for an entire block because they're late -- just who do you think can squeeze their car between your huge yellow bus and the van waiting to pull into the parking lot? Please wait for one of the traffic monitors to guide you in.

As you can see, I am appalled at the recent observed behavior of supposedly caring, considerate people. The key concept of civilization is civility. That means that we all must recognize and honor rules that have been established for our personal safety or well-being. The concept of civilization also assumes that sentient beings accept responsibility for their own actions. Guidelines that ask us to drive through the parking lot to drop off our kids on the lawn by the school, to recognize the authority of the crossing guards who tell us to stop at crosswalks so pedestrians can cross, and to respect the bus lane and the handicapped spaces, exist to help us all avoid falling into anarchy and either flattening people, or having our family members hurt.

Our lives are all too hectic as it is. We are all overscheduled and overextended, and often running late. I fear the day when another person or group of people has to suffer a huge loss or trauma because I could not value their needs or safety as highly as my own. I ask us all to consider the consequences of our actions.

–        Linda Hood

More Info

Come See Local Student Talent at Alderwood

Join us for an evening celebrating the talents of local student performers. On Thursday, January 31st, at 7:00pm, middle and high school singers, dancers and musicians will take the stage at the Terraces Food Court at Alderwood as part of Lynnwood’s Student Showcase. Each performer has been chosen through audition to form an all-star line up with acts ranging from Hip Hop Dancing to Classical Violin. Since their audition, they’ve fine-tuned their skills and are ready to show them off to a jam-packed crowd. The evening also includes refreshments and scholarship money being awarded to the performers.

2008 Student Showcase Performers

• Kelsey Dunlap - Harpist
• Laura Hoover - Vocalist
• The Bucketmen – Members of the Steve Roy Drums, Music School in Lynnwood.
• The Perfect Blend Quintet - Jazz Quintet featuring Dylan Alrud-Faltisco, Brent Henderson, Joel Jewett, Diana Rypkema and Robby Seager.
• Devon Yesberger Trio – Piano and music featuring Devon Yesberger, Andrew Jacobson and Nolan Woodle
• Caleb Tizon - Classical Violinist
• Sara Alkhedairy – Vocalist
• Rachel Park – Harpist
• Michelle Herman – Performance Artist
• Kontagious Performing Company – Hip Hop Dance Group

The Student Showcase is a partnership between the Lynnwood Arts Commission, the Lynnwood Rotary and Alderwood. The show starts at 7:00pm at the Terraces Food Court at Alderwood – 3000 184th Street SW, Lynnwood. The showcase is FREE to the public, but donations are welcome and benefit the Lynnwood Rotary’s scholarship fund for students in the performing arts. For more information contact Marianne Johnson, City of Lynnwood Parks and Recreation Department at 425-744-6459, or e-mail mjohnson@ci.lynnwood.wa.us

DANCE CLINIC

The Meadowdale High School Dance Team is holding its annual Dance Clinic on Friday January 25 (non-school day). This is a great opportunity for kids K-8 to learn a dance routine and technique with a state champion team! The clinic begins at 9:00 am and ends with a performance for parents at 1:30. Cost is $40, and includes lunch, T-shirts and more! The fee also includes dancer's admission to that night's girls basketball game, where the kids will perform their routine at halftime. To register, or for more information, please contact Cheryl at (425)670-3831 or Jane at (425)775-9179.

Media/Tech News

Media students recently wrapped up yearbook and DVD sales the week prior to winter break. Many thanks to yearbook business managers Colleen Grasher and Kamryn Hinrichs and yearbook editors Brian Nguyen and Carly Dudley for their dedication to many aspects of the sales. Congratulations to all students who designed covers for the book. The winning cover was created by Joe Eborall. All other submissions will appear as a collage on the back of the book.

Yearbook receipts have been distributed to all students, and if you haven’t received your receipt of purchase, please check with your child’s teacher. All students who did not make a purchase in December will have an additional opportunity to purchase a book or DVD. Letters will be distributed to all non-buyers the last week of January, and books and DVDs will be distributed the last week of school. Interested in submitting pictures for consideration in this year’s book?

Follow these directions, or go to: http://staff.edmonds.wednet.edu/madrona/tech/yearbook/ImageShareFlyer.jpg .

Also, there is still opportunity to get your business card, business graphic, and/or personal message in the yearbook. Use the Ad Space/Sponsor Spot form available at: http://staff.edmonds.wednet.edu/madrona/tech/yearbook.html Be sure your order is in by January 31st.

 – Monica Edwards

Madrona Monday Broadcast

The Madrona Monday Broadcast is on the Internet!

Check it out at: http://feeds.feedburner.com/MadronaMMB or search for MMB in iTunes podcast directory.

Madrona Theater & Music News

Music Department

Upcoming Concerts

Middle School Honors Festival

Selected students will participate in an all day rehearsal and night concert.

Jan. 22 – Thursday, All Day at Shoreline Center

Elementary Instrumental Concert

Beginning and Intermediate Band & Orchestra.

January 29 – Tuesday, 7:00pm, Madrona Gym

Viking Jazz Festival

Jazz Ensemble I

February TBA - All Day, North Kitsap High School

SW Quad Choral Concert & Field Trip

Middle School and Elementary Choir. Students will rehearse during the day at Old EWHS.

February 12 – Tuesday, 7:00pm, Edmonds Center for the Arts.

-Matt Edwards

Northwest Boys Choir

The Northwest Boychoir will hold open auditions for boys 6 to 9 years old on Saturday, Feb. 9 at the University Heights Community Center in Seattle. No previous music training is necessary. Auditions are casual and fun. To make an audition appointment, call 206-524-3234. To learn more about the Northwest Boychoir, visit www.nwchoirs.org.

- Maria Johnson, Exec. Director 206-524-3234, nwc@northwestchoirs.org

Madrona Children’s Theater announces its annual Poster, Program & T-Shirt Design Contest

All Madrona students are invited to submit art work for our 2008 Spring Musical (Mar 20th-22nd)

Be original! Be creative! Think Seuss!

• Submit only your own original artwork; please do not use copies or tracings of any of Dr. Seuss’s drawings.
• Contest ends Jan. 28th. Winners will be announced Feb 3rd.
• Grand Prize is tickets for your family to see SeussicalTM (up to 4 tickets), a $10 gift card to Cold Stone Creamery or Jamba Juice, and a free t-shirt. Everyone who enters will receive a participation award.
• Submit drawings on plain 8 ½ by 11 paper using black ink or pencils to draw with. Put your name, your center / advisory, and phone number on the back.
• Place your artwork into the blue Seussical TM box on the shelf outside of the Office by Monday January 28th.

The Madrona Children’s Theater’s performances of Seussical TM will be at 7pm on Thursday March 20th, 7pm on Friday March 21st, and at 12:00pm and 5:30pm on Saturday March 22nd. All performances are at the Mountlake Terrace High School Theater.

Seussical TM is a colorful, lively production that will keep younger children entertained - but has that subtle humor that adults enjoy. You won’t want to miss it! Tickets go on sale in February. Make sure to get your tickets early - we sold out last year.

Center News

Kindergarten News

Ms. Rust’s Class

Well, December was a short month with lots of excitement about the holidays. Some innovative art projects were undertaken, one involving powdered, ground up crayon wax and another using paper pulp to make fridge magnets. On the day before winter break the kids made graham cracker (gingerbread) houses and had a blast. Despite the playdates, I heard from several kindergarteners during the break that they were eager to get back to school. So here we are; it's January and a new year unfolds.

– Erika Jennings

Summit Center

Hello Summit Center Families! Welcome back to school! I hope you and your family had a wonderful and restful break.

I want to thank you all so much for your thoughtful holiday gifts and cards; they are very much appreciated.

But I especially want to thank you for having such remarkable and unique children. I am very grateful to have such a marvelous group of students to share my days with! Happy 2008!

-Marianne Gulliford

Renaissance

The kids from the Renaissance Center are "traveling" to foreign cities/countries and writing postcards explaining where they are and a bit about the location. In between mail stops they are creating digital stories-- a slideshow accompanied by a personal narrative written by the students. See you at the movies!

– Anne Garing

Paw-Sal-Cha’l

Paw Sal Cha’l students used the time before winter break as an opportunity to do something nice for members of our community. With the attribute of Service in mind the children talked about different things they could do to help others. They decided to bake gingerbread cookies to share with the residents at Edmonds Landing Retirement Home. The hand crafted cards and decorations were a wonderful touch. It was a special way to thank these kind people for coming to Madrona to be reading buddies with our children.

Then someone had a great idea to remember our four legged, furry friends as well! The students had a splendid time baking and donating dog biscuits to the local animal shelter. At this point the children were unstoppable so guided by our fearless leaders, Deborah and Johanna; the students also spent an afternoon picking up garbage. Taking great care of the school grounds!

The class celebration was a trip to paradise thanks to Andrea Wetzel who did a phenomenal job planning and organizing this event! The children were delighted with their Hawaiian names and all the delicious treats! They danced the limbo, played in the sand and posed for silly surfer photos! It was a blast! Thank you Andrea and thanks to all the parent helpers in our classroom. Best wishes to all for a happy and healthy 2008!

-Shellette DuBois

Center News

SND

SND students, teachers and parent volunteers wrapped up 2007 by celebrating at the annual SND beach party. The day began with a talent show showcasing musicians, singers, dancers, magicians, comedians and more. The audience went wild for the group in dirndls and lederhosen performing from “The Sound of Music”. After the talent show swimsuit-cladden, face-painted students played volleyball, flopped around in the plastic pool and danced in the art-room-turned-discothèque. This trimester in science students are conducting experiments to test principals of balance & motion. (Note: although crayfish were used in these experiments, they were willing and happy participants!) More Vertebrata made their appearance in the SND center as students worked to replicate an alligator in Nina’s art lesson, focusing on line and pattern..

-Monica Edwards

The Comets

Happy New Year from the Comets! We are getting back into the routine of school. The break seemed to be good for the students and staff, we are all refreshed and ready to go. We will be studying about Martin Luther King Jr. and learning about Winter, such as what happens to some animals and what clothes you might need for certain weather. We are looking forward to a Happy and productive New Year! - Lori Wike     Ohana

Happy New Year from Ohana!! We’re glad to be back at school, with routines getting back to normal (big sigh...!) (…(those holidays are great, but aren’t you glad when it’s all over!?). The kids are hoping for some new fish to replace our dear frogs that, sadly, didn’t make it. And this Friday brings yet another field trip, this time to Third Place Books for a presentation by author David Carter who creates amazing pop-up style books.

- Nancy Karis

Epicenter

Epi is back in swing and we are moving ahead on our tulip science project. The kids have planted tulips and registered their information on a national data base. Other kids from around the US are also reporting when their bulbs start to grow. This information will then be plotted on a map so kids can see where spring arrives around the nation using their tulips as a measure. Moving from flora to geology the kids have started a rock and gem club. They meet on Thursdays to discuss and compare their vast store of knowledge. There is a volunteer parent who makes the "rock scene" sometimes but they would like to open this up to other centers. They hope other kids and another volunteer parent could join them to share and "rock on" with them. Contact Vicki or M if you are interested in helping out.

– Doug Fair

Middle School

Toy Drive Results!

Starbuck's brought hot chocolate and cookies for the entire Middle School and gave the winning advisories candy canes plus each of the top three teachers received gifts.

Brad's advisory came in first with a whopping 1100 items.

Ms. Devight and Ms. Miller's advisory came in 2nd with 472 items

Ms. Pollock's advisory came in 3rd with 67 items. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Center News

TXT Center

I hope that everyone had an enjoyable winter break. We have a lot of exciting plans for the month of January. First, we go on a field trip to the Seattle Children’s Theater on Jan. 9th. We plan to see the play, The Neverending Story. I have taken many classes to see plays at SCT over the years & it is always an enjoyable experience. We also had the privilege to join Summit Center on a field trip to the Museum of Flight on December 21st. We want to thank Summit for going the extra mile to include our class on their field trips this year. Thank you for your kindness & consideration to TXT!

In science this year we have studied plants. We have started science notebooks and have drawn many different plants and labeled them with their scientific and common names. In January we will complete this unit and begin a unit on animals. For math in December, we completed a review of our previous three math units (money, subtraction with borrowing, and time). Throughout the month of January we will begin focused attention on word problems.

We start a very special project this month called Junior Achievement. “JA inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy…JA Worldwide’s programs help students assess their personal skills, interests, and values; understand the economic benefits of education; explore career options; learn job-hunting skills; respect and understand business ethics and practice personal and business financial management…JA Worldwide uses hands-on experiences to help young people understand the economics of life.” In the spring, our class will be going on a field trip to put the skills they have learned into practice as they play a role in setting up their own “Biztown.” For more information visit JA online at www.ja.org. Happy New Year!

-April McGill, DHH Teacher   

ASL Community Events

ASL Storytelling

Deaf Connection presents ASL Storytelling at the Barnes & Noble in University Village (Seattle) on Saturday, January 19. Storytelling begins at 11 am. Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing children are welcome! Special thanks to the Childs Hearing League and Barnes and Noble for their support.

Hands and Voices Event

(aka A Plethora of Fun and Information too!)

On February 9 from 1 pm - 4 pm Hands and Voices is proud to present this wonderful event and it is open to all families that have children that are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf blind regardless of mode of communication. We think that we have more in common than what sets us apart and that together we can make a difference for our children. Won't you join us?

There will be supervised activities for children, a youth room oriented to the teen/tween set, and a social room for the grown ups too. In addition, we will have a scheduled series of presenters, including IEP, 504 and Advocacy, HB 2246 question and answer session regarding the future of Deaf Education, a panel of deaf/hoh both oral and manual communicating adults to talk about transitioning, job searching and whatnot.

There will be snacks to keep everyone going and ASL interpreters. Please RSVP to Tracey Rodriguez traceyandynathen@yahoo.com. If you additional interpreter needs, please let me know by January 20.

We look forward to a wonderful event and meeting even more of the families in the area. Please help spread the word. Location: 8623 Roosevelt Way NE. Seattle WA 98115

Did You Know…?

1. Money isn't made out of paper. It's made out of cotton.

2. The Declaration of Independence was written on hemp (marijuana) paper.

3. The dot over the letter "I" is called a "tittle".

4. A raisin dropped in a glass of fresh champagne will bounce up and down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top.

5. Susan Lucci is the daughter of Phyllis Diller.

6. 40% of McDonald's profits come from the sales of Happy Meals.

7. 315 entries in Webster's 1996 Dictionary were misspelled.

8. The 'spot' on 7-UP comes from its inventor, who had red eyes. He was albino.

9. On average, 12 newborns will be given to the wrong parents, daily.

10. Most lipstick contains fish scales (eeww).

11. Donald Duck comics were banned from Finland because he doesn't wear pants.

12. Ketchup was sold in the 1830's as medicine.

The Bear Market

Madrona’s own “classified ads!”

"Thank you Sabrina's mom (Sabrina from Ms. Rust's kindergarten)! You were such a huge help to me last month when I was trying to carry two heavy Giving Tree boxes from the parking lot to Building Three. Without your kind offer to help me and take a box out of my arms, I'm pretty sure my walk would have ended in catastrophe! Lisa"

JOIN A CSA NEXT SUMMER!

Would you like to support local agriculture by becoming a part of a CSA (Consumer Supported Agriculture) farm next year? CSA’s are farms that ask you to purchase a share in them and in return, each week from June through October, you will receive a box full of produce. This year I have been getting weekly boxes of certified organic produce from a farm called Boistfort Valley Farm located in Curtis, WA. www.boistfortvalleyfarm.com The cost is $550 for 20 weeks which works out to $27.50 per week. You can split a share with a friend - if you’d like. They do have a 3 month payment plan which works out to about $180 per month and take Paypal for payments. If you’d like more information or would like to talk to me about this call or email me, Sarah DeMun, at 425-775-6027 or sdemun@comcast.net

If you’ve got something to sell, or a service to provide, post it here! Send ads for “The Bear Market” by the end of each month to: nancykaris@comcast.net

Madrona Cooks!

This has to be the all-time easiest dish to make & it’s delicious! Serve w/pasta on the side.

– Nancy Karis

Pot Roast with Tomatoes & Garlic

Serves 6-8

- Preheat oven to 300.

- Put 3lb. boneless chuck roast in a dutch oven.

- Pour over 1 - 28oz can of tomatoes w/juice, crushed by hand.

- Scatter around 1 head of garlic, separated but unpeeled.

- Season w/salt & pepper.

- Cover & braise in oven for 3 - 4 hours, until very tender.

Submit recipes to: nancykaris@comcast.net

REAL NEWSPAPER ADS

• FREE YORKSHIRE TERRIER: 8 years old. Hateful little dog. Bites.
• FREE PUPPIES: 1/2 Cocker Spaniel, 1/2 sneaky neighbor's dog.
• FREE PUPPIES...Mother, AKC German Shepherd. Father, Super Dog...able to leap tall fences in a single bound.
• FOUND DIRTY WHITE DOG…Looks like a rat ... been out a while. Better be a reward.
• NORDIC TRACK: $300 Hardly used, call Chubby.
• JOINING NUDIST COLONY! Must sell washer and dryer $300.
• WEDDING DRESS FOR SALE: WORN ONCE BY MISTAKE. Call Stephanie.
• FOR SALE BY OWNER: Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica, 45 volumes, Excellent condition. $1,000 or best offer. No longer needed, got married last month. Wife knows everything

The Back Page

Important dates and events to remember…

Save The Date!

• Jan 18 Coffee Chat w/Lynda & Craig – 9AM
• Jan 18 DHH Kickball Club
• Jan 21 Martin Luther King, Jr Day – no school
• Jan 22 Middle School Honors Festival
• Jan 24 Early release day – no AM Kindergarten
• Jan 24 Gloria DeGaetano – 6:30PM
• Jan 25 Non-Student Day
• Jan 29 Elementary Instrumental Concert – 7PM
• Feb 2 Groundhog Day
• Feb 7 MIT Meeting – 7PM
• Feb 10-14 Volunteer Appreciation Week
• Feb 12 SW Quad Choral Concert – 7PM
• Feb 14 Valentine’s Day
• Feb 14 Volunteer Appreciation Brunch – 9:15
• Feb 15 Non-Student Day
• Feb 18-19 President’s Day – no school
• Feb 22 Family Dance
• Feb 22 8th Grade Registration

Scrip News

Happy New Year! Thank you to everyone who purchased gift cards from the Madrona Scrip Program for the holidays! The scrip table was very busy this year – our net profit so far is about $6,700.00!

Now that the holidays are over, please continue to buy gift cards from Madrona for you everyday purchases, such as groceries. Remember, gift cards are great any time of the year! We carry many different vendors including grocery stores, theaters, Starbucks, restaurants, and many stores. Always something for everyone! Please take the time to check out an order form for all of the different vendors. We are always adding new ones! – Linda Park