HAVE YOUR CHILD RIDE THE BUS THIS WEEK!

The Edmonds school bus headcount will be conducted all this week to calculate bus revenue. Since ways are continually being sought to reduce expenditures and increase headcount, showing our ridership numbers will help maintain this important service (a hub and spoke transfer system may be proposed again this year). For more information, please see MIT minutes on www.madronabearfacts.com or attend the next meeting Oct. 14th. We would encourage everyone who utilizes the bus system to have their children ride the bus this week, particularly in the morning as that is the period which is actually used to calculate its funding. It is not too late to make a difference. This is particularly important this year as the middle school will be out on their field trip. Please pass the word!

DONATIONS NEEDED FOR BEAR SCARE

Bear Scare was a success last year due to parents' generosity! Please donate candy and "green" candy alternatives (healthy treats, peanut free treats, or party favors/little toys) for children's goodie bags. There is a bin in the family room for donations. Toys can be purchased cheaply at dollar or party stores. Last year we had over 1000 participants and this is not a fundraiser so we depend on parents to make it work. As we get closer there will be other notices regarding help needed, such as booth volunteers (1/2 hr. slots) or volunteers to bake cookies. Sign up sheets are in the family room or contact Felicia Seubert at ken.seubert@verizon.net or 425-745-9845.

OCTOBER MIT- IS CREATIVITY AN IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTE FOR STUDENTS TO DEVELOP?

Our staff is exploring creativity and its importance as a 21st Century aptitude this year and we hope you will join the conversation! During the first hour of MIT (10/14 @ 7:00PM) we will view a provocative media piece featuring Sir Ken Robinson, who also authored a book our staff read this summer. You are invited to join Madrona staff in viewing Sir Ken and to share in a discussion about creativity and its importance in our children’s futures. The discussion should be lively and interesting! We hope you will join us! MARK YOUR CALENDARS-PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE WEEK! Madrona will have early dismissals each day the week of October 27 to 31 @ 12:20.Teachers will be contacting parents to schedule individual conferences during this week.

SCRIP NEWS!

REI gift cards are now available!! They are in $25.00 denominations. Please stop by the scrip table and order these and many other cards. Remember to buy your groceries with a gift card bought from Madrona - any easy way to make money for the school! If you have any questions, contact Linda Park at labpark@comcast.net

NO BANKING ON MONDAY 10/20

There will NOT be a bank day on Monday, 10/20. This is for one week only.

VOLUNTEERS~ NEED A PHOTO ID BADGE?

If you would like a photo ID badge you can go into the photo studio and have one made. Badges are $5 and they ask that you call ahead. They’re located at 22912 Highway 99 #A in Edmonds next to the Country Farms Fruit Stand. Hours of Operation: M-F 9-6 & Saturday’s from 10-5. Phone number: 425-672-6800

MATH CURRICULUM

As you know we are implementing the new District adopted math curriculum “Expressions” at Madrona. Our multi-age philosophy and structure presents both many benefits and some unique challenges as we work with this new math program. Come hear about this and some solutions we’ve come up with on Thursday, October 16th from 4:30 to 5:30 in the Madrona Library. Dr. Tony Byrd (Assist. Superintendent for Teaching and Learning), Dr. Jackie McDonald (elementary math curriculum specialist), and Lara Drew (Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning) will join Lynda and Craig for this informational opportunity.

PARENT MATH NIGHT FOR PARENTS OF 6TH-8TH GRADE STUDENTS

October 28th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Lynnwood High School. You will learn to help your student be successful in math, learn about resources available and learn to ask the right questions to help them. Childcare available. For additional information please call Kim Verver (425-431-7149).

WINTERGREENS FUNDRAISER ON NOW!

Madrona’s Associated student body will benefit from the profits of Wintergreens. Funds will be used for literacy, music festivals, field days, assemblies and graduation. Please turn order forms to the “Wintergreens Boxes” in the office and family room. You can also find extra order forms in both those locations.

WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE PROGRAM?

The Challenge program is a full time self-contained gifted or highly capable program for 1st thru 6th grade students who live in the Edmonds School District. Come and learn about the program and testing. Terrace Park K-8 is located at 5409 228th SW in Mountlake Terrace (next to the Mountlake Terrace Recreation Pavilion). Information is also posted on the Edmonds School District Website (edmonds.wednet.edu). Click on Community, Other Educational Resources, Highly Capable Programs and Services; Challenge Program.

Challenge Testing Dates at Terrace Park K-8:

• Grades K-2 Saturday, December 6 at 8:30 am
• Grades 3-5 Saturday, December 6 at 12:30 pm
• Make Up Test Saturday, January 17 at 8:30 am
• Tests take between 2 to 2 ½ hours

Referral Deadline is November 21 for December 6th testing. Make Up Test Referral Deadline is January 12 for January 17 testing.

MADRONA CHILDREN’S THEATER

The Madrona Children’s Theatre is pleased to announce that Beth Mahmoud-Howell has been selected as the director for our 2009 production. This year’s production will be Beauty and the Beast. Beth is a parent in our Madrona community, has an extensive background in theater, and designed the wonderful costumes of last year’s Seussical. We are very excited about this year’s team and look forward to another outstanding production. For those interested in auditioning for Beauty and the Beast, we will have an informational meeting for interested parents and kids on October 27th at 7 pm in the Library. The meeting will cover the District and School requirements for participation, auditions and casting details, rehearsal time commitment and behavior expectations, parent involvement, and general show information. Participation and Audition packets will be distributed at this meeting. Auditions will be held in early-to-mid November with the intention to have the show cast before Thanksgiving break. There will be several rehearsals in December before we really hit the ground running in January with 2 to 4 rehearsals each week. Show dates are March 19th to 22nd at Mountlake Terrace High School. Please stay tuned for further details.

SIMPLE IDEAS TO GO GREEN THIS HALLOWEEN!

If your family celebrates Halloween thinking outside the conventional candy box is easy and affordable! Consider going candy-free by handing out “treasures or choose healthier options! Great Green goodies include: honey sticks, 100% fruit leather, polished rocks and stones, stickers, soy or beeswax crayons, seed packets, play dough, organic candy and/or fair trade chocolate, feathers (believe it or not a favorite with toddlers to teens.) Don't forget to use a reusable bag for Trick or Treating! www.greenhalloween.org

IMPORTANT REMINDER TO CHECK IN & WEAR ID!

Unfortunately, Madrona was one of several schools in the District in recent weeks that had wallets stolen by a professional thief.This woman is very school savvy and appears to be at school for a legitimate reason. When asked,she indicates she has checked in at the office, though she does not. Another reminder of how important it is for parents and visitors to sign in and wear identification or a guest badge and to put your purse in a secure location while at school. All staff and parent volunteers need to politely inquire about any person they see on campus without ID or a guest badge, reminding them to check in at the office. Thanks for your support!

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

•  Oct 15th-17th Middle School Camp Orkila
• Oct 16th 2008/09 Entertainment Books on sale in the Office
• Oct 16th Math Curriculum info 4:30 to 5:30 in the Library
• Oct 20th ~ No WAMU school banking today
• Oct 24th Madrona’s Vineyard
• Oct 25th BearScare 6:00 to 8:00 pm
• Oct 27 to 31st Conferences - Early Dismissals at 12:20
• Oct 28th Parent Math night~ Lynnwood High
• Oct 29th 9:15 to 10:00 - Coffee w/ Lynda & Craig
• Oct 31st Halloween!
• Nov 1st Deadline for November Bear Facts
• Nov 2nd Daylight savings ends
• Nov 6th Safety Committee meeting
• Nov 7th Non-student Day
• Nov 11th Veterans Day - No school
• Nov 13th MIT Meeting 7 pm

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

 All info also posted at www.madronabearfacts.com

FOREIGN LANGUAGE ENRICHMENT CLASSES RETURN TO MADRONA!

Languages offered are Spanish, French, Japanese and Mandarin. Classes are held directly before and after school. Placement is based on age and experience. For more info contact Michelle Jordan at 206-568-0480 or explorelanguage@mac.com. Orange Registration flyers in the family room and posted online.

ARTS COUNCIL OF SNOHOMISH COUNTY

The Arts Council of Snohomish County Announces their 2008-09 schedule. Exhibits are free and open to the public. If you’re interested in bringing a school group please call 425-257-7372. Pick up an Event Schedule in the family room or visit our website. 2008-09

WINTER BASKETBALL REGISTRATION

 Registration will open Oct 6th to 31st for Boys & Girls Club basketball. Pick up a flyer in the family room or visit www.bgcsc.org

YMCA AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS!

Exciting NEW youth and family programs at the Dale Turner Family YMCA. Pick up a flyer in the family room or visit www.seattleymca.org/daleturner

JOIN GIRL SCOUTS TODAY!

To find out more about Girl Scouts: Pick up a flyer in the family room or email northerncounties@girlscoutsww.org

LYNNWOOD STUDENT SHOWCASE 2009

Great Opportunity for Students to perform in Lynnwood! Scholarship money for performers! The City of Lynnwood Arts Commission, Lynnwood Rotary and Alderwood are looking for Middle and High School aged students within the Edmonds School District Boundaries (private and home school included) to perform in our 4th Annual Student Showcase on Thursday, February 19, 2009 at Alderwood Mall. For more info, visit www.LynnwoodArts.org