•News, Activities & Events
WHAT’S NEWS
Dear Families:
Welcome back! We hope you enjoyed your summer. Staff are slowly coming back to work and preparing for the new school year. Our first priority is registration and orientation.
Orientation
Once again, we will offer three opportunities for families to attend a registration/orientation meeting:
- Wednesday, September 1 from 2-4 pm
- Thursday, September 2 from 10am-12 noon
- Friday, September 3 from 11am-1 pm
All families should plan to attend orientation. Please choose the day and time that is the most convenient for you, then RSVP by Thursday, August 26, 2010 at 463-9171 ext. 503, so that we know what day to expect you. Do let us know if none of the times work for you, so that we can make other arrangements.
The purpose of orientation is to discuss important topics related to enrollment in FamilyLink and to collect your learning plans and registration paperwork.
Among the important topics for discussion, are:
Enrollment options
Weekly teacher contact and monthly goals/evaluations—via personal meetings or email
Stipend guidelines and reimbursement procedures
Enrichment classes
Assessment
Learning plans and curriculum, other paperwork
We have a lot to cover, but we will move through the material quickly, still allowing plenty of time for questions from families. Naturally, you may bring your children with you if you are unable to make other arrangements. Unfortunately, we will not have staff to supervise or lead activities. Art materials, games and toys will be available to keep them occupied in the classroom. Or, weather permitting; we can move the meeting outdoors. Regardless, parents will need to keep an eye on their children.
Important Paperwork
Paperwork that needs to be completed and submitted to FamilyLink prior to or at orientation include: WSLP Signature Page, WSLP K-8, WSLP High School, Student Registration Form, Immunization Status, Email Contact, and Statement of Understanding. Copies of all documents can be found in the Download section of this website.
Please print out and, at the very least, complete a WSLP signature page, learning plan and student registration form for each student enrolled in FamilyLink, and bring them with you to orientation. If you are new to FamilyLink, you also should complete the other forms. Returning student families may update immunization paperwork at FamilyLink. Families also are welcome to bring learning plans and registration paperwork to the FamilyLink office prior to orientation. We will be open the week of August 23-27.
The deadline for WSLP’s and student registration forms is Friday, September 3. FamilyLink cannot count your student(s) for funding for the month of September 2010 if that paperwork has not been turned in. So, stop by the office and fill out the paperwork or bring completed learning plans and registration paperwork to orientation.
Written Student Learning Plan (WSLP)
For those of you joining us for the first time, the learning plan provides an overview of the courses you and your student(s) plan to cover for the year. We understand that you may still be forming and clarifying your plan, and that’s fine. We consider the learning plan a working document, so at least sketch out an outline of intentions (knowing that this can be modified). There also will be time at the end of the registration/orientation meeting to address any questions or concerns you may have with one of the consulting teachers.
Again, we look forward to seeing you at one of the three registration/orientation meetings. Please feel free to call program manager Julie Hanger, if you need more information, clarification or have questions.
Sincerely,
FamilyLink Staff
PS: Please let us know, as soon as possible, if your plans for enrolling in FamilyLink have changed over the summer. Also, the fall enrichment schedule will be mailed shortly. Sign-ups will be the week of September 7, with classes starting the week of September 20.
NEW ENROLLMENT OPTIONS
Beginning with the 2009-10 school year, FamilyLink will offer three different enrollment options. They are:
Option A - $450 curriculum stipend per student; weekly face-to-face meeting/contact with teacher
Option B - $650 curriculum stipend per student; weekly contact via email, one face-to-face meeting per month with teacher.
Option C - $800 curriculum stipend per student; weekly contact via email; no face-to-face contact with teacher
The different options provide a varying degree of face-to-face teacher support versus stipend amount. The greater the stipend amount, the less direct teacher contact time. Families choose one option for the entire school year, and will have an opportunity to select another option each spring. Curriculum funds are used to reimburse families for curriculum and enrichment opportunities.
Call us at 463-9171 ext. 503 for more detailed information about our enrollment options and an enrollment form.
•Important Dates for September 2010
Aug 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . FamilyLink Office Opens
Sept 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .First Day of School
Sept 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . Orientation Meetings
Sept. 6 . . . . . . . . . . Labor Day Holiday; no school
Sept 7-10 . . . . . . . . . . . Fall Enrichment Class Sign-ups
Sept 20-24 . . . . . . . . . . Enrichment Classes Begin
•Activities of Interest to Homeschoolers
Places to Go..Things to Do…Around the Sound
In the Spirit: Contemporary Northwest Native Arts Exhibit
Washington State History Museum
June 17-September 19, 2010
Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Washington State History Museum and the Longhouse Education and Cultural Center at The Evergreen State College present the fifth annual In the Spirit: Contemporary Northwest Native Arts Exhibit, a juried art exhibit showcasing the works of contemporary Native artists. Guests will see how today’s Native art connects traditional artistic heritage and contemporary forms of expression. The featured artwork is selected by a jury comprised of experts in Native American art. Free with admission. All ages. For more information, visit http://washingtonhistory.org/.
Bumbershoot
Seattle Center
September 4-6, 2010, 11am – 11pm
View comedy, dance, art, poetry, theater, film, visual arts and music on many stages. Enjoy food, arts and crafts, parades and spectacles. Youngershoot offers entertainment, film and activities for kids. Cost: $22 to $50/day, free ages 10 and younger with adult. Three-day passes available. For more information, call 206-281-7788 or visit http://bumbershoot.org/youngershoot/
Puyallup Fair
Washington State Fair Grounds
September 10-26, 2010
Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, Saturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sprawled over 169-plus acres, the Puyallup Fair packs a punch full of family fun every September. This year, expect even non-stop entertainment from carnival rides, Mutton Bustin’ contests, Toonzville, Sillyville, the fair concert series, the Piglet Palace and more. Opening day admission is free from 10 a.m.-noon with non-perishable food donation. All ages Cost: $7.50-$9, ages 5 and under free
For more information, visit http://www.thefair.com/puyallup-fair/.