Welcome to Spanaway Elementary

Motto  Jaguars, STRIVE and RISE!

Our Mission
Together we will establish a culture of high expectations and perseverance to ensure success for ALL students in partnership with families and the community.

Our Vision

Fostering a community where EVERYBODY belongs and realizes their full potential for a successful future

Student Mission Statement

As students of Spanaway Elementary, we will practice and never give up.  We believe that to be successful we will overcome any obstacle.  When things get hard we know what to do! We are respectful, responsible, safe and perseverant!

 

AS A JAGUAR STUDENT…

I believe in myself. 

Staff are here for me.

I am capable of great things. 

I am worthy of respect. 

My voice is important. 

I am unique. 

I am worth it. 

I can do great things. 

I will never give up on myself. 

I care about myself. 

My success is important. 

We are in this together. 

Spanaway is a PBIS, Restorative Practices & Social-Emotional Learning school.

Jaguars are respectful, responsible, and safe.

Monthly Learner Qualities

September-Review of all

October-Attentive Listener November-Active Participant/Engaged December-Collaborative 

January-Growth Minded

February-Reflective

March-Inquisitive

April-Perseverant

May-Motivated

June-Review of all

Spanaway Elementary

Learner Qualities

We show our best learner skills every day! 

September Overview of all Learner Qualities

October

November

December

January

 

February

March

April

May

June Review of All Learner Qualities

Students can earn Jaguar Paws for showing these learner qualities each day!

Dear Spanaway Families:

Welcome to Spanaway Elementary School. We are excited to begin a great year with you and your child on our Jaguar team! We know this year may continue to pose challenges for us all and our goal is to provide high quality education for all Jaguars. Throughout the year we will be asking for your feedback to help us determine areas we need to strengthen and supports you need. Together we will STRIVE and RISE!

Every elementary grade sets the foundation of your child’s success in the coming school years. In order to provide a well-adjusted, relaxing beginning, we need to work together to make the transition between home and school a positive, happy experience. Here are some suggestions you may want to follow.

• Please monitor the school’s website, Facebook,  and your email for the most up-to-date information about Spanaway Elementary.

• Visit the district website at www.bethelsd.org for district information.

• Visit our school website at www.bethelsd.org/ses

• Visit our school Facebook page @spanawayelementary for the most up-to-date information and to stay connected!

• Communicate with your child’s teacher often on their successes and areas needing additional support.

• Ensure your child attends school each day, engages daily in schoolwork and communicates with their teacher about their learning. 

• Talk to your child each day about school, be encouraging and help them to be perseverant when they are challenged. 

• Talk to your child about responsible ways to use his/her iPad and practice digital citizenship.

• Read to your child daily or have them read to you.

• Practice basic math skills that will be helpful in their grade level.

• Encourage adequate rest and good nutrition to be alert and ready to learn.

• Become actively involved in your child’s education through PSTA, register to vote, and most importantly share in the daily school experience.

• Attend school events throughout the year.
  
  

Parents are encouraged to be involved their child’s school career from the first day to the last. This is one of the best ways to ensure your child’s success and provide your child with a positive self-concept. As a staff we look forward to partnering with you to strengthen our team. 

We are looking forward to working with you and your child during this school year at Spanaway Elementary School. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call, 253-800-5300.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Kosa, Principal

Rob Hurst, Assistant Principal

Welcome to
Spanaway Elementary!
Home of the Jaguars!

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Principal: Kimberly Kosa                                                 Registrar: Carmen Totten
Assistant Principal: Rob Hurst                                       Counselor: Valorie Camacho 
Secretary: Mandi Mayr                                                    Attendance/Health Clerk: Trisha Fincher
                             

Office Phone
253-800-5300

Attendance Office
253-800-5393
Please call the 24-hour attendance line to report absences. 

Online Resources
School Website www.bethelsd.org/ses
Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/spanawayelementary/

Transportation
253-800-5900

Our #1 priority is to keep our staff, students, and families safe & healthy. 
To do so, please follow our Office Safety Protocol below.
Thank you so much for your help! We appreciate you!

PROCESS TO ACCESS THE BUILDING

1. Locate the silver camera box located on the left of the front doors. 

2. Push button: An office staff member will assist you. 

(It is a district expectation to require all visitors state the purpose of their visit and show a valid form of photo ID)

3. An office staff member will unlock the doors and invite you to enter. 

Thanks for visiting and have a fantastic day!

VOLUNTEERS

If you are interested in volunteering in any capacity in our building you must complete the volunteer form. 

A volunteer form is also required to attend any portion of the school day alongside your student. These visits must be pre-arranged with the classroom teacher. 

The Bethel School District will not process volunteer applicants who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Building staff do still offer opportunities for unvaccinated individuals in the form of things to do from home to support the building. 

Please contact our office if you are interested in volunteering or receiving more information!

Volunteer Form Access: bethelvolunteers.hrmplus.net

CLASSROOM CELEBRATIONS

Please contact your child’s teacher in advance if you wish to celebrate them for any occasion. If providing food items, please note the following: 

• Store bought items only

• Be aware that some students may have allergies to peanuts and tree nuts

• Be sure items are brought to school in their original sealed containers. 
  
  

PARENT-TEACHER-STUDENT CONFERENCES

Formal conferences are scheduled twice a year. Parents/guardians may also set up conferences with the classroom teacher at other times as needed.  

BETHEL SCHOOL DISTRICT-BOARD POLICIES

www.bethelsd.org

PARENTVUE

The ParentVUE web portal and mobile app will serve as direct lines to your child’s classroom/school – anytime, anywhere, and in any language, so you always have access to the information you need to help your child succeed.

Both ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be available in Self Service on student iPads, on any web browser, or in the app store on your personal device.

Click here to watch a brief video introduction to ParentVUE: https://vimeo.com/396566366

Click HERE to login to ParentVUE

PAW PRINT NEWSLETTERS

Parent newsletters, called the “Paw Print,” will be shared weekly via email. If we have your current email address, please watch regularly for communication from the school. If you are not receiving these please update your email address in ParentVue or contact the school. 

SCHOOL WEBSITES

Bethel School District Website www.bethelsd.org

Spanaway Elementary Website-www.bethelsd.org/ses

Spanaway Elementary Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/spanawayelementary/

AUTO-CALLS

Throughout the school year we will keep you up-to-date on events, other important information and reminders via auto-calls. If you miss these calls, they will go to your voicemail. Please listen to the entire voicemail before calling the school. If you have questions after listening to the auto-call, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

EMAIL

Throughout the year your child’s teacher, the school and district may send communication through email. Please be sure we have the correct email on file so you can receive the most up-to-date information. 

CLASSROOM SEESAW/CANVAS ACCOUNTS

At the start of the school year, your child’s teacher will send home information to create a Seesaw OR CANVAS account for you to have access to view posts/assignments from your child during the school day. Your child will love sharing their best works with you and receiving feedback from you on how proud you are of their hard work! Look for this information coming home at the start of the school year.

PEACHJAR

Peachjar is an electronic communication tool that Bethel School District uses as well as Spanaway Elementary. Flyers and other items will be sent to the email address that we have on file. Some of the information sent comes directly from our school and others include information about community organizations and opportunities for your family to participate in. 

DID YOU KNOW?

• Starting in kindergarten, too many absences can cause students to fall behind in school.

• Missing 2 days per month or about 18 days per year can make it harder to learn to read.

• Students can still fall behind if they miss just a day or two days every few weeks.

• Being late to school does affect attendance.

• Absences affect the whole classroom because the teacher has to slow down learning to help students catch up.

• Attending school regularly helps students feel better about school—and themselves. 

• Start building positive attendance habits early so students learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Good attendance will help students do well in high school, college, and at work.

 

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

• Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.

• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.

• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.

• Find out what day school starts and make sure your student has the required shots.

• Introduce your student to their teachers and classmates before school starts to help them transition.

• Don’t let your student stay home unless they are truly sick. Keep in mind complaints of a stomach ache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.

• If your student seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school social worker or counselor, or other parents for advice on how to make your student comfortable and excited about learning.

• Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.

• Remember you are part of the Jaguar family and we are here to support. Contact us at anytime.

Student/Parent Procedures

• Students arriving late to school will go directly to the attendance clerk in the office, Mrs. Fincher.  Students without a guardian’s/doctor’s excuse will be marked unexcused. 

• Phone calls to our attendance clerk at 253-800-5393 stating the reason for lateness or absences are required and will be excused if they meet the criteria.

• If your student is leaving the school before our dismissal time (3:05), parents/guardians must complete a sign-out form located in the office. 

• Get a “Pre-arranged Absence Form” from the attendance office (at least 4 days prior) to report upcoming absences extending 4 or more days.  The administrator may or may not excuse the absences depending on the reason for the absences and the student’s academic status. 

• Students will make up all work and tests as determined by their teachers.  It is a student/parent’s responsibility to check with teachers about work that is to be made up and when the work is to be turned in.

• Parents/Guardians are encouraged to view “ParentVue” on our district website (www.bethelsd.org) to report absences.  Contact our office (253-800-5300) if you are new to ParentVue and need more information.

• If you would like additional support to increase your child’s attendance, please reach out to our school counselor  at (253) 800-5370 and/or refer to the Bethel School District Resources Website (www.bethelsd.org/domain/4979).

Bethel School Board Policy 3122PR

WHAT IS PBIS?

PBIS is short for:

Positive 

Behavioral 

Intervention & 

Supports. 

• It is a proactive, team-based framework for creating and sustaining safe and effective schools. 

• Emphasis is placed on: 

1. Preventing problem behavior

2. Development of prosocial skills

3. The use of data-based problem solving for addressing existing behavior concerns. 

School-wide PBIS increases the capacity of schools to educate all students utilizing research-based school-wide, classroom, and individualized interventions.

PBIS PHILOSOPHY AT SPANAWAY

At Spanaway, we believe in:

• Explicitly teaching, re-teaching, and reinforcing behaviors using common language
• Consistently acknowledging positive behaviors
• Building positive, respectful relationships between students, teachers, and families
• Knowing our students and proactively addressing possible triggers
• Providing students with tools, support & strategies to reach behavioral goals & build confidence in their abilities
• Using data to make decisions, establish goals, and celebrate successes
• Implementing restorative practices

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WHAT ARE RESTORATIVE PRACTICES?

A restorative school is one which takes a restorative approach to resolving conflict and preventing harm. Restorative approaches refer to a range of methods and strategies which can be used both to prevent relationship-damaging incidents from happening and to resolve them if they do happen. Restorative practices provide our students with a voice and opportunities to determine next steps on their own. Restorative practices happen WITH the students not TO them.

When conflicts arise a staff member will lead the students through the following questions. They will be asked of both the student who was “harmed” and the student who did the “harm” individually. When all parties are ready, they will come together and answer the questions in front of each other so they work towards a positive solution to the problem and take ownership of their actions. 

To help those harmed by others’ actions:

• What did you think when you realized what had happened?
• What impact has this incident had on you and others?
• What has been the hardest thing for you?
• What do you think needs to happen to make things right?

To respond to challenging behavior:

• What happened?
• What were you thinking at the time?
• What have you thought about since?
• Who has been affected by what you have done?
• What do you think you need to do to make things right?

WHAT IS SEL/CLASSROOM MEETING/CIRCLES?

Morning meeting occurs in each classroom everyday to build a sense of community. These meetings are structured in a circle to build inclusion. Teachers will facilitate discussions around how students are feeling, interests, topics of concern, expectations, appreciation, etc. Each meeting will include lessons from our Second Step Curriculum. All meetings end with a class chosen mantra to start the day!

“The circle represents a fundamental change in the relationship between students and authority figures. It creates a cooperative atmosphere in which students take responsibility for their actions. Students respond because they feel respected and realize that what they say matters. Circles make students feel like partners, and they respond by working to help create a more positive atmosphere. When the light dawns in students’ minds and they begin to understand that they are truly being given a stake in their class and school, they rise to the occasion.” (Costello, Wachtel, Wachtel)

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CALM KITS

If a student is having a hard day, every classroom has a space/kit where students can take a very short break to get their brain ready to learn.

VIRTUAL WELLNESS CENTER

If a student needs more than the use of the calm kit in their classroom, they can access our “Virtual Wellness Center” to be guided through activities to get their brain ready to learn. 

WELLNESS CENTER

Some students may experience emotions that cannot be addressed in the classroom setting. They take a pass and go to our “Wellness Center” where they are taught how to choose strategies that will help them get their brain ready to learn. 

THE ZONES OF REGULATION

As a school, we use the “Zones” as a way to check in prior to the start of the day during morning circles. They are also used as a way for students to communicate their needs when they are experiencing strong emotions. 

Step 1: Daily For All Students. Proactive Strategies to Avoid Progressive Consequences

Clear Expectations taught and posted.

Redirect student, verbal reminder using affective statements (I feel _____ when….), seek to understand using Restorative Questions 1, reteach behavior, calm zone, visit a buddy teacher (option), Wellness Center, etc. 

Step 2: Teacher Directed Consequence

Ex. Student and/or teacher call home, student may write a reflection with goals to change behavior, during 2nd recess engage in restorative conversation while student sits on bench.

Step 3: After two or more teacher directed consequences for similar behavior …

Staff member contacts parent seeking to team up on solutions for behavior.

Step 4: Seek additional support

Staff member will complete a major office referral which is sent to the assistant principal for review.

POSSIBLE NEXT STEPS 

• Engage in administrative restorative conversations with student(s).

  • Student driven consequence.

• Assign the closest recess, lunch and/or after school detention following incident.

• Restorative Conference with all stakeholders.

• Refer student for SSP if behavior is ongoing to create a Student Success Plan with the classroom teacher, parent, and assistant principal.

• Suspension (In-School, Out-of-School).

  • Re-Entry Meeting.

Individual Classroom Expectations K-2

Hardie

Oshiro

Sanders

Morris

Spearman

Twaddle

Arnold

Gilbertson

Marsh

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Individual Classroom Expectations 3-5

Downey

Krumwiede

Cleary

Kupinski

Malimban

Bautista

Corpuz

Peterson

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Individual Classroom Expectations

Specialist/Intervention

PE-Hosley

Library-Robbins

Band-Mercer

Technology-Hill

Music-Figuracion

Resource Room-Irons

Scholar Center-Elery/Melby