Mr. Scarpelli

Principal Communicator

As it gets colder and rainier, it’s time to start thinking about what happens on stormy days. There is a change for this year to the late start plans. In the past, if there was a late start, secondary schools would start one hour late and elementary schools one and a half hours late. This year, all schools will start two hours late in the event of a late start. This change will allow more time for the weather and roads to clear and provide a consistent, easy to understand message.

Have you signed up for Parent Access? If not information on parent access and the web link is listed below. I have listed some of the newly added abilities that this service provides for parents.

1)Parent Access Expands

Parent Access, a secure information site for district parents, is now available for all parents for the district. All parents can check to make sure their contact information on file with the district is correct, to see the teacher(s) their student(s) have, send e-mails to teachers, and check school lunch account balances. Parents of secondary students can also check their grades. All it takes to sign up for Parent Access is to have an e-mail account on file with your student’s school office.

This year, two new functions have been added to Parent Access. One is the ability to make credit card payments to lunch accounts. In the past, parents had to call Food Services during business hours to give them a credit card number over the phone, which they can still do. The new, simple, web-based process will enable parents to make a payment any time using a credit card. Since Parent Access provides parents with access to their student’s information, it is a very secure site.

The second addition is the ability for parents to fill out their volunteer application online. On signing in to Parent Access, the volunteer application is already populated with the parent information on file, i.e., name, address and phone number. Between this automated function and having parents fill out the form online, there is less potential for error. This online process is quicker and easier than filling out the paper forms and saves paper as well.

Finally, parent access is the location of Webgrader our online grade book for teachers. Both students and parents have access to their teachers grade book to check on class progress. Our teachers are committed to update their grade books at least every 14 days. See you individual teachers classroom expectations for full details of their update timelines.

For more information, see the Parent Access New User page on the district web site. The direct link is: http://www.lwsd.org/Parents/Parent-Access/Pages/default.aspx

2)Substitute positions available

Are you or someone you know interested in working in a school environment? Lake Washington School District has positions open for substitute bus drivers, substitute special education para educators and substitute custodians. Substitute work is a good way to get to know the district, different school locations and different employment opportunities.  For more information or to apply, go to www.lwsd.org and click on “Employment.”

3)Questions and answers on a statewide ballot measure concerning school levies

How does Washington’s current school levy system work? Currently, local school levies must receive both a 60% supermajority approval and meet the 40% validation requirement to pass.

What would EHJR 4204 do?  EHJR 4204 would amend the Washington State Constitution and would provide that a simple majority of voters (50% + 1) could authorize local school district levies. The amendment also removes the 40% election validation requirement for levy elections.  It does NOT apply to school bond elections. EHJR 4204 will be on the November 6^th ballot. 

What do school levies pay for? Local levies support school needs. In our District, the levies help to support education programs and school operations such as helps pay for teachers, textbooks, transportation, safety, security, activities and athletics. Levy funds are 18.4 percent of the District’s budget.

What happens if school levies don’t pass? Some school levies have failed because they do not meet the supermajority requirement. Levy failures can result in budget cuts, which require program cuts, staff and/or teacher layoffs, and other disruptions. Elections cost money. If school districts need to run a subsequent election for the same levy, it will take money away from educational programs. It cost our District $299,000 to run the most recent levy election.

Do all types of levies require a supermajority to pass? No, they do not. Regular tax levies do not require supermajority approval. Public hospital districts, metropolitan park districts, and other taxing jurisdictions can pass levies to operate hospitals, parks, and other facilities with a simple majority vote. School districts are held to the supermajority standard to pass a local levy.

Volunteer Opportunities -  Just a reminder that volunteers are needed at Finn Hill throughout the school year at various events, classroom help, athletic events etc..  Although we encourage parent volunteers to join PTSA, it is not a requirement for most FHJH volunteer jobs. If you’d like to be part of the FHJH volunteer pool, contact Linda Johnson:  johnsonshopper@comcat.net or 425-820-9344

For the past several years, LWSD has had a Safety Tip Line where anyone was able to call the number and leave a message about any concern.  That number is (425) 702-3400.

I am happy to announce that we will be moving to a new number, (866) 548-3847 or (866) LIVE-TIP.  This new number is through the company Safe Schools and has a live operator 24/7.  When a person dials the number they will be asked to enter the LWSD code and they will have the option to speak to an operator or to leave a message anonymously, if they like.  The district’s code is 156 and is printed on the flyers and posters attached.  There is also an option to choose our district from a directory once they are on the phone.