Office News
Office News:
Online referral forms for Advanced Learning eligibility are due in the Advanced Learning Office by Thursday, October 8, 2015. Information about the application process can be found at: http://www.seattleschools.org/advlearning. The referral form takes about 15 minutes to complete and submit. No late forms will be accepted.
Please note the following changes that coincide with our new application process:
- The only exception to the online application process is if the parent/guardian is having a problem sending the form electronically. In such cases, the form can be downloaded as a PDF, printed and mailed via USPS to the following address:
Advanced Learning
M.S. 32-936
PO Box 34165
Seattle, WA 98124-1165
- No record keeping is required by the Administrative Secretaries. Parents will be sending applications directly to Advanced Learning online, or, in some cases, by US mail.
- Testing will be done on Saturdays starting in mid-October. The test schedule can be found on the Advanced Learning website http://www.seattleschools.org/advlearning.
- The only mid-week testing to be done at individual schools is for students having designated accommodations on IEP or 504 Plans. All other students are tested on Saturdays.
- There is one make-up test date, which will be scheduled after Winter Break. In such cases, parents need to contact the Advanced Learning Office via email at alsupportanalysts@seattleschools.org
- The Advanced Learning Office will provide teachers with a list of their students who are being evaluated for Advanced Learning eligibility. Teachers will be able to access and complete the Teacher Rating Scale Forms online at MYSPS in November 2015.
Lawton News
Lawton Elementary School Annual Direct Drive Update
We are off to a great start to this year’s Direct Drive. We are at 6% to our goal of $145,000! We are making great progress, but the Lawton PTA still needs your help to enrich every child’s educational experience with programs and activities that wouldn’t otherwise be available.
All contributions, regardless of size, make great things possible at Lawton. We need everyone to help us reach our goal of 100% participation by returning pledge cards by the end of October
(we understand things happen and not everyone can give which is why we have a selection on each pledge card for "we cannot contribute at this time") .
Classroom Participation Challenge:
We are happy to announce a generous classroom participation challenge from Mrs. Parks: the 2 classrooms (one K-2 and one 3-5) with the highest level of participation will get extra rollerblading time in PE in January.
The physical fitness of our students is a priority, and our PE program is a cornerstone of the Lawton experience. The rollerblading program is always one of our students favorites.
Direct Drive Fast Facts:
Did you know that almost 10% of the annual Direct Drive funds come from matching donations from employers like Microsoft and Boeing? To make your gift go further, please remember to ask if your employer matches charitable contributions.
Please consider the value of Lawton’s enrichment programs to your child’s school experience and give what you can by turning in your pledge card or make a gift online today!
Back to School Bash - Many Thanks!
Thank you to all of the families who were able to attend our Back to School Bash. An extra helping of thanks to all of the fabulous bakers for the event and the families ready to consume those baked goods, $403 was raised for the IslandWood 5th Grade Camp fund. We realize that the lines for the hot dogs were longer than we intended and we will work to make sure that we are more efficient with the food vendors next year. However, those hot dogs were delicious! Thank you Stephanie Skinner for stepping in and organizing the event.
Lawton Holiday Outreach
Forms for requesting help for Thanksgiving and the holidays are going out the week of October 5th. If your family could use some assistance during these holidays or you would like to donate to help Lawton families please fill out the form and send it into Laura Thomas at the office. Forms will be due no later than Friday, November 6th. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Laura Thomas at the office or email Jamie Hoskinson, Community Outreach Chair at mrshoskinson@hotmail.com
Lawton Elementary Curriculum Night October 13th 6-8pm
Don’t miss out on the opportunity for you to learn about your child’s classroom and what they year will look like for your child. Many teachers also have volunteer sign-ups available for parents to indicate if they would like to volunteer in the classroom or for class special events. This is an adult only event with no childcare available. Classrooms will offer two sessions in order to give families with multiple children an opportunity to visit each room. The session times are as follows:
- 6:00 – 6:30 – Session 1
- 6:45 – 7:15 – Session 2
Note: Mr. Hubbard, Mr. Swartzman, and Mrs. Ulmer's classes (5th Grade and 4/5 Split Classes) will have Curriculum Night on TUESDAY October 20th 6-7pm. This will enable all the teachers to be there, meet you, and speak to what your kids will be learning this year.
Mr. Hubbard to Speak at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) SOLVE Conference
Lawton's 5th Grade Teacher, Mr Hubbard, will travel this week to MIT to speak at the first SOLVE conference, which aims to "inspire extraordinary people to work together to solve the world's greatest challenges."
Veteran's Day Assembly Volunteers Needed
Help us honor our Lawton Family Veterans at our Veteran's Day Assembly on Thursday, November 12. Please contact Kelsey Fatland at kffatland@seattleschools.org if you are interested in helping collect photos, scan and/or upload them and organize a slide show as a way for us to pay tribute to the many honorable veterans in our Lawton community.
FERPA Form Additional Options
Seattle Public Schools has revised our notification of rights under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to allow parents and guardians more choices on how and where you would like your child’s personal information shared. If you already sent in the earlier FERPA form this school year and your choices remain the same, you do not need to return the revised form. Choices made on this year’s previous form will not change until you complete and submit a revised form. If you have already returned a form this year and do not want to change your options, or do not wish to consent to the options offered, you do not need to return the revised form. If you chose Option B-No Release of Information, but still would like your child to participate in activities such as the yearbook, class photo, or in any of the other options listed in the Option B section, complete the revised form and return it to your school by Oct. 10. If you do not check one of the boxes on the form or do not return any FERPA form, SPS will consider the lack of response as consent to release directory information about your child. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at publicaffairs@seattleschools.org or 206-252-0204 (Office of Public Affairs)
Literacy Starts by Reading at Bedtime
Click here to read an excellent article about reading to children at bedtime. Keep reading to children long after they begin to read by themselves.
International Walk to School Day October 16th
Friday, October 16th is International Walk to School Day. Teach your kids that every trip does not have to begin in a car. On Friday October, 16th Lawton Staff and Walking school bus leaders will lead kids from three different locations in the neighborhood on a walk to school. We encourage your child (and you!) to join us--for exercise, for community building, for the environment, for FUN! Walk to a route of just drop your student off with the walking school bus leaders. You can meet them anywhere on the route. We would love to break our record of over 200 kids walking to school! Three routes this year: 8:15 at 28th and Dravus
8:05 at 34th and Dravus
8:15 at 32nd and Elmore
8:00 at 35 and W. Government Way (Near Discovery Park Entrance)
Click here to watch a video from the U.S Secretary of Transportation, Anthony Foxx. For more details about the Lawton Walking School Bus program click here http://lawtonelementary.org/school-information/walking-school-bus. Or, email lyterry@seattleschools.org
Fall Enrichment Openings - Last Chance to Enroll
There is still time to enroll in Fall Enrichment Classes that still have room available. Enrollment forms and class information are available online, If the class you would like has already started, contact the following email lawtonenrichment@gmail.com to receive a pro-rated amount. The following enrichment classes still have openings available:
- Adult Boot Camp Mornings - Now until November 18th (Monday/Wednesday/Friday 7:15 - 8:00AM)
- Adult Boot Camp Afternoons - Now until November 16th (Monday & Wednesdays 4:30 - 5:15pm)
- Advanced Coding for Kids Grades 3-5 - Now until November 20th or Session 2 December 4 - February 12 (Fridays 2:50 - 4:30pm)
- Debate for Kids Grades 4-5 - Now until February 10th (Wednesdays 2:50 - 4:00pm)
- Drama for Kids Grades 3-5 - Now until February 12th (Fridays 2:50- 4:00pm)
- Friendship Circle for Kids K-5 - October 8th - February 11th (Thursdays 2:50 - 4:00pm)
- Honor Vocal Ensemble for Kids 2-5 - Now until February 12th (Wednesday & Fridays 7:30 - 8:30am)
- Knitting for Kids Grades 1-5 - October 5th - February 8th (Mondays 2:50 - 4:00pm)
- Run Like the Wind for Kids K-5 - Now until February 12th (Fridays 2:50 - 4:00pm)
- Sewing 2-5 for Kids - Now until February 12th (Fridays 2:50 - 4:00pm)
- Songsterz Songwriting for Kids K-5 - October 6th - February 9th (Tuesday 2:50 - 4:00pm)
- Zumba for Kids K-5 - Now until February 10th (Wednesdays 2:50 - 4:00pm)
Lawton Art Docent Program Still Seeking Volunteers
Thank you to the many volunteers who have already stepped up to join this year’s Lawton Art Docent Program! Additional volunteers are still needed, especially in these classrooms: Hatley, Armstrong, Bakker, Hylton, and Fatland.
You don’t need to be an artist to volunteer as a docent – all you need is your time and interest in art! Docents lead one art lesson per month (from October to June) in the classroom of their choice, using provided straightforward curriculum and materials.
Docents lead lessons alone or with a partner, and with the support of the classroom teacher. Docents work with teachers to set the schedule.
A docent training session will be held on the evening of Thursday October 15 at Lawton. To volunteer or ask a question, please contact tracy.pozil@comcast.net.
The Lawton Art Docent Program is a volunteer-led program designed to bring more art into the classroom and enhances the art education offered by our teachers and PTA arts enrichment programs. Each month, the program exposes our students to a wide variety of artists, periods, techniques and art through lessons, history and hands-on art making. The program curriculum is thoughtfully designed to teach students art appreciation and to build on artistic skills at each grade level. The Lawton Art Docent Program is made possible by ardent volunteers and funding by the Lawton PTA.
School Board Candidate Forum October 8th 7:00pm
Seattle is the largest school district in the state, serving over 53,000 students (and growing). The School Board makes vital decisions about how the Seattle Public Schools operate and oversees many aspects of district funding. Four of the seven Seattle School Board positions will be elected citywide this November. Come and learn more about the candidate's positions and skills. This forum is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County and the Seattle Council of Parent, Teacher and Student Associations. There is no cost for admission, and RSVP's are not required. Click here for more information.
Lawton PTA Board Positions Available
We will be electing a new PTA Co-Vice President and Recording Secretary this Fall, if you are interested in either position please contact Jen Wenrick or Kathryn Ficarra. Click on the following links for details about joining the PTA Board, the Co-Vice President responsibilities, and the Recording Secretary responsibilities.
Volunteer for a Committee - Give Your Time to Lawton
The Playground Committee is looking for two volunteers to assist this coming school year: Time commitment varies, however meetings are typically held the Tuesday of each week at 7p in Magnolia Village.
Project Coordinator: This role is for the person who is great at keeping meeting invites/following up on deadlines and managing the team. You would essentially act as the “glue” for the committee, managing the weekly meetings, taking notes and ensuring all members have what they need to move forward.
A portion of our fundraising comes from matching volunteer hours, not only are these two roles critical to the success of this project, they are worth important volunteer hours!
Any questions, please contact Kathryn Ficarra.
Amazon Smile Gives to Lawton PTA
Share this link: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-1005949 and ask your donors, volunteers, employees, and friends to bookmark this link so all their eligible shopping will benefit Lawton Elementary School PTA.
Bartell Drugs Gives to Lawton PTA
Sign up at any Bartell Drugs store, click here for more information.
Fred Meyer Gives to Lawton PTA
All you have to do is link your card to the Lawton Elementary PTA. Here is a FAQ, most importantly, you still get your rewards too. Click here for more information.
Save Boxtops and Drop at Many Locations in Lawton
Seattle Public School News
Revised Seattle Public Schools Calendar
The following makeup days for a revised school calendar have now been finalized with our Seattle partners, pending approval by the Board of Directors on October 7. Click here for more information. They are:
- Friday, October 9
- Friday, January 29
- Wednesday, February 17, Thursday, February 18, and Friday, February 19. This is a shortened mid-winter break.
- Friday, June 24
Family Connector University
A great opportunity to receive college credits and learn how to navigate Seattle Public Schools. The Department of School Family Partnerships is teaching a 10 week course for parents on how to navigate the school system and effectively advocate for their child. It is a great opportunity to receive college credits and learn how to navigate Seattle Public Schools. Classes began this week but families can enroll until this Thursday October 8th. Click here for more information.
Access for All
Ensuring information and communications is easily accessible for all families in Seattle Public Schools
Seattle Public Schools is committed to non-discrimination and ensuring that information and communications for district sponsored programs, events and activities is accessible to families and members of the community with disabilities. This includes persons who are deaf or hearing impaired as well as blind or visually impaired in accordance with Section 504 and Title II of the American Disabilities Act (ADA). Everyone has the right to effective communication. To ensure that communication with persons with disabilities is as effective as with nondisabled persons, it is the responsibility of building and district administrators to act on each request for auxiliary aids and services upon request. These services will be provided in an accessible format at no cost to the requester. Auxiliary aids and accommodations include a variety of communication services and devices that promote effective communication for persons with disabilities. Examples include certified sign language interpreters, real-time captioning services, translation services, written materials, large print, Braille, or electronic versions of information. The types of auxiliary aids and services necessary will depend on the length of complexity of the communication, circumstances and the needs and desires of the individual requesting assistance.
How to request communications assistance:
School Board meetings:
Individuals needing an auxiliary aid or service to participate in a regular of Special Board meeting should contact the School Board office as soon as possible and no later than two (2) days before a regular meeting so that arrangements for an effective auxiliary aid or service can be made. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate requests made less than 48 hours in advance of a meeting. Please contact the Board office byphone at 206-252-0040 or email boardagenda@seattleschools.org to make arrangements.
Other district sponsored programs, events and activities:
Individuals who may need an auxiliary aid or service to a district sponsored program, event and activity, other than a School Board meeting, should contact the Communications Department no later than two (2) days before the event so that arrangements for the auxiliary aids or services can be made. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate requests scheduled less than 48 hours in advance of an event or meeting.
In order to arrange for auxiliary aids and services at a district sponsored program, event or activity, please contact Patricia Stambor (Executive Assistant, Communications) by phone at 206-252-0204 or email accessibility@seattleschools.org and provide the following information:
- Name of requester
- Name of individual needing an auxiliary aid or service
- Contact information (phone and email)
- Description of auxiliary aid and service sought (for example, American Sign Language interpreter, large print, etc.)
- Program or event for which effective communication is being sought (for example, parent/teacher conference, sporting event, field trip, etc.)
- Location where auxiliary aid or service is needed
- Room number or building (for example, auditorium, gym or classroom)
- Date and start and finish time of event.
In order to be effective, auxiliary aids and services will be provided in accessible formats, in a timely manner, and in such a way as to protect the privacy and independence of the individual with a disability. The district will give primary considerations to the choice of auxiliary aids and services requested by the individual with a disability. “Primary consideration” means the district will honor the individual’s choice unless:
- There is another equally effective means of communication available, or
- The use of the request means would result in a fundamental alteration to the district’s service, program, or activity, or is an undue financial and administrative burden.
The decision that compliance would result in a fundamental alteration or an undue financial or administrative burden must be made by the Superintendent or his or her designee after considering all resources available for use in the funding and operation of the service, program, or activity and must be accompanied by a written of the reasons for reaching that conclusion. The district will take another action that would not result in such an alteration or such burdens, but would ensure that, to the maximum extent possible, individuals with disabilities receive the district’s benefits or services. Should the district provide an auxiliary aid or service that is different than what is requested by the individual with a disability, the district will provide notice to the requester in advance of the district sponsored program, event or activity.
Additional Information:
The district has Compliance Coordinators that oversee efforts to comply with and carry out the district’s obligations of nondiscrimination with respect to persons with disabilities and to investigate any complaint of disability discriminations, which can be raised under Superintendent Procedures 3210SP.B. For questions or concerns relating to families and members of the community with disabilities please contact Carole Rusimovic at CRusimovic@seattleschools.org or 206.252.0118.
SPS Community Meetings
Seattle Public Schools is holding upcoming community meetings on Boundary Changes, Levies, and Bell Times. Please mark your calendar for the following meetings to attend an event near you.
Informational Community Meetings on Boundary and Student Assignment Plan Updates for 2016-17 Each fall, Seattle Public Schools holds community meetings to share information and answer questions about the changes for the following year. Three community meetings are scheduled in October to discuss the changes to school boundaries and the student assignment plan for the 2016-17 school year. These changes are not for the current school year. The boundary changes being implemented next year are all in West Seattle near Arbor Heights Elementary, which will open in a new building in fall 2016. Boundary and geo-zone changes for the other schools opening in 2016 have already been adjusted. Additionally, the district is proposing minor revisions to the Student Assignment Plan to streamline and clarify questions that have been raised over the past several years. Revisions include elimination of the distance tiebreaker and other conflicting statements. Once adopted, this will be the final implementation of the Student Assignment Plan. At the meetings, staff members will present information, ask for comments and answer questions. All meetings are 6:30 P.M. – 7:15 P.M.
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When
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Where
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Interpreters provided
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Monday, Oct. 5
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Schmitz Park Elementary lunchroom
5000 SW Spokane St
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Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese
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Tuesday, Oct. 6
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Meany Building lunchroom
301 21st Avenue E.
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Chinese, Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese
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Community meetings on the Bell Time Analysis
Seattle Public Schools is hosting five community meetings September 29 to October 5 to share information about the Superintendent’s Final Draft Recommendation on Bell Time Changes. Staff members will present information, answer questions and collect feedback. At each meeting, the Superintendent’s Final Draft Recommendation will be presented to attendees, after which questions will be taken and feedback collected. All meetings are 6:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
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When
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Where
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Interpreters provided (subject to change due to availability of interpreters)
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Thursday, October 1, 2015
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Martin Luther King Jr. Lunchroom
(6725 45th South)
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Tagalog, Chinese, Somali, Spanish, Vietnamese
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Friday, October 2, 2015
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Washington Middle School Library
(2101 South Jackson Street)
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Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, Chinese
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Monday, October 5, 2015
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Jane Addams Middle School
(11051 34th Avenue Northeast)
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Chinese, Spanish
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Visit:http://sps.ss8.sharpschool.com/cms/One.aspx?portalId=627&pageId=16309&objectId.2071=16326&contextId.2071=16325 for a full schedule of community meetings. If you have an ASL request, please contact Sam Markert at arrivaltimes@seattleschools.org
McClure Curriculum Night is October 8th
McClure’s Curriculum Night will be held on Thursday, October 8th, 2015 from 6:30 pm – 8:20 p.m. Parents do not need to call the school to make reservations – they will sign in at the Reception Tables.
Tonight is Hamilton IMS Curriculum Night
Community News
Magnolia Chamber of Commerce Town Hall Meeting October 7th
Join the conversation with the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce at their Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, October 7th, 7 - 9 pm at Magnolia United Church of Christ. Hear what the community has to say about the future of Magnolia Village. Click here for the agenda.
Activities to Participate In ~ After School
- Seattle Parks and Recs Citywide Youth Basketball Registration: Registration begins on October 6th at the Magnolia Community Center. Practices will begin in November. League games begin the first week in January 2 & 3 and run through the end of March with the opportunity for post season play at the end of the regular season. Practices occur at the home community centers and games on Saturday and Sundays at various community centers. *Registration for a team is based on the participants age as of August 31, 2015. **Please consider volunteering as a coach or helping with other game day set up or needs.
- One on One Basketball Seattle Presents: Pre-Season Player Development Programs (Ages 6-15) at Ravenna CC, Queen Anne CC, Bush School our nationally renown progressive basketball individual skills class. One on One Instructional Basketball League (Grades K-2nd) at Meadowbrook CC, Bitter Lake CC learn to play the One on One way! weekly fundamental skills sessions & scrimmages. Jongen Hups "Young Hoops" (Ages 3-5) at Ravenna CC teaching basic athletic motor-skills through basketball. Pre-Season Basketball Skills Tune-Up (Ages 8-13) at Bitter Lake CC. Tune up your individual skills before the season with One on One...shooting, footwork, ball-handling, passing, defense, strategy. Space is limited...check the schedule of classes below and register today!
- Soccer Classes: UK Elite provides classes for 3-5 year olds. Attached is a flyer for Fall soccer classes through UK Petite Soccer here in Magnolia for 3-5 year olds. These classes are very popular throughout Seattle and are a great intro to soccer for younger kids.
- Gray Sky Gallery Classes: Are you looking for art mixed media classes for yourself or your child? Check out Gray Sky Gallery, (located by the Magnolia Bridge) for all your creative needs.
- Circle of Art Studio: Looking for a fun and creative outlet for your kids this fall? We still have availability in our art classes at Circle of Art Studios in Magnolia starting this week. Not ready to start this week as you are still settling into your new school routine? You can start when you are ready as long as there is space.
- Parkour Visions Summer Camp and Classes: Parkour Visions is located on the north-end of Queen Anne near the intersection of 12th and Nickerson. Click here for more information.
- Rain City Water Polo: Does your child love the water and team sports? Then water polo is perfect. We specialize in introducing kids to the sport and have programs to suit all ages. Boys and girls age five and older are welcome to join us. We have programs in North Seattle, West Seattle and on Mercer Island. A Free Trial is always available. Check out our offerings at http://www.raincitypolo.com or get in touch by emailing thor@raincitypolo.com or by calling 206-999-5686.
- Colorwheel Studio Children's Art School Schedule: The children are encouraged to work at their own pace, do their best work, and express themselves in their own unique way. Click here for more information.
- Magnolia Girl Scouts is open for 1st and 2nd Graders: The focus of the group is outdoor skills and service projects. Being a part of the Girl Scouts teaches girls valuable life skills: teamwork, leadership, and outdoor skills. They meet twice a month at Catherine Blaine on Wednesday evenings 6-7:30pm. If you would like more information or would like to join, please email Jim Petersen at jim.v.petersen@gmail.com
Activities for Parents
- Gray Sky Gallery Art Mixed Media Classes: Are you looking for mixed media classes for yourself or your child? Check out Gray Sky Gallery, (located by the Magnolia Bridge) for all your creative needs.
- Kickboxing for Lawton Parents: Tuesday & Thursday at 9:45 a.m. at Magnolia Karate Academy. First 3 classes are $25 (includes hand wraps & gloves). Visit http://www.magnoliakarate.com/ for more information.
- Zumba for Lawton Parents: Monday & Wednesday at 9:00am at Martial Sports on Nickerson. First class is free! Contact Nyaradzo Mvududu with any questions.
PTA Communications Information
Lawton eNews
The Lawton eNews is the weekly newsletter published by the Lawton Elementary School PTA (Unit 6.15.205) to keep parents and staff informed about activities at Lawton Elementary School and events sponsored by the Lawton Elementary School PTA. Other school related updates will be also sent as needed.
Deadline for submission is 9 pm Friday of each week for the next week's issue. During school breaks/holidays, the newsletter may not be published. Complete the attached form and email submissions to newsletter@lawtonelementary.org.
Click here or search Lawton Elementary School PTA on facebook and click LIKE in order to get facebook updates from the PTA.
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