October 17, 2025

Upcoming Dates

October

• Oct. 7-Nov. 1: Orchestra Evergreens Sale
• Oct. 21: School Picture Retakes
• Oct. 24: Pep Assembly (PM Assembly Schedule)
• Oct. 25: Orchestra Retreat
• Oct. 26: Vaccine Clinic @ Eckstein (See Below)
• Oct. 30: Haunted Library (Evening)
• Oct. 27-31: SPIRIT WEEK

November

• Nov. 1: Orchestra Evergreen Sale Deadline
• Nov. 2: Daylight Savings Time Ends (Set Clocks Back 1 hour)
• Nov. 4: Choir Concert (7 pm)
• Nov. 7: Veterans Day Assembly (AM Assembly Schedule)
• Nov. 8: Concert Attire Distribution (2-4 pm)
• Nov. 11: Veterans Day (NO SCHOOL)
• Nov. 14: Reflections Entries Due
• Nov. 20: Jazz Night (7:30 pm)
• Nov. 24, 25, 26: MIDDLE SCHOOL IN SESSION (Elementary School Conferences)
• Nov. 27 & 28: Thanksgiving & Native Heritage Day (NO SCHOOL)

Thank you Camp Orkila Volunteer Chaperones!

A BIG THANK YOU to all of the volunteers who chaperoned our eighth grade trip to Camp Orkila. We couldn’t have taken the trip without your help.

PE Waivers are Now Available Online and due December 1, 2025

PE Waivers are Now Available Online and due December 1, 2025

• The waiver is primarily for 7th and 8th graders for directed athletics. If you are in 6th grade, PE cannot be waived unless there is a physical disability or a religious reason with documentation.
• Please fill out the online PE Waiver Form. All documentation supporting your waiver must be emailed to Ms. Tai (jetai@seattleschools.org).
• If you would rather fill out a hard copy of the waiver, please come to the Main Office to get a copy.

PE is a WA State Requirement: WA State Legislature mandates that students in grades 1-8 participate in at least 100 minutes of weekly PE classes (equivalent to one semester of PE instruction hours) unless they qualify for a waiver. Please note that SPS does not endorse PE Waivers (Reference: RCW 28A.230.040). Students may be excused from the PE requirement for the following reasons:

1. Physical Disability (6, 7, 8 grades)
2. Religious Belief (6, 7, 8 grades)
3. Participation in Directed Athletics (7, 8 grades only)

National PTA Reflections Contest at Eckstein

The PTA Reflections program provides access to the arts and opportunities for recognition to help students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas using art and to develop confidence and a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life.
Learn more: https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections
Overall Entry Guidelines
Categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts

Accessible Arts Division: Welcomes students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504 and offers non-artistic, division-specific accommodations.

Basic Guidelines
More Detailed: https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections/craft-an-entry#guidelines

Each entry must be new artwork inspired by the current year’s theme are accepted.

· Theme-Inspired: Engage with the theme and create inspired artwork. This is critical to success in Reflections. This year’s theme is I Belong.

· New Artwork: Do not “recycle” artwork by submitting a piece created for other purposes (e.g., homework not related to Reflections; art used in another competition).

Each entry must be the original work of one student only.

· Individual Originality: Reflections is designed to encourage and recognize individual creativity, artistic assistance from friends, family and/or teachers is not allowed.

· No Group Submissions: Only one student will be awarded for each entry.

· Artwork Details: Titles or artist statements must be the student’s own words and interpretations of the theme.

· Creative Choices: Decisions in the creative process must be made and/or directed by the student. If support is required, it should be limited and appropriate to the student’s grade and needs.

Each entry must contain a title and an artist statement.

• Word Count: Artist’s statement must include at least 10 words and not exceed 100 words.
• Be Creative and Unique: Each entry submitted in Reflections must have a unique title and artist statement specific to that submission. Learn more about crafting a title and artist statement in the section below.

Each entry using digital technology/software in creation process must consider the following:

• Enhance: Technology/software may be used to develop, enhance and/or present an entry.
• Original Use: Technology/software may not be used to provide the primary design and/or concept.

• Use Description: Entrants must use the “Additional Details” field on their entry form to briefly describe the tools and method used in the creation process, including any generative elements (10 to 50 words).

Orchestra Evergreens Sale 2025

Enjoy beautiful holiday greens while supporting your community. The Eckstein Orchestra families are raising money for new instruments, instrument repairs, supplies and trips to competitions in the PNW.  Place your Orchestra Evergreens Order.

Wreaths will be available for pickup on Saturday, November 22 from 12-3 pm in the parking lot behind the school. Sale ends on November 1st. Thank you so much for your support!

School Picture Make Up Day – October 21, 2025

We will have a make-up day on October 21. Rowland Studios’ Policy is that only students who were absent or who had an error on their picture can retake. Students with picture errors will need to contact Rowland Studios first to discuss the error. We cannot support retakes for students who just don’t like their picture or want to change their outfit, no purchased required.

Please email Rowland at info@rowlandphoto.com and CC Ms. Detering, so she can get a pass to your child at jrdetering@seattleschools.org

More information available at www.rowlandphoto.com.

ASB Students Looking for Veterans to Speak at Our Veterans Day Assembly

From Our ASB Students: The Leadership class is looking for veterans who would be interested in speaking at our upcoming Veteran’s Day assembly on Friday, November 7th at 9am. We are looking for anyone with story to tell or who is interested in talking about their experience. We can have multiple speakers and can help with PowerPoints, videos, and or music. Please ask any veterans in your life if they would be interested in this opportunity. You can have them contact Mr. Rothwell at merothwell@seattleschools.org for more information.

Middle & High Schools Students Attend School – November 24, 25, & 26

If you know that you will be taking your student out of school during the week of November 24, 2025, please have them complete a Pre-Planned Absence form located in the Attendance office prior to the absence in order to excuse it.
See below Attendance Matters! for more information about Pre-Planned Absence forms.

Student-Led Conferences – March 26, 2026

During homerooms this past month, your student has begun preparing for Student-Led Conferences at Eckstein that will take place March 26, 2026. Eckstein has applied for a waiver day/no school day to allow time to host these conferences. Eckstein is committed to 100% participation from students and families to make this happen. Please tell us if your family may need support.

Student- Led Conferences are an opportunity for students to share their goals and progress. Parents/guardians will listen actively, ask questions, and comment on student work. Your student will be collecting artifacts of their work over the next months, setting goals for learning, and reflecting on progress. This will all culminate with your coming to school for a presentation by your student. Please note- this is not a Parent/Teacher conference you may be used to attending in elementary school. Student-Led is just that. The student decides what progress looks like to them and what goals and progress they are excited to share with you.

Closer to the conference date of March 26th, your student’s homeroom teacher will reach out to you to set up a specific time. For now, please put this date on your calendar! Each conference is allotted 20-30 minutes, with multiple conferences being held at the same time. The homeroom teacher is the host, but the student runs the conference. Families will be presented with what your student has been learning and hear about progress on responsible scholar goals.

This video will illustrate what you can expect! Student Led Conference Example

Does Your Student Attend After School Junior Jazz

If your student is in After School Junior Jazz with Mr. E there is a $100 fee. Please send in a check to the main office made out to Eckstein Middle School or pay Jazz fee via this SchoolPay.

Why Purchase an ASB Card

The Eckstein ASB works hard all year to fund activities to impact the entire student body. We ask that families pay the $10 ASB fee on SchoolPay to help support these endeavors. Scholarships available – email esdavenport@seattleschools.org

ASB Funds Pay for:

• Dances
• Spirit Weeks
• Lunchtime Activities
• Assembly Speakers
• Hot Cocoa Mornings
• Birthday Beads
• Pep Assemblies
• And more!

This year we will require students playing a Winter or Spring sport to purchase an ASB card as ASB supports our sports programs. Students with ASB cards in the spring will get a discount on the spring Eagle Night tickets.

As an FYI, the high schools require students to pay for an ASB card in order to do sports, clubs, or any activity that runs their funds through the ASB account. Those cards run about $50 annually.

If you’ve already paid, thank you! You will not see the fee on your SchoolPay account, if that’s the case.

Eckstein Haunted Library

Haunted Library Thursday, Oct. 30 from 6:30-8pm for Eckstein students and families! Volunteers needed!

Eckstein students and families are invited to the haunted library on Thursday, October 30th from 6:30 – 8pm. Students can only go through the haunted library once, so anticipate it taking 10-30 minutes depending on the line!

Eckstein students may come on their own with a signed permission slip which they can pick up in the library. Siblings are welcome if accompanied by a grownup (18+) and no permission slip is needed if Eckstein student is accompanied by a grownup.

Enter at Door 2 entrance on 75th St. near 31st Avenue and then follow directions to library!

We need volunteers to help with this event.

If you can give a little time for the Eckstein Haunted Library please sign up

Ordering Pictures from Picture Day

Students took their school pictures on September 16.

Each student was given a card with information on how to view and order pictures. The pictures are available to view and order online.
You can look up your code if you lost the card

We will have a make-up day on October 21. Rowland Studios’ Policy is that only students who were absent or who had an error on their picture can retake. Students with picture errors will need to contact Rowland Studios first to discuss the error. We cannot support retakes for students who just don’t like their picture or want to change their outfit, no purchased required.

More information about photos available.

Vaccine Clinics Available at SPS Schools

At Eckstein:
Sunday, October 26 (9-3 pm)
Sunday, November 9 (9-3 pm)

There has been confusion around COVID-19 vaccine access, but as of September 4th, 2025, all patients are eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines due to a Washington State public health order.

Vaccination Registration

SPS Vaccine Clinic Page

Spirit Week!

October 27-31

• Monday – Mis-Match Day
• Tuesday – Twin Day
• Wednesday – Blue Out Day
• Thursday – Sports Day
• Friday – Costume Day
  Students can wear their costumes all day at school. Please no blood, weapons, costume masks, social appropriation.)

Attendance Matters!

Contacting Attendance:

• Attendance contact: Katy Ryan
• Phone: 206-252-5014
• Email: ecksteinms.attendance@seattleschools.org

Contacting Attendance:

Attendance contact: Katy Ryan

Phone: 206-252-5014

Email: ecksteinms.attendance@seattleschools.orgKeep Your Child On Track in Middle School: Pay Attention to Attendance

Showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success. Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students get to school every day and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and on the job.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Students should miss no more than 9 days of school each year to stay engaged, successful and on track to graduation.

• Frequent absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, struggling with schoolwork, dealing with a bully or facing some other difficulty.

• By 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three signs that a student may drop out of high school.

• By 9th grade, attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th grade test scores.

• Missing 10%, or 2 days a month, over the course of the school year, can affect a student’s academic success. Make school attendance a priority

• Talk about the importance of showing up to school every day.

• Help your children maintain daily routines, such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep.

• Try not to schedule dental and non-urgent related medical appointments during the school day.

• Keep your student healthy. If you are concerned about a contagious illness, call your school or health care provider.

• If your children must stay home because they are sick, make sure they have asked teachers for resources and materials to make up for the missed learning time in the classroom.

Help your teen stay engaged!

Needs and Leads with Ms. Davenport, School Social Worker

Needs

We need it all! Deodorant, socks, all the essentials… mechanical pencils  are also in high demand by students: Amazon Community Cupboard Wishlist

If you have old Halloween costumes in good condition you want to pass on you can drop them in Portable 9! I will have a donation bin starting Monday.

Leads

If your student would like to play a sport this year, (basketball starting soon) they will need a physical uploaded in Final Forms. 

If you are unable to get your student to the doctor, you can sign them up for the Roosevelt Neighborcare clinic by filling this: Roosevelt Teen Health Center Sign-up and emailing to sbhcroosevelt@neighborcare.org

then email Ms. Davenport for support in getting your student there esdavenport@seattleschools.org

Rally Club on Thursdays still has more spots, it is a program with mentorship, arts, sports and a good meal after school for students at Eckstein.