Principal Newsletter 11.13.26
Dear Carnation Families,
This past week, we came together to honor and thank the veterans in our community for their service. Next week, we look forward to connecting with families during conferences. It will be a modified week, with an early dismissal for students on Thursday and no school on Friday. The following week, we’ll take a short break for Thanksgiving.
You’ll find more details about conferences, schedule changes, and upcoming events below.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Steve Lesco
Principal, Carnation Elementary
lescos@rsd407.org | 425-844-4553
Important Dates |
November 16 – 20 – Book Fair
Wednesday, November 18 – PTSA Tiger Watch
Thursday, November 19 – ½ day for K-5 Students (12:45 Dismissal), No School for PreK, Parent-Teacher Conferences begin
Friday, November 20 – No school for students, Parent-Teacher Conferences
Wednesday, November 25 – End of First Trimester, ½ Day for K-5 Students (12:45 Dismissal), No School for PreK, Report Cards Available in Synergy
November 26-27 – No School for Thanksgiving Break
Monday, November 30 – School Resumes
November 30 – December 4 – PBIS Prize Cart
Wednesday, December 2 – Kindness Squad Food Drive Ends
Friday, December 4 – PTSA Holiday Market
Honoring our Veterans |
On Tuesday afternoon, our school community came together to honor the veterans who have served our country. The ceremony included a color guard flag presentation, narration from student speakers, and songs from our K–2 students, 3–5 students, and the Tiger Choir. Each veteran had the opportunity to introduce themselves, share their connection to our school, and tell us which branch of the military they served in.
We are grateful to all the veterans who joined us. Thank you for your service!
Conference Information |
Parent–teacher conferences will be held on Thursday, November 19, and Friday, November 20. Our goal is to meet with all families during our conference window.
Thursday, November 19 is a half-day for K-5 students, and evening conference times will be available until 7:00 pm.
Friday, November 20 is a no-school day for students, and conferences will be scheduled throughout the school day.
Student Activity Station During Conferences
During the conference window, a supervised activity station will be available in the MPR for school-aged children while parents attend conferences. Staff will be present to support children as they take part in activities. Younger children should remain with their parents.
If your child is not attending their conference, you’re welcome to bring them to the MPR and sign them in before your conference. Please return to the MPR afterward to sign them out. We hope this option makes conference time a little easier for families.
Report Cards |
A paper copy of your child’s report card will be shared during your scheduled parent-teacher conference. Families will also have access to report cards through Synergy Parent VUE on Wednesday, November 25.
The Book Fair is Coming
Get ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming our way. Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them on their journey to becoming lifelong readers. And—as always—every purchase at the Fair benefits our school.
Our Book Fair is scheduled for November 16-20 at the Carnation Elementary Library.
11/16 (Monday): 8:30-9:20 AM, 3:45-5:00 PM
11/17 (Tuesday): 8:30-9:20 AM, 3:45-5:00 PM
11/18 (Wednesday): 8:30-9:20 AM, 3:45-5:00 PM
11/19 (Thursday): 8:30-9:20 AM, 12:45 - 6:45 pm (Extended hours during conference night)
11/20 (Friday): 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/carnationelementaryschool
Student Half Days - 11/19 and 11/25 |
K-5 students attend school for a half-day on 11/19 and 11/25. Students dismiss at 12:45 on both days. Students will eat lunch prior to dismissal. Please make appropriate arrangements for your child for these modified days.
There is no school for PreK students on scheduled ½ days.
Cooking Dough Fundraiser
In my last principal update, I shared that the Cookie Dough Fundraiser had raised more than $7,000 in profit to help reduce camp costs for families. The final total was even higher, with more than $9,500 in profit! Thank you again for your generous support!
Here is the profit raised by grade:
5th grade: $5,170
4th grade: $1,577
3rd grade: $2,925
Cookie dough orders are expected to arrive during the second week of December. We’ll share more information about pickup as the date gets closer.
Reptile Man Assembly – Tuesday, November 24
The PTSA Tiger Walk was such a success that our PTSA is bringing back The Reptile Man, Scott Peterson, to celebrate!
Students will enjoy an assembly during the school day, and families are invited to join us for an evening show at 6:00 p.m. in the MPR.
We’re so grateful for our amazing Carnation community and our PTSA. Your support makes special experiences like this possible for our students!
Kindness Squad Annual Food Drive – 11/2 – 12/2 |
Carnation Elementary’s Kindness Squad has partnered with Empower Youth Network for their Annual Food Drive and they would love your support to benefit our community!
Please consider donating individually wrapped, shelf-stable, non-perishable food items to support our community. The food drive will run November 2 – December 2.
Collection boxes have been placed in each wing and in the main office.
Seattle Soccer Spirit School Assembly
Last Friday, our students had a fantastic time celebrating soccer at our Seattle Soccer Spirit School assembly! The assembly was led by Reid Sundblad, Youth Curriculum & Initiatives Manager, and former Sounders player and current radio commentator Brad Evans. Students were excited to learn more about the game and cheer on our school community. A special highlight was that every student received a soccer ball to take home. A huge thank you to the Seattle Sounders and Seattle Reign organizations for making the assembly and this generous gift possible!
Don't forget to sign up for Sammy’s Squad—the official Kids Club of Sounders FC—and join the Reign FC Kids Club. You can also discover other ways to attend matches, connect with the clubs, and become part of the Sounders and Reign families.
Carnation Learning Walks
Our next Learning Walk is scheduled for Friday, December 11, 2026, from 10:00–11:30 AM.
The goal of our Learning Walks is to strengthen connections between our school and community, build understanding of our instructional practices, and celebrate the amazing work happening in our classrooms. These visits aren't evaluations of teachers or students, but rather an opportunity to see what a typical day of teaching and learning looks like at Carnation Elementary.
Interested in joining us? Click here to sign up! You can also scan the QR code below to register. We hope to see you there!
Lost and Found
Our Lost and Found is overflowing! Please take a moment to check it during conferences and claim any items that belong to your family. You’ll find it outside the multi-purpose room. Any items left when we leave for Thanksgiving break will be donated.
Dressing Appropriately for the Weather |
The rainy season is now upon us, and we have outside recess most days. Please make sure your child is dressing appropriately for the cold and wet weather. Raincoats and waterproof shoes/boots are recommended.
PTSA Tiger Watch
Hello Tiger Family! We are excited to launch our second year of Carnation Elementary's Tiger Watch, a PTSA volunteer program, which draws inspiration from the national Watch D.O.G.S. initiative to cultivate a more positive school climate. Our program actively seeks a diverse range of volunteers, particularly encouraging male role models such as dads, uncles, grandpas, and other father figures. We warmly welcome parents, family, and community members from all backgrounds to contribute as positive influences, helping to create a safe and supportive learning environment for every student. Please consider volunteering!!!
Our next Tiger Watch is Wednesday, November 18th.
PTSA Radiant Readers Update |
Ms. Carter and Mrs. Letterman are RAD and so are their students! They read 5 Radiant Readers books to their classes, submitted the reward slip and they all received their axolotl prizes. Thank you, teachers, for supporting PTSA’s Radiant Readers program and for encouraging a love of books in your students! For general information, book lists and links to KCLS for holds please visit our website: https://carnationptsa.org/radiantreaders/
Carnation Elementary PTSA Holiday Market
Join us at Carnation Elementary PTSA’s Holiday Market on Friday, December 4th!
This festive community event will feature:
Choir performances by our amazing students
Local small-business vendors
Free hot chocolate
Make-and-take art projects
Bring your family, enjoy the holiday cheer, and support our wonderful school community. We can’t wait to see you there!
We will offer a quiet, sensory-friendly experience from 4:30–5:00 PM. During this time, lights will be lowered, noise will be minimized, and the environment will be intentionally calm to better support individuals who benefit from reduced sensory input. Everyone is welcome to participate!
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