October Beep! Beep! Blast
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Beep! Beep! Blast

Crystal Springs Elementary Newsletter - October 2025

Principal

Principal's Message

It has been a busy and exciting start to the school year! Construction is in full swing, and we are eagerly looking forward to the project being completed by the end of fall 2025. Thank you to our community for your continued support throughout this adventure—we truly could not do this without you.

I am so grateful to partner with and work alongside such an amazing, student-centered staff and community. Each day we have the opportunity to serve our students on campus is a gift, and I look forward to the tremendous learning and growth we will see from each of our students this year. I know it will be a wonderful school year together!

Sincerely,
Principal Ali Airhart
 
Save the Date Post-it Graphic

Upcoming Events

  • September 30 - Picture Day
  • September 30 - Curriculum Night for Kindergarten, K/1 Split, and 2nd Grade 6:00-6:30 (New Student Orientation at 5:30)
  • October 7 - Hearing and Vision Screening
  • November 4 - Picture Re-Take Day
  • November 11 - NO SCHOOL - Veteran's Day
Cross Country Meets 4:45 - 5:45pm
  • September 30 - Kenmore Middle School
  • October 7 - Ruby Bridges Elementary
  • October 14 - Westhill Elementary
  • October 21 - Canyon Creek Elementary
Parent-Teacher Conferences Early Release Schedule
  • November 18: Dismissal Time 12:35 pm
  • November 19: Wednesday Early Dismissal Time 2:25 pm
  • November 20: Dismissal Time 12:35 pm
  • November 21: Dismissal Time 12:35 pm
  • November 24: Dismissal Time 12:35 pm
  • November 25: Dismissal Time 12:35 pm
  • November 26: Dismissal Time 12:40 pm
 

Reminder - Picture Day is Tuesday, September 30!


All students will have their photo taken for the school yearbook. If you are interested in ordering individual student photos or class group pictures, you can order online (CLICK HERE) starting tomorrow, September 30. You can also use the paper form that was sent home with your student last week. Additional order forms are available in the school office.
Cheese! Camera graphic from Freepix
 

Our 2025–26 Building Goals

At Crystal Springs, our work this year is guided by three key goals that keep student growth and well-being at the center:

📚 Goal 1: Reading
We are focused on reading comprehension and ensuring that all students are on a path to grade-level proficiency. A key part of this work is providing small group instruction, so every child has access to what they need, when they need it.

💪 Goal 2: Resilience
We are teaching and practicing strategies that help students become resilient learners—equipped to bounce back, solve problems, and navigate challenges with confidence.

➕ Goal 3: Math
We are strengthening math instruction so that all students are on a path to grade-level proficiency in mathematics. This includes using manipulatives, small group instruction, and partner share to help students build deep understanding and confidence in math concepts.

In addition, our staff continue professional development around Racial and Educational Justice, with a focus on understanding microaggressions and creating identity-affirming spaces for our students. This work helps us empower students to recognize inequities and feel confident in interrupting them.

Together, these goals support our commitment to building a school community where every student grows academically, socially, and emotionally.
 

Vision and Hearing Screening

Vision and hearing screening day is Tuesday, October 7 for students in K-1-2-3 and 5. Families will be notified if their student does not pass the screenings.
 
Lunch on trays from Freepix

Free Meals at Crystal Springs

Breakfast and lunch are free for all students at Crystal Springs this year. Students must receive a complete meal for there to be no cost.

  • A free BREAKFAST includes an entree, fruit, and milk. Students must choose at least ½ cup of fruit and two other items to count as a meal and be free of charge. 
  • A free LUNCH includes an entree, fruit, vegetable, and milk. Students must choose at least ½ cup of fruit or vegetable and two other components to count as a meal and be free of charge.
  • Milk alone isn't considered a complete meal, and costs $0.75 separately. However, if students select a "Power Pack" which includes milk, a fruit, and a vegetable from the lunch line there will be no cost. This option is meant to supplement a lunch brought from home.
 

Roadrunner Pantry

The Roadrunner Pantry is located on the Crystal Springs Elementary campus. The pantry is open and available for any family in need of extra support, and offers non-perishable foods, paper products, personal hygiene products, laundry soap, and other useful items. Families can visit any school day from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Simply come to the main office and ask to use the pantry. If you have any question or need additional assistance, please contact Nurse Jamey at jaustad@nsd.org or 425-408-4306.  
 

Every Day Counts!

Regular school attendance plays a major roll in student academic achievement. Children with chronic absences are less likely to be proficient readers, and poor attendance also has a negative effect on children’s social and emotional development. Missing just 2 days per month adds up to almost 10% of the school year! Crystal Springs staff encourages you to work with your student to develop good attendance habits, and only keep your student out of school for illness.
Image by stockgiu on Freepik
 

Reporting an Absence

New Process for Reporting an Absence: 4 Simple Steps
Northshore School District has a new, easy way for families to let our school know when their student is absent! While we know regular attendance is one of the most powerful ways to prepare your student for success, we also know that sometimes students must miss school for a variety of reasons. Next time that happens for your family, let us know through ParentVUE:
  • Login to ParentVUE
  • Click the “Report Absence” button next to the name of your absent student
  • Fill in the fields with the date(s) of the absence and provide an explanation
  • Click to submit, automatically notifying the school of the absence
Learn more or view step-by-step images and instructions. You can use this method to report an absence of up to 4 days. As a reminder, an absence of 5 days or longer requires families to submit a Notice of Pre-Arranged Extended Absence Form

Parents can continue to report and absence by emailing csattendance@nsd.org or calling 425-408-4310. There is no need to call or email if you have reported the absence in ParentVue. Absences must be excused by a parent or guardian within 2 school days or the absence will be considered unexcused.
 

November Conferences

Parent-Teacher conferences will be held November 18-26. Teachers will be contacting families to set-up a meeting time. Dismissal times will be earlier than normal - please plan accordingly.

Parent-Teacher Conferences Early Release Schedule
  • November 18: Dismissal Time 12:35 pm
  • November 19: Wednesday Early Dismissal Time 2:25 pm
  • November 20: Dismissal Time 12:35 pm
  • November 21: Dismissal Time 12:35 pm
  • November 24: Dismissal Time 12:35 pm
  • November 25: Dismissal Time 12:35 pm
  • November 26: Dismissal Time 12:40 pm
 
Flowers bouquet nature spring
djvstock by Freepix

In appreciation

Thank you to our wonderful PTA for all their hard work on the Back to School social and other start of school events!

Also thank you to the PTA for providing yummy donuts for the entire staff!

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make the APEX fun run a huge success! We appreciate you!
 

Device Protection Program (DPP) and Fines for Damage or Loss

The DPP program protects the device (Chromebook, Macbook, or iPad) loaned to your student against accidental damage for the school year. This program does NOT cover damage resulting from misuse or loss of the device. We expect all students to properly use their device and to secure it when it is not being used. If the device is used improperly or is not secured while the student is not using it, families will be expected to pay the full cost of replacement or repair. 

The standard payment to enroll in the NSD Student Device Protection Plan is $25 per year; free for students who have qualified for free or reduced-price meals and who have provided consent to share their status for fee waivers. Click to Enroll in DPP

For more information about student technology use or DPP, please click here: https://www.nsd.org/our-district/departments/technology/student-technologies
 

Birthday Celebrations at School

Please check with your child's teacher on how birthday recognitions are handled in their classroom. Remember that food for birthday treats is NOT allowed due to food allergies and restrictions. Many teachers will allow treat bags with non-food items to be passed out.

We cannot accept delivered items like balloons or flowers. Party invitations may not be distributed at school unless every child in the class is invited. Please review the student handbook for more information.
 

The APEX Fun Run Fundraiser was a great success!

Thank you to our students, staff, and volunteers for participating in the APEX Fun Run fundraiser on September 25. The money raised will be used for field trips, classroom supplies, student subscriptions, student clubs, playground equipment, student activities, and more! 
APEX
APEX
 

Roadrunner of the Week

Every week, a student is selected from each classroom who has demonstrated positive behavior. The students chosen last month are:

Kindergarten
Keffler: Scarlett, Yuvaan
McCracken: Zoe, Krishna
Rhoades: Aadvik, Advita

K/1 Split
Penski: Hezal, Keahi

1st Grade
Gregersen: Theo, Kendra
Hogue: Anthony , Rowena
Shoucair: Poppy, Aiden

2nd Grade
Baunsgard/Mickelson: Jayden, Maya
Hansche: Rain, Renziel
Troyer: Riley, Vaanathi
Williams: Abir, Margo

3rd Grade
Hansen: Zion, Rosie
Herholdt: Lahari, Borna
Potter: Utkarsh, Evelyn

4th Grade
Ames: Margot, Anthony
Moll: David, Sanjana
Thorsheim: Sophia M., Kidus

5th Grade
Chargualaf: Reeyah, Kyrie
Christenson: Charita, Matteo
Smith/Rance: Maddie, Cash
 

Crystal Springs PTA!

Bingo Night is coming!
Mark your calendars for Friday, October 24th for our spooktacular Costume Bingo Night! It’s a night filled with prizes, costumes, raffles, and fun for the whole family! Stay tuned for more details coming soon.

Spirit Wear is HERE (next week)!
The Crystal Springs Elementary spirit wear store + student-designed artwork is open next week and will close after 3 weeks! Don't miss your chance to grab last year’s limited-edition Roadrunner gear. Flyer coming home soon.

Thank you for supporting our first Dinner Night Out!
With your help, we raised $314.72 for the PTA — funds that go right back into supporting our students, teachers, and events!

We're 44 % of the way to our PTA Membership Goal!
We’re off to a strong start with 53 members so far, but we still need your help to reach our goal. Membership is just $20/year and helps fund classroom supplies, enrichment, and events. No time commitment required! Join today: https://crystalspringspta.givebacks.com/shop
Let’s keep the momentum going, and thank you for being part of this amazing community!

This Year's PTA Team (and maybe you?):
Lian Swanson, President
Chearanee Watson, Secretary
Emi Crowell, Treasurer (welcome, Emi!!)
Michelle Jung, Director of Community Events
Nicole Hanson, Director of Communications
Nastassia Adane, Director of Fundraising
Hazel Salinas, Director of Community Support
Help us reach member - PTA
 

Here are some helpful links to additional information that you may need:

 

Every Heart, Every Mind, Every Day in Every Way

Crystal Springs Elementary
21615 9th AVE SE
Bothell, WA 98021
425-408-4300

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