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The Nest News: Volume 2

Posted Date: 10/03/25 (4:30 PM)

School logo featuring an eagle, trees, and the words 'Home of the Eagles'.

The Nest News

Volume 2 : October 3rd, 2025

From the Principal's Desk

Dear Families,
On September 3, our superintendent, Dr. Alison Brynelson, shared the district’s initiative to prevent and respond to hate speech. Hate speech is any hurtful or discriminatory expression—spoken, written, or through actions—that targets someone because of who they are or are perceived to be (such as race, religion, gender identity, disability, or ethnicity). It is not the same as a disagreement; hate speech is about causing harm.

At Endeavour, our focus is ensuring every student feels safe and a true sense of belonging. We support this through:

  • Teaching clear and consistent behavior expectations
  • Embedding social-emotional learning into daily instruction
  • Using restorative practices to repair and strengthen relationships
  • Fostering a positive, inclusive school culture

Across the district, teachers will also be guiding students to recognize different identities, reflect on how words and actions affect others, and practice how to stand up for peers or ask an adult for help. We want all students and families to know that hate speech will not be tolerated at Endeavour—or anywhere in the Mukilteo School District.

If you would like to learn more, here is a resource that may be helpful: How to Talk to Your Children About Hate Speech.

Thank you for supporting our belief in the dignity, worth, and potential of every child. We are excited for the year ahead!

With appreciation,
Tamara Skeen
Principal
 

See the Ability, Celebrate the Difference

Are you supporting a neurodiverse child or have questions about neurodiversity? At the end of last year, we started a new parent-led group for friends and family supporting neurodiverse children here at Endeavour.  
An infinity symbol with hands embracing, colored in rainbow hues, with the words 'accept, understand, love'.
The goal of this group is to connect with each other, share resources, make friends, and have fun. We are in the beginning stages of figuring out exactly what our group looks like (how often we meet, when we meet, what meetings look like, etc.).  

If you are interested in being part of our group and feeling more connected to Endeavour, we warmly welcome you to attend our first meeting of the year on Friday, Oct. 10 at 9:15 in the Endeavour library. 

 

Lawson's Literacy Lounge

I would like to introduce myself- My name is Mrs. Lawson and I am Endeavour’s Learning Support Teacher.  As we start the year, I wanted to share some tips for supporting your young reader at home.  Research from the Science of Reading shows that strong reading skills are built on both word recognition (phonics, decoding, and fluency) and language comprehension (vocabulary, background knowledge, and oral language). Parents can make a big difference by weaving simple literacy habits into everyday routines.
Tips for Reading with Your Child:
  • Make it daily: Even 10–15 minutes a day builds skills and routines.
  • Reading aloud to your child: Choose books slightly above your child’s reading level to grow listening comprehension and vocabulary.
  • Take turns: Let your child read familiar words or sentences while you handle the harder parts.
  • Talk about the story: Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why do you think the character did that?”
  • Notice the print: Point out letters, sounds, or patterns in words to build phonics knowledge.
  • Reread favorites: Repetition builds fluency and confidence.
  • Connect to real life: Relate stories to your child’s experiences (“This reminds me of when we went to the park!”).
Extra Everyday Supports:
  • Play with sounds and rhymes in songs, poems, or silly word games.
  • Build vocabulary by talking about new words you encounter together.
  • Praise effort; (“I like how you sounded that word out!”) rather than just saying “good job.”
A group of diverse children happily read books together.
With small, consistent steps, you can help your child build a strong foundation for lifelong reading success!  

If you ever have literacy questions, please reach out!- Lawsonlm@mukilteo.wednet.edu I am happy to help! Here is to a great year!
 

Update to Office/Attendance Reporting

Our office staff has been working hard to streamline communications and attendance reporting across the building and with families. Please consider the following when notifying the school of your child’s absence or other 
  • Utilize Endeavour@mukilteo.wednet.edu to report absences or other attendance concerns to the office staff. This ensures both staff receive communications. Please include us on all attendance emails to teachers as they do not always have the ability to forward to us.
  • Parent Square  - Newsletters and school updates are available on Parent Square providing key details on happenings at school and in the district. Easily send and receive messages with your child’s teacher and other staff members. Contact our office if you need assistance with set-up or use.
 

Rainy Day Recess

As we head into the long fall and winter months here in Western Washington, we know rainy days are a given. Recess is not only a favorite part of the day for our students—it’s also an important opportunity for them to move their bodies, relieve stress, and build social connections.

If we stayed inside every time it sprinkled, our kids would rarely be outside! As a general rule:

  • If it is pouring rain, icy, or extremely cold, recess will be indoors.
  • If it is just sprinkling, students will go outside, with the option to play under the covered area.
A cartoon penguin stands in the rain under a yellow umbrella.
Families can help by sending your child to school with coats, jackets, and shoes that are appropriate for outdoor play in our Western Washington weather. If providing these items is a challenge, please reach out to our counselor, Mrs. Mensah. She will work with you to understand the need and connect you with resources.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep kids healthy, active, and ready to learn—even on our many rainy days!
 

Calling All Veterans

Endeavour Families,

If you have a member of your family who is or has served in our US Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Marines, please email the following information to our music teacher, Mrs. Thompson. She is creating a slide show tribute for our Veterans Day assembly on November 6. The deadline for submissions is Friday, Oct 31.

Submissions should include the following:
  • Photo of Veteran (photos in uniform or during time served is preferred but any photo is great!)
  • Name of Veteran
  • Rank
  • Branch of the Military
  • Years served/any related info
  • Related to which child or staff member at Endeavour
  • Relationship to child or staff member (parent, grandparent, son/daughter, etc)

Email to Mrs. Nancy Thompson: ThompsonNJ@mukilteo.wednet.edu
 

PTA Corner

Support the PTA! 
Please renew or start a new membership with the Endeavour PTA. This membership is a donation, more like being a sponsor, your donation helps us do all the incredible things we do for our school. There is no obligation to do anything extra. Help us grow to support our students better. Join now!

Upcoming Events
  • October 1-18, 2025: PTA Membership Drive Competition and Givebacks Fundraiser!
  • Friday October 24, 2025: Boo-Bash! 6:30-8:00 in the Endeavour Gym - Volunteers needed! Sign up here!
  • Sunday, November 9, 2025: MOD Pizza Dine-In! - Details coming soon!
The Endeavour Elementary PTA logo features an eagle and the words 'Eagles' and 'Endeavour Elementary'.

Be The Sunshine!

Mukilteo School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of trained dog guide or service animal. The district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other youth group listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as patriotic society. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator Robert Gallagher (425-356-1300), gallagherrm@mukilteo.wednet.edu, Section 504 Coordinator Becca Anderson (425-356-1277), andersonra@mukilteo.wednet.edu, and the ADA/Access Coordinator Karen Mooseker (425-356-1330), moosekerkw@mukilteo.wednet.edu. Address: 9401 Sharon Drive in Everett, WA. Inquiries regarding ADA/Access issues at Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center should be directed to Wes Allen, Director (425-348-2220) allenwr@mukilteo.wednet.edu. Address: 9001 Airport Road in Everett, WA 98204.