The Nest News: Volume 4

Posted Date: 12/03/25 (04:30 PM)

The Nest News

Volume 4 : December 3, 2025

Text on a black background reads 'Let's Celebrate Learning' in colorful letters.

From the Principal's Desk

Dear Families,

Thank you to all who were able to attend our conferences last week! One of Endeavour's greatest strengths is the strong partnership between families and teachers.

In my many years as a classroom teacher, I’ve often had parents apologize for their child’s behavior, challenges, or learning needs. I always remind them, and I’ll remind you now, that all of our 450 students have areas for growth. Some children may need academic support while excelling socially, while others may find learning to read easy but struggle with making friends. Every one of our little Eagles has their unique strengths, gifts, and areas to improve.

Aren’t we fortunate that childhood is designed for learning and growth? Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your child’s journey. Please know that any challenges your child may face are exactly why we’re here. Together, we’re committed to helping them grow.

Warm regards,

Tamara

A colorful graphic with falling snow reading "Winter Break: No School December 22 through January 2. Happy Holidays" in white text with trees and a snowman in the background.

Give a little - Help a LOT!

Now through December 5, the district is holding the second annual District Winter Food Drive to benefit our students and families who are struggling with food insecurities and other daily essentials. Please join us by donating non-perishable/non-expired food items.

Donations can be dropped off at all schools during school hours, the District Office, and at the Family Engagement Center, located at the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC), Mondays-Thursdays, from 1 to 4 p.m.

This list of most needed items will help guide your shopping. Thank you!

A cartoon owl wearing glasses reads a red book while perched on a branch.

Lawson's Literacy Lounge

Dear Families,

For this month of literacy learning, I wanted to share with you the progression of how students learn to read. Understanding how children learn to read helps us support them at every step. According to the Science of Reading, strong reading skills develop through a clear progression with approximate age ranges:

• Phonological Awareness (PreK–K): Children learn to hear and play with sounds in words. At home, practice rhyming, clapping syllables, and identifying beginning or ending sounds in everyday words.

• Phonics (K–2): Children learn how letters and letter patterns connect to sounds. Support this stage by practicing letter-sound relationships, reading short decodable texts, and helping your child blend sounds to read simple words.

• Fluency (1–3): As decoding becomes easier, children begin reading with accuracy, speed, and expression. Encourage repeated readings of familiar passages and listen to your child read aloud to build confidence and smoothness.

• Vocabulary (All Grades, growing rapidly in 1–4): Children expand their word knowledge through reading and conversation. Introduce new words during daily routines, talk about word meanings, and read a variety of texts together.

• Comprehension (2–5 and beyond): Students begin using strategies to understand stories and informational texts. Support comprehension by asking questions, discussing characters and events, and having your child retell or sketch what happened in the passage.

Small, consistent practice at home helps reinforce each step of reading development and builds confident, capable readers.

Lost and Found Reminder

Our Lost and Found is currently very full! We have collected a large number of jackets, water bottles, lunch boxes, and other personal misplaced items over the past several weeks.

We kindly ask all families to check the Lost and Found area (located on racks outside the gym) before and after school until Friday, December 19th. Any unclaimed items after that time will be donated.

Thank you for helping us reunite students with their belongings!

Cartoon chess pieces with smiling faces on a light yellow background.

Chess Club is Back!

Strategic Kids has returned for another round of Chess Club with their winter sessions starting this week.

As before, these are held on Mondays and Wednesdays after school. Each day is a different group; you can register your child for Monday's only, Wednesday's only, or both.

There are still a few slots available for either day. If your child is interested in joining, please visit the Strategic Kids Registration Page for further details.

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.