The Nest News; Volume 8

Posted Date: 04/03/26 (04:30 PM)

Volume 8 | April 3, 2026

From the Principal's Desk

A colorful infinity symbol with the text 'AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH' written on it.

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and I want to take a moment to recognize something very special about our Endeavour community. We are blessed to be home to one of Mukilteo School District’s Connections Programs. Connections is an inclusion program that supports students with autism and autism-like behaviors and enriches our entire school.

At Endeavour, we work hard to create a place where every student feels like they are valued and belong. We believe our beautiful differences are part of what makes our Eagle community strong. The many ways our students think, communicate, and experience the world add depth, perspective, and joy to our school each day.

For families who are interested in learning more about autism and neurodiversity, here are a few resources you might enjoy exploring together:

The Neurobears. Just like there are many different types of bears, there are many different types of brain. This video helps young children understand neurodiversity and autism.
Sesame Street fosters inclusive behaviors among its young viewers through a series of video clips, including ones starring the Muppet character Julia as a 4-year-old with autism.
What’s Up With Nick? In an effort to promote a more inclusive classroom environment, this short animated video teaches elementary and middle school students about their peers with autism.

We appreciate your partnership in continuing to build a school community where students feel seen, respected, and included for exactly who they are.

Warmly,

Tamara

Smart Watches and Personal Devices

As technology continues to become more and more prevalent in our lives, we are also seeing a rise in student devices. We are aware that smart watches and other personal devices are handy for communication and overall sense of security, however they are becoming a significant distraction at school and we need your help!

Phones need to be turned off and in backpacks at all times while at school.
Smart watches may be worn by students while at school as long as they are not a distraction. Please avoid texting or calling your child’s watch (especially if they tend to be tempted to reply) during the school day. If you need to relay an urgent message, please call our office.
Take a moment to educate your child on the importance of refraining from device use at school as it can be a distraction to others as well as themselves.

Thank you for your support with keeping learning and engagement a priority at school.

Lawson's Literacy Lounge

A diverse group of children are gathered together, engrossed in reading books.

Hello Families,

I recently came across a new study out of New Zealand that gives us a clearer picture of how screen time (use of TV, videos, gaming, phones, iPads or computers) impacts children’s brain development and what that means for learning to read.

Recent studies highlighted in New Zealand research and reporting (2025–2026) used brain imaging (MRI) to look at young children’s development. Researchers found that:

Even moderate screen use (around 2 hours per day) was linked to measurable differences in brain structure, especially in white matter, the part of the brain that connects different regions and supports learning
Children with higher screen time showed lower white matter integrity, meaning the brain’s communication pathways were not developing as efficiently
These brain networks are directly tied to language, early literacy, and executive functioning skills (like attention and memory)
Higher levels of screen exposure were associated with lower levels of vocabulary, communication, writing, numeracy, and letter fluency and higher levels of peer problems.

Why “white matter” matters for reading:

Think of white matter as the brain’s “wiring system.” Strong connections help children:

Hear and manipulate sounds in words (phonics)
Connect letters to sounds
Understand and remember what they read

When these connections are weaker or less developed, it can make learning to read more challenging.

A key finding about reading (and good news!)

Another study connected to this body of research found something encouraging:

Parent-child reading time actually protects the brain!!
Children who were regularly read to showed stronger brain network development, even when screen time was higher

In other words, reading together can reduce some of the negative effects of screen use on the brain.

What this means for your child

The goal isn’t to eliminate screens altogether, but to be intentional:

Prioritize daily reading time (15-20 minutes or more)
Engage in conversation during everyday routines
Limit passive screen use, especially for younger children
When screens are used, watch or interact together

This new research reinforces a simple but powerful message:

hildren’s brains grow strongest through human interaction, conversation, and shared reading.

Small daily habits like reading together have a real, measurable impact on how your child’s brain develops for literacy.

Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s growth as a reader!

If you are interested in learning more about this study visit: https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2025-64115-001.html

Warmly,

Leah Lawson

LAP/PST reading intervention teacher

Traffic Safety

A crossing guard holds a STOP sign as children with backpacks cross a crosswalk.

We want to remind families who pick up and drop off by car that there are NO LEFT TURNS onto Harbour Pointe Blvd during arrival and dismissal times of 8:40 am-9:10 am, and 3:15 pm-4:00 pm as posted.

During arrival and dismissal, our number one goal is to maintain safety and efficiency. We are asking that ALL drivers heed the direction of our flaggers and crossing supervisors. Please be patient, do not block traffic and wait for our flaggers to instruct you when to advance.

Yearbook Sale Extended!

School yearbooks sales have been extended until April 17, 2026

To order school yearbooks:

Click on the following link to order: https://fs27.formsite.com/KIDSphoto/YB26CHCODIEN/index
Parents can order for more than one student on the same order.
You will receive an email confirmation of your order.
Yearbooks will be delivered to school in June.

If you have any questions about ordering, please contact KIDS Photography at 206-305-8223 or hello@KIDSschoolPhotos.com.

No Dogs on School Property

You may have noticed several new signs going up around our campus regarding dogs. As much as we love our furry friends, the Mukilteo School District is no longer allowing dogs on our property at any time. This will include during arrival and dismissal. We ask all families to do their part in keeping our campus clean and safe for all, at all times.

A cute cartoon chick holds a wand, with "SPRING BREAK NO SCHOOL April 6-10" text.

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.