Our Next PTSA Meeting is Thursday Night

Join us Thursday, November 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mann library for the next PTSA General Membership Meeting. PTSA meetings are a great way to hear about what is going on around the school, to questions you may have or to share feedback directly with your PTSA Board. We hope to see you there.  ... read full article

Membership Drive: October 22-26

During the week of Oct. 22-26, PTSA will be holding a competition between classes for the largest percentage of PTSA members per class AND has the teacher info filled in the directory! Go to the “First Day Packet" now to join! ... read full article

Picture Day is Coming

Horace Mann Elementary School Picture Day is Tuesday, October 23. Please submit your order before Picture Day. Picture Day ID: LS118030Q0. Class pictures will be taken in addition to individual pictures. Reserve your Horace Mann Elementary School yearbook online today! ... read full article

Vision and Hearing Screening Volunteers Needed

We are still in need of a lot of volunteers for the vision and hearing screening at school. Please sign up if you are able to help! If you have been looking for a fun and easy way to volunteer, please consider donating your time. ... read full article

Reflections Art Program - DUE THURSDAY!

The National PTA Reflections Arts Program, a cultural arts competition designed to provide an opportunity for students to express themselves through original, creative works, is gearing up. We want YOUR student to participate! The theme this year is "Heroes Around Me." What does that mean to you? Students can submit art projects under visual arts, photography, literature, music, dance and film. Specific rules and regulations can be found here . Student forms will be available in the office soon, and entries are due November 1st. Please note that the Reflections program has strict judging and submission guidelines, which need to ... read full article

FINAL Day to Register for Afterschool Enrichment Classes!

Registration for the Horace Mann PTSA sponsored Enrichment Program is now open! We are excited to bring back many of the same vendors for the fall quarter. In addition, we are offering a few new classes such as: Connect4 vs. Checkers, Yoga & Mindfulness, and Indoor Soccer. Unlike previous years, each class will require one or two dedicated parent(s) or approved PTSA member(s) to chaperone our after-school enrichment classes. Sign-up today to guarantee that the class will run and to reserve your free tuition. Click here for information about volunteer requirements and here for the fall registration schedule. Contact Lisa ... read full article

FREE Afterschool Enrichment Classes

Earn free enrichment tuition and guarantee your child a spot in their favorite class! We have an exciting line up of popular and new after school enrichment classes coming to Horace Mann Elementary this Fall. In order to hold these classes, we will need chaperones each week. If you can spare one hour a week and would like free or discounted tuition, here's your chance:   Running Club, Yoga, and Chess still need volunteers! www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0F4DA9A92FA0F58-fall1 ... read full article

PTSA Back to School Picinic - Food Truck and Icecream available!

Celebrate the start of the new school year at the PTSA-hosted all-school Picnic held on September 7 between 6-8 p.m. at Horace Mann. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and blanket and dine with other Mann families. Ice cream and a food truck will be available for purchase. ... read full article

Art Docent Training

On Wednesday, September 26th, our PTSA will conduct art docent training for the art volunteers who will lead our students' art lessons this year. Even if you have not yet signed up to be an art docent or helper but are interested in learning more about our art program, you are welcome to join us from 7-8:15 p.m. in the Art and Science Room at Horace Mann. ... read full article

Connect with your Classmates: Online Directory

The PTSA has created an online student directory .   In order for your child to show up correctly on the directory: 1. Sign up for a website account (FREE) 3. Add your Student's Teacher to your account To view & search the directory become a PTSA member for only $16 The directory is great for contacting classmates for birthday parties, playdates, carpooling, etc.  Make sure to add your child's teacher so they can be easily found and don't get left out!   ... read full article

PTSA “Welcome-Back” Cup of Coffee Friday Morning

Our PTSA will host a back-to-school coffee Friday, September 7 starting at 8:50a.m. in front of the main entrance to Horace Mann to welcome new and returning families back to school. We invite everyone to stop by for a complimentary cup of coffee and to socialize with other Mann parents. ... read full article

Back to School Activities Schedule

9/3       No school – Labor Day 9/4       First day of school for 1 st -5 th 9/4-6    WA Kids K Family Connection meetings 9/5       Full day of school – no early release 9/7       First day of school for K 9/12     1st day of early release/LEAP           ... read full article

Yearbook Cover Contest

The PTSA is holding a contest for the cover art for the 2018-2019 yearbook and all students are invited to participate!  The submission guidelines are the following:   Due: November 30 th to teacher or front office   Theme: SWEET MEMORIES   Paper Size: 8.5X11"   Include the name of the school and the year "2018-2019" in your art   Write your name, grade, and teacher on the back   Leave space around the edge: do not include any text or critical elements 1" from the edges as it may get cut off     Some tips for original art: ... read full article

PTSA Movie Night

The PTSA’s annual Movie Night is coming November 2nd from 6-8 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m., movie begins at 6:30 p.m.). There are two ways to help: donating your time and/or donating food/drink for the event. Please sign up if you can! This year’s movie is the animated film  Hotel Transylvania 3. Bring your pillows and blankets and come out as a family to enjoy the show. Admission is free , but pizza, popcorn, candy and soda will be available for purchase (cash only). Please note that this is not a drop-off event, and students must have an adult ... read full article

Math Contest Registration Now Open

Registration for Fall Noetic Learning Math Contest is open NOW! Please register at  https://horacemannptsa.ourschoolpages.com/Packet/MathContest Space is limited.   Horace Mann PTSA is holding The Noetic Learning Math Contest on November 15, 2018. NLMC is a semiannual problem solving contest for elementary and middle school students.The goal of the competition is to encourage students' interest in math, to develop their problem solving skills, and to inspire them to excel in math.During the contest, students are given 45 minutes to solve 20 problems. Many problems are designed to challenge students and to enrich their problem solving experiences. The contest is for students ... read full article

Spirit Team

Are you a 4 th or 5 th grader and interested in running for Spirit Team?  Listed below are the dates you to need to be aware of! Tuesday, October 2 nd , 1:40 pm to 2:10 pm.  Meeting in Room 126 Thursday, October 4 th , 1:40 pm to 2:10 pm.  Meeting in Room 126 You need to attend one of these meetings. They are during 4 th /5 th recess and are MANDATORY for any student interested in being on Spirit Team.  You must sign in and you will learn all about Spirit Team and the procedures to ... read full article

Kindergarten Summer Play Dates

Will you have a kindergartener at Horace Mann next year? The PTSA is hosting several kindergarten play dates over the summer so your child can get acquainted with other incoming kindergartners. The play dates are scheduled for the following dates/times at the Horace Mann playground. Thursday, July 12, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Saturday, July 14, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.  Tuesday, August 14, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Tuesday, August 14, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, August 18, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Please sign up here to let us know if you can attend. ... read full article

Enrichment for Winter Quarter Begins Soon

Enrichment classes will begin January 15th for Cartooniversity and January 22nd for all others. We have almost all classes ready to go with chaperones, however, we will need chaperones for Spanish and Running Club or these two classes will be cancelled.  Volunteers need to be PTSA members and approved by LWSD, but not necessarily parents if a nanny, grandparent, or friend is able to chaperone.  Plus, if you volunteer you get free or discounted tuition for your child. We need volunteers signed up by 1/14 or we will need to cancel the classes.   volunteer sign-up class schedule Note: Our email address has changed to enrichment@mannptsa.org ... read full article

LWPTSA Council Special Needs Group

Join the LWPTSA Council Special Needs Group for a screening of Intelligent Lives, a documentary by award-winning filmmaker Dan Habib. The meeting opens at 6:30pm with coffee, cookies and networking with Special Services Director Shannon Hitch and Associate Directors. The screening starts at 7pm. Following the screening there will be a facilitated audience discussion. LWSD offers complimentary child care for meeting attendees. If you would like to sign up for this service, please email  smcenroe@lwsd.org . Include your child's name(s) and age(s) at least three days prior to the meeting date. Please use the subject: "Childcare at PTSA meeting" If you ... read full article

Staff Appreciation Week Needs Your Help!

Because we have such a diverse student body and staff, we thought it would be a great idea to take the Horace Mann Staff on a tour around the world with a week of cultural celebrations for Staff Appreciation Week!  The plan is to pamper our staff with the goodness of a different Horace Mann family heritage each day of the week, and that is where I need your help. We have a such a great group of families from all over the world. We are looking for one volunteer to help “lead” the celebration for each day of the ... read full article

OZ at Redmond Middle School

You're invited to the Redmond Middle School PTA's musical production of OZ! Join Dorothy and friends as they embark on a journey to OZ with fresh and original musical numbers.    Place: Performing Arts Center at R.H.S.  Dates: Jan 17, 18, 19 at 7pm and Jan 19 at 2:00 pm More info and ticket sales ... read full article

USAgain Textile Recycling

Help Horace Mann raise funds for our school (and achieve waste reduction goals) by putting used and no longer needed textiles into our new Textile Recycling Bin! The bin is located in the staff parking lot, on the East side of the school. The more we recycle and donate, the more we earn! A whopping 85% of all discarded textiles – 13 million tons – end up in U.S. landfills every year (EPA). Reusing even one T-shirt prevents the emission of at least 7lbs of harmful greenhouse gases and saves nearly 700 gallons of water. Most of the clothes will ... read full article

Box Tops Drive

Horace Mann families are you ready for our box top drive? 1 primary and 1 intermediate class can win popcorn passes!! The funds that we will collect with your help will go to purchasing new PE equipment which all students can benefit from. The drive starts now until February 15th! It's simple. All you need to do is clip Box Tops at home. You can even ask your family, friends, and neighbors to help! It doesn't cost anything to clip. You just buy products you already know and love and clip out the box top before recycling the box. There are ... read full article

USAgain Textile Recycling

Help Horace Mann raise funds for our school (and achieve waste reduction goals) by putting used and no longer needed textiles into our new Textile Recycling Bin! The bin is located in the staff parking lot, on the East side of the school. The more we recycle and donate, the more we earn! A whopping 85% of all discarded textiles – 13 million tons – end up in U.S. landfills every year (EPA). Reusing even one T-shirt prevents the emission of at least 7lbs of harmful greenhouse gases and saves nearly 700 gallons of water. Most of the clothes will ... read full article

Wednesday is Spirit Day; Wear your PJs

Show your school spirit and wear you pajamas to school on Wednesday, December 19th. ... read full article

Author Visit (grades 2-5)

Horace Mann welcomes award winning author Mac Barnett , on Wednesday, January 9th, 2019 .   Mac Barnett will be visiting from California to promote the second book in his new middle grade series titled Mac B. Kid Spy . With over 20 children's books published, Mac Barnett's stories are wildly popular with the students at Horace Mann.  In fact one of his picture books, Rules of the House is up for a Washington Children's Choice Picture Book award this year and the popular middle grade series, Terrible Two was nominated for a Sasquatch Award last year. Books are available for ... read full article

2018 Scholastic Book Fair

I wanted to extend a HUGE thank you to parent and student volunteers for helping make  a wonderful Book Fair last month. Thank you to all of the Mann families for attending the Book Fair and supporting the Horace Mann Library.  We raised $2,000.00 cash (for ASB funds) and $1,573.47 in Scholastic dollars to help update our collection in the library. Teachers were overwhelmed by your generosity and each classroom received a minimum of 6 new books.  The "All for Books" program earned a total of $579.23, which helped purchase 49 additional books for staff at Horace Mann. The money raised ... read full article

Panorama Social-Emotional (SEL) survey

In October, all 3 rd , 4 th , and 5 th grade students took the Panorama Social-Emotional (SEL) survey district-wide to measure the social-emotional environment of the school, and each student’s development in a variety of social-emotional skills. Parents who are interested in seeing how their student responded can now view a summary of his or her social-emotional skill development in Parent Access. The results of this survey are being used to inform decisions school-wide, including upcoming counseling lesson topics. For more information, please reach out to our school counselor, Colleen Chalmers, at cchalmers@lwsd.org . ... read full article

Enrichment Registration For Winter Quarter Starts Dec. 16

It's going to be an exciting quarter with many new classes: Lego RC, Cartooniversity, Trendy Crafts and More! Volunteer chaperones will be needed to hold classes and we need a few more parents to volunteer just one hour a week and you get free tuition for that class. You can also share the volunteer position with one other PTSA member for 50% off tuition for that class.  We need volunteers for: Choir, grades 3-5 (Th),  Chess, grades 1-5(Tue), Lego RC, grades 3-5 (Th), and Spanish, grades 1-5 (Mon) ... read full article

Math Challenge 5 Winners

K: Annabelle C., Leo C. 1st: Katya B., Jamison Q., Alejandra D. 2nd: Keira D., Peter L., Ellie Z. 3rd: Eden O., Elizabeth F. 4th:  Vlad P. 5th: Sawar S.   ... read full article

Holiday Shopping on Amazon? Earning $ for Our School is as Easy as Clicking a Link!

Did you know that the Horace Mann PTSA earns money on nearly every Amazon purchase you make year-round? Just click the logo above each time you shop to start your shopping at our unique Amazon URL, or bookmark the link and start there every time you make a purchase on Amazon.  Chrome Users : Install this toolb ar extension  and you'll never have to remember this link again.    This is also a great thing to ask relatives to do. Prices are the same, so earning money for the Horace Mann PTSA, and our school, couldn't be easier.  ... read full article

Book Fair This Week!

The funds raised from the Scholastic Book Fair this year will be used to purchase picture books, chapter books, and nonfiction titles for reading enjoyment and to support the Common Core State Standards and curriculum. Students will preview the book fair with their classes on Monday, November 26th and Tuesday, November 27th. The book fair will open for shopping on Tuesday, November 27th from 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Volunteers will enjoy shopping prior to the fair opening to the public Tuesday, November 27th from 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Volunteers will also receive one complimentary raffle ticket for each shift they volunteer. To ... read full article

Ice Skating FUNdraiser

The Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink will donate a portion of your admission price to back to our PTSA and school when you go ice skating this winter. Here's how it works: Go ice skating at the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink at the Bellevue Downtown Park between November 23 - December 21 or January 1-13. When you pay for your admission, tell the person at the admission counter you are with Horace Mann Elementary and $3 of every admission fee will come back to our PTSA. For hours of operation and more information about admission fees and location, visit their website ... read full article

Winter Enrichment

We are currently planning classes for the winter session and have an exciting line up covering art, dance, sports, and STEM classes. In order to hold classes in winter, we will need dedicated parent chaperones (or share with someone else). If you are interested in volunteering for about one hour a week and want free tuition, contact us at enrichment@mannptsa.org for details.   Current Classes Needing Chaperones:  - FastBreak Basketball (Thursdays) - Cartooniversity (Tuesdays)  - Choir (Thursdays) - Lego RC (Thursdays) - Spanish (Mondays TBD) - Running Club (Wednesdays)  - Other classes - open to suggestions (TBD) ... read full article

Math Challenge 4 winners:

K: Sofia G., Heidi Q. 1st: Peter V., Kasen K., Michael J. 2nd: Abhay C., Ibby G., Eva Y. 3rd: Damon W., Julie L. 4th: Nory K.. 5th: Shanee M.   ... read full article

Help Other Mann Families This Holiday Season

  The holiday season is fast approaching and we are asking for your help for Horace Mann families who may need a little extra support during this time. As a school community, we provide a Thanksgiving meal and Christmas gift cards to many families in our school community who may be going through tough financial times. If you are willing and able to help, we are collecting donations through December for BOTH Thanksgiving and Christmas.       Contribute online.       Gift Cards (Target, Fred Meyer or any local store) also are appreciated. Gift cards can be dropped ... read full article

Fall 2018 Math Challenge Tournament

The Fall 2018 Math Challenge Tournament (MCT) student registration is NOW OPEN! Seats are limited and first come first served. Math Challenge Tournament (MCT) is a National Mathematics Tournament, taking place December 6 at 5:30 p.m., and open to all Grade 2 – 6 students.  Students in Grade 1 can participate; however, they will be competing at a grade 2 level. It’s amazing to see students’ focus, excitement and energy on this tournament!  Check out some of the photos from previous MCT.  Learn more about Math Challenge Tournament . ... read full article

Popcorn Help Needed

This past Friday we almost had 483 disappointed students because we didn’t have enough parent volunteers to help with popcorn Friday.  Fortunately a few parents heard about our dilemma and stepped up at the last minute.  Can you help?  We have 13 more popcorn Fridays left in the school year and we need 4 volunteers per day to make it happen.  Two volunteers are needed from 8:50-10:15 to pop and bag the popcorn and two volunteers are needed from 11:30-1:00 to sell the popcorn.  The proceeds of these sales go to help defray the cost of 5 th grade team ... read full article

Wanted: Cultural Ambassadors for Mann Elementary!

Mann Elementary is truly an international community these days.  We regularly register new students that have recently moved to the US from around the globe and English is not their first language.  YOU can help us welcome them and include them into our wonderful community.  Do you speak a language other than English?  Do you have a deep understanding of another culture?  If so, please consider being an Ambassador to these new families.    An Ambassador would be someone who: Is willing to call the family and welcome them to our school.  It is especially helpful if you speak their ... read full article

Help us be good neighbors – please don’t block driveways or walking paths

If you are planning to visit our school, please help us to be good neighbors by not blocking driveways or walking paths with your cars. If there is not enough on-site parking to accommodate your vehicle, please remember not to block the driveways of our neighbors. ... read full article

WATCH D.O.G.S.

Fathers and Father Figures: please join us for our 1st annual 'Dads and Kids' Pizza night in the Horace Mann cafeteria. Enjoy FREE pizza and drinks as you learn about our new WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) Program. WATCH D.O.G.S. is an innovative program being used by schools across America to help fathers (and father figures) created a positive impact with our students. Our goal is to have you spend at least one day this year at the school to be a positive male role model and provide an extra set of eyes and ears. Sign up here. Dads, ... read full article

Fall 2018 Math Challenge Tournament

The Fall 2018 Math Challenge Tournament (MCT) student registration is NOW OPEN! Seats are limited and first come first served. Math Challenge Tournament (MCT) is a National Mathematics Tournament, taking place December 6 at 5:30 p.m., and open to all Grade 2 – 6 students.  Students in Grade 1 can participate; however, they will be competing at a grade 2 level. It’s amazing to see students’ focus, excitement and energy on this tournament!  Check out some of the photos from previous MCT.  Learn more about Math Challenge Tournament . ... read full article

Conference Week: October 15th -18th

Fall Conference week is here: time for goal-setting. Remember that the school days ends at 11:50 am Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Wednesday is a normal early release day that ends at 1:50 pm. Students do not have school on Friday. ... read full article

Author Visit (grades 3-5)

Horace Mann welcomes  author Dylan Thuras , on Thursday, October 18th, 2018 .  Dylan will be presenting his first children's book from the NY Times bestselling series The Atlas Obscura.  Finally...a kid's illustrated guide to 100 of the worlds most mysterious man-made and natural wonders found on earth. This book also features additional resources for your explorers at home including a handy packing list, world map, GPS coordinates, and even a list of helpful travel advice. Books are available for purchase prior to Dylan's visit and can be autographed and personalized.  Order forms to purchase books were sent home on Friday, October 5th.  If you ... read full article

New and International Families Welcome Event

Thursday, October 25th, 6:30 pm - 9 pm OR Saturday, October 27th, 9:30 am - 12 pm This event is open to all and specifically directed at families who are new to the United States or relocating to the district. There are two different sessions with identical content. Both sessions will be held at the Lake Washington Resource Center, 16250 NE 74th Street, Remond, WA. Please register online . ... read full article

Lake Washington School District implements new volunteer system in 2018-19

This summer, Lake Washington School District’s volunteer application system was transferred to a volunteer system developed by Raptor Technologies, Inc. Raptor is used across the nation in many school districts and is considered the industry leader.  Information for all current volunteers has been transferred into the new volunteer system. If you are still within your two-year approval window, you do not need to reapply. The renewal window opens 30 days before your expiration date. Volunteers can now renew through the district website instead of logging into Parent Access. If you are an approved volunteer, you have access to a volunteer ... read full article

October 10 is Walk to School Day!

Join us on October 10th for Walk to School Day! Every student that walks, bikes, or carpools will receive a safety flasher. Students will fill out their SchoolPool calendar at school and at the end of the month, each calendar earns the PTSA $5, up to $3,000 for the school year. Join in on saving the environment and helping Mann students at the same time! ... read full article

Our School Could be Receiving 10% of Your Everything Party Purchases

Whether you are buying supplies for class harvest parties, costumes for Halloween, or other party goods, our PTSA and school could benefit. When you shop at Everything Party, please let them know you are a Horace Mann Family and 10% of your purchase amount will be donated back to our PTSA, allowing us to do and give more to programs at our school. ... read full article

Clay Training on Wednesday in the Art Room

After you drop your students off at school on Wednesday, October 10th, stop by the Art Room for a fun clay training session for docents, helpers, and those interested in clay. The training will be conducted by the Art VPs and Kiln Coordinators. They will be teaching the basics about creating with clay, using three hand-building techniques: slab, pinch, and coil. These are the same techniques we teach to our students. ... read full article

Special Guest Kacey McCallister

On October 2nd we welcomed a very special guest to speak to the kids for Disability Awareness Month, Kacey McCallister. Kacey lost both legs in an accident at the age of 6 but has not let that stop him from accomplishing anything and everything in life. Try as the kids did to think of something he couldn’t do, he showed them time and again how he played soccer, basketball, football, and became a very decorated cross country runner and wrestler in school. Kacey speaks a lot about challenges - everyone has them, but for each person they might look different. ... read full article

Math Challenge 1 Winners

 Congratulations to the following students:  K: Alan D., Ethan Yu. 1st: Sophia V., Thomas J., Keegan K. 2nd: Ethan W., Jonny Y., Elliott K. 3rd: Jade B., Suhana A. 4th: Mason P., Tanisha S. ... read full article

Collect Box Tops at Home to get Cool Gear for PE

The Horace Mann PTSA is excited to participate again in the national Box Tops program. This year we will use funds collected to purchase new PE equipment, free of charge for the school!   It's simple. All you need to do is clip Box Tops at home. You can even ask your family, friends, and neighbors to help! It doesn't cost anything to clip. You just buy products you already know and love and clip out the box top before recycling the box. There are a ton of brands that participate, including Cascadian Farm TM , Annie's ® , Nature Valley TM , General Mills TM (Cheerios ... read full article

SchoolPool October Challenge!

October is Walk to School Month ! Horace Mann in partnership with Redmond's School Pool program is encouraging students to walk, bike and carpool to school. This helps reduce neighborhood traffic congestion and local air pollution. To learn more about SchoolPool click  here . ... read full article

Free & Reduced-Price Meal Applications

New to the District? -  As a new family to the district, you may apply for free or reduced-price meals any time during the school year. On the Free & Reduced program last year? - Free & Reduced meal applications will be expiring on October 16, 2018. If you have not yet reapplied, you must complete a 2018-19 application to continue eligibility for your child or children by this date. Applications (English and Spanish) can be found at: Your child’s school The LWSD District Office (Business Services) The District website – lwsd.org/students-families/breakfast-and-lunch-menus      See Application & Instructions If you have ... read full article

The Colt Companions program for the new school year is beginning soon!

Colt Companions are 4 th and 5 th grade students who volunteer during their recess time in our Learning Center classrooms. Colt Companions are role model students, developing their skills in empathy, responsibility, and leadership, while also getting the chance to build new friendships with their fellow Mann students! The school counselor, Miss Chalmers, will be inviting students to a meeting for more information on Friday, October 12 during 4 th and 5 th grade afternoon recess. Applications for Colt Companions will be distributed at the meeting, and will be available after the meeting in every 4 th and 5 ... read full article

Have you Done your Corporate Matching?

Did you know that many companies do corporate matching?  Yes, many companies like Google, Expedia, Microsoft, Amazon and even smaller companies have the ability to donate to our school.  If you donated to our school through "Pass the Hat", your company may be able to match your donation.  Most companies match dollar per dollar, but some companies can match two dollars for every dollar you donate.  Each year, our PTSA spends $160 per child on average.  Your donation and that of your company pays for school assemblies, Science Fairs, art programs, art supplies, and provides classroom grants.  If you have not donated, you can still ... read full article

Noetic Learning Math Contest

Horace Mann PTSA is holding The Noetic Learning Math Contest on November 15, 2018.  NLMC is a semiannual problem-solving contest for elementary and middle school students. The goal of the competition is to encourage students' interest in math, to develop their problem-solving skills, and to inspire them to excel in math. During the contest, students are given 45 minutes to solve 20 problems. Many problems are designed to challenge students and to enrich their problem-solving experiences. The contest is for students in grades 2-5. To find more information about contest, please visit NLMC webpage . Registration will be open on October 5, ... read full article

Environmental Sustainability at Mann

The PTSA is looking for its first ever Sustainability Chair! The Chair will help develop practices and projects that reduce the PTSA and the school's environmental impact and that promote sustainability thinking among students, staff, and families. If you are interested in taking on this role, e-mail us at volunteers@mannptsa.org . ... read full article

Spirit Wear Orders

There is still time to show school spirit by purchasing our Horace Mann Elementary t-shirts or pullover sweatshirts. Both t-shirts and sweatshirts are offered in red this quarter. If you placed an order before September 2nd and have not received yours, please expect delivery via KidMail soon. Orders will be accepted until September 28th for our second batch and will be ready in mid-late October. Check out the PTSA website for more information. ... read full article

Upcoming LWPTSA Council Special Needs Group Meeting

Date: 10/16/2018 Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Location: LWSD Resource Center                  Board Room (1 st Floor)                 16250 NE 74th St                 Redmond, WA 98052 Topic: Join the LWPTSA SNG and the Special Services Department as we kick off the beginning of the 2018-19 school year! The Special Services Department will be presenting updates and exciting work that will be continued into the school year. You won’t want to miss it!  ... read full article

RISE UP - Disability Awareness Month Parent Education Event

October is Disability Awareness Month, and over the past few years we have been continually growing the events at the school level. This year we are excited to announce that we are hosting a Parent event as well!   Parents, students and families - please join us for our first Disability Awareness Month parent education event to hear motivational speaker Kacey McCallister speak on:   Tuesday, October 2 at 7pm RHS Performing Arts Theater 17262 NE 104th Street, Redmond   After losing his legs at 6 years old, Kacey has spent his life overcoming obstacles. He continually pushes himself to ... read full article

No Strings Attached: PTSA Membership

Online directory, enrichment classes, yearbooks, teacher appreciation, birthday book club, art.... There's so much the PTSA does for our school, students, teachers, and parents! Love what the PTSA is doing? Join the PTSA for just $16...NO STRINGS ATTACHED! Your membership is only used for administrative purposes so the PTSA can train, hold meetings, and run the other activities to help the school. Your DONATIONS do the rest. So, join the membership to find out what we’re all about. Or join to make sure the PTSA can keep doing what we do! ... read full article

Volunteers Needed to Co-Chair Box Tops PTSA Position

Do you have a bit of time in the fall and spring to help our school collect Box Tops? Box Tops equal money to help support programs at Horace Mann. This year we are collecting Box Tops to raise money for new PE equipment so our kids will have everything they need be active and fit. We already have one volunteer, but we love to have co-chairs for each role. This role can be done completely from home and is most active in October and February, likely about 7 hours for those months, and less for the months in-between. The ... read full article

Results from Smarter Balanced Assessments

Results from Smarter Balanced Assessments available in Parent Access Each spring, Washington public school students in grades 3-8 and high school are tested in English language arts (ELA) and math, with exams called Smarted Balanced Assessments (SBA). Students in grades 5, 8, and high school are also tested in science, with an exam called the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS). Downloadable score reports for SBA are currently in Skyward Family Access. Paper copies of the reports have been received from OSPI and will be sent home via US Mail to all families by the end of September. Directions to ... read full article

Horace Mann welcomes award winning author Annie Barrows, on Friday 28th, 2018

Annie will be presenting her latest children's book from the national best selling series Ivy & Bean to our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students.  Readers will laugh out loud as they join this dynamic duo in their latest adventure, Ivy & Bean One Big Happy Family !  Ivy, an only child fears she will become spoiled rotten because she is an only child. To avoid being spoiled Ivy and Bean work on some creative problem solving. Will they be successful finding a solution before its too late. Order forms to purchase books were sent home on Tuesday, September 18th . ... read full article

Campfire Friday

On Friday, September 28th the school will have our first Campfire Friday. The kids have been cookin' up some guava jelly and will be excited to sing it for you. We will gather in the morning before the kids enter the school and sing! You are welcome to join in. I've attached the catchy tune and the lyrics as well. See you at the campfire!   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_0i96KnZ5g (refrain) Sweet Guava Jelly deyah (there). My momma cook it on the fiya (fire) 2X You think we never see you when you jump over the moon 2x You think we never see ... read full article

The Colt Companions program for the new school year is beginning soon!

Colt Companions are 4 th and 5 th grade students who volunteer during their recess time in our Learning Center classrooms. Colt Companions are role model students, developing their skills in empathy, responsibility, and leadership, while also getting the chance to build new friendships with their fellow Mann students! The school counselor, Miss Chalmers, will be inviting students to a meeting for more information on Friday, October 12 during 4 th and 5 th grade afternoon recess. Applications for Colt Companions will be distributed at the meeting, and will be available after the meeting in every 4 th and 5 ... read full article

Parents of Children with Special Needs Coffee with the Principal, October 10th

Please join us Wednesday, October 10th from 9-10 am in the conference room in the office. Come and meet other parents and chat with our Principal Ms. Spaulding! Coffee and pastries will be provided. ... read full article

Annual Highly Capable Application Window

Lake Washington School District (LWSD) will accept applications for Highly Capable programs from October 1 until 4 p.m. on October 26, 2018. Any student can apply/be recommended for Highly Capable programs each year. Students must live in Lake Washington School District to apply. Parents of first-grade students attending LWSD schools should not apply during this application period. LWSD first-grade students are screened for Highly Capable Programs in November in their general education classroom.   Information nights are available for families each fall.  Attendance is not required to apply.  To learn more visit:  https://www.lwsd.org/programs-and-services/accelerated-programs ; 425-936-1238; or quest@lwsd.org .  Contact Accelerated Programs ... read full article

Summer Reading Postcards  

With summer days coming to an end, we would like to remind student to turn in their Summer Reading Postcards by Friday, September 21st. Postcards are available at the Horace Mann Library or you can print your postcards from home using the attachment.    Participating is easy....while your child reads to you, complete the postcard and  on the bottom of each postcard, please comment on how your child has improved from one reading to the next.  After completing the postcards, drop them by the library or, hand them in to your classroom teacher. Summer Reading Postcards will be on display in the hallway leading to the Commons during the month of September ... read full article

Horace Mann Welcomes Author Claudine Norden, on Thursday, September 18th

Claudine Norden's debut picture book Quigley the Quiet Hedgehog is a delightful story about an introverted hedgehog learns to live in a world which celebrates the extrovert. This story helps readers understand the value of quiet temperaments both at home and at school. Claudine will share her love of reading and writing with students in grades K-2, along with her personal experience which inspired the book. Order forms to purchase books were sent home Friday, September 7th.  If you would like an autographed book(s), please fill in the order form or order directly online at QuietQuigley . Use coupon code ... read full article

Veterans Day Slide Show

For Veterans day this year Mr. McRae would like the veterans of our Mann community to be honored in a video/slide show. If you or any one in your family serves or has ever served in the US Military in any branch, will you please: 1. Send me a digital photo in an email with the Subject Veteran’s Pic. 2. Let me know who the Veteran is and the last name of the child here at Mann. It must be United States military only. Thank you for helping with this in a timely manner. The slides must be in before ... read full article

First PTSA Meeting of the School Year is This Thursday

All Horace Mann parents, guardians, students and staff are welcome and encouraged to join us for the first PTSA General Meeting of the 2018-19 school year. Our meeting will begin at 7 p.m. this Thursday, September 20, in the Horace Mann Library. During the meeting, school administration will provide any updates relevant to our school community, PTSA Board members will share details on accomplishments and plans for many of our PTSA programs and you'll have an opportunity to ask questions. We hope to see you there. ... read full article

Help Us Reach Our Goal!

We are only $1,560 away from reaching our 2018 Pass the Hat goal! If you haven’t donated to the Horace Mann PTSA there is still time. We have a Horace Mann car sticker for anyone that contributes to Pass the Hat. Help us here to reach our goal! Each year, the Horace Mann PTSA supports the art docent program, pays for online learning tools like Accelerated Reader and Raz Kids, teacher classroom grants, assemblies and other items that benefit our school community. Each dollar you donate helps us stay away from magazine and candy sales. Your contribution is tax deductible ... read full article

The PTSA is Proud to Sponsor the Math Challenge Program

The PTSA Math Challenge is a free school-wide math enrichment program for elementary students to entice, engage and challenge them to solve interesting math problems. The program is designed to strengthen their math fundamentals, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills and improve their confidence in math. Students can also involve their families to help and engage in a fun discussion to solve math problems. The program provides 15 sets of challenges throughout the school year; each set is published every other week starting in late September or early October and ending in May. To find out more about the program, please ... read full article

PTSA SNG Meetings and Child Care Support

Our monthly PTSA SNG meeting (see schedule below) is a great time to network with other parents, learn more about resources in our community and learn more about strategies and supports for students with disabilities. We offer student care during these meetings, to assist you in being able to access this wonderful opportunity to meet with parents. Please RSVP each month, by emailing smcenroe@lwsd.org . For our October meeting, please RSVP by/before October 9th. In your email, please include the age of your child, so we can ensure we have enough staff to cover all the students. The Special Services ... read full article

Upcoming LWPTSA Council Special Needs Group Meeting

Date: 10/16/2018 Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Location: LWSD Resource Center                  Board Room (1 st Floor)                 16250 NE 74th St                 Redmond, WA 98052 Topic: Join the LWPTSA SNG and the Special Services Department as we kick off the beginning of the 2018-19 school year! The Special Services Department will be presenting updates and exciting work that will be continued into the school year. You won’t want to miss it!  ... read full article

Join the PTSA and Support All the Amazing Programs They Provide for Our Children

Your PTSA membership has its benefits-literally and figuratively. By becoming a PTSA member, you help build our school's community and show your child the importance you place on education. Additionally, by joining our PTSA, you are automatically a member of the Washington State PTA and eligible for benefits and discounts on events like the Washington State Fair, at places including Great Wolf Lodge and on things like car rentals and printing. Join the PTSA here . ... read full article

Easy Fundraising With Amazon

Don't forget that the Horace Mann PTSA earns money on nearly every Amazon purchase you make. Use our unique Amazon URL every time you shop, http://www.amazon.com/?tag=homaellw-20 . Better yet, bookmark the link. Chrome Users: Install this toolbar extension and you'll never have to remember this link again. This is also a great thing to ask relatives to do. Prices are the same, so earning money for the Horace Mann PTSA couldn't be easier. ... read full article

Time to Donate

Each year, our Mann PTSA spends roughly $140 per student on art, a s semblies, enrichment activities, teacher and classroom support, and other items that benefit our school community. Your donation of $100 for each student in your family will help us to continue to meet our fina n cial goals without the need to do other fundraising activities like magazine and candy sales! And don't forget, your contribution is tax deductible and eligible for corporate matching programs. You can donate online when you complete your first day packet here .    ... read full article

Make the Yearbook Just the Way You Like It

Let's make this the best yearbook yet! We are now recruiting yearbook committee members. If you have any of the skill below or are interested in learning (training available), we'd love to have  join us. Email yearbook@mannptsa.org if you'd like to help make the Yearbook great.  Visual & Layout Designers (Oct-Dec) Photo Collection, Review, Editing (Oct-May) 5th Grade Special Photographer(spring) Club Photographer (spring) Proof Readers (Jan & April) Event Photographer (all year)   ... read full article

School Supply List

Check out the list of supplies your child will need for the school year.   https://mann.lwsd.org/studentsfamilies/school-supplies   ... read full article

Summer is a Great Time for Art! Get a Head Start on the 2018-19 Reflections Program Art Submission

Each Year, the National PTA Reflections Program challenges students to create art inspired by a specific theme. Our PTSA is sponsoring students from our school to participate in this annual, national cultural arts competition.  If your student is interested in participating during the 2018-19 school year, the summer is a great time to get started! We encourage every child from kindergarten through 5th grade to participate and use their creative talents to express themselves through their own original art around the 2018-19 theme, “Heroes Around Me.” Learn more about the Reflections art program on the Mann PTSA Reflections website here ... read full article

Time to Order School Supplies for the 2018-19 School Year!

We are excited to announce that we are using School Toolbox for our school supply boxes this year. This program will save you time and make back-to-school shopping less of a hassle. The kits contain items that have been specifically requested by our teachers for each grade. School Toolbox offers brand name products in their kits such as Crayola®, Fiskar's®, Elmer's®, and more. Some of the great benefits include: * Customize your list! If you already have a pair of scissors at home, take this item out of your box and save. * Orders ship right to your home. * ... read full article