This month, the PTSA welcomed our fantastic Kindergarten teaching staff to present at our General Membership meeting. Kristin Cakarnis, Cathy Andrews, and Michelle Robinson reported on the progress our Kindergarten students are making
this year, as well as provided an update on how iPads are being used in one Kindergarten classroom.

Cathy Andrews expressed the teachers’ appreciation for the new book room and how it supports the Making Meaning Curriculum. Kindergarteners especially needed guided reading books and the book room has offered a large variety for our
youngest students. The plethora of books now available allows students to work more collaboratively, as well as boosting independent reading with so many options for their book bins. This has teachers and students excited!

Classroom art participation is thriving, and the Kindergarten teachers said a huge thank you to their auction project and art docent parents. “The volunteers are amazing – so much dedication. Kids are excited to participate!” said Michelle Robinson.

Kristin Cakarnis, who teaches both AM and PM classes, participated in the Issaquah Technology Project last summer. This intensive course covers best practices for using technology as an integral part of classroom instruction. As part of the
course, Kristin received 7 iPads and a printer for her classroom. Kristin explained how she is using the iPads to support Kindergarten social studies, reading, and math curriculum with great success. Our other Kindergarten teachers are on the waitlist for this summer’s session of the Issaquah Technology Project.

The PTSA thanks our Kindergarten teachers for all of their hard work for our kids and for taking the time to present to us at our monthly meeting! At each PTSA meeting, a new grade level reports. At our February meeting, we will focus on 5th grade. Hope to see you there!