Sacajawea Middle School
Back to School News
August 2015
253-945-4900 Website: www.fwps.org/sac
1101 South Dash Point Road – Federal Way, WA 98003
JoAnne Fernandes, Principal
A message from our Principal . . .
Dear Sacajawea Family,
I want to officially welcome all of you to the 2015-2016 school year! I’m excited to return as Principal after my
long maternity leave, and I am so happy to share with you that our baby boy Gus is a strong, healthy and
charming 6 month old. Summer has come and nearly gone and now it is time to continue with the excellent
traditions of Sacajawea and provide you with updates and important information.
This will be my fourth year as principal of Sacajawea, and I am thrilled at the opportunity to continue the
outstanding work as we engage in the educational process together. The middle school years are critical times
of development for students and families alike, and I look forward to working with all of you to make this year
successful. I am a lifelong educator who brings a firm commitment to students and families as well as a love of
learning and problem solving
Sacajawea staff has been busy preparing for another outstanding year. Over the summer break the school has
been cleaned and reorganized. All certificated teaching staff have received new laptop computers and docking
stations, which has allowed for the previous staff computers to be repurposed to the classroom for student use.
We have added an additional COW (Computers on Wheels) and now we have our library lab, alcove lab, and
seven COWs. Our dedicated staff has been working hard to ensure a successful start of school on Wednesday,
September 2, 2015.
You may have read that the FWPS Board of Directors voted last spring to approve six late-start days during the
2015-16 school year at all district schools. The late-start days are designed to support student learning by
providing teachers with time for Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). PLCs are teams of teachers who
work together to share best practices, review data and discuss strategies to help students learn better. Please
check the calendar at the end of this newsletter for late-start days.
-continued on the next page-
AUGUST SCHEDULE PICK-UP
7th/8th grade — Thursday, August 20
7:00 – 11:00 AM and 1:00 - 3:00 PM
ENCLOSURES TO BE RETURNED AT
SCHEDULE PICK UP—PLEASE BE SURE
TO BRING THESE FORMS WITH YOU
6th grade — Friday, August 21
7:00 - 11:00 AM

Yellow Student Emergency Card—REQUIRED
in order to pick up schedule
If necessary, you may attend either date, particularly if you
have more than one student to register.

Health History (green)
***6th GRADE ORIENTATION IN THE GYM AT 8:00 AM ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL ***
Continued from page 1—A message from our Principal
We have few changes in staff; however, we warmly welcome the following new Warriors:
Andrea Ball, 6th/7th Math Teacher – from Nelsen MS in Renton
Nichole Kealoha, 7th/8th Science Teacher – new graduate from CWU
Jana Kelly, 6th/8th Math Teacher – from private school teaching, returning to Public Ed
Jeff Knutson, 8th ELA/SS – from Kilo MS
Amanda Staley, ELL Check & Connect – new graduate from UW
Amber Thompson, 8th ELA and ELA Cambridge – from Twin Lakes HCP
Jan Zimmer, School Nurse
As we begin this new year, our mission continues to be that every Sacajawea Warrior will be prepared for
success in high school and beyond. This means that students will learn the content needed for success,
master the study skills and strategies necessary to learn and retain that knowledge, and learn to consistently
demonstrate positive academic behaviors. In short, they will learn how to learn so that they are prepared for the
increased challenges of high school and wherever life takes them after that.
We will continue to strive to make our vision a reality through three school improvement goals:
1. Through an equity mindset, increase student achievement through high-quality, effective instruction every day.
2. Increase student achievement by promoting, teaching, and recognizing positive behavior and the SAC way.
3. Increase student achievement by partnering with families and community to support students.
In order for your student to be successful, he/she will be enrolled in rigorous classes and be given access to a wide
array of electives. We also encourage all students to participate in at least one after school activity, club or school sport.
We know that students who are connected to school beyond the academic day find more success and enjoy school
more.
We know that a student’s success is connected to a partnership between student, school and family. I strongly
encourage you to remain active in that partnership this school year. Your middle schooler needs your involvement in
school! Some ways to stay involved are:
 Talk with your student regularly about their work at school and his/her progress
 Have conversations with your student about the connection between school now and his/her future goals
 Check ParentVUE and your student’s planner regularly
 Communicate often with teachers about your student’s learning and progress
 Volunteer at school
 Serve as a mentor here at Sacajawea
 Become a member of Sacajawea PTSA or other parent group
As a school community, we want you to know our door is always open. Please come visit, get involved, and be a
Warrior! As the year progresses, we will provide current information for you at our website, in our main office, and
through the ParentVUE and StudentVUE. Please access our website at http://www.fwps.org/sac for updated
information.
I look forward to getting to know you and working together to ensure your student is successful this school year!
Warm regards,
JoAnne Fernandes, Principal
OUR UNIFORM CLOSET NEEDS REPLENISHING
Are you wondering what to do with those outgrown uniform items?
We welcome donations of reusable uniform items throughout the year and
during schedule pick up on August 20 and 21.
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Getting started . . .
School Pictures
Administration/Office Staff Contact
Information:
Thursday, Sept. 17
Student pictures will be taken in
uniform.
ALL students will have their picture
taken for the yearbook and their student ID Card
free of charge. If you would like to purchase
pictures, an ordering envelope will be sent home
with your student prior to picture day. Your
student will need to give the envelope and
payment to the photographer at the time the
picture is taken. Please do not return it to a
teacher or the office. You can also purchase
picture packets online.
Information will be
available at schedule pick up.
Retakes are
scheduled for Thursday, October 22nd.
JoAnne Fernandes, Principal
253-945-4912, [email protected]
Assistant Principal
253-945-4913
Molly Engen, Dean of Students/8th Grade
Counselor 253-945-4908, [email protected]
John Harpel, 6th/7th Grade Counselor
253-945-4907, [email protected]
Clarissa Parnell, Psychologist
253-945-4914, [email protected]
Julia Capone, Attendance Secretary
253-945-4922, [email protected]
A special goodbye to the following
staff leaving Sacajawea this year:
Automated Attendance Line 253-945-4968
Joan Veit, Financial Secretary
253-945-4905, [email protected]
Interim Principal :
Assistant Principal:
Intervention Specialist:
Teacher:
Teacher:
Teacher:
Teacher: (1 year only)
ELL Check & Connect
Nurse:
Para Educator:
Karen Brooks, Registrar
253-945-4902, [email protected]
Marge Mooney, Office Manager
253-945-4901, [email protected]
Health Room
Security
253-945-4909
253-945-4915 (for immediate
assistance call 253-945-4900)
Randy Taylor
Scott Haines
Khalsa Joslin
Anne Bell
Jaicele Wallace
Mehgan Colkitt
LeRyna Basinger
Val Records
Christie Welsh
Christina Ryan
These staff members will be greatly missed.
We wish them the very best in their future.
Moving?
If you have or will be moving before school starts,
please contact the office with your new address. If
your student will not be returning to Sacajawea we
would like to hear from you as soon as possible.
We will prepare the paperwork for transfer to your
new school. If you have any questions, please call
our registrar, Mrs. Brooks, at 253-945-4902 with
your updated information.
Mark your calendars:
OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, October 8, 2015
6:30 PM
Bus Schedule
School bus schedules will be posted
on the FWPS and the Sacajawea
websites, as well as the local newspapers when they become available
in mid-August. They will also be posted in the
office window and available at schedule pick up.
Box Tops for Education
Please continue to save your Box
Tops for Education. This is a
great fundraiser and the school collects
10 cents for each Box Top submitted.
Please call the Transportation Dept. at
253-945-5960 for bus questions.
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Fee Schedule
PLEASE—NO BILLS LARGER THAN A $50
Although there is no charge for the first PE uniform,
planner or composition books, replacements are
charged as follows:
PE Uniform
$12.00
Planner
$ 5.00
Composition Books
$ 1.50
Optional Fees:
Yearbook
ASB (Required for athletics and clubs)
$20.00
$15.00
($6.00 for each piece, last years uniform is ok)
Be part of your child’s middle school
years by joining the Sacajawea PTSA
during Schedule Pick Up.
Information on upcoming meetings will
be posted on the Sacajawea website when
it becomes available.
Athletic Participation Fee
No longer required
School Lunch
6th grade lunch— 11:08—11:38
8th grade lunch—11:40—12:10
7th grade lunch—12:12—12:42
Lunch will be served on the first day of school. Lunch /Breakfast
prices have increase slightly for the 2015-2016 school year and are
as follows:
Breakfast
$1.75
Lunch
$3.00
Milk
$ .60
Please visit the Sacajawea website for the
most up-to-date information on our school.
If you prefer buying lunches in advance:
5 meals = $15.00
10 meals = $30.00
15 meals = $45.00
20 meals = $60.00
fwps.org/sac
Fees and Fines
Payment can be made to the cafeteria directly (please make check
or money order payable to Nutrition Services and put in a sealed
envelope) or on-line with a credit card —
[email protected]
$$$$
Students were mailed fine letters with their June report
cards. Grades, Diplomas, and Transcripts may be withheld
for non-payment of fines. Students may also be excluded
from extracurricular activities, including dances and sports.
Fines will follow students to high school. Please mail your
payment to Sacajawea Middle School, 1101 S. Dash Pt. Road,
Federal Way, WA. 98003—attention Finance Office.
Fees and fines can be paid in the office when school starts.
Free and Reduced lunch forms will be mailed directly to the families
on the program last year. Although they send one per child, please
return only one form listing all students enrolled in the district. All
new applications must be returned by the end of September in order
for students to continue receiving these services.
You can now complete the application process online by going to
Meal App Now at:
http://www.fwps.org/dept/nutrition/
This online system is very secure and very fast.
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Uniform Shopping
Information
Sears
Fred Meyer
Nordstrom’s
Eddie Bauer
24 hour
Attendance Line:
Target
Old Navy
Walmart
JC Penney
253-945-4968
Please post this number by your
phone and use it to call in when your
student is going to be late or absent.
Many of these stores have on-line shopping. Please remember the guidelines for dress. Check the enclosed uniform policy carefully before you shop. The policy can also
be found at the Sacajawea website fwps.org/sac
Black pants, jeans or jeggings of any kind are not
allowed.
You can also use this number to
request homework for your student if
he/she is going to be gone
more than 3 days.
Uniform Sweatshirts will be available to pur-
chase during schedule pick up and in the office throughout the school year. We have crewneck sweatshirts for
$14.00 and 1/4 zip sweatshirts for $22.00. All sweatshirts
are available in adult sizes small through xxlarge.
We also sell polos with the Sacajawea logo for $8.00.
SAFE SCHOOLS TIPINE
CALL OR TEXT
24 hours a day
(253) 945-SAFE (7233)
Please call or text our “Safe Schools Tipline” to report any knowledge of:
 the possession or potential use of a firearm or any other weapon;
 any potential act of violence against persons or school facilities;
 information relating to the safety of any student;
 information relating to a crime on school or other district property;
 anyone unlawfully possessing property of the Federal Way Public Schools, students, staff, or patrons.
School Bus Safety and Other Reminders
The Sacajawea parking lot and bus pick-up/drop-off area can get very congested at the beginning
and ending of each school day. If you are picking up your student, please pull down to the end of
the bus parking area to pick-up your student at the end of the day.
Please do not exceed 8 mph in the parking lot, and remember that the school buses always have
the right of way. Don’t forget that the speed limit on Dash Point Road is 20 mph in a school zone when students are
present.
At the end of the school day in particular, students must stay behind the yellow safety line that is painted on the edge of
the sidewalk. Students should wait for the bus without pushing and shoving so that there is no danger of someone
falling in front of a moving bus.
In addition, students must use a crosswalk when crossing Dash Point Road (Highway 509) and Pacific Highway. It is
very dangerous for students to jay walk, or cross outside a crosswalk, because the cars lack visibility on the busy roads.
Finally, unless staying for a school-sponsored event, students should be off campus and headed home by 3:00 p.m.
Thank you for your support!
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IMPORTANT REMINDER MISSING IMMUNIZATIONS
Please be sure that your student is up to date on his/her immunizations and that we are provided
documentation of additional immunizations your student may have received. Students may not
be able to pick up their class schedule for next year if their immunization records are not complete.
All incoming 6th graders must provide documentation of having received the Tdap immunization unless you
previously provided this information to your elementary school.
It could be a matter of life or . . .
Contact the school nurse or principal if your child has a life-threatening health condition such as
severe food allergy reactions, asthma, seizures or another health condition that may require
medication or special accommodations at school. All medications and required paperwork
must be signed and delivered to school before the first day of attendance. Per Washington state
school regulations, your student may be delayed entrance to school if this is not received prior to
the first day of school
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Sacajawea Middle School Dress Code for Students
The judgment of the staff as to the appropriateness of dress is final.
Shirts - Solid Navy, White or Black
 No emblem, logo, or writing on any top other than SAC logo
 Tops may not be worn half on and half off
Polo style - (long or short sleeve, no cap sleeve) in navy, white, or black
 Tucking the polo is optional unless it comes past the hips. The polo must still cover the waist band and be buttoned
within two buttons of the top
 If wearing a T-shirt under a top, it must be plain white without any writing on the T-shirt or the gold PE shirt and MUST
BE TUCKED IN.
 No short sleeve polo shirt worn over a long sleeve T-shirt, no see-through or tight tops
Turtlenecks - white only worn under crewneck sweatshirt
Cardigan sweaters - navy blue, black, white
Sweatshirts - the only sweatshirts allowed in class are SAC sweatshirts
 Must wear a polo shirt or turtleneck underneath the sweatshirt
 Crewneck sweatshirt with Sacajawea logo in navy or black
 1/4 zip collared sweatshirt with Sacajawea logo in navy, black, or grey
 Official Sacajawea Sport or Club Sweatshirts (Hoodies or Crewneck) are allowed as the top layer, with a polo or turtleneck underneath
Coats - Worn outdoors only, not in the classroom or building. Purchase a SAC sweatshirt.
Pants - Tan, Khaki, or Navy Blue,
 Tan (Dockers style) cotton, cotton blend. No denim fabric; No corduroys or cargo pants
 Worn at the waist
 Hemmed, No frayed or torn items
 Must be belted if there are belt loops. Length – at the top of the shoe, not dragging on the floor
 No more than one size larger than the waist
 No labels, No adornments, including seams with stripes, multi-colored stripes, or cord-laced pants
 No stretch pants, overalls, sweatpants, stirrup pants, spandex, nylon parachute pants, cargo pants, zip-off pant legs ,
painter style pants or jeggings, No tight stretch fabric
Skirts - Tan, Khaki, or Navy Blue
 Worn at the waist
 Must be belted if there are belt loops
 Pleated, A-line, straight, gored, or gather styled skirts
 Length – No shorter than 3” above the knee
Dress Code at a Glance
Shorts - Tan, Khaki, or Navy Blue
 Walking style only
 No more than one size larger than the waist
 Worn at the waist
 Hemmed
 Must be belted if there are belt loops
 Length- No shorter than 3” above the knee
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
Navy, White, or Black Polo Shirt with an optional
white t-shirt underneath. Polo shirt must be tucked
in if it comes past the hip.

Tan, Khaki, or Navy Blue Docker-Style Pants,
Shorts, or Skirts (shorts and skirts may not be more
than 3 inches above the knee)

Official Sacajawea School, Club, Activity, or Sport
Sweatshirt or T-shirt may be worn over your polo
Shoes
 Athletic or tennis shoes
 Leather type shoes
 All sandals must have a heel strap for safety reasons
 Shoe laces must be matched and tied
 Both shoes must match each other
 No flip flops, soccer sandals, slippers, or high heels (must less than 2”)
Belts
 Belts must fit and the end of the belt can only be three inches beyond the buckle
 Belts must be worn with bottoms that have belt loops
 No spiked, sharp edged items on the belts, printing on belts
Jewelry
 No nose/eyebrow/lip/tongue jewelry be to worn on campus
 No spiked or sharp edged items
 No sweat bands
 No large chains allowed worn around the neck, wrist, waist or hooked to wallets or keys
 All jewelry must be under clothing
 No more than 3 bracelets per arm
Hat/Head coverings - No hats, hoods, bandannas, sweatbands, caps, berets, doo rags or any other covering of the head
Gloves/Scarves
 Gloves must match each other – either both gloves or none!
 Gloves may not be worn indoors
 Scarves only worn outdoors
Ties
 Must be school appropriate and worn with a Navy Blue, Black, or White dress shirt (not a polo)
 Must be properly tied and worn
Chains - Not allowed hooked to wallets, belts or keys
Hair
 Coloring that is disruptive is not acceptable
 Hairstyles that are disruptive are not acceptable
Coats
 Jackets and coats are not to be worn in the classroom or building during the school day. Purchase a SAC sweatshirt.
Unacceptable Clothing and Accessories
 Oversized clothing
 Hats, caps, berets, doo rags, bandannas
 Chains hooked to wallets, belt, keys, etc.
 Denim of any color or denim-looking material, corduroy
 Stretch pants, overalls, sweatpants, stirrup pants, spandex, nylon parachute pants, cargo pants,
zip-off pant legs or painter style pants
 Scarves worn indoors
 Tight or revealing clothing that may expose the bare torso or undergarments
 Tops too tight or too short; tops that you can see through
 Jackets or coats worn in the classroom or the building during the school day
 Logos, emblems, or labels on clothing
 Writing on the student’s body or any items of clothing
 Excessive makeup (no black lipstick, no thick black eye makeup)
 Wristbands
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Sports . . .
Sacajawea Girls Cross Country 2015
There will be an informational meeting after school on Wednesday, September 2.
Practices will run from 3:00 to 4:30 daily.
In order to practice you need to turn in a completed



Physical Form (signed by a doctor – good for 2 years)
Athletic Participation Form
Emergency Card
These forms will be available at schedule pick up and in the office throughout the year.
You will need to pay for an ASB card before the first meet. Please meet in the Small Gym
dressed to run on Thursday, September 4th. You must participate in ten practices in order
to be eligible to compete in a meet. Cross country is a non-cut sport. All 6th, 7th and 8th
grade girls are welcome !
Come join us!!!
Sports Physicals
Athletic Participation Fees are no
longer required.
Summertime is an excellent time to get
the sports physicals done to ensure
your student’s eligibility for sports during the next
school year. Sports Physicals are good for 2 years
and must be current for a student to participate in a
sport. Forms are available in the office.
Athletes still need to pay for the
$15 ASB card in order to
participate.
Detailed sports information will be available at
the athletic table during schedule pick-up on
August 20 and 21.
.
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Sacajawea Middle School
2015-2016 Athletic Calendar
Season #1
September 2 – October 30
Football
7th and 8th graders may participate (non-cut)
Girls Fastpitch
7th and 8th grade girls will be selected after try-outs
Girls Cross-Country
6th, 7th, and 8th grade girls may participate (non-cut)
Season #2
November 2 – January 25
Girls Basketball
2 teams of 7th and 8th grade girls will be selected after try-outs.
6th, 7th and 8th graders may participate on the non-cut team which will practice 3 to
5 days a week from 2:50 to 4:00.
Wrestling
All students may participate (non-cut)
Season #3
February 1 – April 1
Boys Basketball
2 teams of 7th and 8th grade boys will be selected after try-outs.
6th, 7th and 8th graders may participate on the non-cut team which will practice 3 to
5 days a week from 2:50 to 4:00.
Gymnastics
6th, 7th and 8th grade girls may participate (non-cut)
Season #4
April 11 – June 7
Baseball
2 teams of 7th and 8th grader boys will be selected after try-outs
Volleyball
2 teams of 7th and 8th grade girls will be selected after try-outs
Track
All students may participate (non-cut)
First date listed for each season is the first day to turn out for the sport. You will receive practice and
game schedules from the coaches. Games begin at 3:40 unless noted. Practices are Monday through
Friday from 2:45 to 4:30 or 5:00 – check with your coach for schedule. Due to safety issues you must
provide prompt pick up and your own transportation home. Supervision is not available after practices
or games.
Before you can turn out for a sport you must turn in:
Physical form – Signed by a doctor - good for 2 years from date of physical exam
Participation form – You will need to provide medical insurance information on this form—student
accident and health insurance applications are available in the main office from an independent
insurance provider
Emergency / travel card (blue)
$15 for ASB membership (before the first meet)
There is no fee to play sports
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