Kenmore Elementary Paw Prints - June, 2026

Kenmore Elementary Paw Prints - June, 2026

IN THIS ISSUE

  • Principal's Massage
  • Important Dates
  • Kenmore Spring BBQ Picnic
  • Summer Hours
  • Field Day
  • Library Books
  • Summer Reading Programs
  • 5th Grade Moving Up Celebration!
  • From the Nurse
  • Lost & Found
  • Technology Update
  • Celebrating Joy & Learning at KE!
  • District News

Principal's Message

Dear KE Families,

This time of year we also say goodbye to some very important people who have made a difference at Kenmore Elementary. One very special teacher, Mrs. Tracy Mukai, is retiring and asked me to share the following message:

After 20 wonderful years, I'm retiring and wanted to share my gratitude. This school has been my second home, and you've all been my extended family. Watching students grow from curious learners into confident young adults has been the greatest privilege of my life. Thank you to my colleagues for your collaboration, laughter, and support through every step of the way. To the families who trusted me with your children, your partnership made all the difference. I'll carry these memories with me always.
— Ms. Tracy Mukai

We would also like to thank the following amazing individuals who provided a steady presence on campus this year and filled important roles: Ms. Reed (4–5), Mr. Schaefers (4–5 EAP), Ms. Sankaran (1st), and Ms. Shepherd (School Assistant), Bryan Vazquez Fregoso and Antonio Bernal (Night Custodians).. Thank you for bringing tenacity and grace to our school!

As the year wraps up, I’m often amazed by how quickly time has flown and by how much our KE Cubs have grown. Our staff is so proud of their progress, and we look forward to seeing them again in September.

In a few days we will celebrate our 5th graders as they move on to middle school. I met this class virtually in September 2020, and it has been a privilege to watch them navigate the many challenges that followed. As they move on, I have no doubt they will continue to shine and thrive.

We have a busy 17 days ahead. Please join us for the BBQ this Wednesday. While RSVP is not required, we highly recommend it so our Food and Nutrition department can plan accordingly. A reminder that all transactions at the event will be cash only. Finally, our PTA will host our very first Summer Kick-Off on June 11 — we hope to see you there.

Father’s Day is around the corner as well. We wish all fathers and those who fulfill this important role for our Cubs a very Happy Father’s Day!

Three cheers to a restful and joyous summer! You will hear from us again in mid-August, and we will welcome you back in September.

Ms. George-Shapiro
Principal
 

Important Dates           Calendar thumbnail

June 2 - African Drumming Class, 8:20-8:50am, Music Room
June 2 - KE Evening Choir Concert, 6:30-7:30pm, Gym
June 3 - Schoolwide BBQ Picnic Lunch
June 3 - Early Release - Dismissal @ 2:05pm
June 3 - Optional Choir Party, 2:10-2:55, Music Room
June 4 - Popcorn Thursday
June 8 - Safety Patrol Party @ Kenmore Lanes
June 8 - Senior Grad Walk, 3:15-3:30pm
June 9 - 5th Grade Party @ Brightwater
June 9 - 1st Grade & 1/2 Split Class Field Trip to Kenmore Library
June 9 - PTA General Meeting, 6:00-7:30pm, Multi Purpose Room
June 10 - Early Release - Dismissal @ 2:05pm
June 11 - PTA Summer Kick Off Celebration, 5:30-7:30pm, Kenmore Elementary
June 12 - 5th Grade Moving Up Celebration, 2:30-3:30pm, Gym
June 15 - All School Scavenger Hunt
June 16 - KE Spirit Day: Grade Level Color Day!
Grade Level Colors: K: Green, 1: Red, 2: Purple, 3: Blue, 4: Yellow, 5: Orange
June 16 - All School Field Day
June 17 - Last Day of School ~ Dismissal @ 11:35am
June 24 - KE Office Closes for the Summer @ 12:00pm
June 25 - Report Cards available via ParentVUE

BBQ Pic

 

Summer Hours             clock image

The Kenmore Elementary Office will close for the summer at 12:00pm on Wednesday, June 24th.

We will reopen to the public on Tuesday, August 11th at 9:00am.

*Office Hours during our open days in the summer are 9:00am-3:00pm*

 

Field Day             Field Day thumbnail

Field Day is coming up soon!
Please consider signing up to volunteer to help make it a success!
 
When: Tuesday, June 16th
Time: 10:30-11:45 (Grades 3 - 5)
Time: 12:45-2:00 (Grades K – 2)
 
Volunteers Needed!
The morning games and the afternoon games each need volunteers. No experience is necessary, however patience and a willingness to have fun are recommended. (All volunteers must have Level 1 volunteer clearance through the district prior to the event.) Most volunteers will be paired up and given an activity to run/manage. If you are willing and able to help us, please follow the link (Kenmore Volunteer Field Day Sign-up) and sign up for either the morning, afternoon, or both sessions. Activity instructions will be emailed out closer to the date. Plan on meeting outside of the gym 15 minutes prior to your shift to receive directions, ask questions, and get set up. Please note that this is a closed school event. Only volunteers that sign up to help are allowed on campus.  Email us if you have any questions. sfrisch@nsd.org or ljoseph@nsd.org

To complete the NSD Volunteer Process, goto become-a-volunteer link here.

Thank you for your consideration!
Sean Frisch, Chris Brush and LaTisha Joseph
 
 

Library Books             Library book return thumbnail

Last Library check-out day is Monday, June 1st.

All Library books are due no later than Friday, June 5th.

If your child has lost a book, please visit go.nsd.org/keqa.

Please contact Chris Brush, KE Library Teacher, with any questions. cbrush@nsd.org or 425.408.4812

Thank you!

 

Summer Reading Programs        summer reading program thumbnail

Please visit go.nsd.org/kesummerreading to learn more about summer reading opportunities.

 

5th Grade Moving Up Celebration!     5th grade celebrate thumbnail

Friday, June 12th @ 2:30pm
Kenmore Elementary Gymnasium

Seating is limited to two chairs per family, with standing room available afterward. Parking is restricted due to construction. We encourage carpooling from the Kenmore Park and Ride. Thank you for understanding!

 

From the Nurse     School Nurse thumbnail

It has been a pleasure being the nurse for another year at Kenmore Elementary. I love getting to come to work and interact with your incredible children! Have a wonderful summer break and enjoy all the sunshine and time together! I'll see you in September 🙂

As a reminder, medications at school will need to be picked up by 2pm on the last day, June 17th. Inhalers can be sent home with students with parent/guardian permission. Any medication not picked up by 2pm will be discarded. Please email if you need to pick up medication on an alternate day.

Rachel Ogurkow
rogurkow@nsd.org
 
 

Lost & Found          lost and found thumbail

Please take the next few weeks to have your students check our very full lost and found rack outside the gym.

Anything not claimed by the end of the school year will be donated to Threads and Treads at CPMS.

 

Technology Update

Students will keep their devices this summer!

Students currently in grades 2-5 will be keeping their assigned computing devices over the summer months to allow for continuous learning. Students and families are expected to take care of their assigned device by keeping it charged and in its bag when not in use. Students who are enrolled in summer learning programs are expected to bring their device to summer programs each day. If families need support using their device or troubleshooting technical issues, they should create a help ticket at http://go.nsd.org/studenttechhelp.  

Withdrawing students must turn in devices by their final day at school.

Families who are withdrawing from Northshore are expected to return any technology devices assigned to their student, including computers, tablets, hotspots and all accessories such as bags and chargers. Our school will be collecting devices on the last day of the school. Withdrawing students who do not return their devices and accessories will be issued a fine for replacement.  

Families who wish not to keep a device over the summer need to complete this opt out form.

Families may not need or want to take their student’s device home over the summer. Families who wish to opt out of keeping their students' assigned device will need to indicate that they are “opting out” by completing the form at https://go.nsd.org/optout . This form will help our staff to plan efficiently for sending devices home for summer learning. When students return to school in the Fall, any student who does not have an assigned device will be assigned one for school year learning.

Families in grades K-1 whose students need a device for summer learning need to complete this opt in form.

Families of students currently in grades K and 1 who wish to check out an iPad for summer learning need to indicate so by completing the form at http://go.nsd.org/techoptin. Students and families are expected to care for the device and use it only for learning purposes. The device must be returned to school on or before the first day of the 2026-27 school year. The Device Protection Plan (DPP) can be purchased to protect the device from accidental damages. More information about DPP can be found at student-device-damage-dpp-fines page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What should a family do if they need to return a device over the summer?

  • Families should be directed to turn the device into the school as soon as they know they are leaving the district. If that happens in July, they will return the device and accessories at the Administration Center. Otherwise, they will return it to the school during normal summer operational hours in June and August.

If a family needs tech support over the summer, who should they contact?

  • The first point of contact should be any teacher or staff member who is working with that student through summer programming. If that staff member is unable to help, then the family can make a tech ticket at http://go.nsd.org/studenttechhelp.

Celebrating Joy & Learning at KE!

I-Ready Forts in Ms. Howard's Class

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2nd Graders Cheer On 5th Grade Buddies During SBA

 

5th grade SBA

 

Friday Morning Staff Gathering

staff gathering Friday motning image

 

District News                   NSD logo

FOOD SUPPORT & BACKPACK PROGRAM ENROLLMENT

Dear Northshore Families and Staff:

We recognize that summer can be a challenging time for our families who need additional support for their Northshore students. Our community has come together to support Northshore students with two important programs: Community-Supported Summer Food Program and Northshore Schools Foundation’s Backpacks for Kids. 

Participate in the Programs

In response, multiple community organizations and volunteers have come together to ensure that no Northshore student goes hungry during the summer months and everyone who needs a new backpack to start the 2026-27 school year gets one. For the food program, a gift card to purchase groceries will be available to families that enroll in the community-supported program. For Backpacks for Kids, the backpacks and supplies will be distributed to families during the Back-to-School Resource Fair in August.

Please complete the food support and backpack program enrollment form if you are interested. Please complete one form per family.

Your submission is confidential and will only be shared with Northshore staff that are coordinating the program and the Northshore Schools Foundation.

SUN BUCKS

SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a program that helps families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Families will get a one-time $120 benefit per year for each eligible child to help buy groceries during the summer months. SUN Bucks benefits are in addition to other summer Child Nutrition Programs already offered. 

Over 600,000 Washington children received SUN Bucks over the summer of 2025. 

Who is eligible for SUN Bucks?

Some children will be automatically eligible for SUN Bucks, while others will need to apply. Students may be automatically eligible for Summer EBT if they:

  • Are enrolled at a school that offers the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) and qualify through a meal application; or
  • Are age 8–18 and are a member of a household that receives benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Students who do not qualify automatically can apply by submitting a free or reduced-price meal application. To qualify for SUN Bucks, these students must:

  • Be enrolled at a school that participates in the NSLP or SBP, and
  • Live in a household that meets NSLP Income Eligibility Guidelines to qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

Who do I call for help?

For questions about the SUN Bucks program or your benefits, please call the SUN Bucks Contact Center at 833-543-3230 (TTY: 800-833-6348) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday (except observed holidays).

For questions about current eligibility or to fill out an application, please call Northshore School District's Food & Nutrition Services department at 425-408-7657 or email dmoran@nsd.org.