Lots of Activity and Energy Across Campus!
Dear Soundview family,
It is with great excitement and deep gratitude that I write my first weekly letter to you as Head of School. I am truly honored by the opportunity to serve this remarkable community defined by its warmth, shared purpose, and unwavering commitment to students. From my very first moments here, it has been clear that Soundview is a special place, and I feel privileged to be part of it. Thank you to the Board of Trustees and the entire Soundview community for your support, and I will work each day to honor the trust you have placed in me.
If you missed the announcement from the Board of Trustees earlier this week, you can find it on our website.
It was an especially busy week on campus. The Grade 3/4 classes welcomed guests every day this week to talk about their experiences moving around the world. As a part of their inquiry into human migration, they are exploring the factors that push and pull people to move. Thank you to the folks who shared their stories! Our students would love to hear from additional guest speakers and learn from their experiences. If you are interested, please reach out directly to Ms. Tomi or Ms. Noelle.
On Wednesday, Mr. MacCully joined our Community Coffee to lead a discussion about the PYP Exhibition. The Exhibition is the culminating experience for our Grade 5 students to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they gained throughout their experience in the Primary Years Program (PYP). Students will identify a global issue they are passionate about, design an inquiry to learn more about it, and take action to address the challenge. They will share their projects on June 4, and all are welcome! Our all-school assembly, led by the kindergarten class, focused on Earth Day and the IB trait of the month, “thinker.” The students highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship and encouraged thoughtful reflection on how each individual can contribute positively to our planet.
Also on Wednesday, our grade 5 students celebrated Earth Month in North City Park! They participated in an environmental work party to help push the boundaries of a few of their sites. The students worked on restoring sections of the park by removing invasive species and planting native plants. This experience also equips them with valuable skills they can bring back to our Soundview forest. Discover more about the work party at North City Park.
Yesterday, Mrs. Armstrong hosted a wonderful Book Club gathering in the PAC Loft, where parents and children came together to read, reflect, and engage in thoughtful guided discussion. Grades 1/2 explored Bog Myrtle by Sid Sharp, while Grades 3–8 discussed New Kid by Jerry Craft. It was a meaningful opportunity for families to connect through stories and shared conversation.
You can see photos from the week of activities by viewing them below.
Our Kindergarten students did a wonderful job leading this week’s assembly, bravo to all of our young performers!
Our Grade 3/4 students were fortunate to host several wonderful guest speakers this week who generously shared their stories to enrich their migration unit.
Mrs. Armstrong enjoyed a wonderful Book Club gathering with Soundview students, filled with thoughtful conversation and a shared love of reading.
The Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS) accreditation process continues! We will be hosting the chairs of our visiting team for their preliminary visit on May 6. We are excited to share Soundview with them and receive feedback on our work. You can contribute to our ongoing improvement by completing the Soundview Parent and Guardian Survey. This anonymous survey is designed to provide a well-rounded view of your family’s experience at Soundview and to help us celebrate our strengths and identify areas for growth.
Need a refresher on last week’s updates? You can find recent announcements on our website.
A few key dates, events, and opportunities for April and early May:
Yearbook Cover Contest Deadline
A quick reminder that the deadline for the 13th Annual Yearbook Cover Contest is TODAY. All students are invited to participate. This is a great opportunity to showcase creativity and leave a lasting mark on this year’s memories. Please review the submission guidelines for details.
Spring Concert
Our Spring Concert takes place on Thursday, April 30, from 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm, featuring our orchestra and all grade-level bands. This annual event is always a highlight, celebrating our students’ growth, dedication, and love of music. To help the evening run smoothly:
Grade 5–8 band and orchestra students who remain on campus after school will be supervised by Soundview staff.
Students who leave campus should return by 4:15 pm, dressed and ready to perform.
Childcare for siblings will be available from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Please complete the RSVP form by Monday, April 27.
Teacher Appreciation Week: Celebrating the Heart of Soundview
Teacher Appreciation Week is just around the corner, May 4–8, and we’re excited to celebrate the incredible educators who make such a difference in our community each day. Their dedication, care, and passion for students are at the core of the Soundview experience.
The Soundview Parent and Guardian Association (SPGA) will be sharing details, but here’s a preview of the week:
Monday: Coffee and tea to start the week
Tuesday: Help stock the teacher lounge with snacks and treats
Wednesday: Ways to Get Involved Wednesday
Thursday: A special pizza lunch for our teachers
Friday: Gratitude Day, share a note or card of appreciation
We look forward to coming together to recognize and celebrate our amazing teachers.
Spirit Week
Spirit Week returns May 11–15, bringing a fun and creative energy to campus. Students are encouraged to participate in whatever way feels right, whether going all out or keeping it simple. There’s no need to purchase anything new as it’s all about creativity, school spirit, and having fun together. Please be sure that outfits are appropriate for all age groups, and take a look at the daily Spirit Week themes so your student(s) can plan.
SPGA Clothing Drive
Our Soundview Parent and Guardian Association (SPGA) is partnering once again with Clothes for Kids! They are especially in need of summer items like hats, shorts, and shirts. There will be collection bins in the front entrance hallway from May 11 - 15, where you can drop off items at any time. The clothing drive will also be linked with the donation of the unclaimed lost and found items at the end of the week. The primary collection day is happening with the help of the SPGA volunteers during drop off and pick up on Friday, May 15, so you don’t even have to get out of your car to participate! Learn more about the Clothes For Kids mission.
MYP Spring Fling
The Middle School Spring Fling will take place on Friday, May 15. Information about the theme, dress attire, and details of this event will be shared in the coming weeks.
Community Coffee
Join us for our last Community Coffee of the year on Friday, May 15, from 8:40 am - 9:20 am in the Language Lab, just before the all-school assembly led by our Early Childhood class, with the assistance of Grade 8 students. This is a great chance to connect and share conversation. Everyone is welcome, and parking is available in the gravel lot beginning at 8:30 am.
Dates for the remainder of the school year can be found on the Community Calendar or in the printable schedule.
Around the world and in different communities, May is a month of recognition and awareness:
Curious about this week’s recognition and awareness days? You can explore the full list on our website.
Have a great weekend and enjoy the sunshine, everyone!
Warmly,
Chrissy Sinclair
Head of School
One more thing…
On April 24, 1990, the Space Shuttle Discovery lifted off, carrying the Hubble Space Telescope into orbit, where it was successfully deployed the following day. This historic mission marked a turning point in space exploration, giving scientists an unprecedented view of the universe beyond the distortions of Earth’s atmosphere.
In the years that followed, Hubble transformed our understanding of space—capturing breathtaking images of distant galaxies, helping determine the age of the universe, and providing critical evidence for its expansion. Its impact extended far beyond science, inspiring curiosity and wonder around the world and reinforcing the importance of exploration, innovation, and discovery. Read about the Hubble Space Telescope.
