Chili Cook-Off, Admissions Deadline, Summer Camp Registration and More!

Our Grade 5 students had a wonderful Move-Up Day, spending time with their future middle school teachers, asking thoughtful questions, and getting an exciting glimpse into what the middle school experience will be like at Soundview.

Dear Soundview families,

I am looking forward to seeing you tomorrow at our annual Chili Cook-Off & BINGO. After a month of unrest, uncertainty, and heightened emotions across our country and closer to home, I feel the need for connection with my community. Thank you to our incredible SPGA for hosting this much-needed opportunity to bring our community together for food and fun. From a friendly “heated” competition to BINGO surprises, it’s always a crowd favorite, and the energy is sure to be high. Let the best chili, mac, and cornbread win!

Today was our annual Grade 5 Move-Up Day, giving students an exciting preview of what’s ahead in middle school. They spent time meeting their future teachers, experiencing a “day in the life” of middle school, and asking thoughtful questions as they began to imagine themselves in this next chapter at Soundview. These students will continue to develop the skills and mindsets to take action and be the leaders our community needs. You can view photos from this event below.

Spring Benefit Registration Opens Next Week!
A big shout-out to Kira Mauseth and the Astrum Health team for becoming our first Spring Benefit sponsors of the year! We’re so grateful to partner with one of our amazing Soundview families to help bring this meaningful and memorable evening to life. The Spring Benefit will take place on March 28 at the Edmonds Waterfront Center, and there’s still time to join in as a sponsor and support this special event. Learn more HERE, or reach out directly to Director of Advancement Ryan Wasserman. Together, we can make this year’s Benefit a resounding success! Registration will open next week, so stay tuned!

Admissions Update
Today marks the admissions application deadline, and we are thrilled by the strong interest in Soundview this year. Thank you for your referrals, encouragement, and advocacy within the community. A heartfelt thank you to Jill Schaller, Director of Enrollment, for her dedication to welcoming prospective families and guiding them through the process.

Summer Camps Are Open!
Summer Camp registration is officially open, and we’re excited to welcome campers of all ages! Soundview’s inquiry-based, adventure-packed camps are designed for students entering Early Childhood–Kindergarten and Grades 6-8 and are thoughtfully led by our own faculty and staff. Summer Camps are also a wonderful way for incoming students to get comfortable on campus and connect with teachers ahead of the school year. In addition to our Soundview-led offerings, we’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Steve & Kate’s Camp, providing even more options for children ages 4–12.

Camps are open to both Soundview families and the wider community. Please feel free to invite friends! Space is limited; be sure to register soon by visiting our website.

Black History Month
February marks Black History Month, and this year’s theme is “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” which honors the 100th anniversary of the first Negro History Week, founded in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Our library has curated a thoughtful collection of books across grade levels, and classrooms will be engaging in meaningful learning throughout the month. Be sure to look for highlights on Toddle.

Inclement Weather Reminder
As winter weather continues, here are a few important reminders:

  • School remains open unless an official closure is announced.

  • Soundview does not automatically follow district closures.

  • If travel feels unsafe, please stay home and notify us. Safety comes first.

  • Closure notices are sent by email no later than 6:15 a.m. and posted on our website, social media, and local news stations.

  • All programs and events are canceled on closure days.

  • Make-up days are added only if three or more days are missed.

Thank you for taking care and staying safe.

Need a refresher on last week’s updates? You can find them on our website.

A few key dates, events, and opportunities to keep in mind for February:

High School Preview
Grade 7 families are invited to our High School Preview on Thursday, February 5, from 4:00–5:00 p.m. in the humanities room. Learn about Soundview’s personalized high school guidance process, explore local IB options, and hear about the diverse paths our alumni pursue. Students may remain on campus after school. Parking opens at 3:45 p.m. Please RSVP by Friday, January 30, and reserve sibling childcare if needed.

Report Cards
Fall semester progress reports will be available via Toddle on Friday, February 6. Please contact your child’s teacher directly if you have questions.

ParentMap ParentEd Talk
Our next ParentEd Talk features a parent coach, psychologist, and founder of GoZen, Renee Jain. She will be presenting From Blowups to Breakthroughs: A New Way to Navigate Anger in Kids on Tuesday, February 10, at 12:00 pm. We’ll continue the conversation at the following Community Coffee.

  • Register for the full ParentEd series

  • Complimentary ticket password: SOUNDVSCH

Community Coffee
Join us on Friday, February 13, from 8:40 am to 9:20 am in the Language Lab, just before the Grade 3/4 all-school assembly. If you missed the ParentEd Talk Inside the ADHD Mind, a recording is available HERE (password: edTalks*2526).  It is sure to spark engaging conversation! Parking is available in the gravel lot beginning at 8:30 am. Additional dates can be found on the Community Calendar or via the printable version.

Midwinter Break
Midwinter Break runs February 16–20. There is no school for students, and the office will be closed. Classes resume on Monday, February 23.

SPGA Parent Education Night
Families are invited to join us on Thursday, February 26, from 4:00 to 5:00 pm for a Family Education Night featuring an expert-led conversation titled “Your Child, Food, and Body Image: What to Know, What to Look Out For, and How to Help.” Our presenter, Angela Wood, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Nationally Registered Creative Arts Therapist with more than 23 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families navigating mood and anxiety challenges and eating disorders. Currently practicing at Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Hallowell Todaro ADHD & Behavioral Health Center, she will be joining us as an independent specialist. The evening will include a concise, informative presentation followed by an interactive Q&A, allowing families to ask questions and focus on the topics most relevant to their own experiences. This thoughtful and practical session is designed to equip caregivers with insight, awareness, and tools to better support their children at all ages. Please RSVP and sign up for childcare if needed so that we can plan effectively.

Around the world and in different communities, January 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.

Thank you for all you do to make Soundview such a vibrant, caring community. We look forward to seeing you for some chili and BINGO tomorrow!

Warmly,
Chrissy Sinclair
Interim Head of Schoo

One more thing…
On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in New Delhi, a profound loss for India and the world. As a leader of India’s independence movement, Gandhi championed nonviolence, civil disobedience, and moral courage, uniting millions in the struggle against colonial rule. To his community and followers, he was a symbol of humility, justice, and compassion; globally, his philosophy of peaceful resistance reshaped movements for civil rights and social change, influencing leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. Gandhi’s legacy endures as a reminder of the power of nonviolence in the pursuit of freedom and human dignity. Read about Mahatma Gandhi.

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