Dear Lowell Families,

First, we want to extend our deepest condolences to the entire Garfield High School community during this difficult time. The loss of a student affects all of us, and our thoughts, prayers, and meditations have been with the victim’s family, the staff, and the families at Garfield as they continue to navigate last week’s tragedy. Community news like this can have a profound impact on students. If your child or family needs support or a safe space to process emotions, we want to encourage you to reach out to our school counselor, Riley Smithgall, or our social worker, Angela Paull. Our team is here to support and offer assistance in any way we can.

Now, here we are, fast approaching the last week of school. We want to begin by saying thank you to each one of you for your support, care, and commitment to Lowell and our students’ success. We are proud of the work the staff, families, and community partners have accomplished together and we look forward to continued community connection and success as we plan into 24-25. Special appreciation and shout-outs to our graduating 5th graders – we wish you all the best at Meany Middle School in the fall!

Here are some remaining updates from the school:

Medications: The last day of school is next Friday 6/21!  If your student has medications in the Nurses’ Office, please make plans to pick them up by the last day of school.  No medications will be stored at Lowell over the summer.  Any meds not picked up will be sent to Health Services at the SPS Central Office. Questions/concerns – Please contact Nurse Teri 206-252-3027 or tdginster1@seattleschools.org

K-2 Families: This week, your K-2 child received 12 free books through Book Up Summer, a program of Page Ahead Children’s Literacy Program. Page Ahead would love to hear your thoughts about Book Up Summer! Your feedback helps them improve the program and raise funds to continue providing books to schools like ours. Their survey will only take two or three minutes to complete. Click on a survey in the language of your choice below. Please complete the survey before July 12.

• English Survey
• Español Survey

Here are a few final dates for your calendars:

• Friday, June 14 – All student devices (laptops and iPads and chargers) and library books must be returned to the school library.
• Friday, June 14 – Last Day of Boys and Girls Club After-School Care
• Tuesday, June 18 – Kindergarten Celebration – 1:30 pm in the cafeteria
• Wednesday, June 19 – No School, Juneteenth
• Thursday, June 20 – 5^th Grade Graduation Event – 2:00-4:00 on the play field
• Friday, June 21 – Last Day of School – School releases 1-hr early at 2:25 PM
• September 3 – Popsicles on the Playground; Meet Your New Teacher Social
• September 4 – First Day of School, Grades 1-5
• September 9 – First Day of School, Preschool and Kindergarten

A couple of short requests:

• If your family is not planning to return to Lowell next year, please notify Admin Secretary Tammy Watson in writing this week by emailing tawatson@seattleschools.org  This will help us accurately plan classes and enrollment for next year.
• Our Lost and Found is overflowing. If you have time to come check it out, we want to return as many items to families as possible before summer break.

Every year we must say goodbye to some incredible students and staff members, while preparing to welcome in many new scholars and educators for the new year. For community members who are leaving Lowell, please know how much we care about you and appreciate the contributions you made here. Please know that we will miss you and look forward to staying in touch and hearing about your next steps.

We wish you a wonderful summer and will be thinking of our students often. Rest up! Summer moves quickly and soon we will be walking through these halls together again. Do some reading, keep your skills strong, enjoy the Seattle sunshine, try something new, and please be safe.

With gratitude,

Ms. Dziedzic (pronounced Jay-Jick), Lowell Principal
Ms. Antonia Woods, Lowell Assistant Principal