SYRE | 2025–26 School Year | WELCOME TO THE NEW YEAR

---

A Message from Principal Carroll

Dear Syre Families,

As we turn the page to a new school year, we’re excited to step forward with our theme: Together Toward Tomorrow. It’s a reminder that we are strongest when we care for one another, learn alongside each other, and dream about the future as a community.

I also want to take a moment to express my gratitude. Last spring, after the loss of my son, the love and support you shared with my family and with the Syre staff meant more than words can ever capture. Your kindness held us up during an incredibly difficult time, and I will always be grateful to be part of this community.

As we begin this year, Mrs. Alexander and I have worked closely to make sure Syre is moving forward with consistency and care. I will be on a .4 leave of absence on Mondays and Fridays this school year as I continue on my grief journey, and Mrs. Alexander, who has her administrative credential and stepped up last spring as acting principal, will continue in her role as Dean of Students, T-Th, and will lead as principal on Mondays and Fridays. To support her and our school, we are in the process of hiring a .4 dean of students, which will allow us to co-lead together and keep our community strong.

I’m grateful for your partnership and trust as we embark on another year of growth, joy, and learning. Together, we are ready to take on tomorrow.

With gratitude and hope,

Michelle Carroll
Principal

 

---

Staff Updates

Best Wishes

• Kiersten Kauffman – Moved to Hawaii to start her family

• Rico Dellaguardia – Relocated further south

• Retirees: Linda Vassallo & Michael Wellman

• April Stretz – Accepted district Special Education Teacher on Special Assignment position (OSA)

• Liz Abendroth – Moved to Cascade K8

Welcome to Syre!

• Faith Lowe – Psychologist

• Katy Browning – Resource Room Paraeducator

• Carly Derrick – 1st Grade Teacher

• Tore Olsen – 4th Grade Teacher

• Marybeth Scherf – LAP/Reading Specialist Teacher

 

---

Dates to Remember

Stay in the know 

• August 29 - Classroom Assignments will be sent through Parent Square by the student’s teacher, 4-5 p.m.

• Sept. 1 – Labor Day, NO SCHOOL

• Sept. 2 – Meet the Teacher, 3 pm-4 pm, Classrooms | PTA Popsicle Welcome, Playground 3:30–4:30

• Sept. 3 – First Day of School (Grades 1–5)

• Sept. 3–5 – Kindergarten Conferences | NO SCHOOL (Kindergarten Only)

• Sept. 8 – First Half-Day of Kindergarten, LAST NAME A-L, am, LAST NAME, M-Z, pm (specific times coming)

• Sept. 10, 17, 24 – Early Release Wednesdays, dismissal at 1:55 pm

• Sept. 19 – PTA Movie Night, Free for All Families, 6:30 pm, Syre Field

• Sept. 25 – Curriculum Night: Grades K–1, 5:30 | Grades 2–3, 6:10 | Grades 4–5, 6:50 pm

• Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – Early Release Wednesdays, dismissal at 1:55 pm

• Oct. 1 – PTA Fall General Mtg, 7 pm, Library

• Oct. 10 – Move-A-Thon (details to come)

• Oct. 30 – Pumpkins + Pals, 6:30 pm, Café/Gym

• Nov. 3–7 – Half-Day Release for Conferences, dismissal at 11:55 am

• Nov. 11 – Veterans Day, NO SCHOOL

• Nov. 17–21 – Book Fair Week

• Nov. 20 – Book Fair & Pancake Dinner (details to come)

• Nov. 26 – Half-Day Release, dismissal at 11:55 am

• Nov. 27–28 – Thanksgiving & Native American Heritage Day, NO SCHOOL

 

---

ParentSquare

ParentSquare is our main communication tool. Most returning families are already registered, but if you haven’t yet, please log in or sign up right away. 

https://www.ssd412.org/departments/technology/tech-help-for-families/parentsquare

 

---

📞 Contact Information- 206-393-4165

• Attendance/Registrar, Sarah Hinnenkamp

• Office Manager: Jennifer Gilliams

• Counselor: Heather Shickich

• Nurses: Amy Honeywell (M–Th), Rochelle Valbuena (F)

• Family Advocate: Becca Fabia

• Leadership: Heidi Alexander & Michelle Carroll

 

---

 It’s going to be a wonderful year. 

Thank you for trusting us with your children — we’re so grateful for your partnership.

GO WILDCATS!