My student will be attending Green Lake. What should I do first?

Register for the GLES Directory. This is optional, but it is the easiest way to connect with other families so your student can schedule play dates with new friends.

Label all personal items your student brings to school, including clothes, lunchbox, water bottle, and jacket. Many items are left on the playground or around the school and never claimed. Lost and found items are kept for about a month; the front office sends photos before anything is donated.

See the Communication section below for tips on how to stay informed and connected.

What is the PTA and how do I join?

The PTA is a volunteer organization that supports our faculty, staff, and students. Any and all families are welcome to participate, and you can find more details about PTA membership and volunteering on this site.

PTA membership is optional, but joining helps fund programs and services that enrich students’ experiences.

Are there any events for new families before school starts?

Yes. New‑family events are held at the end of the school year and over the summer. Watch for school emails with details. We will also try to post information about these events on the PTA website and social media channels.

How will I find out who my student’s teacher is?

Watch for an email from the School Admin/Secretary in late August; if you are enrolled at Green Lake, you will receive it. Teacher assignments are made once staff return and classes are finalized. Your student’s teacher will email you when they are ready to introduce themselves. If you haven't heard anything by September 1, contact the School Admin.

How does the school communicate with families?

The TalkingPoints app is the primary way the school shares time‑sensitive updates. You’ll receive messages and announcements from teachers, office staff, and administration, and this is how the weekly newsletter is delivered. You will also be able to send messages to teachers and staff through the app.

Teachers, the front office, and the PTA also send home calendars, notes, corrected work, and flyers in your student’s backpack. Please check backpacks daily so you don’t miss anything important.

You can also find updates on the PTA reader boards located at both playground entrances (1st Ave NE and Sunnyside Ave N). These boards highlight current and upcoming events and are updated regularly.

How do teachers communicate with families?

Teachers are the primary source of information about your student. They will share their preferred communication method at the start of the year. Please feel comfortable reaching out to them with any questions.

What is a Room Parent and what do they do?

Room Parents send updates about upcoming events, classroom needs, volunteer opportunities, field trips, and class play dates. They help keep families connected and informed about what is happening in their specific classroom.

How can I connect with other families?

You can join the GLES Discord server or the GLES Parents Facebook Group. The GLES Directory is another helpful way to connect with classmates.

How can I find out what the PTA is up to?

The PTA shares updates through Facebook, Discord, newsletters, and the PTA website. These channels include information about events, volunteer opportunities, and community initiatives.

Why are you using Facebook to communicate? I don't have a Facebook account.

Not everyone is a fan of Facebook, but believe it or not we have several families who only join Facebook for access to this group. We also share updates through the weekly newsletter, Discord, and the PTA website to ensure that all families can stay informed.

How do I stay informed about school and community events?

You can stay informed through teacher communication, Room Parent emails, the weekly newsletter from Principal McFarland, and the GLES Facebook and Discord communities. The newsletter is sent every Friday through TalkingPoints and email, and it is also linked on the PTA website.

What are the bell times?

Breakfast: 8:40 am
Morning Bell:8:55 am
Release: 3:25 pm
Wednesday Early Release: 2:10 pm

Students participating in breakfast must finish eating and be ready to line up before the bell.

When/Where do I pick up/drop off my student?

If your student is not riding the bus, you will pick them up and drop them off at one of two locations:

K-2nd Grade: Gate on 1st Avenue NE cul‑de‑sac
The cul‑de‑sac becomes congested during drop‑off. Arrive early if you want to park there and expect that you may be blocked in by other cars. Do not block traffic on Woodlawn while waiting to turn; if the cul‑de‑sac is full, consider parking on a side street or in a nearby lot.

3rd–5th Grade: Gate on Sunnyside Avenue N
Sunnyside is the bus drop‑off zone; do not park in the bus zone. For smoother traffic flow, enter from 65th and drive north to exit on Woodlawn. Sunnyside is essentially a single‑lane street with cars parked on both sides.

How does traffic work around the school?

Please consider parking on a nearby side street rather than driving directly to the gate; it helps reduce congestion and makes drop‑off and pick‑up less stressful for everyone!

Woodlawn is a busy arterial, so avoid blocking traffic while waiting to turn. Driving around the school can be frustrating at peak times; patience and extra time help. Here is a map with suggested parking areas:

Can I drop my student off early?

Students may be dropped off starting at 8:40 am. Prior to 8:40 there is no supervision of students.

Will my student be escorted to the bus?

An adult staff member will escort students to the bus at the end of the school day.

What school supplies do I need to buy?

None. Office Admin Amy Carroll bulk‑purchases basic school supplies for the entire school. Families are asked for a voluntary suggested contribution of $40 per student to help cover supplies and school software.

Do all students receive supplies even if we don’t contribute?

Yes! All students receive the supplies they need, regardless of payment. If you are able, consider giving a little extra to help cover costs for all students.

What supplies are provided to students?

Contributions are used to purchase pencils, pens, crayons, paper, notebooks, glue, etc. as well as tissues, hand sanitizer and wipes.

What should my student bring to school?

Students should bring a backpack, weather‑appropriate clothing, and a reusable water bottle each day. A reusable lunch box is recommended for those bringing lunch.

What should my student wear to school?

Send your student to school prepared for both indoor and outdoor conditions. Some classrooms run cool, others run warm, so check in with your student to make sure they’re comfortable. On PE days, athletic shoes are helpful.

Dragons go outside for recess in all weather, and indoor recess is rare. Because of that, we highly recommend you also send a change of clothes - handy on days when your dragon decides to fly down the slide in the rain.

How are meals provided at school?

Daily menus are posted online. Use the Green Lake Elementary Menu to view breakfast and lunch options. The MealViewer app is also available in the Apple and Google Play stores.

How can my student take advantage of the lunch program?

Breakfast and lunch are free for all students enrolled at Green Lake Elementary. Students simply go through the cafeteria line during meal times.

Where can I learn more about SPS Culinary Services?

You can apply for Free or Reduced Price Meals online or with a paper form through the SPS website. For more information, visit the Seattle Public Schools Culinary Services page.

Does Green Lake have a nurse?

We have a full-time nurse, one of the few in the district. Please contact the nurse at (206) 252-5327 if you have special health issues you wish to discuss.

What happens to my child if they become ill at school?

Teachers will send an ill child to the nurse’s office. There is one cot for resting and if the child has a fever or is unable to return to class due to symptoms, parents will be called to come and pick up their child. Please call or email greenlake.attendance@seattleschools.org if your child will be absent for any reason.

Why is my kindergartner so cranky when I pick them up after school?

It’s a long day for most kids, even if they have been in a preschool setting, and the first time in an environment with hundreds of children. It may be that your child hasn’t been eating his or her lunch to hurry outside to recess. Students in Kindergarten always get extra time to eat the rest of their lunch, however, you may try to bring a snack with you when you pick them up. Don’t expect them to want to tell you all about their day at 3:25pm. Chances are they need some down time. Bedtime is often the place children seem to relax and tell you all the details.

What do I do if my student is late, absent, or needs to leave early?

Notify the school as soon as possible by email at greenlake.attendance@seattleschools.org or by phone at 206‑252‑5324. If picking up your student during school hours go to the office.

Is there a school calendar?

Yes! The PTA maintains a complete calendar with both official SPS dates and GLES‑specific events. You can also visit the official SPS calendar on the district website.

What will my student's schedule be like?

Here's an example schedule which can give you an idea what to expect.

What will my student be learning?

Students learn core subjects - English/Language Arts, Math, and Science - in their classroom with their grade‑level peers. Teachers tailor instruction to each student’s learning level, often using small groups and collaborative projects.

We foster a joy of learning and of embracing both the achievement of understanding a concept, and the struggle inherent in learning new things.

How does Green Lake support different learning levels?

Every student learns at a different pace, and teachers use a variety of strategies to make sure each child gets what they need. This includes small‑group instruction, targeted practice, and enrichment opportunities for students who are ready to go deeper.

Green Lake also has a program called Dragon Blocks, where students are grouped by grade and skill level for core subjects. Younger grades focus on reading, while older grades focus on math. Dragon Blocks give teachers the flexibility to tailor instruction more precisely, and they give students a chance to learn and socialize with peers across their grade.

What supplemental classes will my student participate in?

Students attend Art, PE and Music each week, which are taught by specialized instructors.

4th & 5th grade students have the opportunity to participate in Instrumental Music taught by an instructor employed by the district who travels to many schools over the course of the week.

Are there any standardized tests?

Students in grades K-5 typically participate in the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment once a year.

How will I find out how my child is performing?

Parent-Teacher Conferences occur in November. All elementary children have the three days before Thanksgiving off for teachers to have scheduled conferences.

Report cards are sent home three times a year. Also, you can always call, write, or email your child’s teacher with concerns and thoughts.

Is testing for the gifted program offered?

All students are screened for Advanced Learning Services annually starting in 1st grade. Students that qualify for these programs after testing are notified by letter. Please go to the Highly Capable page on the district website or call the district for further questions regarding this testing.

Does my child have homework in Kindergarten?

This depends on your teacher, but most kids are only asked to read (or be read to) 30 minutes a day. After a full day of learning, we want students to be able to play and relax.

What after‑school care options are available?

Several programs serve Green Lake families:

• Little Explorers (https://www.littleexplorersseattle.com/)
• GLSA (https://greenlakechildcare.org/)
• Wallingford Boys & Girls Club (https://positiveplace.org/youth-before-after-school-programs/)

How do after‑school care programs handle pickup?

Little Explorers and GLSA pick up students on the playground after school. The Boys & Girls Club provides a bus that picks up students at the school.

What are the enrichment classes offered at Green Lake?

Green Lake Elementary offers after‑school enrichment classes from October through May. These classes provide opportunities for students to try new activities and explore interests.

How does registration for enrichment work?

You will receive information when the enrichment schedule is available on 6Crickets. Registration is handled through that platform.

Can childcare programs pick up after enrichment classes?

Little Explorers and GLSA can pick up students after enrichment classes. The Boys & Girls Club cannot.

Do we need after‑school care if my student plans to attend enrichment?

Enrichment is great for learning new things, but it is not a substitute for after‑school care. Most classes run once a week and last about an hour.

I've heard Green Lake Elementary is 'open concept', what does that mean?

Our building was designed as an ‘open concept’ school, but that’s not how classes are organized today.

Each grade is in a large space that has been subdivided into ‘Pods.’ These spaces have been fitted with acoustic tiles and other sound-dampening materials. In addition, teachers utilize directional speakers with the assistance of microphones. This enables students to clearly hear their teacher while they speak in a normal tone of voice, and lessens overall noise in the shared ‘Pod’ spaces. Teachers coordinate with one another, and try to minimize loud activities during times when other classes need things to be quieter.

How does Green Lake support students with sound sensitivity?

For students with sound sensitivity, the school provides sound-dampening headphones in each classroom. We also supply alternative seating options and are glad to work with families to meet the needs of their students for the best learning experience.

What Special Education resources are available?

Special Education: We have several different Special Education programs at Green Lake: Resource, Focus, Extended Resource and Medically Fragile. Our Medically Fragile program (Team A) is situated in the center of our school where all the students can feel a part of our community. We have student jobs that involve helping out with the Team A students. We make every effort to be welcoming to all students, regardless of the support they need.

Who is the librarian?

The library is run by Andrea Bernasconi, known to students as Ms. Pickle. She infuses the space with love of learning, helpful suggestions, and encouragement for all our young and developing readers.

How often do students visit the library?

Students visit the library every week on a designated day. Your teacher will share your class’s library day at the start of the year so you know when your student should bring their books back.

How many books can students check out?

Students are encouraged to check out several books. There is a checkout limit, so returning books on time helps them borrow new ones.

How do we return books?

Books can be returned on the student’s library day or dropped in the bin outside the library.

How can families see checked‑out books or fines?

Families can view checked‑out books, fines, and fees (including lost book fees) on The Source.

Where can I explore the library catalog and resources?

Visit the library portal to see new additions, collections, topics, and ebooks. The GLES Library Info for Families page includes the full catalog, newsletters, reading resources for English Language Learners, and tech support links for caregivers.

How do I contact the librarian?

Feel free to contact Ms. Pickle at albernasconi@seattleschools.org or 206‑252‑5331.

Will I be expected to volunteer?

Volunteers help make our school a great place to learn, and we encourage everyone to take part when they can. Most volunteers have full‑time jobs and young families, so it really does take a village to keep things running. Every contribution helps.

What kinds of volunteer opportunities are available?

The PTA regularly shares volunteer opportunities on the PTA website and through school communications.

How do I become an approved volunteer?

If you want to chaperone, volunteer on school property, or interact with students, you’ll need to complete the district’s mandatory online training and a background check. Visit the SPS Volunteer page for full details on the approval process.

How does the PTA handle donations?

Families give what they can comfortably afford. Whether it is $5 or $5,000, every contribution matters. Visit our Fundraising page to find more information about the PTA’s fundraising efforts and how donations are used.

How do fundraising events work?

The PTA hosts several major fundraising events each year, and we try to make them enjoyable and inclusive for all families. Visit our Events page to learn more about all our events, including our fundraisers.