October 2026 Newsletter

It has been so rewarding watching students arrive each day for school with smiles on their faces and ready to learn. Inside classrooms, students are developing routines and becoming active, engaged participants. During mealtimes, they are becoming more independent opening food packages, including those tricky milk cartons! At recess, new friendships are forming, and giggles fill our hearts watching our imaginative friends explore the playground.

Although many students have already decided that school is a wonderful place to be, others are still learning what life is like being away from home. If you are experiencing this, the best thing you can do is consistently send your child to school, even on days he/she expresses sadness or a desire to stay home. It’s hard seeing your child upset, but our Pathfinder team will be here ready to provide reassurance and support on those difficult days. Feel free to contact the school on challenging mornings so we can connect with your child and find ways to get him/her excited about school.

Kindergarten students thrive with routines. The transition back from a weekend, vacation, or returning after an illness can feel overwhelming. It’s our job to support students and help them feel safe. We look forward to partnering with you on the best of days and the more challenging moments. Establishing healthy habits, like consistent attendance, is a gift that will support a lifetime of success!

Warm Regards,

Melissa Walker

Health screenings begin Tuesday, October 13. Washington State Law mandates annual vision and hearing screening for all kindergarteners. Pathfinder is also lucky enough to partner with CHC (Community Health Clinic) to screen students for dental concerns. This screening requires a parent consent, so please ensure that you return the pink consent form to your student’s teacher as soon as possible. The consent forms were sent home with students Friday. If any concerns are found from the screenings, you will be notified. 

One of our goals at Pathfinder is to make learning fun and joyful. We also think it is important to teach children about American traditions, but to do so in a way that respects varied cultures, families, and religious beliefs.

Since many families do not celebrate Halloween, our focus at the end of October will be on seasonal activities and harvest celebrations. All children may safely attend school on October 30 without being exposed to activities that may conflict with personal or religious beliefs. If you want more information about the seasonal activities that will occur in your child's classroom, please reach out to their teacher. 

Mukilteo School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator Robert Gallagher (425-356-1300), gallagherrm@mukilteo.wednet.edu, Section 504 Coordinator Becca Anderson (425-356-1277), andersonra@mukilteo.wednet.edu, and the ADA/Access Coordinator Karen Mooseker (425-356-1330), moosekerkw@mukilteo.wednet.edu. Address: 9401 Sharon Drive in Everett, WA. Inquiries regarding ADA/Access issues at Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center should be directed to Wes Allen, Director (425-348-2220) allenwr@mukilteo.wednet.edu. Address: 9001 Airport Road in Everett, WA 98204.