Daniel Bagley offers a choice of two linked educational models in one public school community. Both our contemporary methods curriculum and our certified Montessori program provide a strong academic foundation for your child's education. Academics, the arts, sciences, technology and social skills are all combined into an exceptional school experience. Our thriving school community includes a diverse cultural mix of families.

• WA State School of Distinction
• Rated 5-out-of-5 in SPS School Reports
• Montessori + contemporary curriculum
• On-site before/after school child care + enrichment programs
• Visual arts, on-site learning garden and music programs

Happy New Year! I love this time of the year when you can start fresh and rejuvenated after the winter break and begin planning for the year ahead. I believe that 2012 will be fantastic year!

The next two months are going to fly by! During January we have only one week that is a full five days. The 16th is a day to remember and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On this day I ask you to take some time with your family to discuss the reason we are not in school and to answer the question that Dr. King once asked "What are you doing for others?" The 24th is a district-wide furlough day. As a result, students will be dismissed 3 hours prior to our normal ending time, 12:35pm. Students will still eat lunch at school with a modified lunch schedule. All teachers, office staff and instructional assistants must leave the building at 12:50pm. For this reason it is imperative that you arrange child care and/or transportation for 12:35pm dismissal. The Boys and Girls Club will be operating that day beginning at 12:35pm for students currently enrolled in the program; parents need to sign up for this service. January 27 is yet another day off from school. Again, the Boys and Girls club is available for childcare on this day for students that are currently enrolled in the program; parents need to sign up for this service.

As many of you are aware, the Seattle Department of Transportation has been working on repaving 85th street. As they continue on this project more and more traffic will be rerouted to 80th. Beginning in late May/early June, all eastbound 85th street traffic will be routed to 80th. SDOT anticipates this lasting through September 2012. This increased traffic on 80th will have an impact on drop-off and dismissal. We are working with SDOT and the school district to create a plan during this time. We need to begin practicing safe and legal crossing procedures now to model appropriate behaviors for our students. Please use crosswalks when crossing the street. We are fortunate to have a designated crossing guard at 80th and Stone Ave., Mr. Millsap on Stone Ave. and lights at 80th and Aurora. While we recognize the minor inconvenience walking to the end of the block creates, it is a small price to pay to maintain safety for our community.

Thank you for everything you do for your children and our school. I hope you all have a wonderful 2012!