Dear Columbia Families,

On September 3, our superintendent, Dr. Alison Brynelson, shared the district’s initiative to prevent and respond to hate speech. Hate speech is any hurtful or discriminatory expression—spoken, written, or through actions—that targets someone because of who they are or are perceived to be (such as race, religion, gender identity, disability, or ethnicity). It is not the same as a disagreement; hate speech is about causing harm.

At Columbia, our focus is ensuring every student feels safe and has a true sense of belonging. We support this through:

Across the district, teachers will also be guiding students to recognize different identities, reflect on how words and actions affect others, and practice how to stand up for peers or ask an adult for help. K-2 classes will focus on responding when people are not nice. 3rd through 5th grade classes learn what hate speech is and how it is different from not being nice. All students are learning the steps to respond: Interrupt, Support and Report. We want all students and families to know that hate speech will not be tolerated at Columbia—or anywhere in the Mukilteo School District. If you would like to learn more, here is a resource that may be helpful: How to Talk to Your Children About Hate Speech.

October is Bullying Prevention Month. Next week, students will learn how to recognize and respond to bullying in a schoolwide assembly. Thank you to our fabulous PTA for bringing Taproot Theater to Columbia for this performance. In addition to our assembly, teachers and our counselor, Mrs. Pahre will be teaching anti-bullying lessons during October and November.

Thank you for supporting our belief in the dignity, worth, and potential of every child. We are excited for the year ahead!

In partnership,

Mr. Denton

Our 2024 Columbia Elementary PTA Read-A-Thon has begun!

You can find more information on our PTA website or our Read-A-Thon website

Please join us for our Pajama Jam dance party on Thursday, October 16th from 6:30 to 8PM. Grown-ups need to attend with students, this is not a "drop and go" activity. We still need volunteers for this event! Please sign up here to help out.

Columbia Cougar Spirit wear sales are coming! Sale will run from October 10th - 24th. Information will be sent home with students soon!

The 5th Grade Band and Orchestra Program for Columbia students has begun! More information can be found by clicking HERE. Registration is still open but closes on the 15th. If you are having problems registering please email Lisa Martin martinlm@mukilteo.wednet.edu with the following information:

Join us as we encourage kids to walk, bike and roll to school safely! We promote safety while walking to school, allowing teachers and local community service members to walk with students allows them to interact with them in other positive ways. The police department, the fire department, the mayor and our superintendent have all been invited and are supporters of this program. Students MUST be accompanied by a grown-up to participate.

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 Simone Neal (425-356-1319),  nealsr@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.