Letter from the Superintendent Regarding Recent Whid...

Letter from Superintendent Moccia Dear South Whidbey Schools Community, We have been informed of a fatal car accident that occurred in the North Whidbey community earlier today. Due to the sensitive nature of the incident and the ongoing investigation, we are unable to share further details at this time.  This is the second tragic accident recently affecting our community.  As a small, close-knit community, we recognize that such tragedies impact us all in different ways. We encourage you to support students or staff members who may be struggling with this difficult news.  If students are feeling impacted by this tragedy or for any reason, we have mental health providers on staff in our buildings that can help.  Students can request to see a counselor by talking to any staff member in the building. To ensure that everyone has access to the help they may need, we would like to remind you of the following available resources: Employee Assistance Program National Center for Grieving Children & Families Tips for Grieving Teens Tips for Supporting a Grieving Teen NAMI Resources for Kids, Teens and Young Adults Crisis Line - 1.800.584.3578 24 Hour Crisis Line - 1.800.584.3578 Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time. Sincerely, Superintendent Moccia

Monday, Dec 02 2024

SWSD Navigator Newsletter - School Board Business Me...

​ ​ South Whidbey Schools ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Issue #120| November 7, 2024 ​ Welcome to this week's edition of the South Whidbey School District Navigator Newsletter! We're excited to share the latest happenings and updates from our school community to keep you informed and engaged. Don't forget, at the bottom of this message, click [Message clipped] View entire message and read through the whole message. The Navigator is packed full of updates, contacts, and information. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Thank You for Voting! ​ The South Whidbey School District replacement levies for technology, capital improvements, safety, educational programs and operations passed. We truly appreciate the support of our South Whidbey community. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Emergency Notifications, Closures, & Robo Calls ​ The South Whidbey weather and environment can be variable and unpredictable. When winter weather hits, our top priority is the safety of our students and staff. One part of our district may be clear while other areas are struggling with snow or ice. We make the decision to close or delay based upon the whole district. However, we know that every housing situation is different, and the final decision to safely attend school belongs to the parents. To help make the best possible decision, we continuously monitor weather forecasts. District staff drive the roads beginning at 5am, checking routes, schools, and reporting road conditions to the Superintendent by 6 a.m. A decision and announcement is made as quickly as possible, and will be updated as weather conditions change. Announcements will be made to staff and families via ParentSquare Alerts, the default notification is via email however, you can choose to receive notification via text or app notification. The message will also be posted on the website, via Facebook/Instagram, and FlashAlert. Please note that anyone (including grandparents, babysitters, community partners etc), at any time, can sign up on their own to receive the emergency and closure notifications with the link on our website (click here). Robo Calls are made only for Emergencies and Closures If you are not receiving the emails and texts, please update your information with the school registrars. Grades ITK-5: jfranks2@sw.wednet.edu or (360) 221-6808 x.4502 Grades 6-12: gbitts@sw.wednet.edu or (360) 221-6808 x.5411 If you decide to keep your students home, please provide their absence to you attendance secretary. Grades ITK-5: north-attendance@sw.wednet.edu or (360) 221-0637 Grades 6-12: ms-attendance@sw.wednet.edu or hs-attendance@sw.wednet.edu or (360) 221-0937 SWA 9-12: camundson@sw.wednet.edu or (260) 221-7879 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Bond Update - SEPA Notice ​ The District is planning improvements to South Whidbey Elementary School and South Whidbey Middle/High School as part of the Bond Measure passed by voters in 2023. The permit approval process will entail a public comment period. All interested parties are welcome to comment on the proposal. South Whidbey School District is expecting to issue a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Notice and Checklist for public comment on or around November 21, 2024 for both projects. These are two separate projects that will include separate SEPA environmental reviews and separate notices. The SEPA Notice for both projects will include a 14-day public comment period. Notices for both projects will be published in the Whidbey News-Times. When issued, information will be provided about where to access project information and how to comment on the proposals. Click here or the button below to view the Bond Webpage with slides from recent presentations. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Bond Updates ​ ​ ​ ​ Important Dates - Please Check ParentSquare for School Updates ​ Falcon & Cougar Athletics Home Games; Band Calendar Nov 11: NO SCHOOL - Veterans Day Nov 13: HS101, College Search and Financial Aid/FAFSA Night (6:00-7:30pm); School Board Meeting Nov. 14 - SWES Harvest Feast; SWES Coffee with Principal Richards Evening Zoom starts at 6:30pm Nov 25-27: ITK-8 No School, Parent Teacher Conferences Nov 27: Half Day for Grades 9-12 Nov 28-29: NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break Dec 3: Band Holiday Concert (Grades 6-12) Dec 5: SWHS Choir Concert - Winter Show Dec 7: SWHS Snow Ball Dec 21 - Jan 5: NO SCHOOL - WInter Break ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024-2025 School Calendar ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ School Updates ​ ​ ​ ​ Pride Banner Raising ​ South Whidbey Queer and Trans Club invites all community members to help raise the PRIDE banner on Thursday at 3:30 pm at SWHS tennis courts! Come support the LGBTQIA+ students in your life, enjoy some light refreshments, and have fun! Questions can be directed to Ms. Pinkerton (mpinkerton@sw.wednet.edu). ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Veterans Remembered at South Whidbey ​ Today and tomorrow, South Whidbey schools are holding assemblies to remember and recognize the veteran relatives of staff and students. On Monday, November 11th, the district will observe the federal holiday with no school. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Cougars & Orcas Carved Pumpkins ​ South Whidbey Middle School Cougar leaders crossed over to help Ms. Milan's 5th grade class with carving their pumpkins. All students enjoyed the day working together on this fun seasonal project. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 4th Grade Student Creates Washington Themed Compass Rose ​ As part of the Washington State K-12 Learning Standards, 4th grade student Ben Lodell created this amazing Washington themed compass rose. He drew this piece of art by free hand today. The class is studying maps of Washington state as part of the map skills standard. Ben came up with this idea on his own and added specific Washington pictures into the compass rose. Great job Ben! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ SWES Coffee with the Principal ​ Approximately, every two weeks, Principal Richards holds a morning Coffee with the Principal at the elementary school. This event is open to all to attend. If you miss it, you can view the videos, presentation slides, and handouts online: see https://swesnorth.sw.wednet.edu/activities/coffee-with-the-principal. The next event will be in the evening event on Thursday, November 14th at 6:30pm to discuss an overview of the specialist program. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Elementary School Halloween Fun! ​ Thank you to all of the South Whidbey staff, volunteers, and families that made Halloween a fun day at the elementary for the students. These Orcas participated in games, art projects, and a parade, led by 5th grade teacher Nels Bergquist, around the school. Way to go Orcas! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Middle School Halloween Hangout Was a Blast! ​ Decorations, costumes, games, snacks... Thank you to all of the staff, students, and families that donated supplies, chaperoned, and decorated for this fun annual event. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ High School Haunted Hallways ​ Falcon Leadership pulled up another fun spirit week for the students with candy-grams, dress up days, advisory trivia, and these spooky hallways. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Thank You ​ Thank you to all of our South Whidbey staff, students, families, and community partners that pivoted with us to help our students get home safely. See more about the intensity of the windstorm in the South Whidbey Record article linked here. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Athletic Acclamations ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Sports Desk Update ​ Fall football has ended the season. It was a challenging season for the Falcons and Cougars. They'll wrap up the season with their banquet tonight. Volleyball also had a challenging season. They went 1-1 this past weekend in the district tournament. However, their Tuesday loss ended their season. XC girl's and boy's finished 4th this weekend at the district home meet. Top 3 earned trips to state, however, 2 gals and 3 guys qualified as individuals and will compete at the state meet in Pasco this weekend. Good luck Falcons! We have one girl competing at the district swim meet this weekend. Good Luck Lady Falcon! Girls Soccer finished their season on 10/22 with their Future Falcon Night at their last home game. (Pictures attached you pick!) Girls Swim has one athlete heading to districts this weekend at Hazen High School. Middle early winter sports kicked off last week including Girls Soccer and Boys Basketball and have their first games next week. https://swms.sw.wednet.edu/activities/athletics/girls-soccer  https://swms.sw.wednet.edu/activities/athletics/boys-basketball ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Falcon winter sports turnouts are on Monday 11/18 ​ Families can sign up for all sports on Final Forms:  https://swhs.sw.wednet.edu/activities/athletics Sign ups must be complete and sport physicals must be up to date to be eligible to participate. Sign up as soon as possible to start receiving emails/communications for the coaches including practice times and locations. High school winter sports include Boys & Girls Basketball and Boys & Girls Wrestling. If you have any questions about FinalForms and paperwork please contact Kymy Johnson, our athletic secretary, at kyjohnson@sw.wednet.edu or call 360-221-6808 x5423. ​ ​ ​ ​ SWSD students are encouraged to attend and enjoy SWHS sporting events! While at these sporting events, TK-8th grade students must attend with adult supervision. Students should not be left alone or unattended at any time during the event.  We appreciate your partnership in keeping our Orca and Cougar spectators safe and happy!   Please reach out to Kymy Johnson in the ASB/Athletics office if you have questions. kyjohnson@sw.wednet.edu or 360.221.6808 ext. 5423. ​ ​ ​ ​ Student Supports ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Order your SWHS/SWA Yearbook Today! ​ BOOK SALES: PRICE: $65.00 The price will raise to $70.00 on December 1st, 2024. So order yours today! Last chance to order a book is February 21, 2025. Please note that we have to pre-order books so we cannot guarantee there will be books available at the end of the year, so be sure to place your order soon! 3 Payment Plan: option to pay in 3 payments with any purchase over $30.00! How to Order: Online: Visit Jostens.com to place your order online. Issues: Contact jgreene@sw.wednet.edu ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Safety Study Hall ​ ​ ​ ​ Peachjar Digital Flyers ​ ​ ​ ​ South Whidbey School Spirit Wear ​ ​ ​ ​ Free & Reduced Meal Application ​ ​ ​ ​ SWPTA, SWEPTA, Boosters, RTL and Volunteer Opportunities ​ Click Here to join one of the South Whidbey Community Groups that support the schools Performing Arts Booster (PAB), Athletic Booster, 6-12 PTA, SWEPTA (K-5), or the Emergency Notifications Group. Performing Arts Booster meets the first Wednesday of the month at 2:50pm in the Band room. Next meeting will be on Wednesday, December 4th at 12:50pm to distribute poinsettias. Volunteers needed. ​ ​ ​ ​ VOLUNTEER APPLICATION ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Superintendent Search Updates ​ ​ ​ ​ Board Corner ​ On Wednesday, November 13, 2024  the South Whidbey School Board will hold a business meeting and workshop starting at 6:30pm via ZOOM WEBINAR and IN PERSON. Both will be held at the South Whidbey Elementary School Dr. Julie Hadden Community Board Room at 5380 Maxwelton Road, Langley.  The agenda is linked HERE.  Please click THIS LINK to join the webinar. Passcode: 234129 Webinar ID: 881 5979 3362 Future Meetings: November 21-23 Annual WSSDA Conference December 11: Business Meeting ----- Brook Willeford, Board President ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Staff Highlights ​ ​ ​ ​ Thank you to Samantha for being our November staff highlight! She is making a difference everyday at the elementary school! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Be Our Next Highlight-Click Here ​ ​ ​ ​ Employment Opportunities ​ ​ ​ ​ Open Positions! ​ It's a great time to apply and join our team! To see the current open positions and apply, visit our website:  https://www.sw.wednet.edu/our-district/district-office/human-resources Board Certified Behavior Analyst 5th Grade Teacher - Leave Replacement MS Asst Track Coach Asst Coach - Fastpitch Head Coach - Girls Tennis  Asst Coach - Girls Tennis Teacher - Sports Medicine Athletic Trainer - Open until filled Also accepting application for substitute teachers, paraeducators, bus drivers, registered nurse, custodian, and food services. ​ ​ ​ ​ South Whidbey School District Comprehensive benefit package for eligible staff, which includes options for health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, long-term disability insurance, and compensated leave. Eligible positions are covered by the Washington State Retirement Plan.  For additional information and to apply, visit Fast Track: https://www.sw.wednet.edu/our-district/district-office/human-resources/open-positions ​ ​ ​ ​ Child Find Services: ​ South Whidbey School District is responsible for locating, evaluating, and serving children in the district boundaries who may have a disability in one of the following eligibility categories: Intellectual disability, a hearing impairment (including deafness), a speech or language impairment, a visual impairment (including blindness), an emotional/behavioral disability, an orthopedic impairment, autism, traumatic brain injury, other health impairment, a specific learning disability, deaf-blindness, multiple disabilities, or for students, three through eight, a developmental delay and who, because of the disability and adverse educational impact, has unique needs that cannot be addressed exclusively through education in general education classes with or without individual accommodations, and needs special education and related services.( WAC 392-172A-01035).   The school district offers free screenings for children ages 3-5 with developmental concerns. The next screening dates are: 1/22/2025 4/23/2025 Contact us at ahudkins@sw.wednet.edu or 360-221-6808 x 2206. Information is also available on our website at South Whidbey School District  (linked here). For students in grade kindergarten – grade 12 with concerns of a special education disability, contact the school counselor or principal. Contact STEPS (360) 679-1039 for children ages birth to 3. A child may be referred by any source that has knowledge about the student. South Whidbey School District serves all children (public school, private school, home school) residing within the school district boundaries. If your family is living in a temporary situation, you may contact the district where you are staying to attend a screening. ​ ​ ​ ​ SPED Records Retention ​ In keeping with the Public Schools Records Retention Schedule by the Office of the Secretary of the State of Washington to retain the special education records of students for a minimum of 6 years when the student is no longer eligible for services or has withdrawn from the district.  2018-2019 will be destroyed August 31, 2025 2019-2020 will be destroyed August 31, 2026 2020-2021 will be destroyed August 31, 2027 2021-2022 will be destroyed August 31, 2028 Contact the special education office at ahudkins@sw.wednet.edu if you would like more information regarding student special education files or to request the file. Records will not be released to parent/guardian if student is age 18+ in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): Once a student reaches 18 years of age or attends a postsecondary institution, he or she becomes an "eligible student," and all rights formerly given to parents under FERPA transfer to the student. ​ ​ ​ ​ South Whidbey is a Title I School District ​ We are fortunate that South Whidbey Academy receives targeted Title 1 funds support. Title I, Part A is part of the Every Student Succeeds Act. Its goal is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach proficiency on challenging state academic standards. Our Title I schools qualify for federal grant money which we use for additional: staffing, parent involvement, staff development, and extended school day opportunities to help us meet that goal. ​ ​ ​ ​ South Whidbey is a Title II School District ​ Title II, Part A funds are federal grants that support the preparation, training, and recruitment of school leaders and teachers. The funds are allocated to local educational agencies (LEAs) to help improve student achievement and the quality of teaching This year, Title II funds provide trauma informed professional education for our South Whidbey staff. This included training at the Life Space Crisis Institut, monthly teacher and para training on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and all staff training Conflict to Connection. ​ ​ ​ ​ Right to Request Teacher and Paraeducator Qualifications ​ All parents and guardians have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher(s) or instructional paraeducators. If you request this information, the district will provide you with the following: 1. Whether the teacher has met Washington teacher certification requirements for the grade level and subjects in which the teacher provides instruction; 2. Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status for which Washington qualifications or certification has been waived; 3. The college major of the teacher and any graduate degree or certificate; and 4. Whether your child is receiving Title I services from paraprofessionals, and if so, whether those paraprofessionals meet state/federal requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act. If you would like to request this information, please contact your principal. ​ ​ ​ ​ District and School Report Card Information ​ Are you interested in knowing how your child's school did on state assessments? How different groups of children performed compared to other schools? You can find out by going to reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us. The Report Card contains information about test results as well as other statistics about the school. To find results for South Whidbey School District, use the drop down menu in the box at the top left of the webpage to find South Whidbey School District and press go.  ​ ​ ​ ​ Title I Parent and/or Care Giver Involvement Policy No. 4130 ​ The board recognizes that parent and/or caregiver and family engagement helps students participating in Title I programs achieve academic standards. To promote parent and/or caregiver and family engagement, the board adopts the following policy, which describes how the district will involve parent and/or caregivers and family members of Title I students in developing and implementing the district’s Title I programs.   The district will do the following to promote parent and/or caregiver and family engagement:   The district will involve parent and/or caregivers and family members in jointly developing the district’s Title I plan. The district will provide the coordination, technical assistance, and other support necessary to assist and build the capacity of all participating schools within the district in the planning and implementing of effective parent and/or caregiver and family involvement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance. The district will conduct, with the meaningful involvement of parent and/or caregivers and family members, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of this policy in improving the academic quality of all Title I schools. At that meeting, the following will be identified: Barriers to greater participation by parent and/or caregivers in Title I activities; The needs of parent and/or caregivers and family members to assist with the learning of their children, including engaging with school personnel and teachers; and Strategies to support successful school and family interactions.   The district will use the findings from the annual evaluation to design evidence-based strategies for more effective parent and/or caregiver involvement and to revise this policy if necessary.     Please see the attached Policy No. 4130 ​ ​ ​ ​ Citizen Complaints ​ If you believe that the law that applies to federal programs like TItle 1 or 2 has been violated, you have the right to file a complaint. First, contact your child's school. If you can't reach a solution, you can file a Citizen Complaint through the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.  ​ ​ ​ ​ PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS! ​   Title I Director: Principal John Patton, TItle II Director: Principal Kayla Phillips ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Contact Us ​ ​ ​ ​ South Whidbey School District 5476 Maxwelton Road, Langley, WA 98260 Tel. 360-221-6100 FAX 360-221-3835 Questions/Concerns/Stories: Email info@sw.wednet.edu SWHS/SWMS Attendance Line 360-221-0937 (email)   6-12 Questions? Email meaton@sw.wednet.edu    SWA Office Attendance Line 360-221-0937 (email)    SWA Questions? Email camundson@sw.wednet.edu    SWES (North and South Campuses)  TK-5 Attendance Line 360-221-0637 (email)   TK-5 Questions Email dhouck@sw.wednet.edu  ALE K-8 Questions? Email jzundel@sw.wednet.edu            Special Education Questions? Email specialed@sw.wednet.edu Athletics Questions? Email kyjohnson@sw.wednet.edu HR Questions? Email hsmith@sw.wednet.edu 988 - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline   If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988Lifeline.org.  ​ ​

Thursday, Nov 07 2024

REMINDER: High School Winter Sports Start Monday 11/18

Hello Falcon Families! A quick reminder that Falcon winter sports turnouts are on Monday 11/18.   Families can sign up for all sports on Final Forms:    https://swhs.sw.wednet.edu/activities/athletics   Sign ups must be complete and sport physicals must be up to date to be eligible to participate.   Sign up as soon as possible to start receiving emails/communications for the coaches including practice times and locations. High school winter sports include: Boys & Girls Basketball  Boys & Girls Wrestling Boys Swim (Co-op with Kamiak) If you have any questions about FinalForms and paperwork please contact Kymy Johnson, our athletic secretary, at kyjohnson@sw.wednet.edu or call 360-221-6808 x5423.

Thursday, Nov 07 2024

SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED TODAY, Tuesday 11/5/24, due to la...

South Whidbey School District is CLOSED TODAY, Tuesday, November 5, 2024.  Unfortunately, the power has not been restored to the schools.  The buildings do not have power or water.   No SWSD bus transportation for Sno Isle.  NO SCHOOL TODAY.

Tuesday, Nov 05 2024

SWSD Navigator Newsletter - School Board Business Me...

​ ​ South Whidbey Schools ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Issue #119| October 17, 2024 ​ Welcome to this week's edition of the South Whidbey School District Navigator Newsletter! We're excited to share the latest happenings and updates from our school community to keep you informed and engaged. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Please click here for the corrected 2024 Island County Voters' Pamphlet ​ ​ ​ ​ Levy Updates ​ ​ ​ ​ Important Dates - Please Check ParentSquare for School Updates ​ Falcon & Cougar Athletics Home Games; Band Calendar Oct 18 SWHS and SWMS Photo Retakes Oct 23: PSAT during school Oct 23: SPED Screening Oct 25: SPED Coffee Talk; Deadline to Opt Out of HS Directory Info shared with High Ed Nov 5: General Election Day Nov 11: NO SCHOOL - Veterans Day Nov 13: HS101, College Search and Financial Aid/FAFSA Night Nov 25-27: ITK-8 No School, Parent Teacher Conferences Nov 27: Half Day for Grades 9-12 Nov 28-29: NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024-2025 School Calendar ​ ​ ​ ​ School Updates ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ¡Bienvenidos a los alumnos y al profe del Gimnasio Oxford, Bogotá, Colombia! ​ South Whidbey Middle School/High School students are hosting visitors from Bogotá, Colombia for 10 days. The six students and their teacher, Gino Vargas, are visiting SW to practice their English and experience life on Whidbey and at school. During their visit, the Colombian students have conversed with Spanish classes, given presentations about various aspects of Colombia, and enjoyed spending time with their host families and exploring Whidbey Island. On Friday, they will present an assembly of Colombian music and dance to the Middle School and HIgh School students. Thank you, students from Gimnasio Oxford, for sharing this time with us! SWHS has been hosting cultural exchanges from Colombia since 2004. Thank you to all who have helped support this program, both in the school and as host families!   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ SWES is a STEM Lighthouse School ​ Congratulations to Principal Richards and South Whidbey Elementary School (SWES) for being awarded a top honor as one of seven schools in the State of Washington by The Office of Superintendent of Public Education (OSPI) for 2024-2025 named as a STEM Lighthouse School. In addition to a $20,000 grant, SWES will serve as Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) mentors to other schools in the state.  ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ STEM Lighthouse schools will promote and develop STEM education, including technical assistance and advice for other elementary, middle and high schools that are creating their own STEM environments. South Whidbey's STEM nomination came from the OSPI Director of Environmental and Sustainability Education, Elizabeth Schmutz. She shared that "I nominated South Whidbey Elementary School as a STEM Lighthouse School because the school offers a strong place-based learning program rooted in community partnerships. The school’s garden education program is an outstanding model for integrating environmental and sustainability education with science and math, including all students, and improving student outcomes." South Whidbey Elementary school's "Farm, Forest and Sea" programs provide opportunities for all students to engage in STEM based learning experiences that connect them with community partners, outdoor learning and stewardship opportunities. According to Susie Richards, SWES principal "our Farm, Forest and Sea programs not only support our students' engagement in their academic learning, but provides them with a connection with our natural environment. At a young age, students begin to see themselves as citizens and stewards of this beautiful place that we live."  STEM Lighthouse schools originated in 2010 with the Legislature’s passage of state Rep. Tina Orwall's House Bill 2621 directing OSPI to designate schools that serve as an examples of: Small, highly personalized learning communities. An interdisciplinary curriculum with a strong focus on STEM, delivered through a project-based instructional approach. Active partnerships with businesses and the community to connect learning beyond the classroom. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Festive Fall Colors ​ Along with school, the change in the leaves, the cooler days, and rain, comes the harvest decorating. Thank you to our farm program for bringing the elementary students over to decorate the outside of the district office and South Campus with the dried corn stalks. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ SW Fire Fighters Provide Safety Training ​ Thank you to our South Whidbey Fire Fighters, including SWHS 2022 graduate, Riley Pomeroy, that came to teach our elementary students about fire safety and prevention. The students enjoyed the hands on training and ability to understand the fire safety gear. Just another example of our community making a difference to our South Whidbey students. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Order your SWHS/SWA Yearbook Today! ​ BOOK SALES: PRICE: $65.00 The price will raise to $70.00 on December 1st, 2024. So order yours today! Last chance to order a book is February 21, 2025. Please note that we have to pre-order books so we cannot guarantee there will be books available at the end of the year, so be sure to place your order soon! 3 Payment Plan: option to pay in 3 payments with any purchase over $30.00! Special Offers: Early Bird Discount: Order your yearbook by 10/25 and students can get up to 4 FREE icons with the purchase of personalization. Bundle Deals: Purchase the yearbook along with other school merchandise and enjoy exclusive bundle offers How to Order: Online: Visit Jostens.com to place your order online. Issues: Contact jgreene@sw.wednet.edu ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Sno-Isle Tech Info: ​ *Student Informational Session for all 10th and 11th grade students at SWHS/SWA during advisory on Friday 10/25/2024. Sno-Isle Tech Open House (the same night as the application for 2025-2026 goes live). Thursday November 7th from 6:00-8:00pm (see flyer) Sno-Isle Tech Application opens online: Thursday November 7th at 4:00pm  https://sc.mukilteoschools.org/  ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ National College Fair ~ Seattle, WA ​ Friday, October 25th, 2024 @ 9:00am - 12:00pm Saturday, October 26th, 2024 @ 12:00pm - 4:00pm Attendees MUST register!     https://www.nacacattend.org/24Seattle ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Because life happens! Chromebook Insurance ​ Chromebooks get stepped on, spilled on, wedged between textbooks, dropped, lost or stolen. For $25 (or $10 for students who qualify for free/reduced lunch), have peace of mind for the 2024-25 school year. Without insurance, a damaged or lost chromebook can cost up to $410 to repair or replace. Fill out the Student Technology Use/Insurance Form and send cash or check to the ASB office by end of day Tuesday, 11/1. ​ ​ ​ ​ Athletic Acclamations ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Falcons Brought Home the Bucket! ​ Our Falcon football offense had a breakout game, rushing for more yards than any game this season. We built a large lead in the second half and managed to survive a late barrage from Coupeville to win. Falcon's won 30 to 26. Congratulations Falcons!!!! This week, the Falcons play at Granite Falls HS. Next week, October 25th, will be the final season home game against Kings HS. Come out to cheer on the Falcons! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fall Athletics are in full swing. Falcons are depp in their season for football, volleyball, swim, cross country, soccer, tennis, and cheer. Cougars have started their season with football, volleyball and cross country. Check out these fun team photos captured for the season. Home game/matches/races and all athletic information is available on our website linked here: https://www.sw.wednet.edu/school-programs/athletics ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ SWSD students are encouraged to attend and enjoy SWHS sporting events! While at these sporting events, TK-8th grade students must attend with adult supervision. Students should not be left alone or unattended at any time during the event.  We appreciate your partnership in keeping our Orca and Cougar spectators safe and happy!   Please reach out to Kymy Johnson in the ASB/Athletics office if you have questions. kyjohnson@sw.wednet.edu or 360.221.6808 ext. 5423. ​ ​ ​ ​ Facilities Updates ​ ​ ​ ​ Update on the Gymnasium Restoration The gym restoration and upgrade continues. As you may recall, a broken pipe fixture adjoining our gym gave rise to a flood this summer in our high school/middle school gymnasium. Severe water damage from this water line break meant that we had to tear out and replace our maple floor. Because we had to remove the bleachers to tear out the floor, we also had to replace our bleachers. This work has been paid for by insurance.  However, district leadership also felt that our students, staff and community should enjoy a fully enhanced gymnasium that includes a fresh paint job on the walls and doors and new audio/video equipment. Our capital levy has funded the painting and any other enhancements beyond replacing the floor and bleachers. At this point, the painting and installation of banners, flags and student recognition signs are nearly complete. Installation of the maple flooring is underway. In late November and early December, the new bleachers will be installed. Our hope is that the gym will be fully functional by the New Year. It has been a huge project made possible by responsive contractors, patient staff and students, as well as community partners who have shared the South Whidbey Community Center gymnasium with us. Thanks to everyone for helping us navigate this challenging time. ​ ​ ​ ​ Facilities Improvements Underway Our gymnasium is not the only facility or space that is getting a facelift. Many other projects are underway, funded by the capital projects levy. Over the next week you will see a large boom lift in the stadium. This major piece of equipment is making it possible for Jon Forsberg of Java Electric and Urban Energy Group to replace all of the stadium lighting with brighter, more efficient LED fixtures. We are hoping that on the 25th, our players, families and community will enjoy the football game under new, modern lights on the field and in the grandstands. We had a crane on the high school campus last week raising a large coil onto the roof, designated for the HVAC unit over the auditorium. Along with repairing this unit, we have been repairing all of the units districtwide in a comprehensive repair project that will ensure heating and cooling until we replace most of these units and control systems under the bond. Along with HVAC repairs, we are replacing aging water heaters in each of our buildings, either that cannot wait to be replaced or are not covered under the bond. In fact, this coming week we are beginning the replacement of the water heater that serves the boys' and girls' PE locker rooms, as well as the water heater serving the North Wing of the high school/middle school campus. We are also trying to beat the atmospheric rivers in the forecast by repairing roofs in all of our buildings. We have had James King Roofing in to repair roofs at our transportation and maintenance building, as well as the high school and school district offices.   These are only a few of the projects underway that are funded by the capital projects levy. As we continue to improve our facilities, you will receive additional updates. Thank you for your support and partnership! ​ ​ ​ ​ Student Supports ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Meet our new Student Assistance Professional ​ Laura Michalopoulos (she/her) SAP - Student Assistance Professional Northwest Educational Service District 189  Phone 360-221-5417 Email lmichalopoulos@sw.wednet.edu Behavioral Health and Prevention |  Facebook | LinkedIn     ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Safety Study Hall ​ ​ ​ ​ Immunization Clinic Success ​ Emmy Atwood, South Whidbey School District Nurse and the Washington Department of Health served 123 students, staff, family and community members at the vaccine clinic last week, and administered more than 225 vaccinations!  This was a record-setting level of participation for the Care-a-Van Program! Thank you to all of the volunteers and to the WA Dept. of Health for this wonderful program to service our community! ​ ​ ​ ​ Peachjar Digital Flyers ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Readiness To Learn is excited for our 2024/25 Tutor Time session to begin! ​ If your student could use extra academic support, TutorTime might be for you! Students are matched with community volunteers who offer homework support and catch up and subject area tutoring, K-12 served. Registration is required.  We are also seeking TutorTime volunteers! A small weekly time commitment will yield big results for students and volunteers. This is a great way for older students to get some volunteer hours in! Email youthrprograms@readinesstolearn.org for more information.  Registration links for volunteers at our website!  ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ South Whidbey School Spirit Wear ​ ​ ​ ​ Child Find Services: ​ South Whidbey School District is responsible for locating, evaluating, and serving children in the district boundaries who may have a disability in one of the following eligibility categories: Intellectual disability, a hearing impairment (including deafness), a speech or language impairment, a visual impairment (including blindness), an emotional/behavioral disability, an orthopedic impairment, autism, traumatic brain injury, other health impairment, a specific learning disability, deaf-blindness, multiple disabilities, or for students, three through eight, a developmental delay and who, because of the disability and adverse educational impact, has unique needs that cannot be addressed exclusively through education in general education classes with or without individual accommodations, and needs special education and related services.( WAC 392-172A-01035).   The school district offers free screenings for children ages 3-5 with developmental concerns. The next screening dates are: 10/23/2024 1/22/2025 4/23/2025 Contact us at ahudkins@sw.wednet.edu or 360-221-6808 x 2206. Information is also available on our website at South Whidbey School District  (linked here). For students in grade kindergarten – grade 12 with concerns of a special education disability, contact the school counselor or principal. Contact STEPS (360) 679-1039 for children ages birth to 3. A child may be referred by any source that has knowledge about the student. South Whidbey School District serves all children (public school, private school, home school) residing within the school district boundaries. If your family is living in a temporary situation, you may contact the district where you are staying to attend a screening. ​ ​ ​ ​ Free & Reduced Meal Application ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ SWPTA, SWEPTA, Boosters, RTL and Volunteer Opportunities ​ Click Here to join one of the South Whidbey Community Groups that support the schools Performing Arts Booster (PAB), Athletic Booster, 6-12 PTA, SWEPTA (K-5), or the Emergency Notifications Group. Performing Arts Booster meets the first Wednesday of the month at 2:50pm in the Band room. Next meeting will be on Wednesday, November 6th at 2:50pm. Reminder the Band/Choir students are selling red poinsettias ($17ea), their annual fundraiser to help with competition fees, travel expenses, instrument repair, and guest speakers. Click here to order online or email swsdpab@gmail.com to order your poinsettias today. Sales end Monday October 21st. Poinsettias will arrive on December 4th and students will deliver. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ VOLUNTEER APPLICATION ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Superintendent Search Updates ​ ​ ​ ​ Board Corner ​ At our last workshop, the school board had a good discussion between members and with community members, students, and administrators about the surface for the sports field at the middle/high school. We also discussed the importance of the upcoming levy renewals this November, and a couple of minor policy updates.  This coming meeting we will have voted on all of those items, plus the presentation of the Leadership Profile Report from our superintendent search firm, and the School Improvement Plans from our principals. We’re very excited to see the community feedback on from focus groups and survey results on what folks want in a new superintendent, and it’s always fantastic to see how our talented admin team have brought the goals that the board sets for the district into their unique building settings.  On Wednesday, October 23, 2024  the South Whidbey School Board will hold a business meeting starting at 6:30pm via ZOOM WEBINAR and IN PERSON. Both will be held at the South Whidbey Elementary School Dr. Julie Hadden Community Board Room at 5380 Maxwelton Road, Langley.  The agenda is linked HERE.  Please click THIS LINK to join the webinar. Passcode: 234129 Webinar ID: 881 5979 3362 Future Meetings: November 13: Business Meeting November 20-23 Annual WSSDA Conference December 11: Business Meeting ----- Brook Willeford, Board President ​ ​ ​ ​ Bond Updates ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Staff Highlights ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Kristy Macarro Making a Difference! ​ Where I work? District Office Position: Director of Communications - Executive Assistant to the Superintendent. How long at SWSD? 8 years+ Describe your role: I am info@sw.wednet.edu, the silent talker, event planner, meal application- homeschool-choice transfer-records management/request officer+. Hear me in every Navigator, district social media post, robo message, the website +. I am here for you! Favorite thing about your job? Making a difference. Finding ways to make this district the best that it can be & letting everyone know how special it is. Most interesting thing about your job? Thinking outside the box. Every day is new. Every call, email, situation, meeting, event, brings a new problem to solve. My goal is to make the district more transparent, more efficient, and the best it can be for our students, staff, families, and community. All-time favorite movie?Definitely a romcom, with travel, food, and great music -- ie French Kiss, Under the Tuscan Sun, Eat Drink Man Woman, Like Water for Chocolate and so many more. Favorite spot on Whidbey? My home. We bought the home my grandfather built. I am 4th generation Whidbey (Orr Family). My mother and uncles are Langley HS alumni. After all of the summers and holidays I spent here, it's a dream come true. It is magical - and I grew up in Hawaii! Day to myself? Rare. I love to cook, read, watch movies, but ultimately it would be planning our next adventure. The luckiest thing to happen to you? My family. I am blessed with my husband, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, siblings, parents and friends. Bucket list? To be a snow bird and follow the 75 degree sun. Pandemic reflection? It was far more than just a virus. The effects are permanent and run deep into our souls. However, we are survivors and need to appreciate and live for the living and those we have lost. Talents? Pivoting. I was a Snoco prosecuting attorney. I listen, reflect, research, and recommend quickly. Great for travel to new places. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Be Our Next Highlight-Click Here ​ ​ ​ ​ Employment Opportunities ​ ​ ​ ​ Open Positions! ​ It's a great time to apply and join our team! To see the current open positions and apply, visit our website:  https://www.sw.wednet.edu/our-district/district-office/human-resources Teacher ITK - 3rd Gr Intervention Two - 2 hour Para positions at the Elementary School. Hours are 11:00-1:00 for one of the positions and 11:30-1:30 for the other. 2 hours a day for the remainder of the school year. Special Education Para at the MS. 6 hours a day for the remainder of the school year. Asst Coach - Fastpitch Paraeducator - Leave Replacement Head Coach - Girls Tennis  Asst Coach - Girls Tennis Temporary SPED Paraeducator for K-2. Teacher - Sports Medicine Athletic Trainer - Open until filled Also accepting application for substitute teachers, paraeducators, bus drivers, registered nurse, custodian, and food services. ​ ​ ​ ​ South Whidbey School District Comprehensive benefit package for eligible staff, which includes options for health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, long-term disability insurance, and compensated leave. Eligible positions are covered by the Washington State Retirement Plan.  For additional information and to apply, visit Fast Track: https://www.sw.wednet.edu/our-district/district-office/human-resources/open-positions ​ ​ ​ ​ SPED Records Retention ​ In keeping with the Public Schools Records Retention Schedule by the Office of the Secretary of the State of Washington to retain the special education records of students for a minimum of 6 years when the student is no longer eligible for services or has withdrawn from the district.  2018-2019 will be destroyed August 31, 2025 2019-2020 will be destroyed August 31, 2026 2020-2021 will be destroyed August 31, 2027 2021-2022 will be destroyed August 31, 2028 Contact the special education office at ahudkins@sw.wednet.edu if you would like more information regarding student special education files or to request the file. Records will not be released to parent/guardian if student is age 18+ in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): Once a student reaches 18 years of age or attends a postsecondary institution, he or she becomes an "eligible student," and all rights formerly given to parents under FERPA transfer to the student. ​ ​ ​ ​ South Whidbey is a Title I School District ​ We are fortunate that South Whidbey Academy receives targeted Title 1 funds support. Title I, Part A is part of the Every Student Succeeds Act. Its goal is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach proficiency on challenging state academic standards. Our Title I schools qualify for federal grant money which we use for additional: staffing, parent involvement, staff development, and extended school day opportunities to help us meet that goal. ​ ​ ​ ​ South Whidbey is a Title II School District ​ Title II, Part A funds are federal grants that support the preparation, training, and recruitment of school leaders and teachers. The funds are allocated to local educational agencies (LEAs) to help improve student achievement and the quality of teaching This year, Title II funds provide trauma informed professional education for our South Whidbey staff. This included training at the Life Space Crisis Institut, monthly teacher and para training on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and all staff training Conflict to Connection. ​ ​ ​ ​ Right to Request Teacher and Paraeducator Qualifications ​ All parents and guardians have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher(s) or instructional paraeducators. If you request this information, the district will provide you with the following: 1. Whether the teacher has met Washington teacher certification requirements for the grade level and subjects in which the teacher provides instruction; 2. Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status for which Washington qualifications or certification has been waived; 3. The college major of the teacher and any graduate degree or certificate; and 4. Whether your child is receiving Title I services from paraprofessionals, and if so, whether those paraprofessionals meet state/federal requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act. If you would like to request this information, please contact your principal. ​ ​ ​ ​ District and School Report Card Information ​ Are you interested in knowing how your child's school did on state assessments? How different groups of children performed compared to other schools? You can find out by going to reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us. The Report Card contains information about test results as well as other statistics about the school. To find results for South Whidbey School District, use the drop down menu in the box at the top left of the webpage to find South Whidbey School District and press go.  ​ ​ ​ ​ Title I Parent and/or Care Giver Involvement Policy No. 4130 ​ The board recognizes that parent and/or caregiver and family engagement helps students participating in Title I programs achieve academic standards. To promote parent and/or caregiver and family engagement, the board adopts the following policy, which describes how the district will involve parent and/or caregivers and family members of Title I students in developing and implementing the district’s Title I programs.   The district will do the following to promote parent and/or caregiver and family engagement:   The district will involve parent and/or caregivers and family members in jointly developing the district’s Title I plan. The district will provide the coordination, technical assistance, and other support necessary to assist and build the capacity of all participating schools within the district in the planning and implementing of effective parent and/or caregiver and family involvement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance. The district will conduct, with the meaningful involvement of parent and/or caregivers and family members, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of this policy in improving the academic quality of all Title I schools. At that meeting, the following will be identified: Barriers to greater participation by parent and/or caregivers in Title I activities; The needs of parent and/or caregivers and family members to assist with the learning of their children, including engaging with school personnel and teachers; and Strategies to support successful school and family interactions.   The district will use the findings from the annual evaluation to design evidence-based strategies for more effective parent and/or caregiver involvement and to revise this policy if necessary.     Please see the attached Policy No. 4130 ​ ​ ​ ​ Citizen Complaints ​ If you believe that the law that applies to federal programs like TItle 1 or 2 has been violated, you have the right to file a complaint. First, contact your child's school. If you can't reach a solution, you can file a Citizen Complaint through the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.  ​ ​ ​ ​ PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS! ​   Title I Director: Principal John Patton, TItle II Director: Principal Kayla Phillips ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Contact Us ​ ​ ​ ​ South Whidbey School District 5476 Maxwelton Road, Langley, WA 98260 Tel. 360-221-6100 FAX 360-221-3835 Questions/Concerns/Stories: Email info@sw.wednet.edu SWHS/SWMS Attendance Line 360-221-0937 (email)   6-12 Questions? Email meaton@sw.wednet.edu    SWA Office Attendance Line 360-221-0937 (email)    SWA Questions? Email camundson@sw.wednet.edu    SWES (North and South Campuses)  TK-5 Attendance Line 360-221-0637 (email)   TK-5 Questions Email dhouck@sw.wednet.edu  ALE K-8 Questions? Email jzundel@sw.wednet.edu            Special Education Questions? Email specialed@sw.wednet.edu Athletics Questions? Email kyjohnson@sw.wednet.edu HR Questions? Email hsmith@sw.wednet.edu 988 - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline   If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988Lifeline.org.  ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Thursday, Oct 17 2024