SWSD Navigator - School Board Workshop, Wednesday Ap...

South Whidbey Schools Issue #131| April 17, 2025 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 reads best in the ParentSquare program and is packed full of updates, contacts, and information. Important Dates - Please Check ParentSquare for School Updates Falcon & Cougar Athletics Home Games; Band Calendar Senior Newsletter Dates - See ParentSquare post linked here April 17, 22, 24 - HS SBAC Testing (Assessments) April 17: SWES Family STEAM Night & Playground Groundbreaking Ceremony (5pm) April 18: SWES Spring Photo Day April 19: SWHS Junior/Senior Prom April 22: Kindergarten Information Night May 1 SWHS National Honor Society Induction May 2: Coffee wth the Principal May 6, 8, 13, 15: MS SBAC Testing May 10: Big Band Swing Dance May 12-14: ES SBAC ELA Testing May 19-22: ES SBAC Math Testing May 27: ES 5th Grade Only SBAC Science Testing. 2025-2026 School Calendar School Updates FAMILY STEAM NIGHT! Thursday, April 17th South Whidbey Elementary  is hosting a FAMILY STEAM NIGHT, Thursday, April 17th.: 4:45 - SWEPTA Dinner - $5.00 (cash only) for a hot dog, chips and a drink - served on the playground in the north covered area.    5:00 - Playground groundbreaking event! Join us at the wooden toy on the playground for this symbolic event! Students will be sharing their thoughts and thanks for our NEW playground coming this fall!    5:30 to 7:00 - Engage in a wide range of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math activities as planned by our teachers. Fun and learning for the whole family! Make sure to pick up your "passport" for the STEAM activities! They are available in the lobby and the playground!   Visit a wide range of community partner organizations who will have tables set up to share information on summer programs and activities for children!  "Day of Hope" Forefront Suicide Prevention Peer Trainers and Staff Eight of our sixteen Peer Trainers and three staff members for the Forefront Suicide Prevention Program attended the “Day of Hope” at the University of Washington campus. Seven high school’s brought students to this year's event and six other schools were represented by staff.  Effective suicide prevention is comprehensive: it requires a combination of efforts that work together to help address this problem. In the Forefront Schools model, both students and adults are invited to be part of these efforts.  “Day of Hope” is an annual event where schools across Washington can meet in person to share their prevention journey. This includes projects such as implementing Forefront peer-led LEARN curriculum to both students and adults, resource sharing, student wellness clubs and other creative projects.  There is still a great deal of stigma with this topic and many people in distress don’t seek help or support on their own. It’s important to empower both youth and adults in learning how to identify people that may be at risk for suicide and connecting them to care and support. It’s important to celebrate these efforts and be recognized and appreciated for the significant role our school has played in helping to save lives.  This year of 2025 on the 27th day of March was South Whidbey High School’s 8th year to attend “Day of Hope.” Staff included Rachelle Bennett, Paula Ludtke and Marguerite Berg. SWES Orca Code and Golden Tray Awards This month, we've launched a school-wide positive behavior initiative featuring class awards. Each week, a class will be recognized for honoring our ORCA code and demonstrating excellent behavior in different areas of our school. We've started with two award categories: the “Golden Tray” and “Bubbles” awards. This past week, a class from each lunch period received the "Golden Tray Award," earned by exhibiting good table manners, demonstrating responsibility, and contributing to an enjoyable lunchtime. These classes were honored with a decorated lunch table and will keep "The Golden Tray" for their grade level in their classroom until the next recipient is selected. Congratulations to Ms. Carlson’s class, Ms. Hanson’s class, and Mr. Bergquist’s class! The office staff acknowledged the class they observed consistently following behavior expectations in the halls all week long by awarding “Bubbles,” our beloved stuffed orca. “Bubbles” will get to reside in the winning class’s classroom for a week! Congratulations to Ms. Spear’s class for being the first recipient! STAMP - Seal of Biliteracy This Spring, South Whidbey High School administered the STAMP Language Proficiency Exam (Spanish) to 5 students. Seniors that have met the Seal of Biliteracy not only have the seal on their transcript but also are awarded a medal at Graduation Time Awards Assembly. To earn the Seal of Biliteracy by graduation, students must earn four World Language competency-based credits, and meet ELA Standard. SWHS uses AP Language Exams or the Avant STAMP Exam for the World Language qualification. The STAMP tests consist of multiple sections that take roughly 20-30 minutes each to complete Approximately 1.5 hours Reading (approx. 30 minutes, authentic resources with M/C questions) Writing (3 prompts) Listening (approx. 30 minutes, authentic resources with M/C questions) Speaking (3 prompts)All 50 states in the U.S. accept STAMP 4S scores for the Seal of Biliteracy. Cougars Compete in Intramural Volleyball Tournament In their intramural volleyball tournament, the South Whidbey Middle School Mad Hoppers took the title of school champions beating out 2nd place Easter Eggs in a final score of 25-21. Congratulations to all who participated!! Thank you to WICA for the Portland Taiko Drummers Performance Before Spring Break, on Friday, Marcy 28th, the South Whidbey Elementary 4th and 5th graders had the opportunity to see the Portland Taiko performance at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA). We want to thank WICA as they provided this performance as a no cost opportunity for all of our 4th and 5th grade SWES students and our ALE students / families! Beware of Phishing Scams Just a reminder to beware of phishing scams. Current scams are targeting parents preparing their students for college. Just a reminder for all students and parents to go directly into their personal College Board accounts to share any information. Do not respond or share any personal information to any emails requesting personal information. Phishing scams can pose as legitimate entities using deceptive emails, text messages, and/or phone calls with the goal to trick individuals to revealing sensitive information or clicking malicious links. They may already have specific personal information that makes them look real in an effort to solicit more personal data. School Board Student Member Applications Open till May 5, 2025 South Whidbey School Board is looking for the next student voice to be a student board member.  Interested students click her for the application. Student application packet submitted to Principal Patton by May 5, 2025. Interviews with School Board at the May 14, 2025 Workshop, 5:30pm. Board selects and announces Student Representative following interviews. May 28 new student representative seated May 28 final board meeting of term of outgoing representative Save the date! South Whidbey Elementary School Kindergarten Information Night will be on April 22nd from 6-7pm. South Whidbey Elementary School provides a learning environment for your child to learn, grow, and develop in a nurturing and safe space. We have certificated teachers, outdoor programs, social opportunities, full time education, and it's free! Click here to register online today! Spring SBAC Testing - Assessments SWHS and SWA students will be taking the Washington state assessments on April 15th, April 17th, April 22nd and April 24th.  Meeting standard on the SBAC ELA, SBAC Math and Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science(WCAS) is a graduation requirement pathway.  All students will be on a modified schedule during these days. Middle school students will be testing on May 6, 8,13, and 15th. Elementary school students who are testing will be testing between May 12-30th. Please see your ParentSquare messages for more information Sno-Isle TECH Summer School Sno-Isle TECH Summer School is back again! This year we are offering 13 introductory classes to all of our incoming 9th-12th grade students. Summer school is a free opportunity that will run from June 23-July 11 (with July 3 & 4 off) during the hours of 7:30AM-3:15PM. A light morning snack and lunch will be provided to students. There is no transportation provided for summer school, students must provide their own transportation to and from the Sno-Isle TECH campus.   To apply, students/parents/guardians will go to our website, snoisletech.com > Click the “Resources” tab up top > Then click “Summer School”. We will have a Google Form link on that page to apply for summer school. Students will be contacted by Sno-Isle once summer school classes get solidified, which may take a little bit. But we will do our best to let them know the status as soon as we can! Native Plants at South Whidbey Elementary School The SWES Orcas returned from spring break to find Shooting Stars, Chocolate Lilliies and Bleeding Hearts blooming in their native garden.  In the fall, Susan Milan and Heather Dubendorf's fourth grade classes planted native bulbs in the front entrance garden bed. In March, the first to bloom was the Grass Widow with its pink flowers, surrounded by daffodils Camas, an important historical food source for the Native Peoples of the Pacific Northwest, will be blooming in May... stay tuned! We are all now enjoying their spring flowers!. Shooting star with grape hyacinths, Chocolate lily (shown below), Bleeding heart with shooting star Take a walk around the front bed of the ES, and see what you can find... every week more flowers will be blooming! Next Coffee with the Principal - May 2nd Please join SWES teacher Kristin Codda to gain understanding and skills on how best to support your child with their math learning! We will have resources to share and materials to help families understand the specific strategies being taught through our math curriculum. Click image below to purchase yearbooks: Board Corner At our last board workshop, the board discussed some results from the student, staff, and guardian survey that we’ve used for the last several years. These survey results play heavily into our goal-setting and evaluation process, and we appreciate those who took the time to fill one out.  Our upcoming business meeting will have a report on the National Teacher’s conference, on the district’s alternative programs, and on our Highly Capable program. After that, the board will vote on a few housekeeping items and get reports from student reps, the district finance director, and the superintendent. We’re looking ahead in the next few months to selecting a new student representative as Carter McKnight completes his two-year term, and to beginning the goal-setting process for next year. On Wednesday, April 23, 2025 the South Whidbey School Board will have a Business Meeting at 6:30pm, via ZOOM WEBINAR and IN PERSON 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: May 14 Board Workshop, Student Interviews May 28 Business Meeting June 18 Workshop June 25 Business Meeting -- Brook WIlleford, Board Chair Athletic Acclamations Congratulations to Sophia Jennings For Being Named WIAA Athlete of the Week Congratulations to South Whidbey High School freshman, Sophia Jennings, who was named a WIAA/Gesa Credit Union Athlete of the Week! This award is designed to honor student-athletes across the state for their outstanding performances and impactful contributions in their communities. Currently, Sophia plays fast pitch. In the Fall, she was on the Falcon Volleyball team. Per tWIAA, As a freshman, Sophia has dominated the start of her season both offensively and defensively. Pitching a total of eight innings, she has struck out eighteen batters andonly given up two hits. Offensicely, she boasts a .667 batitting average, including three triples, two doubles, and a single. Sophia is dedicated to every practice and committed to team leadership. Off the field, she excels in academics and school leaderhip. Great job Sophia! Cougar Track Team in Action Come out to cheer on our South Whidbey Middle School Track team with two upcoming Wednesday home meets on April 30th and May 21st. South Whidbey Boosters will have concessions open for both track meets. Go Cougars! South Whidbey Alumni Running in the Boston Marathon A group of South Whidbey coaches and alumni are heading to Boston to run the marathon next Monday. Luc Gandarias, a senior at Stanford is running in the para division and will be guided by alum/asst. Coach Scott Warwick, assistant coach Joe Humrickhouse, retired teacher and coach Doug Fulton, and alum Terra Wildon (class of 2014) will also be running. We wish them the best of luck! Spring Sports in Full Swing Thank you to our yearbook photographers students Baylie Kuschnereit, and Meghan Ballestrasse, and teacher, Jeff Greene for these awesome photos. Click Here or on golf photos to connect to John's Photos to see and order full size images. For Falcon schedules and standings, please visit the Emerald Sound Webpage linked here. 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 Tk-5th Grade Students Are Eligible for Free Meals in 25-26! Thank you for completing the Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit (CNEEB) applications (Free and Reduced Meal Applications) this year! The applications qualified the South Whidbey Elementary School students to receive free meals in the 2025-2026 school year! RCW 28A.235.135 (HB 1238) requires Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to provide meals at no cost to students enrolled at elementary schools where 30% or more of enrolled children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. This requirement is based on October 2024 Building Data. Elementary schools are defined as schools consisting of any of the K–4 grade levels. In September 2025, please complete the 25-26 Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit (CNEEB) application (Free and Reduced Meal Application) to assist the district with qualification in the following year., .More information and resources can be found on the Meals for Washington Students webpage. Summer EBT - Sun Bucks Washington State will be participating in Summer EBT, “SUN Bucks,” a grocery benefit program that provides families with $120 for each eligible school-aged child to purchase groceries when school is out for summer break. This program is in addition to free meals that kids of all ages can get at summer meals sites in their communities. Those students who have an approved Free and Reduced Meal Application or have been directly certified will automatically be eligible to receive their SunBucks. Free & Reduced Meal Application Free and Reduced Meal Application The number one action parents/guardians can do to help school funding is complete the Free and Reduced Meal Application that qualifies the district for different funding. Those who qualify under direct certification (Medicaid, TANF, Basic Food, Foster Care) or McKinney Vento do NOT need to complete this application Thank you to those who have already completed the application. Through the submission of the Free and Reduced Meal Application, students may qualify for: Free and reduced-price meal benefits, Summer EBT benefits (if enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program), and/or Reduced fees for other programs and activities. This information is also used by the state and federal governments to send increased funding and provide other educational programs in schools with higher populations of students experiencing poverty. The form is simple to fill out and confidential. There are no citizenship requirements for participation in the federal child nutrition programs that Washington’s schools operate, and immigration status is not requested or disclosed. 2025 Readiness to Learn Summer Fun SummerFun is Coming! Readiness To Learn is pleased to be offering SummerFun 2025-lots of fun plans are in the works!! Registration opens on May 19th on our website, www.readinesstolearn.org SWCC Betty Clark Garden Work Party Readiness To Learn is pleased to be hosting a garden clean up at the South Whidbey Community Center on April 22nd from 10 to 1! Find more details and sign up HERE!  Class of 2025 -- Local Scholarship Applications LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS ARE POSTED ON SWHS WEBSITE UNDER STUDENT SERVICES! https://swhs.sw.wednet.edu/academics/student-services/local-scholarships Above is the link to all of the local scholarships posted for 2025. It is very important to read everything at the top of the scholarship page before you get started, every year we have students that don't follow through with key pieces of applications. The SWHS General Scholarship link is provided on this page as well and we have made it more Google Docs friendly.   Things to Know: 1. There are different due dates for some of the scholarships, but the majority are due 4/7/2025 (the Monday after Spring Break). 2. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! Your semester will only get busier. 3. You must submit a copy of your transcript with almost every scholarship! 4. I encourage you to do a quick review of the list and pick out the main scholarships that you meet the criteria for and make a list of those, then rank them for completion.   5. If you have questions, come talk with your School Counselor, but please Do Not ask a question that is clearly outlined for you in the directions (you need to read them first)! If you are seeking continued education next year, there is a scholarship opportunity for you on this list! Attendance Matters Often parents ask if they should provide a Doctor/Dentist note when their student is absent for an appointment. WA state requires a Parent meeting for 5 excused absences in any month or 10 excused absences within the school year. Please provide a Medical note if your child has been absent for an appointment to the Doctor, Dentist, Occupational Therapist and/or Counselors appointment.   Here are a few ways to excuse absences: Parent Square Pick-up Patrol (TK-5), Plan change, utilize the Absent button and please provide a reason. Call Attendance line, ES 360-221-0637, MS/HS 360-221-0937, SWA 360-221-7879 Dr.’s notes referencing appointments.    Handwritten notes. FOR SWES STUDENTS, CALL THE FRONT OFFICE 5 MINUTES BEFORE ARRIVING FOR EARLY PICKUP. MAKE SURE THE TEACHER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED WHEN/IF POSSIBLE.   SWES Pre-Arranged Absence form (attached here):  SWHS 9-12: Pre-arranged absence form SWMS 6-8 Pre-arranged absence form SWES-N ITK-5 Pre-arranged absence Form This form is for parents who plan on having their child out more than a day. Washington State does not excuse vacations, so we've created a form to create a bridge of communication. Fill it out, get it back to the office and we’ll get a signature from your child's teacher and take care of getting the principal's signature. Use this form to excuse absences when your child will be gone longer than one day.   Attendance/Truancy Requirements for WA State (attached here): https://www.sw.wednet.edu/connect/attendance Opertations Update Bond Updates Capital Levy Projects The South Whidbey School District is about to receive our second electric school bus! Last year, we added our first electric bus to the fleet. That bus carries 75 (maximum) passengers and has a range of approximately 100 miles. We have a Level 2 charger at our transportation center where we plug the bus in after each trip, ensuring a full range. The driver of that bus, and the students he transports, love the quiet, smooth ride. The bus was funded almost entirely by an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean School Bus grant, which included the purchase of a charger. In the coming weeks, we will be receiving our second electric bus. Like the first bus, this is a Type C bus that can transport up to 75 students. It also will have a range of about 100 miles. We recently had a second charger installed, which allows the buses to charge consecutively. Typically, it takes only a few hours to bring each bus back to a full charge following a trip. Another grant from the EPA paid for most of the bus and charger, while the remainder was supported through state transportation funding designated for bus purchases. The South Whidbey School District is proud to be leading the way with our focus on sustainability, health and climate-friendly practices. Integrating electric buses is an important part of that work. We look forward to expanding this focus in our transportation system, our facilities, and in our relationships in the coming years. School Bus Guidelines and Expectations A gentle reminder on the bus guidelines and expectations. The messes being left on the bus daily is beyond what we would expect of our students. There is no food or beverage allowed, this includes candy, gum as well. Full reminders on this site here  Items not allowed on the bus: Glass objects: bottles, jars, etc. Aerosol containers Food, drink, gum Live critters: bugs, animals, worms, etc. Oversized objects and instruments that cannot fit safely in the seat with the student Weapons: guns, knives (real or toy), razor blades, laser pointers, etc. Sports equipment that could endanger others Portable radios Any item that is dangerous, illegal or against school property Thank you for respecting our shared space and cleaning up after yourselves each day! SWPTA, SWEPTA, Boosters, RTL, SW CARES, 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, May 7th . VOLUNTEER APPLICATION     Staff Highlights 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 Leave Replacement - Paraeducator. Assignment goes to the end of the school year. Evening Custodian - 4 hours/day. Monday through Friday 7:00pm - 11:00pm Leave Replacement Custodian at the Community Center/Courier District Wide. Assignment runs through 6/6/25 Temporary - Paraeducator at the Elementary School. Through the end of the school year. HS Girls Basketball Head Coach for the 25/26 Winter Season Construction Project Manager Teacher-HS/MS Band & Music Assistant Coach - JV Boys Soccer Lead Mechanic/Maintenance Technician School Bus Driver - Afternoons School Bus Driver Trainer School Bus Drivers 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: 4/30/2025 (Updated date) 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.   It Takes A Village! Actions our school community can do to assist in student education: Complete the Free and Reduced Meal Application to assist with school funding. Daily Student Attendance — helps students in their classes and funding for the district Communication – review your ParentSquare messages, communicate with teachers. Share with the Community all of the positive events and achievements in the schools Print and post single page Navigator at local establishments Re-share district social media posts Invite members of the community to school events Talk to other parents/guardians about what is happening Advocate to elected officials the concerns of the district (link to slides from Coffee with the Principal) Respond to misinformation with links to the website or suggestion to contact info@sw.wednet.edu for correct information Connect with Washington advocacy groups: OSPI - Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction WSSDA - Washington State School Directors' Association WASBO - Washington Association of School Business Officials WAMOA - Washington Association of Maintenance and Operations Administrators WEA - Washington Education Association PSE - SEIU - Public School Employees of WAshington Donate money for ES Book Fair for students who don't have funds Volunteer – in schools/classes, SWEPTA, boosters, athletics, etc. Fill out planned absence slips when you know your child is going to be absent ahead of time so we can plan Engage with Q&A and other School Board Forums even if it's sending a question in ahead of time via email Crisis Supports Mental health providers are on staff in our buildings that can help our students in need. 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 HELP IS HERE! South Whidbey Student-Family-Community Resources We know that supporting students means supporting families too. South Whidbey School District is committed to connecting families with helpful community resources and support services. During these uncertain times, if your family is ever in need of assistance—whether it's food, clothing, housing support, mental health resources, or other community services—please don’t hesitate to reach out to our community partners for help. The Readiness to Learn (RTL) Family Resource webpage linked here is updated regularly and a valuable source for support. We know it can be a challenge to reach out and ask for assistance. However, caregivers usually feel supported and cared for after connecting with the RTL staff. Even if they can’t come to a complete solution, having a kind, helpful person in your corner really does make a difference. RTL is here to help connect you to local programs and partners who care. Additionally, our district family support website (linked here) includes the link to RTL plus links to our South Whidbey community partners and other supportive information. Please remember—reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. 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 ahudkins@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.  Safety Study Hall Peachjar Digital Flyers South Whidbey School Spirit Wear

Thursday, Apr 17 2025

REMINDER: Middle School Track Registration & First Day

Hello Cougar Families! Middle School Track & Field starts Monday April 14th.  Families can sign up for all sports on FinalForms:   https://swms.sw.wednet.edu/activities/athletics   Sign ups must be complete and sport physicals must be up to date to be eligible to participate. For the first day of practice track will meet in the Cougar Den right after school.  Practice and Meet schedules can be found on the middle school track website. https://swms.sw.wednet.edu/activities/athletics/track 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. Go Cougars!

Wednesday, Apr 09 2025

Health Alert: Measles

April 8, 2025 Dear South Whidbey Schools Community,  As you may already know, measles continues to spread across the U.S. with Texas recently reporting the death of a second unvaccinated child. On April 1st, WA State reported a new case of measles in our neighboring Snohomish County. Currently 607 cases nationwide (97% unvaccinated folks) and 3 cases in WA state. We expect to see more cases within the coming weeks due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, and a surge of Spring Break travel. (We know the case in Snohomish County came through SeaTac Airport and several health clinics in the Everett area.) Visit Vaccines.gov   (linked here)  to help you find pharmacies offering the MMR vaccine near you. What are the symptoms of measles? High fever Cough Runny nose Red, watery eyes A rash which begins at the face and spreads down the body How can we prevent measles? The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the strongest protection against measles. Children normally get the MMR vaccine at one year and four years of age. If people haven’t been vaccinated against measles as a child, they can get the MMR vaccine as an adult. Getting the MMR vaccine is safer than getting sick with measles, and it protects your family and your community.    For more information about measles, visit the  WA DOH webpage (linked here). CDC is recommending overly cautious testing, if there is conjunctivitis accompanied by a rash, assume it is measles and refer for testing.  Isolate from the appearance of rash and then four days, stay home until no fever without use of fever reducing medications, the county will monitor all those with close/household contact for 21 days with daily check ins.  If a person lives in a household with a confirmed case of measles and experience symptoms, they SHOULD NOT go to the clinic.  Call DOH and they will come test in full hazmat. Emmy Atwood, MSN, MPH, RN, NCSN (pronouns: she/her) Nurse Manager and Middle School Health Teacher South Whidbey School District 360-221-6808 ext 5420

Tuesday, Apr 08 2025

SWSD Navigator - School Board Workshop, Wednesday Ap...

South Whidbey Schools Issue #130| April 3, 2025 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 reads best in the ParentSquare program and is packed full of updates, contacts, and information. Important Dates - Please Check ParentSquare for School Updates Falcon & Cougar Athletics Home Games; Band Calendar March 31 - April 4: Spring Break April 15, 17, 22, 24 - HS SBAC Testing (Assessments) April 17: SWES Family STEAM Night & Playground Groundbreaking Ceremony (5pm) April 19: SWHS Junior/Senior Prom April 22: Kindergarten Information Night May 6, 8, 13, 15: MS SBAC Testing May 10: Big Band Swing Dance May 12-14: ES SBAC ELA Testing May 19-22: ES SBAC Math Testing May 27: ES 5th Grade Only SBAC Science Testing. 2025-2026 School Calendar HELP IS HERE! South Whidbey Student-Family-Community Resources We know that supporting students means supporting families too. South Whidbey School District is committed to connecting families with helpful community resources and support services. During these uncertain times, if your family is ever in need of assistance—whether it's food, clothing, housing support, mental health resources, or other community services—please don’t hesitate to reach out to our community partners for help. The Readiness to Learn (RTL) Family Resource webpage linked here is updated regularly and a valuable source for support. We know it can be a challenge to reach out and ask for assistance. However, caregivers usually feel supported and cared for after connecting with the RTL staff. Even if they can’t come to a complete solution, having a kind, helpful person in your corner really does make a difference. RTL is here to help connect you to local programs and partners who care. Additionally, our district family support website (linked here) includes the link to RTL plus links to our South Whidbey community partners and other supportive information. Please remember—reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. School Updates ALE Restoration Project!  This year our ALE 3rd-5th grade Community action project has been working with the Whidbey Camano Land Trust to restore a site at Trillium Community Trails. Students have worked with Taylor Schmucki for four weeks, removing tons of invasive blackberries. Students have alhad an opportunity to learn about site restoration as well as the other restoration work being done at Trillium. This week students worked to plant over 100 trees, protecting them and mulching them. Exciting Field Trip for Ms. Maddux’s Middle School Students: STEM Adventure at iFly! On Friday, March 21, Ms. Maddux's middle school students embarked on an unforgettable STEM field trip to iFly in Tukwila, where the spirit of adventure soared to new heights! Students were thrilled to experience the exhilarating sensation of indoor skydiving in a state-of-the-art wind tunnel, guided by skilled instructors who ensured a safe and unforgettable experience for everyone. Not only did students get to feel the rush of “flying,” but they also engaged in an interactive lab that delved into the science behind parachutes and the dynamic forces that make them work. This hands-on experience brought math and science to life, showcasing the practical applications of these subjects in ways they had never imagined before. The trip was thoughtfully designed to inspire students about future STEM careers that often go unnoticed, encouraging them to think outside the box. One of the standout features of the day was the inclusive environment at iFly, where all students were able to fully participate, regardless of any disabilities. From the thrilling flights to the engaging science lessons, this field trip not only sparked excitement but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and possibility among the students. It was an extraordinary day that left everyone buzzing with inspiration and a little bit of envy for those who missed out! A special thank you to the South Whidbey School Foundation for your support! Reptile Man Comes to South Whidbey South Whidbey Elementary School enjoyed a day time school assembly and an evening family event with the Reptile Man. Students were excited, entranced and amazed at the multiple reptiles he presented. Students yelled out the answers to question -- What makes a reptile? scales, backbone, cold blooded, eggs, on land and more. They learned that a tortoise is a turtle that doesn't swim, it digs tunnels on land, sometimes thirty feet long, and can live over 200 years. At the evening family event, over four hundred attended and enjoyed the opportunity to touch and feel these prehistoric animals. SWES Assembly Leaders Thank you to our South Whidbey Elementary 5th grade assembly leaders who work before each assembly to prepare the gym for the presentation. These students, guided by TOSA /Librarian Val Brown, pull out the bleachers, arrange chairs on the floor,and sit with the younger students to help them focus on the presentation. Thank You Mukilteo Coffee Roasters for Training the Trainers Thank you to Beth Smith from Mukilteo Coffee Roasters who took the time to train our life skills teachers Luke Hodson, Michael Swenson, and Melanie Readshaw and para Zhanar Newton, how to steam milk and make delicious drinks for the cafeteria staff. The staff will continue practicing, so they can begin the next steps in training in the Life Skills program. Students will be involved in finalizing drink orders, delivery of drinks to staff, and making change for payments! We can't thank Beth enough for her availability, donated coffee, and training on our beautiful espresso machine, which was also donated by Mukilteo Coffee Roasters! An additional HUGE Thank you to Mukilteo Coffee Roasters for keeping are staff caffeinated with donated coffee beans for their daily java. We truly appreciate it! School Board Student Member Applications Open till May 5, 2025 South Whidbey School Board is looking for the next student voice to be a student board member.  Interested students click her for the application. Student application packet submitted to Principal Patton by May 5, 2025. Interviews with School Board at the May 14, 2025 Workshop, 5:30pm. Board selects and announces Student Representative following interviews. May 28 new student representative seated May 28 final board meeting of term of outgoing representative Save the date! South Whidbey Elementary School Kindergarten Information Night will be on April 22nd from 6-7pm. South Whidbey Elementary School provides a learning environment for your child to learn, grow, and develop in a nurturing and safe space. We have certificated teachers, outdoor programs, social opportunities, full time education, and it's free! Click here to register online today! Spring SBAC Testing - Assessments SWHS and SWA students will be taking the Washington state assessments on April 15th, April 17th, April 22nd and April 24th.  Meeting standard on the SBAC ELA, SBAC Math and Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science(WCAS) is a graduation requirement pathway.  All students will be on a modified schedule during these days. Middle school students will be testing on May 6, 8,13, and 15th. Elementary school students who are testing will be testing between May 12-30th. Please see your ParentSquare messages for more information Click image below to purchase yearbooks: Board Corner At our last Business Meeting, Dr. Moccia presented a rollout plan for the climate action committee, and the board voted to approve the creation of the committee. That committee will be formed shortly to discuss the results of a district-wide environmental audit and create a long-term, sustainable, actionable policy and plan to guide the district through the ongoing climate emergency. We also approved overnight field trips for 4th and 6th graders and the purchase of a new flexible-use bus, maintenance on the turntable classrooms at the middle/high school, and the new playground equipment for the elementary school. The playground equipment should arrive in early August for installation before the start of school. At our upcoming Board Workshop, we should be discussing the results of the CEE survey, which polls staff, students, and parents/guardians about their experience with the school district, and informs the board's evaluation of the superintendent and goal setting for the next year. On Wednesday, April 9, 2025 the South Whidbey School Board will have a Workshop at 6:30pm, via ZOOM WEBINAR and IN PERSON 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: April 23 Business Meeting May 14 Board Workshop May 28 Business Meeting -- Brook WIlleford, Board Chair Athletic Acclamations Spring Sports in Full Swing Thank you to our yearbook photographers students Baylie Kuschnereit, and Meghan Ballestrasse, and teacher, Jeff Greene for these awesome photos. Click Here or on golf photos to connect to John's Photos to see and order full size images. For Falcon schedules and standings, please visit the Emerald Sound Webpage linked here. 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 Class of 2025 -- Local Scholarship Applications LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS ARE POSTED ON SWHS WEBSITE UNDER STUDENT SERVICES! https://swhs.sw.wednet.edu/academics/student-services/local-scholarships Above is the link to all of the local scholarships posted for 2025. It is very important to read everything at the top of the scholarship page before you get started, every year we have students that don't follow through with key pieces of applications. The SWHS General Scholarship link is provided on this page as well and we have made it more Google Docs friendly.   Things to Know: 1. There are different due dates for some of the scholarships, but the majority are due 4/7/2025 (the Monday after Spring Break). 2. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! Your semester will only get busier. 3. You must submit a copy of your transcript with almost every scholarship! 4. I encourage you to do a quick review of the list and pick out the main scholarships that you meet the criteria for and make a list of those, then rank them for completion.   5. If you have questions, come talk with your School Counselor, but please Do Not ask a question that is clearly outlined for you in the directions (you need to read them first)! If you are seeking continued education next year, there is a scholarship opportunity for you on this list! ES Farm Greenhouse Planted Here in our elementary school greenhouse we've planted bok choi, choi sum, spinach, radishes, salad turnips, and lettuce making their way in the world. Let's hope they hurry along so we can chow down soon on some garden tacos and make room for tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers T Thanks everybody for popping in!  Read this article and others from Farmer Brian linked here. Attendance Matters Often parents ask if they should provide a Doctor/Dentist note when their student is absent for an appointment. WA state requires a Parent meeting for 5 excused absences in any month or 10 excused absences within the school year. Please provide a Medical note if your child has been absent for an appointment to the Doctor, Dentist, Occupational Therapist and/or Counselors appointment.   Here are a few ways to excuse absences: Parent Square Pick-up Patrol (TK-5), Plan change, utilize the Absent button and please provide a reason. Call Attendance line, ES 360-221-0637, MS/HS 360-221-0937, SWA 360-221-7879 Dr.’s notes referencing appointments.    Handwritten notes. FOR SWES STUDENTS, CALL THE FRONT OFFICE 5 MINUTES BEFORE ARRIVING FOR EARLY PICKUP. MAKE SURE THE TEACHER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED WHEN/IF POSSIBLE.   SWES Pre-Arranged Absence form (attached here):  SWHS 9-12: Pre-arranged absence form SWMS 6-8 Pre-arranged absence form SWES-N ITK-5 Pre-arranged absence Form This form is for parents who plan on having their child out more than a day. Washington State does not excuse vacations, so we've created a form to create a bridge of communication. Fill it out, get it back to the office and we’ll get a signature from your child's teacher and take care of getting the principal's signature. Use this form to excuse absences when your child will be gone longer than one day.   Attendance/Truancy Requirements for WA State (attached here): https://www.sw.wednet.edu/connect/attendance Opertations Update Bond Updates Capital Levy Projects The South Whidbey School District is about to receive our second electric school bus! Last year, we added our first electric bus to the fleet. That bus carries 75 (maximum) passengers and has a range of approximately 100 miles. We have a Level 2 charger at our transportation center where we plug the bus in after each trip, ensuring a full range. The driver of that bus, and the students he transports, love the quiet, smooth ride. The bus was funded almost entirely by an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean School Bus grant, which included the purchase of a charger. In the coming weeks, we will be receiving our second electric bus. Like the first bus, this is a Type C bus that can transport up to 75 students. It also will have a range of about 100 miles. We recently had a second charger installed, which allows the buses to charge consecutively. Typically, it takes only a few hours to bring each bus back to a full charge following a trip. Another grant from the EPA paid for most of the bus and charger, while the remainder was supported through state transportation funding designated for bus purchases. The South Whidbey School District is proud to be leading the way with our focus on sustainability, health and climate-friendly practices. Integrating electric buses is an important part of that work. We look forward to expanding this focus in our transportation system, our facilities, and in our relationships in the coming years. School Bus Guidelines and Expectations A gentle reminder on the bus guidelines and expectations. The messes being left on the bus daily is beyond what we would expect of our students. There is no food or beverage allowed, this includes candy, gum as well. Full reminders on this site here  Items not allowed on the bus: Glass objects: bottles, jars, etc. Aerosol containers Food, drink, gum Live critters: bugs, animals, worms, etc. Oversized objects and instruments that cannot fit safely in the seat with the student Weapons: guns, knives (real or toy), razor blades, laser pointers, etc. Sports equipment that could endanger others Portable radios Any item that is dangerous, illegal or against school property Thank you for respecting our shared space and cleaning up after yourselves each day! SWPTA, SWEPTA, Boosters, RTL, SW CARES, 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, April 9th (due to Spring Break on the 2nd). VOLUNTEER APPLICATION     Staff Highlights 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 HS Girls Basketball Head Coach for the 25/26 Winter Season Construction Project Manager Teacher-HS/MS Band & Music Assistant Coach - JV Boys Soccer Lead Mechanic/Maintenance Technician School Bus Driver - Afternoons School Bus Driver Trainer School Bus Drivers 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: 4/30/2025 (Updated date) 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.   It Takes A Village! Actions our school community can do to assist in student education: Complete the Free and Reduced Meal Application to assist with school funding. Daily Student Attendance — helps students in their classes and funding for the district Communication – review your ParentSquare messages, communicate with teachers. Share with the Community all of the positive events and achievements in the schools Print and post single page Navigator at local establishments Re-share district social media posts Invite members of the community to school events Talk to other parents/guardians about what is happening Advocate to elected officials the concerns of the district (link to slides from Coffee with the Principal) Respond to misinformation with links to the website or suggestion to contact info@sw.wednet.edu for correct information Connect with Washington advocacy groups: OSPI - Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction WSSDA - Washington State School Directors' Association WASBO - Washington Association of School Business Officials WAMOA - Washington Association of Maintenance and Operations Administrators WEA - Washington Education Association PSE - SEIU - Public School Employees of WAshington Donate money for ES Book Fair for students who don't have funds Volunteer – in schools/classes, SWEPTA, boosters, athletics, etc. Fill out planned absence slips when you know your child is going to be absent ahead of time so we can plan Engage with Q&A and other School Board Forums even if it's sending a question in ahead of time via email Free & Reduced Meal Application Free and Reduced Meal Application The number one action parents/guardians can do to help school funding is complete the Free and Reduced Meal Application that qualifies the district for different funding. Those who qualify under direct certification (Medicaid, TANF, Basic Food, Foster Care) or McKinney Vento do NOT need to complete this application Thank you to those who have already completed the application. Through the submission of the Free and Reduced Meal Application, students may qualify for: Free and reduced-price meal benefits, Summer EBT benefits (if enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program), and/or Reduced fees for other programs and activities. This information is also used by the state and federal governments to send increased funding and provide other educational programs in schools with higher populations of students experiencing poverty. The form is simple to fill out and confidential. There are no citizenship requirements for participation in the federal child nutrition programs that Washington’s schools operate, and immigration status is not requested or disclosed. Crisis Supports Mental health providers are on staff in our buildings that can help our students in need. 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 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 ahudkins@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.  Safety Study Hall Peachjar Digital Flyers South Whidbey School Spirit Wear

Thursday, Apr 03 2025

SWHS Alumni Game Information

Hello Falcon Fans -  Join your SWHS baseball team for the 1st annual alumni baseball game on Saturday April 5th!  This year we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the high school field and the 10th anniversary of the 2015 team's trip to state.   The 2025 Falcon Baseball team will play a game against a team of alumni at 11am followed by a second alumni vs alumni game.   There will also be a post game home run derby and BBQ! Go Big Blue!

Friday, Mar 28 2025