SWSD Navigator Newsletter- School Board Workshop on ...

South Whidbey Schools Issue #145| January 8, 2026 Welcome to this week's edition of the South Whidbey School District Navigator Newsletter!, Click View entire message to 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 Jan 14: School Board Workshop - Construction Update Presented Jan 16: MS/HS Short Story Deadline Jan 19 NO SCHOOL in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan 21: Child Find Screening Jan 22 & 23: HALF DAY for All Students (Semester 1 Finals) South Whidbey Grades 6-12:  Half Day Release at 11:50am South Whidbey Grades ITK-5:  Half Fady Release at 12:00pm Jan 23: Coffee with the Principal Jan 26: NON STUDENT DAY (Semester Break). Jan 27: MS Winter2 Sports Begin Jan 28: School Board Meeting (26-27 and 27-28 Proposed calendars will be presented for approval) Jan 30: SWMS Dance; SAT Sign Up Deadline Feb 12: Blood Drive at South Campus Feb 16: NO SCHOOL in observance of Presidents' Day 25-26 School Calendar Superintendent Salutations Happy New Year South Whidbey! I really enjoyed spending time in our community over the holiday break. As we step into this new year, we do so with a shared sense of hope, possibility, and care for one another. A new year brings fresh beginnings, new chances to learn, to grow, and to move forward together as a community. We also recognize that the holiday season can be complex. While it holds moments of joy for many, it can also bring added sadness, stress, financial strain, grief, or isolation for others. If this season feels heavy for you or your family, please know that you are not alone, and support is available. Our schools remain places of safety, stability, and belonging for every student. The well-being of our students (academically, emotionally, and socially) is always our highest priority. We are here to support students and families, and we work closely with trusted local partners to ensure help is accessible when it’s needed. For students, staff, families, and our community members, the following local resources are available: Readiness to Learn: Family support, Holiday House, and resource coordination Citizens Against Domestic & Sexual Abuse (CADA): Confidential support and advocacy  24-Hour Hotline: 1-800-606-0244 Whidbey Island Nourishes: Food access and nutrition support Whidbey Homeless Coalition:Housing support and outreach services Whidbey Veterans Resource Center: Services for veterans and their families Island County Crisis Line / Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:  988 (call or text, 24/7) Island County Housing Assistance: first stop for individuals or families who are struggling with homelessness or at risk of losing their housing Island Senior Resources: essential resources for older adults, their families, and caregivers, throughout Island County. United Way 2-1-1: A free, confidential way to connect to local food, housing, counseling, and safety resources Dial 211 If you’re unsure where to start, your school counselor, principal, or the district office can help connect you to the right support. As we begin this new year, we do so together, with compassion, resilience, and optimism. We invite you to attend in person or via zoom our school board workshop on Wednesday, January 14th (details below). During the workshop, our architectural and general construction management teams will provide an update on the progress of bond-funded projects across the district’s schools. Thank you for the care you show one another and for trusting our schools with what matters most. We look forward to completing the first semester and starting the second semester filled with growth, connection, and hope for every South Whidbey student. With gratitude and confidence in the year ahead, Dr. Becky Clifford Superintendent, South Whidbey School District   School Updates SAT sign ups for the Spring (11th graders only) Deadline for Signing Up: Friday, January 30th 2026. South Whidbey High School is offering the School Day SAT this Spring on Wednesday, March 18th 2026, in the morning (8:15 - 11:00)   Need to know information: Information on SWHS Website regarding College Prep Testing: https://swhs.sw.wednet.edu/academics/student-services/college-testing Test Format: School Day SAT Digital (must use a School issued chromebook only) If you test with accommodations: Any accommodations must be pre-approved by the College Board. The deadline to request accommodations for testing is January 16th, 2026.  (please contact Mr. Prael trprael@sw.wednet.edu)   Test cost: $60.00, must be paid to Ms. Johnson at the ASB/Athletics window. Payment is the only way to reserve your spot on the testing list. ***If a student is signed up for the Free/Reduced lunch program and has completed the Fee Waivers Consent, they can confirm with Ms. Johnson and be added to the list with a waived fee.  SWHS Jazz Ensemble at WICA South Whidbey High School Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of our new band director, Catherine Ballestrasse, provided a fabulous performance at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts on Wednesday, January 7th. This is the first performance of the students 2025-2026 jazz program before they start their competitive tour and regional jazz festivals. They will head to the Clark College Jazz Festival on January 29-30, then to the Kiwanis Jazz Festival in Vancouver BC in February, and the Pacific Lutheran University Jazz Invitational in March. Thank you to WICA and the South Whidbey community for their support in making these trips happen for the students. You make a difference! Middle School PE: Handball Highlights Our middle school PE classes have been bringing energy and enthusiasm to the mat room as students take on the fast-paced game of handball! With 15 courts set up, students stayed active, engaged, and competitive while building teamwork, coordination, and sportsmanship. The unit wrapped up with an exciting tournament, and we’d like to congratulate our top champions: Kai, Emery, Cason, Peyton, and Alex! Their skill, focus, and positive attitudes stood out on the court. It’s great to see students staying active, supporting one another, and enjoying new ways to move and compete. Way to go, Cougars! Coffee with the Principal Principal Richards and Principal Intern Codda are hosting Coffee with the Principal at the South Whidbey Elementary School every other Friday. The next one is Friday, January 23rd, 8:30 - 9:30 am / SWES Community Room. This event is open to all parents, guardians, and community members (including ALE, middle, and high school parents/guardians). At each event, guest speakers that support the district. On the 23rd, Linda Proctor, Transportation Supervisor will present an overview on the transportation program. Parents/guardians of all grades and schools are invited to attend. SWMS/HS Library Winter Activities Amanda Workman, our MS/HS Librarian and Tech TOSA has winter challenges for staff and students. 1. Short Story Contest! Grades 6-8/ 9-12, Due Jan 16th, Winter-themed, 1-4 pages.  More info on this flyer. 2. Winter Break Reading Challenge! Staff and students! Read for 30 minutes daily over break, fill out the form, bring it in for a small prize and a raffle for free drinks at the Falcon's Nest! I'll send out the digital forms the week before break, and have print versions in the library.   3. Read something great this year and want to recommend it?  Share it HERE! Middle School Science Comes to Life Through Student Demonstrations SWMS Science teacher, Chris Broderick, has students demonstrating the fun aspects of science. As we headed into Winter Break, his middle school science classroom was buzzing with curiosity, creativity, and the occasional controlled mess as students designed and performed their own science demonstrations. Each student selected a unique scientific phenomenon, researched the science behind it, planned for safety, and taught their classmates through a live demonstration supported by a single-slide presentation. The enthusiasm and ownership students showed were incredible. Classrooms were filled with thoughtful questions, lively discussion, and students cheering one another on, just as real scientists do. These demonstrations not only reinforced key science concepts, but also strengthened skills in communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. Hands-on, student-driven learning like this is strongly supported by research on adolescent development. It helps students build confidence, independence, and deeper understanding through active exploration and problem-solving. A heartfelt thank you to our parents and caregivers for your patience, encouragement, and help with gathering materials and cleaning up at home. Your support makes it possible for us to keep science meaningful, memorable, and alive for our students! Sign Making & Mending, and Welcoming the New Year Posted on January 4, 2026 by whidbeyschoolgardens It was truly an exciting time celebrating the Winter Solstice with the students before the winter break and welcoming the New Year, 2026! This December we went on many woods walks both to collect pine cones for our homemade bird feeds and to hunt for mushrooms (albeit, safely, with our eyes and not our hands.) After an ID lesson from Farmer Brian, we were able to spot a Winter Chanterelle and Witches Butter. Our walks cultivate a curiosity about what the rain and our PNW climate can provide.  We then made wreaths with the Kindergarteners to decorate their homes this holiday season, and discussed the return of longer days following the 21st of December, the Winter Solstice.  Preparing for the new year, we’ve aimed to revamp/enhance the garden with painted signs signifying where beds and plants are located. With the help of the fourth grade students we were able to paint over 170 signs to decorate the farm!  We are very excited for the new year and have many fun & educational plans for the SW students. Our SWES 2026 plans include but are not limited to: oyster mushroom cultivation in buckets by 4th graders, Winter Rolls to be prepared and eaten by 5th graders, and the preparation of beds for the planting of our seed-starts come the soon approaching growing season! -SWSD Farm Team Falcon Yearbooks On Sale BOOK SALES: PRICE: $70.00 Last chance to order a book is February 13th 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: If there is any issue that keeps you from purchasing a book online, please contact me: jgreene@sw.wednet.edu Get Involved: Student Contributions: We are always looking for PHOTOs from student experiences and sports. If you have photos you think we can use, please email them to us and write a note on what is happening and those involved. We’ve included artwork, stories, and photos contributed by our talented students, making this yearbook truly special.   Athletic Acclamations SWMS Winter 2 Sports - January 27, 2026 Winter 2 sports (Girls Basketball & Wrestling) for SWMS Cougars start Tuesday, January 27th.  Falcon Leadership In December, our Falcon Basketball Team coaches and players, in partnership with the South Whidbey Parks and Rec, provided a Little Dribblers Basketball Camp to teach skills to our younger players. This month, the Falcon Cheerleaders will partner to provide cheer camp. 2025-26 Falcon & Cougar Sports Registration ATHLETICS REGISTRATION: Spring Registration is open until March. ATHLETICS FEES: ASB and Athletic fees are not due until the sports start. More information on sports fees can be found on the Middle School Athletics and High School Athletics websites.  If your student receives Free or Reduced lunch, your family can get a fee waiver for ASB & sports fees. Fill out a 2025-26 Consent to Share form and turn it into the ASB office to have a waiver applied to your students account. This form must be completed annually.  If your student needs help with equipment reach out to the ASB office. Many of our coaches keep spare cleats and other gear on hand for students to borrow if needed. SPORTS PHYSICALS: Please check your students Final Forms account to see if they need a new sports physical. It can often take a few months to get an appointment with your family Dr. The local walk in clinics also do sports physicals for a flat fee. 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. Click here to access FinalForms   Student Supports VOLUNTEER APPLICATION SWPTA for Grades 6-12 Newsletter Thank you to South Whidbey Schools Foundation & Donors The South Whidbey School District extends its sincere gratitude to the South Whidbey Schools Foundation for its continued commitment to our students and schools. Guided by your mission to fund projects beyond the scope of the district budget, your support fosters educational excellence and encourages innovative practices that directly benefit students across our district. Because of your generosity, students have access to enriched learning opportunities that inspire creativity, deepen engagement, and support meaningful growth, opportunities that might not otherwise be possible. Your partnership strengthens our schools and reflects a shared belief in investing in the potential of every learner. Thank you for your vision, advocacy, and unwavering support of South Whidbey students. Your impact is felt every day in our classrooms, programs, and school communities. 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. South Whidbey Schools Performing Arts Boosters that benefit the bands, choir, and drama programs meet monthly on the first Wednesday at 5:30pm in person and via zoom. Next Meeting is Wednesday, February 4th at the South Campus Conference Room . All are welcomed to join to learn more about upcoming events and fundraising projects. Join the zoom linked here. Nominate a Teacher!  Davis Law Group is continuing their School Supplies Gift Program with a whopping $1,000 up for grabs to support our amazing educators! To nominate a teacher, simply click here. Board Corner Happy New Year, and may the next year be better than the year that came before it. The board held its annual organizational meeting in December, and decided that board members would remain in their various roles on the board for the year to come. We discussed and debated a few policy items that we won’t see again until the second meeting in January when we address new business. Our workshop on the 14th will be dedicated to an update on bond construction, with presentations from our partners Integrus and Absher on the planning process, the work that has been done so far, and a rough schedule going forward. On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 6:30pm, the South Whidbey School Board will have a workshop 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: January 28 Business Meeting February 11 Workshop February 25 Business Meeting -- Brook WIlleford, Board Chair   Employment Opportunities Open Positions! It's a great time to apply and join our team! Please share the open positions with friends and families. To see the current open positions and apply, visit our website:  https://www.sw.wednet.edu/our-district/district-office/hu Head Coach HS Girls Golf Assistant Coach - Fastpitch HS Girls Assistant Coach - JV Boys Soccer Occupational Therapist SUBSTITUTES NEEDED - We are 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 Be Our Next Highlight-Click Here   Operations Update Construction Update at the January 14, 2026 Board Workshop Integrus Architecture Firm and Absher Construction will present an update at the January 14, 2026 School Board Workshop. The workshop will start at 6:30pm. See the agenda on Board Docs linked here. In Person and via Zoom webinar. Location: South Whidbey Elementary School - Julie Hadden Board Room, 5380 Maxwelton Road, Langley Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://southwhidbey.zoom.us/j/88159793362?pwd=ejAveFpwK3FiR1p2NUR5YlhOOXpwdz09 Passcode: 234129 Webinar ID: 881 5979 3362 Bond Updates Capital Levy Projects Special Education 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.  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. 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 nine, 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: January 21, 2026 April 1, 2026 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.   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 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 Free & Reduced Meal Application Peachjar Digital Flyers ParentSquare Help Videos Sync School Calendars To Home South Whidbey School Spirit Wear

Friday, Jan 09 2026

SWHS Jazz Night 2026 - Wednesday 1/7 at 7:30pm

Monday, Jan 05 2026

Mental Health First Aid

Friday, Dec 19 2025

School is in Session Today, Friday 12/19

Friday, Dec 19 2025

SWSD still without power. We wIll send a message if ...

At 5:00pm on Thursday, 12/18, South Whidbey Schools are still without power.  We know that Puget Sound Energy is diligently working on the issues across the island. The estimated restoration for the district is 10:00pm tonight. We will send a confirmation message if the power at all schools is restored at that time. Otherwise, again, we will determine early in the morning if we are going to return to, delay, or close schools for Friday, December 19th.  A robo message via ParentSquare,  social media, Flash Alert, and our website will occur by 5:30am. We will follow up later with procedures if anyone needs to access the buildings and for athletic events. We know it is difficult for many, however please stay safe and warm everyone!

Friday, Dec 19 2025