Yearbook January Update - Seniors and Yearbook purchase

Attention all SWHS/SWA Students & Parent/Guardians If a picture is worth a thousand words, this yearbook is a tale of epic proportions! Guarantee your copy by pre-ordering before Feb. 22nd Buying your Yearbook & Senior Grad Ad due dates are fast approaching. The dates for the Senior section of the book are also coming up. This is a reminder of the important dates coming up. Don’t put it off and miss your chance to get a Yearbook. ---------------------------------------------- BUDGET FRIENDLY PAYMENT PLAN It’s easy to purchase your yearbook  now, then use Jostens Jpay™ to spread your payments over three months with no interest.* DUE DATES: Purchasing your 2023 Yearbook:  Only $55.00  -  Jostens Online Store LAST DAY TO ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK FOR ALL GRADES:  February 22nd SENIOR GRAD AD: February 1st SENIOR PHOTOS: February 15th “We extended the date” SENIOR QUOTE & WILL: Jan. 25th “Forms were sent directly to the Seniors” SENIOR Most Likely and Best of form: Returned by Feb 1st. “Form will be sent Jan 25th”

Monday, Jan 23 2023

REMINDER: Thursday and Friday are HALF DAY DISMISSAL...

Finals Week!  The end of first semester. SWHS Finals are on Thursday (1/26) and Friday (1/27). Both days will be HALF DAY DISMISSAL for ALL STUDENTS K-12.   Grades 7-12 will release at 11:30am. Grades K-6 will release at 12:30pm.   Students need sleep and nourishment before their tests.   Monday (1/30) is a NON-STUDENT DAY , teacher in-service day, for transitioning to second semester.  The 22-23 Instructional Calendar is available on our website: https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1674147473/swwednetedu/m7bfwte45ytkrb5wslsg/2022-2023-Instructional-Calendar.pdf Please note that Friday, May 26th is now a school day, making up for the 11.7.22 closure. At Wednesday's school board meeting (1/25/23), the Board will be deciding on the instructional calendars for the 23-24, 24-25, and 25-26 school years.   These can be reviewed here: http://go.boarddocs.com/wa/swsd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CEHT6V747366

Monday, Jan 23 2023

REMINDER: Upcoming Half Day 1/26 & No School 1/30

Hello ALE Families - I just wanted to send out a quick reminder about the last few days of Semester 1.   Thursday 1/26 - HALF DAY - 12pm Release for ALE (All students will be at the South Campus for pickup) Monday 1/30 - NO SCHOOL As has been mentioned before for non-school days of in person ALE classes we follow the SWSD Instructional Calendar.   I have attached a .pdf copy, but it can also be found on the districts website calendar tab.   If you have any questions, please let me know. Kymy Johnson SWSD ALE Administrative Assistant 360.221.6808 ext. 4632

Monday, Jan 23 2023

Spring SAT Test (Wednesday March 22nd), payment and ...

South Whidbey High School offers School Day SAT Testing in the Spring. This allows students to take this standardized test in a more comfortable and familiar environment, while also eliminating the barrier some students face with weekend testing sites.  Typically 11th grade students take the test and have completed the PSAT prior to taking the test, but this is not a requirement.  Need to know information:   Test cost : $60.00, must be paid to Ms. Smith at the ASB/Athletics window by Thursday February 16th at the latest.   Payment is the only way to reserve your spot .    If you qualify, have signed up for the Free/Reduced lunch program, and signed the consent form for fee waivers, please email Mr. Prael trprael@sw.wednet.edu  He will confirm and reserve a testing spot for these students.    Test Date :  The SAT will be offered during the school day on Wednesday, March 22nd  2023, and will take most of the school day to complete.       Test offered : Only the standard SAT without essay will be offered on this testing date, if you have any questions please contact Mr. Prael trprael@sw.wednet.edu or 360-221-6808 xt. 5412.     Practice options and information : Collegeboard.org is the official site for SAT.  If your student has an account due to AP or a previous PSAT, they can sign into it.  If your student does not have an account, and creates an account prior to taking the test, they will need to ensure they use the same email address ( I recommend using the school email address). Here is a link to their practice page for information: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/practice Student Guides will also be provided when payment is made or can be obtained from Mr. Prael in Student Services. 

Friday, Jan 20 2023

SWSD Navigator Newsletter - Community Forum on Bond ...

District Newsletter   |  Issue #79 | January 18, 2023   Please OPEN this message in your Parent Square account and click the link at the bottom to see the FULL VERSION of the newsletter as your browser may have condensed the Navigator.      Important Dates: Falcon   & Cougar Athletics Home Games   January 18 : School Board Community Q&A 6:30pm January 19 : Senior Class Photo -11:15am Courtyard; HS Bon Fire 5pm January 23 : MS Girls Basketball Turn Out January 25 :School Board Business Meeting; Senior quotes/wills due January 26 & 27: HALF DAY RELEASE - HS Finals January 30 : Non-Student Day - Semester Break January 31 : MS Wrestling Turnout February 1: Seniors LAST DAY to submit Yearbook Ads February 11 : HS Jazz Band Sweetheart Dance;  HS Black & White Dance  February 20: NO SCHOOL  -Presidents' Day Observed February 22 : HS Last Day to Order Yearbooks   Click Here to join one of the South Whidbey Community Groups that support the schools Performing Arts Booster (PAB), Athletic Booster, 7-12 PTA, SWEPTA (K-6), or the Emergency Notifications Grou p Upcoming School Board Meeting:   On  Wednesday, January 25, 2023   the South Whidbey School Board will hold 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: February 8, 2023 Workshop February 22, 2023 Business MeetinG What's Happening Around The Schools   SWHS - SATs and Scholarship Applications  Spring SAT's will be on Wednesday 3/22/23.  $60 fee paid to ASB Window to reserve a spot.  Deadline for payment to reserve a spot is Thursday 2/16/2023. Local Scholarships will be released to Seniors in the Senior Google Classroom around the beginning of February.  The SWHS General Scholarship Application is already posted for Seniors to get an early start. SWES Service Day Benefits SWHS South Whidbey Kindergarteners walked over to the high school and provided an act of service surprising the high school students with bracelets they made in an effort to brighten their day.  This weekend, put a smile on someone's face, do a random act of kindness and make a difference.  No school on Monday in remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr.  Make this long weekend a weekend of service.   INTERACT TWIN SHEETS DRIVE :   The Interact Club is hosting a twin sized sheet drive until Tuesday, January 31st. All donations will go towards the House of Hope to support our island community. A drop off bin can be found by the front office. SWMS Intramural Pickleball South Whidbey Middle School students have been playing Intramural Pickleball in January. Congratulations to the intramural Doubles Pickleball Champions Nathan Welever and Braydon Soto.  In a very close game, Nathan and Braydon beat out Levi Batchelor and Hunter Slatum who came in 2nd in the tourney.  Congratulations to Chris Osborn who came in first place in the South Whidbey Middle School Singles Pickleball Tournament!  Ryan Ferguson came in second place in a heated final battle that went back and forth to a very high score!  Congrats to all students who participated. Athletics Acclamations... Falcon Swimmers Falcon swimmer, Jack Hempel received 1st place in the 200 yard swim at the swim meet at Kamiak on January 12th.   These dedicated Falcons, including Rowan Jung, William Wright, Jack Hempel, Tyson Prendergast, cross over to Mukilteo to practice. Way to go Falcons! WEIGHT ROOM:   The Weight Room will be open through May 26th from 2:45-3:45. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. It will not be open on Wednesdays.    OPEN GYM:   Open gym  is Sundays and Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m.  Open gyms will be open to all students and sports.  The gyms, weight room and mat room will be available. SWPTA, SWEPTA and Volunteer Opportunities.... This year, South Whidbey Elementary K-6 is proud to partner with the South Whidbey Schools Foundation in support of the school volunteer program. Please join us at one of our upcoming South Whidbey Elementary K-6 Volunteer Interest Meetings to learn how to sign-up to volunteer, ask questions about current volunteer opportunities and meet some of our staff!  The next Volunteer Interest Meeting will be held in the Community Room on Tuesday, January 24 at 5:30pm. Current volunteer opportunities include supporting classrooms, school events and student clubs at both the North and South Campus. We are also excited to announce that starting in January 2023, we will be introducing new off-site volunteer opportunities! Come to one of our Volunteer Interest Meetings or contact Melissa at (360) 221-6808 ext. 2300 or volunteer-coord@sw.wednet.edu for additional information. All volunteers with the South Whidbey School District must complete a SWSD volunteer application, Washington State Patrol form and present a current Washington State Driver's License. Volunteer forms can be found on the South Whidbey School District website  or at the South Whidbey Elementary North Campus school office. Wellness (Health & Counseling) Corner: School-based Healthcare Survey Island County Public Health team wants to   learn more about what school-based health services would benefit families the most and what the level of acceptance is from the community for establishing school-based health centers  . Please complete the ICPH survey linked here. Parenting Today's Teen: Building Social Emotional Skills At Home  -  On Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 7:00pm, Forefront Suicide Prevention (University of Washington) is offering a free webinar to discuss practical skills and social emotional strategies to help ourselves and our children to  develop skills for navigating life and experiencing tense emotions.   Registration is required. Staff Highlights... In this Navigator, we highlight our dedicated volunteer school board directors.  These Directors work with the entire district Kindergarten through 12th grade. They are elected or appointed by they districts.  They all bring a wealth of knowledge, depth and representation to the South Whidbey School Board. January is School Board Recognition Month.  Please take a moment to learn more about them and to thank them for their service to our school community. Director Brook Willeford Board Chair   Represents District 3 Since December 2019 bwilleford@sw.wednet.edu Why you decided to be a Board Member? To help make South Whidbey School District the best possible place for my daughter and other children. Favorite thing about being a Board Member? Sharing everything going on inside the district with the community. What is the luckiest thing to happen to you?  Meeting my lovely wife. How do you spend a day to yourself? Reading, playing computer games, watching movies. All-time favorite movie? Star Wars: A New Hope What is on your bucket list?    A trip from Normandy to the Rhine. Favorite spot on Whidbey? The Clyde Theatre Quote to live by?   Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Director Ann Johnson Board  Vice-Chair   At Large Representative Since September 2020 ajohnson@sw.wednet.edu Why you decided to be a Board Member?  School has been a safe and dynamic place for me since I started Kindergarten at Wilbur Elementary School. This is the next step for me in honoring all the things that great schools bring to a community as an active contributing member. Favorite thing about being a Board Member?  Learning how all the pieces fit together. The dance of hard data, anecdotal information and pure heart that goes into the machinery of maintaining an organism as complicated as a school district is fascinating! Working and thinking creatively among all the folks who make that machinery run is a dream job. What is the luckiest thing to happen to you? Deciding, on a bit of a whim, to take a leave of absence from my full time teaching job and move permanently to our favorite vacation spot, Whidbey Island, in the summer of 2004. We gave ourselves one year to decide if it would become our permanent residence, and here we still are, all these years later! How do you spend a day to yourself? In a cozy sunbeam with my cat, reading a book, and maybe doing some experimental cooking. All-time favorite movie? The Princess Bride What is on your bucket list? Visit every state in the US, spend a year roving around the country in an RV, make Burning Man a yearly destination (my first and only burn, so far, was in 2014,) play the role of King George in "Hamilton," learn how to drive and operate big construction equipment, go to Europe and find the little villages, coffees shops and bars that some of my favorite poets and authors frequented when they were alive. Favorite spot on Whidbey?  Camp Johnson! Our beautiful property in Clinton where we are building our forever home. Quote to live by? Child, you've come here to learn what's true and what's not, but there's little I can teach you that you don't already know. You just don't know you know it, and you'll spend the rest of your life learning what's already in your bones." Terry Pratchett, "A Hat Full of Sky A big round of applause to our school community. You offer your best so our kids can learn, grow, and become themselves in the most magnificent ways. Thank you! Director Andrea Downs Policy Representative District 2 Representative Since November 2017 adowns@sw.wednet.edu Favorite thing about your job? Seeing the impact of policy changes in our students education.    Most interesting thing about your job?   Learning from fellow board members and the administrators on the team.  All-time favorite movie? Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix  Favorite spot on Whidbey? My farm   . How do you spend a day to yourself? Out in the barn with my horses and riding. Or curled up with a book.    What is the luckiest thing to happen to you? Being blessing with my family.  What is on your bucket list?   To ride across Ireland on horseback.      Why you decided to be a Board Director?   I wanted to use my experience, expertise, and perspective to support all students  in SWSD. With a career in special education and policy work I thought that I brought a lens that not many board members have. I also wanted to connect with my community and give back. Favorite thing about being a Board Director?   Seeing how the policies support students and shift their school experiences. Take away from the pandemic? That we can be a lot more flexible in the structure of education than we realized.    Hidden Talents?   I can lift ridiculously heavy things. Director Marnie Jackson Legislative Representative   At Large Representative   Since December 2020 majackson@sw.wednet.edu Describe your job:   As a member of the board of directors I work closely with my fellow board members and Superintendent Moccia to ensure our schools are responsibly managed in service to our community's values and our district mission and vision.  Favorite thing about your job?  I love seeing concrete ways in which our district-level goals are changing the day-to-day experience of students for the better, and I am filled with admiration for our amazing students and hard-working staff. Most interesting thing about your job?   As SWSD's legislative representative, I really love learning about legislative processes and getting better at advocating for our district and all of Washington State's public school students.   All-time favorite movie?  Hard to say, maybe Captain Fantastic Favorite spot on Whidbey?  I really love the Putney and Saratoga trail systems as well as the beach at Maple Point.  How do you spend a day to yourself?   I never spend a day alone—my dog is always at my side! When we get a chance, he and I love to go exploring in the woods.  What is the luckiest thing to happen to you?   My mom gave me a mule, Fenway Bartholomule, when I was in my late 20s. He was my muse and best friend for over a decade and I'm grateful for all he taught me.   What is on your bucket list?  Building a tiny home, seeing my ancestral homeland in Scotland, and becoming fluent in Spanish.    Why you decided to be a Board Director?  I was inspired by student leaders in the district and decided to run to support and amplify their work to make the district stronger.   Favorite thing about being a Board Director?   The amazing people involved, from students and staff members to administrators and other board members. I feel that everyone is here with the students' best interests at heart and it feels great to be part of a values-aligned, powerful team.   Take away from the pandemic?   Social and emotional supports, along with healthy school culture, are foundational to academic progress.   Hidden Talents?   I really love animals and can ID just about any dog breed. Director Joe Greenheron WIAA Representative   District 1 Representative   Since February 2022 jgreenheron@sw.wednet.edu Describe your job: Along with my four amazing colleagues, School Board Directors work together to oversee the district. Our responsibilities include: setting the vision, mission, and strategic goals for the district and monitoring progress towards those goals; reviewing and adopting policies and a budget that ensures every student is multi-culturally engaged, literate, and an active community member able to meet the challenges of our global society. Favorite thing about your job?   When students attend board meetings and show off what they've been learning in school. Most interesting thing about your job?    When there are competing, valid viewpoints on an issue. To paraphrase researcher Brené Brown, I love how the board engages in discussion with a commitment to lean into vulnerability, to stay curious, to problem-solve, and to listen with the same passion with which we want to be heard. All-time favorite movie?   The Big Lebowski Favorite spot on Whidbey?    My yard: it has a forest, a garden, and a barnyard with goats. What more could you ask for?   How do you spend a day to yourself?     Reading, journaling, meditating, exercise, eating a good meal, catching up on email or a TV show, listening to music, cuddling goats What is the luckiest thing to happen to you?     Too many to list! Top three are: meeting my wife, being a dad to three awesome kids, and moving to Whidbey Island. What is on your bucket list?     Dining on the beach at Hama Hama Oyster Farm   Why you decided to be a Board Director?   I always look to get more involved with the activities that my children are passionate about. The School Board seemed like a high-leverage way to make a positive impact not just for my family, but for the entire community. Take away from the pandemic?     1. We solve global problems best when we start from what we have in common. 2. Everyone and everything is connected, so we have more in common than we think.  Hidden Talents?   Improv HR Corner - Open Positions! It's a great time to apply and join our team!   Urgent: We are in need of Coaches! Come help our students meet their potential!  Details: - Assistant Coach for Wrestling (Middle School) - $2,089 - $2,716 depending on experience paid over the winter 2 season (February and March, 2 hours per day), no benefits. - Head Coach for Boys Soccer  (High School) - $4,853 - $6,309 depending on experience paid over the spring season (approximately 3 months, 2.5 hours per day), no benefits. - Head Coach for Track (Middle School) - $2,785 - $3,621 depending on experience paid over the spring season (approximately 2 months, 2 hours per day), no benefits. Also seeking * Paraeducator Subs *! Love working with kids? Help out in your child's classroom already? This is the job for you! 6 hours a day while school is in session and flexible - you decide which days you want to work Hourly rate: $16.00 to start for the first 30 work days then $21.72, no benefits unless you reach 630 hours during the academic year to qualify. We also really need * Substitute Custodians *! $20 dollars an hour to start and then $26.70 per hour after 30 working days or 90 hours, whichever comes last. No benefits unless you reach 630 hours during the academic year to qualify. AND would love to meet you if you are interested in * subbing as a Bus Driver *! Starts at $22.80 per hour, after 30 days or 90 hours, whichever comes last, moves to step 1 on the pay scale which is $27.67 per hour. No benefits unless you reach 630 hours during the academic year to qualify. -Finally, we do have a temporary *Student Support Specialist * position open as well that would run through June 2023. ABA training preferred, BA preferred. Salary range is $24.73 per hour - $32.74 per hour depending on experience. 6 hours per day during the school year.   Benefit Descriptions: • VEBA • Employee Assistance Program provided by Canopy • Vacation Leave (dependent on assignment, schedule, and years of experience - prorated if start date is mid-year) • Sick Leave (12 days – prorated if start date is mid-year) • Personal Leave (3 days – prorated if start date is mid-year) • Most get 11 holidays (prorated if starting mid-year) • 403(B) • Deferred Compensation- DRS retirement - if position is determined eligible based on hours. • SEBB Healthcare provided through Washington State if employee works up to 630 hours per year (Heath, Dental, Vision, Long-term Disability, Life and AD+D Insurance and options for HSA, FSA and DCAP) To apply for any of these positions -  click here :   https://www.sw.wednet.edu/our-district/district-office/human-resources/open-positions   or visit www.sw.wednet.edu and click "Careers" on the top righthand corner of the site.     I would love to help if you have any difficulties or just have questions.  You can reach Human Resources at humanresources@sw.wednet.edu     To see the current open positions and  apply, visit our website:  https://www.sw.wednet.edu/staff/employment_opportunities_staff_resources/human_resources_-_employment_opportunities TUESDAY TIPS   - Recap from Social Media Posts: South Whidbey School District is considering proposing a 2023 Bond on the April 12, 2023, Ballot. Your input is greatly appreciated.   Today's Tuesday Tip is to add your voice by completing the online survey linked here:  https://forms.gle/oxCvUfUMmv2CfxpZA Learn more about the Bond Proposal on the district website linked here:  https://www.sw.wednet.edu/our-district/bond-2023   Bond FAQs linked here. Please share with your South Whidbey friends and family.   Child Find Notification 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 age 3-5 with developmental concerns.  Contact Marie at mpoolman@sw.wednet.edu or 360-221-6808 x 2206 or see our website at Special Education - South Whidbey School District (wednet.edu) for the date of the next screening. For a student in grade kindergarten – grade 12 with concerns of a special education disability, contact the school counselor or principal. Contact Toddler Learning Center in Oak Harbor (360) 679-1039 for children age 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 their boundaries. If your family is living in a temporary situation, you may contact the district where you are staying to attend a screening. See more on the SWSD Website linked here. 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.  2016-2017 will be destroyed August 31, 2023 2017-2018 will be destroyed August 31, 2024 2018-2019 will be destroyed August 31, 2025 2019-2020 will be destroyed August 31, 2026 2020-2021 will be destroyed August 31, 2027 Contact Marie at mpoolman@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 School District 5520 Maxwelton Road, Langley, WA 98260 Tel. 360-221-6100  FAX 360-221-3835 Questions/Concerns/Stories: Email info@sw.wednet.edu Quick Links:   - Peachjar Flyers - Calendars - Readiness to Learn/Family Resources -  COVID- 19 Resources/Information - South Whidbey School Farm - Right At School Enrichment Program   SWHS/SWMS Office  SWHS/SWMS Attendance Line 360-221-0937 (email)    7-12 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)  K-4 Attendance Line 360-221-0637  (email)   K-4 Questions Email dhouck@sw.wednet.edu               5-6 Attendance Line 360-221-0638  (email) South Campus/Grades 5-6 Questions?  Email togden@sw.wednet.edu ALE  K-8 Questions? Email kjohnson@sw.wednet.edu                  Special Education Questions? Email mpoolman@sw.wednet.edu Athletics 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 .  January The South Whidbey School District #206 (SWSD) does not discriminate, and Title IX requires the schools not to discriminate, on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, marital status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Affirmative Action/Title IX/ RCW 28A.640 /RCW 28A.642 compliance officer, Dan Poolman, dpoolman@sw.wednet.edu , or Section 504/ADA coordinator, Dr. Jeff Fankhauser, jfankhauser@sw.wednet.edu , 5520 Maxwelton Road, Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-6100. SWSD Title IX training is available to all employees and is on our website www.sw.wednet.edu .

Wednesday, Jan 18 2023