FREE CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATIONS - Thursday, June 1st, 2...

FREE CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATIONS - THE CARE-A-VAN WILL BE AT SOUTH WHIDBEY SCHOOL DISTRICT! Thursday, June 1, 2023  2PM - 6 PM South Whidbey High School New Commons 5675 Maxwelton Road, Langley, WA, 98260 Walk-ins welcome! Pfizer and Moderna Bivalent vaccine available for ages 6months+ (primary and booster doses) Flu, DTaP (Diphtheria+Tetanus+Pertussis) DT(Diptheria+tenatus), Td (tetanus+diptheria), Tdap, DTaP/IPV,Hepatitis A & B, MMR (Measles+Mumps+Rubella), MMRV(MMR+VAR), Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), HPV(Human papillomavirus), PCV13 (Pneumococcal conjugate),IPV (Inactivated poliovirus), Meningococcal, MeningococcalB, and VAR (Varicella), vaccines will be available (whilesupplies last) Vaccines administered will be dependent on child's age Blood pressure and blood sugar screenings for those age18+ No ID or insurance required, all services are free Please bring vaccine card or record if possible, or visitWA verify.doh.wa.gov or WA.MyIR.net to access yourvaccines records https://tinyurl.com/y887d48w

Tuesday, May 30 2023

Summer Falcon Volleyball

2023 Summer Falcon Volleyball Information Hello Players and Parents; We are very excited to get our season started with Spring/Summer practices starting on June 31st 2023 for current High School students (9th-11th grade). Current 7th and 8th graders will start on June 5th 2023.  Practices will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays after school, 3:00-5:00pm until June 14th.  Starting June 16th, practices will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00-11:00am.  Most practices will be held at the High School main gym. We may have some beach practices at our private beach court in Mutiny Bay. We will let you know prior.  We have a very fun packed summer with camps, practices, car washes and FUN!! Please see the schedule below. Please contact me if you have any questions.  See you all soon! Coaches Contact Mandy Jones   mjones@sw.wednet.edu    360.969.1817 Meggan Lubach  meggan.lubach@yahoo.com 2023 Summer Falcon Volleyball Practice Schedule   May 31, 2023 First day of Spring/Summer practice for  High school students only 3:00-5:00 High School Main Gym. June 5th           Spring Practice First day for Middle School students 3:00-5:00 High School Main Gym. June 7th Spring Practice 8th-12th grades  3:00-5:00 High School Main Gym. June 12th Spring Practice 8th-12th grades 3:00-5:00 High School Main Gym. June 16th Spring Practice 8th-12th grades 9:00-11:00 High School Main Gym. June 19th through  July 31st Mondays/Wednesdays and Fridays Summer practice 8th-12th grades 9:00-11:00 High School Main Gym *practice locations and times are subject to change. 2023 Summer Falcon Volleyball Important Dates June 17-20 (M-TH) VolleyKids Youth Camp 10:00-1:00 High School Main Gym June 24th Car Wash Fundraiser 10:00-3:00 Bayview Appliance July 24-27 (M-TH) High School Camp <incoming 8th-12th grade> 9:00-3:00 SWHS Main gym July 28th Car Wash Fundraiser 10:00-3:00 Bayview Appliance July 28-30 Day TBA Time TBA Fair Parking TBA Fair Grounds August 15-17 VolleyKids Youth Camp 10:00-3:00 SW Parks and Rec August 21st High School Tryouts <Mandatory> 9:00-12:00 High School Main Gym August 26th Car Wash Fundraiser 10:00-3:00 Bayview Appliance

Friday, May 26 2023

SWSD Navigator Newsletter - School Board Student Int...

District Newsletter   |  Issue #88| May 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 ;   Band Calendar Spring Assessments/Testing Dates Linked Here May 19:  SWMS Movie Night May 20: SWHS Rainbow Prom May 22: Student Board Application Deadline May 23 : End of the Year Band Concert (Grades 5-12) May 26 : School Day -- Make Up for 11/7/22;  Cougar Pride Assembly; ALE Intent to Return Forms Due May 29: NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day Observance June 1 :  SWHS Choir Concert 7-9pm; 6th Grade Visit to MS; ALE K-8 Showcase Night; Student Vaccination Clinic June 2 : 5th Grade Visit to MS Campus; ALE-Gr 8 Celebration June 6 : Senior Scholarship Night; 6th Gr Lady Wa Field trip; ALE K-8 Last Day In Person Classes; SWES Orca Showcase June 7 : Senior BBQ and Parade; ALE K-8 Field Day June 8 : Senior Farewell Assembly and Checkout;  SWES Kindergarten Graduation June 9: 8th Grade Field Trip June 10 : Graduation at noon June 12: 5th Gr Lady Wa Field Trip; June 12-15 : ALE K-8 Parent Meetings (required) June 14 : Last Day of School for Students; 8th grade Graduation Upcoming School Board Meeting:   On  Wednesday, May 24, 2023   the South Whidbey School Board will hold student interviews (5pm), executive sessions (6pm and after the meeting) and 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 22, 2023 Student Member Application Deadline May 23, 2023 Special meeting for Executive Session May 25, 2023 Special Meeting for Auditors Exit Conference June 14, 2023 Workshop &  Business Meeting July 12, 2023 Workshop - 23-24 Budget Presentation July 26, 2023 Meeting - Budget Public Hearing What's Happening Around The Schools   SWHS Forefront Peer Trainers at "Day of Hope" On May 16, South Whidbey High School Forefront Peer Trainers & Staff attended the "Day of Hope" at the University of Washington.  South Whidbey High School is in our sixth year of the Forefront Suicide Prevention Program. The "Day of Hope" was an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the resilience and optimism of both youth and adult team members who are using their voice and leadership in behavioral health promotion and suicide prevention efforts in their schools and communities. "Day of Hope" celebrates the dedication and time & energy of these students and staff involvement. SWHS Peer Trainers & Staff: Irene, Livya, Lyla, Emilia, Abram, Walden, and teachers Paula Ludtke, Erik Jokinen, Rachelle Bennett, and Dubs (UW mascot)! Not pictured: Ella, Jules, Mia, District Nurse/Teacher Emmy Atwood, Community Trainer Jim Forsythe, Assistant Principal Paul Lagerstedt, and HS Counselor Trace Prael.  8th Graders Visit Sno-Isle Skills Center SWMS 8th graders were given two opportunities to tour the Sno-Isle Skills center in preparation of their high school planning and exploration in career opportunities. Many students attended and explored multiple sessions in possible program placement options. Students greatly enjoyed the cosmetology, welding, video game design and fire technician sessions but enjoyed all that they got to explore!  Giving students the opportunity to explore programs and possible post-graduation planning in middle school helps students get excited and interested in career pathways. We loved this experience and love teaming with Sno-Isle Skills Center! South Campus Camp Kirby Success Thank you to the chaperones that donated their time, teachers who attended camp and chaperoned, and to the many staff and parents involved to make this an enjoyable trip.  Thank you for the generous donations from the South Whidbey Schools Foundation ($5000), the South Whidbey Parent Teacher Association ($3000) and the Washington School Principal Foundation - Outdoor School Grant ($8500).  We could not have done this without you!!! Read a couple of the reflections from our amazing students sharing their thoughts of our trip. “ If you ask me, Camp Kirby was good for all of us. All the fun things, like for example, going to the beach! (although we weren’t allowed to swim) The beach was full of kids, most of the time, because who doesn’t love a beach at an awesome camp? There were other activities as well, such as Twister, knot-tying, you name it! We also worked with daytime groups as well. In our day groups, we learned about nature, rock climbing, archery, teamwork building, arts and crafts, water filtration, and beach exploration. On Tuesday night (the Second night of our stay), we did skits with our day groups. Plus, you could almost feel the energy in the air. From the singing, to the food, it wasn’t hard to tell that the staff tried to make Camp Kirby a wonderful learning environment for every one of us. Special thanks to Camp Kirby staff, parent volunteers, and South Whidbey School teachers and helpers for making all this possible .”  Iris F., 6th Grade “ This year, the 5th and 6th graders of the South Whidbey School District got the chance to go to Camp Kirby!  Camp Kirby is an extraordinary place with amazing activities, great views, and with a beautiful beach side. Here are some of the experiences we had over at Camp Kirby. First off, we got to try many amazing activities including Archery, rock climbing walls, arts and crafts, and we learned about trees and water filtration. All of these activities  were super duper fun and exhilarating. There were four cabins. It was really hot and nice out. Two of the cabins were right next to the water. We skipped stones and played on the beach. We had breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner.  Dessert at the end of dinner on the first night we had smores, the second night we had ice cream. The food was really good. They also had many different food options for anyone with dietary needs which was great.  We want to tell everyone about the COMFORT ZONE.  Many kids don't have sleepovers and have many fears.  This was many people's first experience away from home.  At Camp Kirby there are two zones your comfort zone and your learning zone, The amazing staff at camp kirby encouraged us to step out of our comfort zone and get into our learning zone but they never made us do anything we were not comfortable with and we just found that it is absolutely amazing to know we didn't have to do anything we didn't want to.  Thank you for taking us to camp .” Yarani F., Turner P., and Phoebe C. Earth Week at South Whidbey School Farm! This year we celebrated Earth Week on the farm by teaching our students about food waste in the United States and ways we can work to reduce it. According to the U.S Department of Agriculture, our country wastes 30-40% of its food supply each year, meanwhile many families are experiencing food insecurity or limited access to fresh produce. This year on our farm we grew around 1800 pounds of carrots that were distributed as garden nibbles during class, used for the snack program at Whidbey Island Nourishes, and sold to Chartwells for school lunches. Despite many of our carrots getting eaten, we were still left with an abundance that would have gone bad before we could get around to using them all. We instead showed the students a way that gardeners and farmers can utilize the abundance of a harvest, prevent food waste, and make a delicious treat: carrot cake muffins!  Over the course of Earth Week, we used the extra carrots we had to make carrot cake muffins with every single farm class from Kindergarten to 6th grade. The kids learned how to follow a recipe to make these yummy cupcakes and eat them at the end of class. During this week, we also had 5th grade helpers attend some of the younger classes since they were experts at this recipe. By the end of the week we had made over 1000 cupcakes! This was a fun way to teach the kids how to use food that is going to go bad and turn it into something tasty, rather than letting it go to waste.  SWES Student Clubs Student-initiated clubs have blossomed at SWES this year. Book clubs, writing club, art club, drama club, singing club, chess club and rubix cube clubs have all met this year! A big thank you to the adults who support.  Athletics Acclamations... Congratulations to Coach Tom Fallon, Emerald Sound Conference Coach of the Year! Also to Senior Josh Sterba for  making All Conference First Team, senior Andrew Hilton and junior Grady Davis for making All Conference Second Team and to Tyson Henry and Liam Petty for making the Honorable Mention Teams. Way to Go Falcons!!! The Falcon Tennis team represented SWHS well at the district tournament on Saturday and Monday in the Seattle Amy Yee Tennis Center--in play, sportsmanship, and perseverance.  Coaches are very proud of all their players.  Thanks to all the parents, families, and fans who supported our players in the Seattle HEAT! Shout out to Pearl and Mikaela, who placed 3rd in doubles at Districts  and earned 1st team All-Conference. They will represent SWHS at the Bi-District tournament this Friday in Seattle!  The top 3 teams on Friday will advance to state in Yakima next Fri & Sat.  Way to go, Falcons!  Pictured is the district team: Catie, Izzy, Mikaela, Pearl, Katya, Bailey Middle school track athletes continue to impress.   Seventh-grader Sowerby made the South Whidbey Record sports page with a photo from our meet with Coupeville on May 10th.  We are winding down our regular season this week at Sultan on Thursday.  We then move on to the post-season with preliminary races at Lakewood on the 25th and finals at Lakewood on the 31st.  Come out and support our middle school track athletes! Photo by John Fisken, South Whidbey Record Falcon Golfers Move On to States We have three golfers moving on to the State Championship at Riverside Golf Club in Chehalis: Ryder who shot 78 and finished T5 in Districts, Henry who shot 84 and finished T15 in Districts. And on the girl’s side: Parker  who shot 103 and finished in solo 14 th  in districts.  Go Falcons! Falcons fastpitch team hopes to "Strike Out the Stigma" - Whidbey Weekly “Strike Out the Stigma” is a fundraising initiative of the South Whidbey High School girls’ Falcons fastpitch team to mark Mental Health Awareness month. In addition to concession sales at games, A GoFundMe page has been established, with a goal of raising $5,000 by the end of the month. Team members hope this innovative campaign will raise enough money to enable them to offer students at all three Whidbey Island high schools coupons they can use to seek help from mental health professionals .  (https://www.gofundme.com/f/strike-out-the-stigma-falcon-fastpitch-for-mh ) " - by Kathy Reed, Whidbey Weekly Falcon Spring Athletics are wrapping up their season and hoping for the sun to stay out.  Please remember that you can check for all game schedules on our website. Home games are linked here: Falcon   & Cougar Athletics Home Games . Please send any Falcon/Cougar sports photos and stories to info@sw.wednet.edu to add to the next Navigator and celebrate on the district social media channels.   SWPTA, SWEPTA, RTL and Volunteer Opportunities.... Click Here to join one of the South Whidbey Community Groups that support the schools Performing Arts Booster (PAB), Athletic Booster, 7-12 PTA, SWEPTA (K-6), or the Emergency Notifications Grou p. Performing Arts Booster meets the first Wednesday of the month at 2:30pm in the Band room. However, the next meeting will be on Wednesday, June 7th at 2:30pm. Current volunteer opportunities include supporting classrooms, school events and student clubs at both the North and South Campus. 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. Health and Counseling Corner... Staff Highlights... In this Navigator,   we recognize another one of our amazing teachers who has announced her retirement after THIRTY-ONE YEARS in the district, Sue Sage. Congratulations Mrs. Sage!!! Thank you for your dedication to the students, families, community, and District! Sue Sage Building/Campus:  SWES-North Grades you work with and Position :  3rd Grade Classroom Teacher How long have you worked for SWSD?  31   years. Describe your job:   To form relationships and educate young humans Favorite thing about your job?   It is hard to choose. I love it when kids share about their life. I love seeing the amazing growth of 3rd graders. It is exciting when a learning struggle turns into success. It is so special when they come back to visit in following years.  Most interesting part of your   job?    It is interesting when I learn something from the kids, which is almost daily. Third graders have incredible insight and thoughts. All-time favorite movie?   It's a Wonderful Life Favorite spot on Whidbey?    Any beach. How do you spend a day to yourself?   I love to sit on my deck listening to birds and reading a great book. What is the luckiest thing to happen to you?     I married my best friend and look forward to spending retirement traveling together. What is on your bucket list?    Travel to amazing places! Too many to list. Take away from the pandemic? The team I work with made all the difference. We formed a bond and worked so well together. Zoom was not all bad. It was fun to get to know the kids on a more personal level. Hidden Talents?   I'm a pretty good cook and gardener. "It has been a true honor to teach at South Whidbey. I have worked with many wonderful children, supportive, kind families, and the best staff I could have hoped for." -- Sue   HR Corner - Open Positions! It's a great time to apply and join our team!   We have an opening for a first grade teacher for the 23-24 school year.  For more information, or to apply, visit our website:   https://www.sw.wednet.edu/our-district/district-office/human-resources/open-positions  Salary Range:  $61,618.00 - $124,380.00 per negotiated SWEA contract. Comprehensive benefit package for 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.  ·         VEBA ·         Employee Assistance Program provided by Canopy ·         Sick Leave (12 days – prorated if start date is mid-year) ·         Personal Leave (3 days – prorated if start date is mid-year) ·         403(B) ·         Deferred Compensation ·         TRS retirement for eligible positions 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) Custodial Subs needed!  Apply on Fast Track.   $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. Just Posted!  Coaches needed! Head Coach - Middle School Football - Fall 2023 - Stipend depending on experience:  $2,785 - $3,621.00 Head Coach - High School Girls Basketball - Winter 2023 - Stipend depending on experience:  $5,486.00 - $7,132.00 Posted on Fast Track ( https://www.sw.wednet.edu/our-district/district-office/human-resources/open-positions )! To apply for any of these positions - click here:  https://www.sw.wednet.edu/our-district/district-office/human-resources/o pen-positions or visit  www.sw.wednet.edu and click "Careers" on the top right hand corner of the site. I would love to help if you have any difficulties, or just have questions. You can reach Amanda Fisher in 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: Subscribe to South Whidbey Calendars May and June are busy months with games, performances, assessments, field trips and senior events. Keep up to date by checking the district, school, and team calendars available on our website:  https://www.sw.wednet.edu/calendar  and on ParentSquare. Sync the school google calendar to your own personal calendar by clicking the square RSS button on the top right of the calendars.  This will open another window where you can choose which calendar to feed into your personal calendar (click on the green ICAL button).   Summer Physicals and Vaccinations Make your summer appointments now for physicals, check ups, and immunizations. South Whidbey will be hosting a voluntary student vaccination clinic on June 1st from 2-6pm.  All students must have a current certificate of immunization or a Certificate of Exemption to enroll in school including Running Start students and Homeschool/Virtual students. More information on immunizations is on our website linked here: https://www.sw.wednet.edu/.../immunizations-information Earlier this year, our school nurse shared information regarding teen vaccines. Immunizations are available during adolescence to protect the health of your student. Washington State ensures that information about meningococcal disease and prevention is made available to all parents of 6th through 12th graders. Consider scheduling an appointment with your healthcare provider.  Learn more about meningococcal disease and how to prevent it: Washington State Department of Health meningococcal information: http://www.doh.wa.gov/.../Disea.../MeningococcalVaccine.aspx CDC meningococcal disease and vaccine information: www.cdc.gov/meningococcal Adolescent vaccine information: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/teens College student & young adult vaccine information:   www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults National Meningitis Association: www.nmaus.org 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 Distric t   (linked here ) 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 .   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 .

Thursday, May 18 2023

Apply NOW to be the next Student Representative to t...

The South Whidbey School Board is looking for the next student voice to serve as a member on the Board representing the student body.   Apply today! There is a PDF application (attached), or a  google form application linked here. Selection Process: Student application packet submitted to principal  by May 22, 2023 Interviews with School Board at the  May 24 Business Meeting, 5:30pm Board selects and announces Student Representative following interviews Student representative will take the oath immediately after selection and be seated at the May 24th meeting May, 2025  final board meeting of term Role: To serve as a student representative to the school board by providing information, recommendations, and advisory votes at the regular school board meetings, and keep the student body informed of board action as appropriate. Term: The student representative will be selected by the board of directors in the spring of the  year, to serve on the board for the following two years.  The student will serve a two year term beginning in June and concluding in May (of the second year).   Qualifications: The student must be actively seeking a diploma from SWHS or SWA In the 8-11th grades at the time of application Must have had at least a 2.0 GPA for the previous semester and must have passed all full-time classes. Students currently below a 2.0 GPA and/or failing one or more subjects may be considered; however, academics take precedence. Completion of application packet Application form Personal statement Signed acknowledgement by parent/guardian Commitment to attend workshops and business meetings of the school board Any questions, can be submitted to the School Board , Principal Patton , or to info@sw.wednet.edu .

Wednesday, May 17 2023

SWSD Navigator Newsletter - Letter from the Superint...

District Newsletter   |  Issue #86| May 4, 2023   May the fourth be with you!!! 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.    Letter from Superintendent Moccia May 4, 2023 Dear School Community, Thank you to our community for voting in the April 25th Island County Special Election.  Although a majority of voters supported the Bond proposition, Washington state requires a supermajority vote of 60% to pass school bonds. We are truly appreciative to the many students, parents and community members who dedicated an abundance of energy to the election. The South Whidbey School Board will decide how to proceed regarding the bond proposal. South Whidbey School District will continue to work to address the needs of the buildings with the current levy funds and budget.  Thank you to our staff, students and families for participating in our 2023 CEE (Center for Educational Effectiveness) annual survey. We will review the results in the CEE presentation during the Board Retreat on May 10th and use these results to plan for the 2023-2024 school year.  In September, 2023, our district will be experiencing some changes that will affect all students, staff and families. Here are some of the changes that you can expect: 1)  Our South Whidbey Elementary School (North Campus) will serve students in grades K-5.   The K-5 school day will begin at 8:30am and end at 2:55pm. 2) Our students in grades 6-8 and 9-12 will be located at the South Whidbey High/Middle School Campus.   The 6-12 school day will begin at 8:15am and end at 2:40pm.   3) Signage, entrances and classrooms for students in grades 6-8 and 9-12 will be separate and clearly marked.   4) School Bus schedules will coincide with the new start and end times and will be published by August 25, 2023. 5) The transportation, maintenance and technology offices will be located at the transportation facility.  6) The district offices (superintendent, business, human resources) will relocate to the South Campus with the special education offices.  7)  Early Release Wednesdays will remain in place with release still 90 minutes prior to normal  (6-12 will release at  1:10pm and K-5 will release at 1:25pm). As we wrap up the end of the 2022-2023 school year,  the district, schools, students and families are focused on their classes, end of the year projects, current assessments, graduation plans, athletic playoffs, field trips, performances, the 23-24 budget, plans for 2023-2024, review and reflection of the 22-23,  senior send offs, and embracing the much appreciated sunshine.   Thank you to everyone for all of their support in 2022-2023.  Sincerely,  Jo Moccia, Superintendent Important Dates: Falcon   & Cougar Athletics Home Games ;   Band Calendar Spring Assessments/Testing Dates Linked Here May 5 : SWES Coffee with the Principal;  ALE Yearbook Order Deadline May 6 : Last Day to Order SWMS Yearbooks May 8-12 : Teacher Appreciation Week;  South Campus Camp Kirby Field Trip May 9 : Kindergarten Information Night 5:30pm May 13: Prom @ Useless Bay GCC May 14 : K-4 and 5-6 Yearbook Order Deadline May 19:  SWMS Movie Night May 23 : End of the Year Band Concert (Grades 5-12) May 26 : School Day -- Make Up for 11/7/22;  Cougar Pride Assembly June 1 :  SWHS Choir Concert 7-9pm; 6th Grade Visit to MS; ALE K-8 Showcase Night June 2 : 5th Grade Visit to MS Campus June 6 : Senior Scholarship Night; 6th Gr Lady Wa Field trip; ALE K-8 Last Day In Person Classes; SWES Orca Showcase June 7 : Senior BBQ and Parade June 8 : Senior Farewell Assembly and Checkout;  SWES Kindergarten Graduation June 9: 8th Grade Field Trip June 10 : Graduation at noon June 12: 5th Gr Lady Wa Field Trip; June 12-15 : ALE K-8 Parent Meetings (required) June 14 : Last Day of School for Students; 8th grade Graduation Upcoming School Board Meeting:   On  Wednesday, May 10, 2023   the South Whidbey School Board will hold  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. Prior to the workshop, the Board will meet with the administration for an open retreat to review the CEE Survey, then in Executive Session after the workshop to Review Performance of a Public Employee. The agenda is linked HERE . Please click THIS LINK to join the webinar. Passcode:  234129 Webinar ID:  881 5979 3362 Future Meetings: May 22, 2023 Student Member Application Deadline May 24, 2023   Business Meeting - Student Interviews June 14, 2023 Workshop &  Business Meeting July 12, 2023 Workshop - 23-24 Budget Presentation July 26, 2023 Meeting - Budget Public Hearing What's Happening Around The Schools   Salmon Release Program Once again, South Whidbey students participated in the annual salmon release program. Fifth graders Nunu and Mya examined the salmon before releasing the fry into the Maxwelton stream on March 27th.  Cougar Pride Award wins for the Month of March  The monthly South Campus assemblies featured their Cougar Pride Awards recognizing 5th and 6th grade students who represent the shared culture focused on our "R.O.A.R." principles (Respect, Observing rules, Acting responsibly and being Ready to learn). Congratulations to Simon, Spark, Wyatt, and Lucy. Way to go Cougars!   Asian Pacific Heritage in School Lunches for May Grades 7-12 can sample new and old items on the May lunch menu in celebration of Asian Pacific Heritage Month.  Some items to watch for include teriyaki chicken, Indian curry, lo mein with egg rolls and pineapple Thai chicken. Try something new this month and be sure to let the kitchen know which meals you like best! SWMS Cougar Leaders  -  5th & 6th Welcome Presentation A group of 20 current 7th graders, presented to SWMS 5th and 6th graders about their transition to Middle School. They shared information on classes, electives, advice, homework, clubs, sports and extracurricular activities. They took loads of questions and are ready for more! In June, this same group of amazing leaders will welcome the 5th and 6th graders for Orientation and tours of the school. SWMS Cougars are ready and excited to welcome both next year's 7th and 6th graders to our campus. Also, see the  slides presentation  they made to give just a little bit of information to these incoming Cougars!  Pollinator Habitat Signage at the SWES Garden South Whidbey ALE first and second grade students installed the Xerces pollinator habitat signage at the elementary school garden and took the pollinator pledge. The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation is an international nonprofit organization that protects the natural world through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats. The pollinator pledge includes the following:  1. Grow pollinator-friendly flowers  2. Protect nest sites & host plants  3. Avoid using pesticides  4. Spread the word!  After students took the pledge we added the school to the Xerces pollinator habitats worldwide map. You can find the map linked here. The garden is in its final stages and will soon be a spot where classes can easily access an outdoor learning space. Pacific Science Center (PSC) Science on Wheels Visited SWES Monday, April 17th, was out of this world when the Pacific Science Center (PSC) Science on Wheels visited South Whidbey Elementary School! Elementary students from Kindergarten through 6th grade had the opportunity to engage in a variety of hands-on astronomy lessons and experiences presented by the PSC team.   We started the day with an all school assembly about exploring space.  After the assembly students visited the hands-on exhibits and participated in cool classroom lessons presented by the PSC instructors. Some of our classes even got to have a lesson in the portable planetarium! Many thanks to the South Whidbey Schools Foundation and the South Whidbey Elementary PTA for providing this fantastic science event! Thank you also to our community volunteers who helped out! Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival Congratulations to the HS Jazz Ensemble for winning 1st place at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. The HS Combo won 2nd place. Middle school jazz competed against HS bands and came in the middle of the HS A/B category. Recognized for their challenging program and outstanding solos. Lulu Russo received an outstanding solo award. HS solo awards went to Ethan Heather-Ford, Jackson Murphy, Bjorn Juengel, Liam Watkins Way to go South Whidbey Jazz Bands!!! 4th Grade Camp Casey Program 4th grade students, staff and parents had a fantastic time at Camp Casey, bringing back another wonderful tradition of an overnight environmental learning experience!  We were SO grateful to the many parents (over 50 in all!!) who volunteered – and especially those 25 brave souls who spent the night in the barracks! Students engaged in a wide range of learning activities – including art, team games, a service project / beach cleanup with Sound Water Stewards, a tour of the lighthouse and the fort, a meadow walk with Whidbey Camano Land Trust and a nature journaling experience.  In the evening we enjoyed campfires and an amazing sunset, a concert and sing-along with the Shifty Sailors!  It was an all-around wonderful time.  BIG thanks to our 4th grade staff who helped make it all happen for their students. SWHS Social Justice Club Beach Clean Up The SWHS Social Justice Club organized a beach clean up in honor of Earth Month. Members of the SWHS SJC, SWHS Interact Club,  and other service-minded students joined us to pick up garbage at Double Bluff Beach on Sunday, April 30. Thanks for helping care for our beautiful island, Falcons! SWHS Farm Stand is Open Advanced Agriculture students harvesting their second round of crops for the Spring! Come and get it while it’s there! Agriculture class harvested veggies and stocked the farmstand! Beautiful heads of speckled romaine and red leaf lettuce, juicy bok choi, tender baby kale, crisp sprouting broccoli, rhubarb for your baking and tart french sorrel. It’s all as fresh as it can be! Look forward to more coming soon including radishes, salad turnips, etc. The stand is just in front of the high school campus on Maxwelton Road. Athletics Acclamations... Falcon Baseball Playoffs -  Saturday,  the 6th,  at Sehome HS at 12:30 against Meridian. If they win they will play at Joe Martin Stadium at 5:30. If they lose they will stay at Sehome HS for the 5:30 game.  Tickets can be purchased with cash at the gate or by using the  GOFAN link A big congratulations to all the South Whidbey M iddle School track athletes , they all performed extremely well at their first meet here at South Whidbey last week.  We had four athletes put themselves in top 10 positions in the State in their individual events:  Bryson Taylor who broke the SWMS record and is currently 1st in the state in long jump, additionally, Drew Staats, Reed Atwood, Jonah Voigt and Ellie Aernie are in the state top 10.  Our 8th grade boys 4 x 100 relay team have also put themselves in the top ten in the state this year.  Although last week was our only home meet, you can catch more South Whidbey middle school track action at Coupeville on May 4th and 10th starting at 3:45. Go Cougs! Way to go Falcon Fastpitch! Kyla went 3 for 3 with a home run and a double in the 12-4 win against Sultan on 5/2.  Falcon Spring Athletics are wrapping up their season and hoping for the sun to stay out.  Please remember that you can check for all game schedules on our website. Home games are linked here: Falcon   & Cougar Athletics Home Games . Please send any Falcon/Cougar sports photos and stories to info@sw.wednet.edu to add to the next Navigator and celebrate on the district social media channels.   SWPTA, SWEPTA and Volunteer Opportunities.... 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. Performing Arts Booster meets the first Wednesday of the month at 2:30pm in the Band room. However, the next meeting will be on Wednesday, June 7th at 2:30pm. Current volunteer opportunities include supporting classrooms, school events and student clubs at both the North and South Campus. 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. Staff Highlights... In this Navigator,   we recognize one of our amazing teachers who has announced his retirement after teaching multiple grades in the district, Don Wills. Congratulations Mr. Wills!!! Don Wills Building/Campus:  SWHS/MS Campus,  Grades you work with and Position :  Grades 7-12 Teacher How long have you worked for SWSD?  28 years. Describe your job:   I teach STEM courses and History to middle school students and Shop to high school students. Favorite thing about your job?   Getting to know my students and being there to see them learn and grow. It is amazing when the light bulb turns on and you realize that they get it. Most interesting part of your   job?    Discovering the amazing advancements in technology such as 3D printing and AI. All-time favorite movie?   It's a Wonderful Life Favorite spot on Whidbey?    Fort Casey How do you spend a day to yourself?   Mountain biking and reading a good book. What is the luckiest thing to happen to you?     Meeting my beautiful wife which has led to an amazing family. What is on your bucket list?    To visit all the Antique stores and Mountain biking trails in Washington and beyond. Take away from the pandemic? An appreciation of in person instruction and improved technology skills. Hidden Talents?   Upcycling furniture "I have been blessed to be a teacher in a great community which allowed me to work with so many amazing people. -- Don" HR Corner - Open Positions! It's a great time to apply and join our team!   Custodial Subs needed!  Apply on Fast Track.   $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. Just Posted!  Coaches needed! Head Coach - Middle School Football - Fall 2023 - Stipend depending on experience:  $2,785 - $3,621.00 Head Coach - High School Girls Basketball - Winter 2023 - Stipend depending on experience:  $5,486.00 - $7,132.00 Posted on Fast Track ( https://www.sw.wednet.edu/our-district/district-office/human-resources/open-positions )! To apply for any of these positions - click here:  https://www.sw.wednet.edu/our-district/district-office/human-resources/o pen-positions or visit  www.sw.wednet.edu and click "Careers" on the top right hand corner of the site. I would love to help if you have any difficulties, or just have questions. You can reach Amanda Fisher in 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: Register your ParentSquare account if you haven't already.   Through ParentSquare, you can decide, and change as needed, your school notifications to come immediately (example, when you your student is in a sport) or digested (when you have multiple students and don't want to receive notifications all day long -- just send them all to me at 5pm). Through ParentSquare, you can choose which language to receive your messages in. A full list of the supported languages is linked here:  https://cloud.google.com/translate/docs/languages . More Info at https://parentsquare.zendesk.com/.../203414049-Getting ... 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 Distric t   (linked here ) 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 .   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 .

Thursday, May 04 2023