District Update
May 12, 2023
π» ππ π» ππ π» ππ π»
Warm Weather next Week
Next week's forecast includes temperatures rising to 89Β° on Monday, with highs remaining in the lower 80s throughout the week.
This sudden shift to warmer weather will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. Our coaches will monitor any athletes still training for increased fluid intake during the warmer weather.
Since none of our school buildings have air conditioning, we are requesting that families avoid dressing students in heavy clothing. Facilities will be working on bringing in cold outside air during the early morning hours to try to cool down the buildings as much as possible, so layers will definitely be needed for the morning hours.
Please send a refillable water bottle with your student(s) next week.
Elementary Menu Changes
We are making two changes to the elementary lunch menu next week due to procurement challenges for a couple products. Below are the changes along with updated carb counts.
Monday, May 15th: Chicken Nuggets (13g) with Crinkle Cut Fries (21g), Fresh Fruit and Veggies, Choice of 1% Lowfat Milk or Nonfat Chocolate Milk
Wednesday, May 17th: Mini Cheese Calzones (40g) with Marinara Dipping Sauce (7g), Fresh Fruit and Veggies, Choice of 1% Lowfat Milk or Nonfat Chocolate Milk
May 2023 Important Events
12 - School Communicators Day
12 - SWHS Pep Dance
14 - Motherβs Day
15- SWHS Choir & Orchestra Disney Finale Concert, 7 p.m., SWHS Auditorium
16 - LY Parent Group Meeting 6 p.m.
17 - All Schools - One hour late start for professional development
18 - National Speech Pathologist Day
18 - BL - BLPGA meeting, 7 p.m.
22 - School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
23 - CMS Choir Concert, 7 p.m. @ CMS
24 - All Schools - One hour late start for professional development
24 - CMS Band Concert 7 p.m. @ CMS
26 - Non-School Day
29 - Memorial Day
30 - LY Wildcat Awards Assembly 9:35 a.m.
31 - 5thβ8th Grade Orchestra Concert, 7 p.m. CMS Cafeteria
Senior Celebrations
2022-2023 Employees of the Year
Clear Lake Employee of the Year
Melissa Dahl has been named the 2022-2023 Employee of the Year for Clear Lake Elementary School.
The following is what colleagues had to share about Melissa.
Melissa is an outstanding instructional leader who skillfully knows how to interpret data and then plan instruction to meet the learning needs of a child in her classroom.
She spends countless hours planning, preparing, and applying for grants to make her classroom shine and welcoming to all. She is a powerful advocate for every student!
She has been instrumental in getting on board with the new Student Success Team (SST) spreadsheet β she wants to advocate for students and comply with the new protocols.
She stays after meetings to collaborate with our school psychologist on documentation of research-based interventions.
We are extremely fortunate and appreciative to have her at Clear Lake!
Big Lake Employee of the Year
Deborah Hedberg has been named the 2022-2023 Employee of the Year for Big Lake Elementary School.
The following is what colleagues had to share about Deborah.
Deb is a constant ray of sunshine around our school. No matter the situation, Deb is a beacon for patience and understanding. She checks on those around her, both peer and student, every single day. She goes above and beyond in any way she can. She truly loves this school, and this school would not be the same without her.
She is passionate about her job and is always looking for ways she can help students learn. Deb greets students first thing in the morning at parent drop off. She knows each student by name and ensures they get from the car to the building safely.
Deb is amazing at her job. She gives extra thought into her planning for the day and will bring βjust a little something for the kids.β Sometimes it is popcorn if the letter is βPβ or a lemonade stand if the book is about lemons. She sparks interest in learning and brings joy to all those around her. Deb often collaborates with our counselor and principal to ensure student needs are met.
Deb also oversees the end of the day bus duty. She makes sure that the students are safe and that they get on the right bus going home. She will be the last person in as she waves to the students as the bus drives away.
Evergreen Employee of the Year
Danna Thompson has been named the 2022-2023 Employee of the Year for Evergreen Elementary School.
The following is what colleagues had to share about Danna:
Danna has lead the sixth grade team for several years. She injured her shoulder in September, and continued to do all the additional duties needed to keep a multi-teacher team working successfully. When her teammate took maternity leave, she went above and beyond to help the leave replacement settle in and get up to speed. No question was considered too clueless, and Danna showed patience through them all.
Danna spent several years on the Evergreen leadership team, although she is not on the team this year. Danna spends hours collecting data to provided individualized, scaffolded lessons for her classes, including the intervention groups.
Cascade Middle School Employee of the Year
Elliott Sherburne has been named the 2022-2023 Employee of the Year for Cascade Middle School.
The following is what colleagues had to share about Elliott:
Elliott has worked hard to organize and communicate the daily routine and materials needed to support the Advisory program at CMS, revamping the system teachers use to access their materials each day.
He is unflappable in difficult and challenging situations, keeping the well-being of students as the focus of his interactions.
He is an advocate for learners, working tirelessly to provide access to learning materials through intentional scaffolding and other support materials that create a pathway for all learners to succeed. He is a consummate collaborator, and his ideas and selfless contributions to our collective work are incredible.
Elliott's care and compassion shine in his interactions with students and colleagues.
I have seen Elliott meet students where they are, emotionally and academically, to help foster learning. He has implemented a system in his classroom that champions a "learner's mindset," establishing the expectation and reassurance that all students, regardless of their previous success at school, are scholars and can do challenging things.
His constant reminder of this belief in his students provides them with an environment that challenges, supports, and encourages them to do their best.
Cascade Middle School's staff and students are lucky to have Elliott in our building.
State Street High School Employee of the Year
Tamara McGrady has been named the 2022-2023 Employee of the Year for State Street High School.
The following is what colleagues had to share about Tamara:
She always brings thoughtful ideas and questions to staff meetings to spur us towards more equitable teaching practices. Tamara has brought invaluable experience to our team and our learning community.
Tamara stays late every day. She goes above and beyond when serving students, helping students during her prep, meeting with teachers (like me) during her prep or after school hours to problem solve and share teaching ideas.
Whenever colleagues have a question about teaching practices, they love going to Tamara because she has so many great ideas.
WASA Community Leadership Award
Retired Sedro-Woolley Police Chief Lin Tucker was honored today at the Washington Association of School Administrators Region 108 luncheon with a Community Leadership Award.
Chief Tucker was a member of the Sedro-Woolley Police Department for 30 years. He was sworn in as Chief of Police in 2014 and retired last year after a successful and purpose-driven career. He served in the Navy as an electronic technician for seven years before joining the police force.
As a police officer, Chief Tucker was a staunch supporter of the Sedro-Woolley School District. He was a reliable partner in the district's efforts to promote school safety. He and his team were always quick to respond to emergency situations and requests for police presence in our schools. He was readily available as a thought partner in the district's safety discussions and emergency response planning. He promoted police visibility in schools so that police officers were viewed by students as role models and as adults invested in their safety, well-being, and success.
Chief Tucker mixes his steadfast commitment to the Sedro-Woolley community with wit and humor. Conversing with Lin is invariably very engaging and entertaining. A man of many talents, he is also a gifted artist. His art pieces are a staple in Sedro-Woolley Rotary Club auctions - an organization that is very supportive of public education and of which Lin is an active member. The Sedro-Woolley School District is deeply thankful for Retired Chief Tucker's support over the years.
WASA Student Leadership Award
Sedro-Woolley High School sophomore Alexia Ceja-Jimenez was honored today at the Washington Association of School Administrators Region 108 luncheon with a Student Leadership Award.
Alexia has been a student leader since the moment she first arrived as a freshman last year. Alexia, a current sophomore, is our Latinos Unidos President, coordinating events, multicultural awareness, and supporting Latino students at Sedro-Woolley High School to feel safe and included.
Alexia is a change agent; she is also our Vice President on our ASB Student Leadership Council and encourages all students, regardless of gender, race, grade, or interests, to be active and inclusive at SWHS.
In addition, Alexia is a student leader in our SWHS Teen Court. Alexia has served on several key roles in our Teen Court, who organizes runs actual teen court cases in the Skagit County Superior Court House. Her mission in Teen Court with other peers is to create restorative justice practices for youth in our community and she has been an invaluable asset for the program and youth she represents.
A student leader, also in yearbook, Alexia is ever-present and embodies all it means to be a Cub. Her spirit, leadership, character, integrity, and warm heart embraces all she comes into contact with and our school community is better because of her contribution and light. I believe that Alexia characterizes everything this award stands for and more! We are blessed to have her as a student leader, advocating for equity, inclusion, and celebrating the uniqueness in all of us!
New late-start sign at Central
Celebrating our Culture
2023-2024 Foundations K registration open now
Foundations K registration for the 2023-2024 school year is now open!
Students who turn five (5) between September 1, 2023 - August 31, 2024, and show need in the areas listed below are eligible for the Foundations K Program:
1. Academics
2. Emotional/social development
3. Fine and Gross motor skills
4. Language development
Parents or guardians who believe that their child is an appropriate candidate for the Foundations K Program should complete the application via the QR code (https://www.swsd.k12.wa.us/Domain/824) prior to November 30, for the proposed year of entry for second semester. This year's start date is January 30, 2024.
Please note that your child cannot be enrolled in a preschool or similar program and be admitted into this early kindergarten program.
Families interested in having their child participate in the Foundations K Program should contact the District's Early Learning Liaison Sarah Dahl at 360-855-4032 or by email sdahl@swsd101.org.
Recreation & Activity Guide
Mount Vernon Parks & Recreation has distributed their biannual Recreation & Activity Guide full of programs, events, volunteer opportunities, and tons of other information for local community members.
The information in the guide runs through August 2023.
Food Security Survey
Skagit County recently launched a workgroup focused on food security in our area. The group developed a survey to better understand the needs of our community. Input will help the group develop a plan to improve access to healthy and nutritious foods for all residents.
English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9JWDHPF
EspaΓ±ol: https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/QMXGY5R
Summer Food Service Program
The Sedro-Woolley School District announces the sponsorship of the Summer Food Service Program for children. Meals are available at no charge to children between the ages of 1-18.
Meals will be served July 5 to August 18 at Cascade Middle School, 905 McGarigle Road, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284. Breakfast will be offered from 9β9:30 a.m. Lunch will be offered from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877β8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (ADβ 3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632β9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250β9410; fax: (202) 690β7442; or email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
2023-2024 Sixth Grade Music Registration
Videos about the programs:
Child care funding assistance
Thanks to the generosity of the Skagit Community Foundation, funding is still available to help families living or working in Skagit County pay for child care through Opportunity Councilβs Emergency Child Care Voucher Program: www.ccanorthwest.org/assistance.
Families that are struggling financially and/or have overdue balances for children are strongly encouraged call (360) 603-0202. The voucher process includes a short intake conversation and an online application.
If you have questions about the program, please reach out to Rose Marcotte at rose_marcotte@oppco.org or (360) 603-0202.
Online kindergarten registration remains open
Online kindergarten registration for the 2023-2024 school year is still available. Parents should be prepared to upload high-quality images of their childβs birth certificate and immunization records to complete the registration process.
Paper registration packets are highly encouraged and can be picked up at the student's neighborhood school.
Elementary school phone numbers are:
- Big Lake: 360-855-3525
- Central: 360-855-3560
- Clear Lake: 360-855-3530
- Evergreen: 360-855-3545
- Lyman: 360-855-3535
- Mary Purcell: 360-855-3555
- Samish: 360-855-3540
Non-District Events
The district does not sponsor the following events and assumes no responsibility for it. In consideration of the privilege to distribute materials, the Sedro-Woolley School District shall be held harmless from any cause of action filed in any court or administrative tribunal arising out of the distribution of these materials, including costs, attorneyβs fees and judgments or awards.
Youth Sports (Non-District)
Sedro-Woolley Little League
Registration for spring typically closes in early February. Baseball/softball.
www.sedrowoolleylittleleague.com
Questions: sedrowoolleylittleleague@gmail.com
Sedro-Woolley Youth Soccer Association
Registration for fall season is typically open until May 31.
Questions: swysa@hotmail.com
Sedro-Woolley Youth Football and Cheer
Registration for fall season typically closes in June.
Practices start in August.
Cheer Questions: Klhoeswihart@yahoo.com
Football Questions: contact@swyfl.org
Northwest United Soccer
The club offers year round soccer for ages U9-U19 for both boys and girls, with all levels from recreational, select and premier teams and leagues.
Skagit Valley Flyers Lacrosse
This program offers grades K-12 an opportunity to be introduced to and taught about the amazing sport of lacrosse. The Flyers offer boys, girls and coed programs.
For more information, email svflyers2009@gmail.com.
Sedro-Woolley SteelClaw Youth Wrestling Club
Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco wrestling. The club accepts both male and female wrestlers.
Questions: swsteelclawwrestling@gmail.com
Club Hoop
Club Hoop sign ups are in the fall.
Ages: Kindergarten-3rd grade
Contact: clubhoopk3@gmail.com
**Please note that most youth sports are run by volunteer boards of directors. Coaches are most often fellow parents and there is a significant referee shortage amongst almost every sport. Volunteering to coach or training to become a referee is one of the best opportunities a parent or guardian has to stay involved in their child's life through various stages of development!
Report Card Guides
Curious about your childβs elementary report card? Want to know more about standards-based grading?
Scan the QR Code or visit https://www.swsd.k12.wa.us/Page/4898 for a grade-specific breakdown of what the numbers mean.
Attention Alumni
Apply for benefits
Families who previously qualified for free or reduced-price meals through meal applications should complete BOTH the Family Income Survey and the Consent to Share form. These are confidential and can save families money on ASB and athletic fees, health insurance coverage, and internet costs. Juniors and seniors may qualify for reduced ACT, SAT and AP testing fees as well as College in the Classroom fees. Families can also secure discounts on fees associated with applying for college and Running Start.
Do you have concerns about your childβs development?
The Good Beginnings Preschool serves children in the Sedro-Woolley School District from birth to age 5 who have been identified as children who would benefit from a developmental early childhood program.
Call 360-855-3870 to discuss your concerns and schedule a FREE SCREENING!
You do not need to be a permanent resident of the Sedro-Woolley School District to request a screening for your child.
FREE TUTORS FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS!
Paper is a secure, online tutoring service that provides students with unlimited, 24/7 academic support. Whether theyβre stuck on homework, studying for a test, or need someone to read and make suggestions to their essays, there will always be experts available online to assist students in more than 200 subjects and in FOUR languages.
If youβd like to learn more about Paper you can sign up for a Paper hosted Parent Info Session, available in both English and Spanish. Or if youβd like to speak to a member of the Paper team directly, you can reach them at parents@paper.co.
To see Paper and the help it offers firsthand, we encourage you to login with your students. To get started, simply visit PAPERβs student login page, type your schoolβs name, and login via Google using your school credentials
Public library cards available for all district students
All SWSD students have an existing library account with the Sedro-Woolley Library! Stop by today, all we need is your student's name to get started.
Questions? visit us at 110 West State Street, call 360-755-3985, or email help@centralskagitlibrary.org.
Report Safety Concerns
Vector Alert is the tip reporting system that the Sedro-Woolley School District uses for students, staff, and parents to submit safety concerns to our administration.
β’ National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988
β’ Are you feeling bullied, harassed or intimidated? Report it at:
- https://swsd-wa.safeschoolsalert.com/
- Text to: 1-855-764-8877
- Email: 1376@alert1.us
- District ID Code: 1376
Easily report tips on bullying, harassment, drugs, vandalism or any safety issue you're concerned about. Tips may be submitted anonymously too. Thanks in advance for helping to make our school community a safer place to work and learn! We appreciate your support.
Arrival & Dismissal Times
All elementary schools start at 9:25 a.m. Doors typically open between 9:10 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. The district has professional development built into its calendar for Wednesday mornings, meaning school will have a one-hour late start (10:25 a.m.) every Wednesday except on Nov. 9 (conferences), Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving holiday), and June 14 (last week of school, no professional development). Students are dismissed at 3:30 p.m. Early dismissal is 12:30 p.m., except on the last day of school when elementary students are dismissed at 11 a.m.
Cascade Middle School starts at 7:40 a.m. Doors open at 7:20 a.m. The district has professional development built into its calendar for Wednesday mornings, meaning the middle school will have a one-hour late start (8:40 a.m.) every Wednesday except on Nov. 9 (conferences), Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving holiday), and June 14 (last week of school, no professional development). Students are dismissed at 2:15 p.m. and need to leave campus by 2:20 p.m. unless in a staff supervised activity. Please see the district calendar for early dismissal times.
Sedro-Woolley High School starts at 7:55 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. The district has professional development built into its calendar for Wednesday mornings, meaning the high school will have a one-hour late start (8:55 a.m.) every Wednesday except on Nov. 9 (conferences), Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving holiday), and June 14 (last week of school, no professional development). Students are dismissed at 2:30 p.m. Please see the district calendar for early dismissal times.
State Street High School starts at 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:15 a.m. The district has professional development built into its calendar for Wednesday mornings, meaning the middle school will have a one-hour late start (9 a.m.) every Wednesday except on Nov. 9 (conferences), Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving holiday), and June 14 (last week of school, no professional development). Students are dismissed at 2:30 p.m. Please see the district calendar for early dismissal times.
Skyward
Free COVID-19 testing available for students and staff
Sedro-Woolley School District Health Services team continues to offer access to timely diagnostic testing for SWSD students and staff with symptoms of COVID-19. The testing will be free of charge and will only be offered to ONLY students and staff showing symptoms.
Schedule an appointment and complete pre-test paperwork
Testing will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday on regular school days. All appointments will need to be scheduled, as drop-ins cannot be accommodated at this time.
While the guidance is specific to COVID-19 prevention, it can also help to reduce transmission of other common respiratory viruses such as influenza and RSV.
Covid questions
Email: covidquestions@swsdonline.com
Phone: (360) 855-3059
If you want to check COVID-19 cases, you can find it on our district website under community, click on this link: COVID-19 Dashboard.
YOUTH SPORTS FEE ASSISTANCE
Apply today for the Every Kid Sports Pass β a youth sports grant to help cover registration fees.
Log Your Digital Box Tops
Volunteering
We are excited that you are interested in volunteering your time for our students and staff in the Sedro-Woolley School District! All volunteers, student-teacher observers, and PTO members must complete several forms and undergo a background check verification.
Complete the required background check paperwork available from the building secretary
Provide a copy of your photo ID
Wait for the background check to be completed and approved
Forms must be turned in and verified by the building secretary.
Thank you for your support of the Sedro-Woolley School District!
Opt-in for text messages
The Sedro-Woolley School District utilizes the SchoolMessenger system to deliver text messages, straight to your mobile phone with important information about events, school closings, safety alerts and more.
You can participate in this free service* just by sending a text message of βYβ or βYesβ to our schoolβs short code number, 67587.
You can also opt out of these messages at any time by simply replying to one of our
messages with βStopβ.
District News
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Please visit the district website for a list of mental health resources available to students and families.
SWHS, SSHS STUDENTS CAN RECEIVE MEDICAL SERVICES AT WELLNESS CENTER
Parents, did you know your students could get health care at the Woolley Wellness Center during and after school?
The clinic is open Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The center's phone number is 360-856-7995 (no voicemail is available outside of regular clinic hours). Fax number is 360-856-8000.
The Woolley Wellness Center is located in the main hallway at Sedro-Woolley High School, across from the Student Services office, and is operated by PeaceHealth.
View the attached Woolley Wellness Center Informational Flier for more information.
Forms to be completed and returned to the Woolley Wellness Center
A VIS or Vaccine Information Statement is a document produced by CDC, that informs vaccine recipients - or their parents or legal representatives - about the benefits and risks of a vaccine they are receiving. Please find the appropriate VIS by visiting the CDC Website: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/current-vis.html
About the District
The Sedro-Woolley School District has a preschool, seven elementary schools, one middle school and two high schools, averaging more than 4,200 students during the 2021-2022 school year. We proudly serve Sedro-Woolley and its smaller surrounding communities.
Sedro-Woolley School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, and provides equal access to all youth groups identified in U.S.C., Title 36. The District has designated the following employees to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, Title IX Officer, Affirmative Action Officer and ADA Coordinator (Daniel Lee | dlee@swsd101.org | 360-855-3500), Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator (Mike Schweigert | mschweigert@swsd101.org | 360-855-3500), and Tony Smith, Section 504 Coordinator (tosmith@swsd101.org | 360-855-3500). Address: 801 Trail Rd., Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.
Email: swsdcoms@swsd101.org
Website: https://www.swsd.k12.wa.us/
Location: 801 Trail Road, Sedro-Woolley, WA, USA
Phone: 360-855-3500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SedroWoolleySchoolDistrict/
Twitter: @SedroWoolleySD