District Update
May 20, 2022
Evergreen Teacher Nominated for National Award
Evergreen Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Shameem Sherwin is one of four Washington math and science teachers selected as a finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Award, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) announced this week.
After being selected as a state-level finalist, the national PAEMST committee will determine national awardees based on content mastery, use of effective instructional methods, effective use of assessments, reflective practice and lifelong learning, and leadership in education inside and outside of the classroom.
If Sherwin is selected as a national awardee, she will travel to Washington D.C. to attend a series of recognition events and professional learning experiences, and receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States as well as a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.
National awardees are typically announced in the fall. State-level finalists are recognized by regional and state math and science associations and invited to several state events for award-winning educators.
The PAEMST program was first established by Congress in 1983. The program recognizes exemplary teaching in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The President may recognize up to 108 educators each year. Since 1983, 81 Washington educators have received the award.
Big Lake Sixth Graders celebrate 100th anniversary of Tusko's Rampage
Elizabeth Vaith's sixth-grade class celebrated Tusko's escape in Sedro-Woolley by practicing their cursive and explaining their reaction to an elephant running through town 100 years ago.
SWSD Offers Free Meals to Kids this Summer
The Sedro-Woolley School District will be operating the United States Department of Agriculture Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) this summer. The program allows the district to serve breakfast and lunch meals to any child under the age of 18 free of charge.
Meals will be available at the following locations:
Mary Purcell Elementary School
700 Bennett Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
6/27/22-8/12/22
Monday-Friday, with the exception of July 4th
Breakfast: 9–9:30 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Cascade Middle School
905 McGarigle Road
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
7/6/22-8/19/22
Monday-Friday
Breakfast: 9–9:30 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Sedro-Woolley High School
1235 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
6/28/22-6/30/22
Tuesday-Thursday
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Meals will also be served to students enrolled in the summer school program at State Street High School from August 1st-19th through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.
Questions about the program can be directed to the Food Service Department at 360-855-3515.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
CMS Students Named to Honor Orchestra and Choir
Cascade Middle School students were selected for our region's honor orchestra and choir.
(From left to right) Kaila England, Shawn Isbrandtsen, Liam Lively, Rylee Cates, Kylie Horkley, Jasmyn Burkhalter, Alexis Wiley.
Evergreen takes fifth-graders to Mountain School
Employees of the Year (so far)
Individual schools nominate staff members for Employee of the Year. Those nominations are narrowed down to just one person per building or department. Superintendent Mickelson delivered certificates and special district coffee mugs to four of the winners this week.
Big Lake's Matt Holmes pays attention to the individual needs of ALL students, and finds ways to help and encourage them to be success. His natural kindness allows him to create lessons in PE that serve to boost social emotional learning through physical activities that have an equal amount of competition and fun. He serves as Big Lake's ASB advisor, providing every student a chance to learn leadership skills and contribute to their school community by opening up ASB roles to any student who is interested. This is especially important as it gives so many students who might not have a chance to try student leadership an opportunity to do so in a safe learning environment before they move on to secondary education. Likewise, Matt has taken on the role of Camp Orkila coordinator. This allows him to be a mentor and teacher to students in all buildings. Prior to covid, Matt was also responsible for organizing the district wide 6th grade track meet, and event that brought school together and introduced many students to athletic competition who may otherwise not have a chance to participate. I know he will continue this tradition when the time comes. He is an excellent role model, reliable teammate, and compassionate teacher who truly deserves to be recognized as an OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE.
Shannon Whalen was nominated for the Food Service department. "Shannon is a leader in the Evergreen kitchen and overall Evergreen community. She is well respected by her co-workers (both in food service and in the greater school building). She comes to work every day with a can-do, positive attitude, and is dedicated to creating a comfortable, welcoming environment for students. She is diligent about ensuring the USDA guidelines are followed in the cafeteria, and provides a great example of strong work ethic. We are lucky to have her on our food service team."
Tracy Gahan was nominated at Evergreen Elementary School. "Tracy literally will jump in wherever needed. She cares about the outcome with all kids and genuinely has a good relationship with them. Her leadership often is overlooked by most. Our school runs smoothly a lot in part to her work with the difficult things. What is a big thing in a classroom, comes to her. Big picture though, she takes care of the school. Days get hectic at Evergreen and Tracy handles things with love and grace for the kids. Tracy has been a Sedro-Woolley School District Employee for a long time. She loves what she does even though it can be difficult at times. She has good relationships with kids and their families. She is a true asset to Evergreen and we are so lucky to have her."
Lynn Wade was nominated by Cascade Middle School. “Lynn is often one of the last people to leave the building on most days as she takes the time to reach out to all those who have contacted her via email or voicemail. She has a huge heart for kids and is truly their advocate. Lynn also has taken on supporting staff through the pandemic, offering sessions around mental health and self-care.”
Congratulations on the recognition!
Congratulations to Connections Academy Graduates!
Big Lake holds Science Fair-Invention Convention
Infant formula shortages: What to do if you're impacted
OLYMPIA – The nationwide infant formula shortage has caused stress for many families. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has compiled resources to assist families trying to find nutritionally appropriate food for their babies.
If you are struggling to find infant formula and have concerns about your child’s nutrition, your first step is to check out the links and resources provided to get accurate information. If you still have concerns about your child’s health, contact your child’s primary care provider’s office and ask to speak with a nurse, medical assistant, or health educator on your child’s care team.
For people needing connection to health care providers, call the Help Me Grow WA hotline at 1-800-322-2588 for referrals and to apply for food and health resources in Washington. Additional support and resources are also available to participants in federal and state nutrition programs.
For WIC participants and families, contact your local WIC clinic to get infant formula benefits replaced or change baby formulas. WIC has expanded the types of formula they provide to offer more choices for families participating in the program. They can often tell you which stores have formula in stock. If you can’t reach your local clinic, call the state WIC office at 1-800-841-1410 Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Check the Washington WIC web page for more information on approved replacement infant formulas.
For participants in Basic Food (SNAP), visit the Parenthelp123 web page or call 1-800-322-2588.
In this urgent situation, the AAP says it’s ok for most babies to switch to any available formula, including store brands, unless your baby is on a specific extensively hydrolyzed or amino acid-based formula for certain medical conditions. Contact your child’s primary care provider to ask about specialty formula alternatives.
Though it might be tempting to try to make homemade formula, the AAP cautions not to do this because formula recipes might not have enough vital nutrients or could contain too much salt or other elements that could be harmful to your baby.
Some additional tips to help with your infant formula search:
- Check smaller stores and drug stores or buy online from reputable distributors and pharmacies.
- Contact manufacturers directly:
- Gerber’s MyGerber Baby Expert: reach a certified nutrition or lactation consultant by phone, text, Facebook Messenger, web chat, or video call, who can help you identify a similar formula that may be more readily available
- Abbott’s Consumer Hotline: call 1-800-986-8540
- Abbott’s urgent product request line: ask your OBGYN or your infant’s pediatrician to submit an urgent product request by downloading and completing the form - PDF
- Mead Johnson/Reckitt’s Customer Service line: call 1-800 BABY-123 (222-9123)
- Check out community resources:
- Locate your nearest Community Action Agency (CAA). Your neighborhood CAA may be able to provide you with formula or connect you with local agencies that have formula in stock.
- United Way’s 2-1-1: dial 2–1-1 to be connected to a community resource specialist affiliated with United Way who may be able to help you identify food pantries and other charitable sources of local infant formula and baby food.
- Feeding America: call your local food bank to ask whether they have infant formula and other supplies in stock.
- Human Milk Banking Association of North America(HMBANA): certain HMBANA-accredited milk banks are distributing donated breast milk to mothers in need; please note that some may require a prescription from a medical professional. Find an HMBANA-accredited milk bank.
Relactation or induced lactation is also possible and can be an alternative to using formula, but it does take time and effort. La Leche League International has resources on how to stimulate milk supply.
Important Announcements & Events
Board meetings to be held in-person only
Alumni: Share your favorite memories!
The Skagit County Historical Museum is hosting an exhibit about former Cascade Middle School, art, and English teacher, Lavone Newell (formerly Trueman).
Lavone taught at CMS for 23 years, beginning in the 1970s through the early 1990s. The museum would love to include any memories from former students of Lavone in their exhibit.
If you have memories that you would be willing to share, please e-mail them to Anne Maroney at annm@co.skagit.wa.us.
Non-District Youth Sports Opportunities
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 open until May 31.
Sedro-Woolley Youth Football and Cheer
Registration for fall season closes in June.
Practices start in August.
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.
**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!
Summer Reading Program
Register online for kindergarten
Calendar updated after waiver request approved
The state has approved a waiver-day request from the Sedro-Woolley School District. In order to meet the minimum time requirement, students will be attending school for a full day on June 17 (so no early release). June 20 will now be a non-student day.
As a reminder, the district will also be using May 27 as a make-up day
Updated 2021-2022 calendars:
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 ASB 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
STEM Summer Camps
YMCA Flag Football
Boys & Girls Summer at the Club schedule
Click the Cubs Den link below for sports' schedules, rosters and more
Samish Coop Preschool
Samish Coop Preschool is seeking an inspiring teacher for the 2022-23 School Year!!
Position Description:
Our ideal candidate has experience creating a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment with experiential and hands-on learning experiences. Candidates must be comfortable directing and working with parent members of the cooperative preschool in the classroom. The Lead Teacher also works in partnership with the Skagit Valley College Parent Educator as the program is affiliated with the Skagit Valley College Family Life Program. The teacher will attend a monthly Co-op membership meeting and parent education discussion with the SVC Parent Educator.
Qualifications:
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Ability to work with a diverse student body
- High level of professionalism and ethics
- Current CPR / First Aid Certification and WA state background check clearance required by start date
- Proof of Covid vaccination
- ECE degree/certification or bachelor’s degree highly preferred
- Experience in a cooperative school environment desired
Start Date: Officially start September 2022, August Orientation TBD
Preschool Program Teacher Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (teach class from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
Additional Planning/Prep Time: 1 hour per week
10 hours total per week
Salary:
20.00 per hour / DOE
Please send resume and letter of interest to: samishcooppreschool@gmail.com
Please include “Preschool Teacher” in the subject.
FAE Summer Academy
Youth sports fee assistance
Apply today for the Every Kid Sports Pass — a youth sports grant to help cover registration fees.
The district is offering new tutoring services for students in grades 7-12. Paper is a secure, online tutoring service that provides students with unlimited, 24/7 academic support. Whether they’re 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 over 200 subjects and more than 4 languages.
Paper tutors have been specially trained to conduct expert, academic support in a secure, chat-based platform. With a commitment to helping students learn, they’ll never give students answers, but rather interact with them in an encouraging tone to lead them forward.
This is a free service that we’re providing (paid for with ESSER funds), so students are encouraged to use it as much as they need, whenever they need. Our teachers also have accounts and will be able to review all student activity to see what they’re working on and provide more targeted instruction as needed.
If you’d 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 you’d 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 PAPER’s student login page, type your school’s name, and login via Google using your school credentials
We’re thrilled to offer our students the unlimited, 24/7 support that Paper provides and we can’t wait to see what we’re able to accomplish together.
These Tutorial Videos are also helpful for students and families!
IEP Recovery Services
Box Tops are now digital
Mental Health Resources
HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION AND BULLYING
The district uses a reporting system for harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) through SafeSchools Alert. Students, parents and community members can report HIB and other unsafe behaviors anonymously through phone, text, email or web. Students, parents and community members should utilize SafeSchools Alert as it creates a record of the report, and each incident must be investigated. Visit https://swsd-wa.safeschoolsalert.com/ to report an incident or use the alternative methods below.
App: Search for “SafeSchools Alert” in the App Store to download for free.
Phone or text to: 1-855-764-8877
Email: 1376@alert1.us
District ID Code: 1376