Friday Family Message
Hello Families
As I walked the halls of our schools this week, it was evident that we have a strong group of volunteers that work alongside our students and staff.
The impact our volunteers have on student learning is evident! Whether focusing on safety and relationship, reading, art, or math, we appreciate our volunteers so much.
Please consider volunteering at one of our buildings. Your contributions make us better!
Don’t take our word for it, watch a three short videos that feature our local volunteers describing why they help out:
Learn how to become a volunteer at stanwood.wednet.edu/volunteer
Kindergarten Fair
Help spread the word about our new event — a Kindergarten Fair!
The free event will be an opportunity for families of incoming kindergarten students to get information, connect with resources, meet staff, and have some fun!
Explore a real school bus
Enjoy art activities
Get a picture with your school mascot
And much more!
The Kindergarten Fair will be from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, May 4, in the Stanwood High School Commons.
We’re excited to meet the Class of 2036!
Budget update
On March 21, we presented the School Board with an initial Reduced Educational Program Plan based on the best-available information at the time and detailed on our district budget webpage.
Every day since then, we have been working diligently to bring our financial picture into better focus and identify the actual reduction — with an aim to minimize all reductions to the best of our ability.
We have done this.
We expect our reductions to be less than we originally forecast. This is a result of many variables, but two that stand out are:
Additional reductions in school and department expenditures
More aggressive use of fund balance to retain as many positions as possible for the 2023-2024 school year
It is important to note that the Washington State Legislature has not yet completed its budget work, which will detail our state funding allocations. Changes to the state budget can positively or negatively impact our financial decisions.
Next week, we plan to provide another update with more specifics on reductions that will be implemented in the next school year.
The Bloom’n Plant Sale — featuring annuals, perennials, vegetable starts, herbs, and flower baskets — returns in late April, showcasing the Stanwood High School horticulture program.
Stanwood High’s Greenhouse Production and Horticultural Science classes have been working hard throughout the school year to grow a wide array of inventory. Students also help manage the sales side of the event, adding to the many skills learned along the way.
The Bloom’n Plant Sale runs from the last week in April through the first week of May. It is open from 2-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays at the high school.
For updates on products and work being done in the program, check Facebook.com/StanwoodHighSchoolGreenhouse.
District Athletic Director & Stanwood High ASB/Activities Director
The Stanwood-Camano School District is proud to announce that Lauren Amundson will become the District Athletic Director & Stanwood High ASB/Activities Director, effective July 1.
Lauren Amundson will help manage athletic programs at our secondary schools and field/gym availability throughout the district. She will also oversee Stanwood High’s clubs and activities as well as the Associated Student Body (ASB).
She is a proud Stanwood High graduate and former college volleyball coach, and she currently serves as the Stanwood High School Athletic Secretary. A diverse team composed of members of the community, staff, students, and the District Equity Team helped guide candidate interviews.
Parent forum on inclusionary practices
Parents of students in special education are invited to participate in a discussion forum from 6:30-7:30 p.m. May 2 in the boardroom at the district office. The main topic will be inclusionary practices, though other topics will be discussed.
This will be an opportunity to talk with district administrators about program successes and challenges around inclusion for special education students in the general education environment.
Get social with us!
Please remember to follow the Stanwood-Camano School District on Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, and Twitter, and follow my tweets @rumbaughsupt.