Grizzly Gazette
December 7th, 2020
December is Upon Us!
We are already through the first week of December! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Ours was certainly different. It was the first time in our 42 years together that Kathy and I did not spend Thanksgiving with any family members. It was strange and I am sure many of you had the same experience. We made the most of it though. I'm no longer the Yahtzee champion in our family. Kathy beat me two games in a row to take the best out of three championship. I'll make my comeback on Christmas Day!
Family Message from the Stanwood-Camano School District
December 4, 2020
Family Message
Good evening,
The district has reviewed the latest COVID-19 data from the Snohomish and Island County Health Districts and met with authorities from both counties. There have been significant increases in rates of positive cases of COVID-19 in the community of Stanwood and on Camano Island.
Our district continues to grapple with our decision to keep our schools open to limited face-to-face instruction. Island County health district authorities stated, “There are no right answers. What happens in communities will impact our schools.” The Snohomish County health district has not changed their guidance for in person learning.
The mitigation measures the district has in place currently have prevented transmission in our schools. Families keeping their symptomatic children home and communicating with the district has enabled us to serve our youngest learners and special populations in person. PLEASE continue to do this so that we do not have to close our schools to all in person learning.
The increased transmission of COVID-19 in our region, however, has the potential to overwhelm our health care systems and put vulnerable people at increased risk. We will continue to monitor the situation and let families know if the district has to make the difficult decision to scale back in person learning to decrease transmission and increase safety. Families will receive an update in the middle of next week.
In other news:
Equity has been top of mind for many people across the country. In order to better understand the needs and experiences of our students and staff, the district has established an Equity Leadership Team. This team is gathering information to determine what actions need to be taken to increase equity across the district. The team is composed of parents, community members, district staff, and a school board representative. District administrators and the leadership team have participated in training to learn how to address issues related to racism in our schools. Most recently, we have surveyed all staff and students in grades 6-12 to determine their feelings and experiences regarding equity. In the coming months, we will be asking families for their questions and experiences regarding equity. The information gathered from staff, students, and families will guide the district’s work in the coming years.
Counselor's Corner
Thank you to Jennifer Allen, principal of Twin City Elementary for leading the way for our elementary schools as we work with the Character Strong program. Her leadership is greatly appreciated!
Support for Families during the Holidays
The holidays are upon us which can lead to a great deal of stress, especially during this pandemic and possibly limited financial resources.
In Stanwood, The Christmas House can assist families in need by providing gifts for the children if needed.
If you are interested in donating your time or financial resources (gifts or cash), please take your donations for The Christmas House to the following drop-off locations:
•The Stanwood Camano Thrift Shop/Food Bank, Studio 271,
•Rite Aid,
•Haggens
•QFC
•IGA
•Christmas House located at 27201 99th Ave NW, Stanwood.
We are suggesting that any family interested in assistance call the Stanwood Camano Food Bank directly at (425) 308-0011. Dates for distribution of gifts: Now through December 2020. Online shopping option through Amazon with NO appointments this year. Order forms for serving children available at the Food Bank Wednesdays and Saturdays 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. or call (360) 913-1551.
Picture Retake Information from Firefly Images (Repeat)
Hello Stanwood Camano School District families,
We have set up a final 2020 drive thru school photo session for you!
Whether you need a retake of a previous photo taken by us or this is your first time to the camera, this session is for you. We will conduct our final session with the same level of safety, and follow all COVID guidelines set forth.
Like our previous sessions, this is a "by appointment" event, please see the link near the bottom of this email to sign up.
Picture days are:
Friday, December 11th from 2:30pm to 5:30pm at Utsalady Elementary
Saturday, December 12th from 10am to 1pm at Stanwood Elementary
Please note, regardless of which school you attend, pictures are only at these 2 locations.
We have 2 options available for you to order pictures, if you chose to do so:
Attached, please find our order form that you can print and send with your student. Just staple cash, check or money order to the form or enclose it in an envelope and attach that to the form.
If you prefer, you may use our online ordering system, the link to do so will appear on the confirmation page after you sign up for a picture time.
What to bring:
Retakes? Then just bring the package of pictures you want replaced.
Retakes of a Digital Only Package? Just let the photographer know.
First time to the camera this year? Bring your order form, if you have one.
Just want a yearbook photo? Once again, just tell your photographer.
We look forward to seeing you!
Thank you,
Firefly Images
Order link: https://fs4.formsite.com/FireFly/waldtkvv5s/index.html
Important Dates
Saturday, December 12th from 10:00am-1:00pm at Stanwood Elementary.
No School, Winter Break: December 21st-January 3rd.