Bearcat Necessities 12/17/2021
Monroe High School - 17001 Tester Road, Monroe, WA 98272
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MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL, BRETT WILLE
Happy Holidays Bearcat Families!
As we head into the holiday break, I hope our students, staff and families get a much needed and well deserved time of rest and reflection. It certainly feels like we all need it more than we ever have. A close colleague of mine told me prior to the start of the year that this school year would actually be more challenging than last year. I laughed, thinking that’s not possible. Now, reflecting back on the past few months, I have to say that he was correct!
In light of that reality, at our staff meeting yesterday we spent the entire meeting focusing on and sharing stories about all of the great things happening here at MHS … in challenging times that can be easy to lose sight of. Here are a few of those amazing celebrations: The band concert this week … our 1st in-person concert in 2 years! Lisa Ray, our band director, was recently inducted into the Washington Music Educators Association Hall of Fame. Martin Waldrip, one of our teachers and our Athletic Trainer, received the Monroe School District Staff Member of the month award for his above and beyond dedication to his students and our sports teams. And Student Voice … in light of the most recent incidents here at MHS, our students are finding their voice, communicating their frustrations and their needs, and stepping up to help us create a better school for them. This is such a powerful component in building the foundation of a school where ALL kids know that they belong. The list could go on and on, there are so many things to celebrate and be grateful for here at MHS as we reflect on the first 4 months of the school year.
Looking ahead, the journey to become a great school where ALL students belong and graduate with the skills needed to take their next steps in life … we know that journey will continue to be challenging. However, what’s clear to me more than it’s ever been, is that this is the right work and this is a huge opportunity that we have in front of us. For myself, our admin team and our staff … we are here at this moment in time because we are supposed to be. As I told the staff yesterday at our staff meeting, all of what we’ve been through over the past 6 weeks will, one day, be what we look back upon as a huge catalyst for all of the exciting changes ahead of us.
On the wall in my office I have one quote, repeated over and over to me by one of my mentors, Mike Mattos. It’s a simple quote … “If this work was easy, everyone would be doing it”. I read that every single morning when I walk into my office. This work is not easy, in fact currently it’s more challenging than it’s ever been in the history of our profession. And we are doing it because we need to, our students need us to. It’s exciting, and all of the circumstances we face and the hurdles we have to overcome … These are the building blocks to our Monroe High School story. One day we will tell that story as a celebration for our students and community around all that we’ve accomplished together and we will tell that story as an inspiration to others that want what we have created. Now, more than ever, I’m so grateful to be here.
As always, I must end this newsletter with a thank you to our parents and families. We can feel your continued and unwavering support of what we are trying to accomplish here at MHS. Please know that it gives us hope and courage to continue to take steps forward. Enjoy the holiday break Monroe … we’ll see you in January.
GO BEARCATS!
*****THE POSITIVE EYE----A STUDENT'S PERSPECTIVE*****
ROUND OF APPLAUSE PLEASE FOR MS. RAY FROM MHS
Congratulations Ms. Ray
We are unbelievably proud of you.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR DECEMBER SCHOLARS
Leadership-Douglas, Olivia
Manufacturing-Metzger, Dillon
Counseling-Sheldon, Robin
Main Office Support-Arce-Fernandez, Jose
American Sign Language-Ramirez-Palomera, Yanely
Foreign Languages-Rodriguez, Angelica
Foreign Languages-Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Cristina
Agricultural Sciences-Fields, Madison
Agricultural Sciences-Petermann, Edward
Physical Education-Mendez-Garcia, Marisol
Physical Education-Duran, Gerardo
Drama-Lapanja, Malia
Choir-Neibauer, Ariaunna
Math-Shoemaker, Xylo
Art-Howerton, Ashton
Science-Boswell, Megan
Science-Martinez-Ayala, Joanna
Social Studies-William, Ellison
Social Studies-Rossman, Sophia
COVID TESTING CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Monroe School District COVID-19 Testing Site to be CLOSED Dec 16 - Jan 2
In support of all of our employees taking much-needed time off over winter break, the Monroe School District's COVID-19 testing site will be closed Thursday, December 16 through Sunday, January 2. Thank you for understanding.
Other testing sites can be found here: https://www.monroe.wednet.edu/covi.../covid-19-testing-sites
______________________________
Renewal of School Program & Operations (SP&O) Levy
Did you know that state funding alone doesn't cover the cost of all of the
programs, services, and essential staff the Monroe School District provides for its students? We rely on funding from the local, voter-approved SP&O levy, which makes up 15% of the district's total budget.The four-year SP&O is set to expire in 2022 and Monroe School District will be asking voters this February to renew this critical levy.
Learn more here: https://www.monroe.wednet.edu/community/bonds-levies/2022-renewal-school-program-operations-levy
OUR SLC KIDS ARE SOOOO CREATIVE
I try to stop in on the Life Skills kids as often as possible. Last time they taught me how to play Uno. Of course, I didn't win, but I will work on my skills over the break. I put in an order for swag and said that I wanted them to choose the design. The class put a bit of everything on it and delivered it to my classroom today. My Personal Finance students really enjoyed the visit as well.
Christmas Spirit At It's Best and made my day
Ken
!!!!! BEARCAT PRIDE !!!!!
The Bearcat Pride Organization condemns racism in all forms. We are incredibly saddened and frustrated by events that continue to happen in our community. We stand with, and support all students and families at MHS. We strive to be inclusive, and welcome all community members to be collaborative partners in the work our organization carries out.
Huge thank you to those who donated cookies for the staff MHS cookie exchange this week. All staff members had a big selection to choose from and they felt appreciated.
Looking for an organization to support this Holiday Season and beyond….
COCOON HOUSE:
An organization that works with youth who are at-risk of or currently facing homelessness in Snohomish County. Cocoon House provides short and long term housing to homeless young people ages 12-17 years old, and their children. Providing much more than a safe place to sleep, teens receive help engaging in school, preparing for employment, life and enrichment skills, and help accessing community services on and off site, while planning for long term housing. Cocoon House has homes throughout Snohomish County, including: Everett, Arlington and a new home opening soon here in Monroe.
If you are interested in helping please visit https://www.cocoonhouse.org/holidays-2021 for a list of needs and to find their Amazon holiday wish list. Only new/unwrapped items please.
Cocoon House empowers young people, families, and the community to break the cycle of homelessness through outreach, housing and prevention.
Questions?
Kit Topaz at 425.259.5802 x 103
Next Bearcat Pride meeting is January 12, 2022 at 7pm. Look for the zoom link as the date draws closer.
Honor Roll for MSD Employees...WHAT?
Do you know a Monroe School District employee who deserves some much-needed recognition?
Monroe School District has launched a new employee recognition program, called the MSD Employee Honor Roll! This program is aimed at recognizing Monroe School District employees for exemplifying the district’s commitment and shared values through their service to our students, staff, families, and/or community.
Supervisors, fellow employees, parents and community members are encouraged to nominate ANY staff member for exemplifying any of the following:
Providing engaging learning opportunities through powerful instruction
Providing students with equitable access to learning and opportunities based on their unique, individual needs
Holding students to high standards
Using innovation to provide educational choice
Recognizing, honoring and building upon students’ strengths and passions
Engaging families and the community in the learning process
Preparing all students for college, careers and life beyond graduation
All nominees will be recognized, but only one in each employee category will be selected each month as the MSD Employee Honor Roll award recipients. Employee categories include:
Certificated (teachers, counselors, psychologists, etc)
Classified (paraeducators, nurses, office staff, bus drivers, food service, custodial, technology, maintenance, etc)
Substitutes and coaches
Administrators (Principals, assistant principals, directors, executive staff)
SO PROUD OF OUR BOLD BEARCATS!!!!!
*****ATTENTION SENIORS*****
As of Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, if you have not registered or placed an order for your cap and gown for graduation, you do need to do at least one of these by Dec. 31, 2021. Ordering before Winter Break (Dec 17th) will insure you don’t forget
Registering – This allows National Achiever (our cap and gown vendor) to know you have intentions of walking and buying a cap and gown. National Achiever will set one aside for you so you may purchase at a later date.
Link for Registering - https://hj-contact-card.herokuapp.com/
Ordering – This is the actual purchase of your cap and gown.
The link below is the direct link to your school’s order page.
There have been supply chain issues that we are facing in WA and National Achiever wants to make sure to get the cap and gowns ordered early for Monroe High School. There is no cost involved in registering for graduation. But, the information is necessary for them to get the correct number and sizes of gowns
Pursuit Program
Edmonds Community College Pursuit Lab
Fall Online Session begins Oct. 25th! Students are still encouraged to apply.
Gain workplace readiness and work-based learning experiences
Do you have a documented disability and want to pursue your post-secondary goals? In this chapter filled with many unknowns, the Pursuit Lab is on a mission to bring college access and workplace readiness. We are a pre-employment transition service for students transitioning out of high school or looking for jobs/careers. We want you to join us!
In partnership with Washington’s Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Pursuit’s Workplace Readiness course seeks to help students to discover strengths, to prepare for jobs, and reach educational goals.
Program requirements:
Must be 16 or older and motivated to pursue more education, a job, and/or discovering their dependable strengths. 16-21 year old students are offered this opportunity for free.*
Must be able to communicate in verbal/written English and can function independently without constant support on campus (unless it is ASL interpreter).
Have (had) a documented disability could qualify for this support class (IEP, 504, or documented through SSD here on campus)!
Must be able to access an online class and be capable of independent management between 1-3 hours transportation and are committed to attending class meeting times, Monday through Thursday, for one to three hours for an online class
Willing to be a part of a fun and supportive community of peers building independence through job and college exploration and progress.
*Limited space available for 22+ with a class fee
Fill out a pre-registration to reserve your spot!
WINTER SESSION- virtual or in-person to be determined
Jan. 10-March 17, (2 classes) Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-12 p.m. or 2:30-4 p.m.
Registration Steps
After you finish this pre-registration process, you will need to fill out the Pre-employment Transition Service Consent form which will take some time so please do this as soon as possible. See Jill Vandemoortele in counseling for this form or reach her at VandemoorteleJ@monroe.wednet.edu or 360-804-4521.
Section 2 will need to be filled out and signed by a High School/Transition Program contact (anyone on the student's IEP team that has knowledge of his/her/their disability). If the student has graduated from high school and is NOT a part of a transition program, they can leave Section 2 blank and make a note in the email (to pursuit@edcc.edu) of their graduation date and school.
Pre-employment Transition Service Consent form needs to be fully filled out form emailed to pursuit@edmonds.edu. We need section 2 fill out by a counselor or Special Education Teacher to verify your documentation of disability (see Jill Vandemoortelein counseling)
**NOTE: Electronic Signatures in the Print Name is acceptable as a signature. Please make sure the date on the entire form is dated for before the start date of the class. If you have questions please ask Diana George by reaching out to: pursuit@edmonds.edu
We will help you determine the correct paperwork and funding source. Please feel free to reach out to pursuit@edmonds.edu or 425.640.1684 with any questions about this.
If you have any questions, please contact the Pursuit Lab at 425- 640-1684 or pursuit@edcc.edu or Jill Vandemoortele at
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Who's Who at MHS
Brett Wille- willeb@monroe.wednet.edu
Principal
Rachel Bleakney-Bailey - bleakneybaileyr@monroe.wednet.edu
Assistant Principal
Jennifer Murphy - murphyj@monroe.wednet.edu
Assistant Principal
Noah Wallace - wallacen@monroe.wednet.edu
Assistant Principal
Shannon Tarrach - tarrachs@monroe.wednet.edu
Director of College and Career Readiness - (360) 804-4508
Ashley Tuiasosopo - tuiasosopoa@monroe.wednet.edu
Athletic Director - 360-804-4542
Melissa Myers - myersme@monroe.wednet.edu
Office Manager - 360-804-4502
Oscar Hanson - hansono@monroe.wednet.edu
Main Line - Front Desk - (360) 804-4500
Rhoda Lochmann -lochmannr@monroe.wednet.edu
Office Support -Attendance/Communications -(360) 804-4501
Jacci Rasmussen - rasmussenj@monroe.wednet.edu
Office Support - Financial Office/ASB - (360) 804-4513
Sarah Tuckers- tuckerss@monroe.wednet.edu
Office Support - Athletics - (360) 804-4511
Shannon Barksdale - barksdales@monroe.wednet.edu
Office Support - CTE - (360) 804-4512
Tammy Berreth - berretht@monroe.wednet.edu
Registrar - (360) 804-4524
Amber Mehta - mehtaa@monroe.wednet
Attendance Intervention Specialist - (360) 804-4518
Helen Hutson - hutsonh@monroe.wednet.edu
Office Support - Counseling - (360) 804-4520
Michelle Dickinson - dickinsonm@monroe.wednet.edu
Career & College Ready Specialist - Career Center - (360) 804-4507
Geneva Padilla - padillag@monroe.wednet.edu
Health Room RN/ (360) 804-4532