ASD Weekly Community Bulletin
News and Events from the Anacortes School District
On the Calendar
Nov 1: School Board Site Visit - Fidalgo Elementary
Nov 12: No School - Veterans Day Observed
Superintendent Update on ASD Suicide Prevention
Dear families:
Suicide has had severe impacts on both our nation and our local community. Recent research found that between 2010 and 2015, the number of teens feeling “useless and joyless” jumped 33 percent in large national surveys, teen suicide attempts in the U.S. increased 23 percent, and the number of 13- to 18-year-olds who committed suicide jumped 31 percent. Researchers suggest an increase in screen time is a factor in increased teen depression rates.
Suicide has also affected our local community. The Anacortes American reported last month that Anacortes police received 58 police calls in 2017 related to suicide attempts, with 79 suicides between 2000 and 2017 in our community. We have tragically lost two high school students to suicide in the last two years.
Building on previous work to generate greater awareness and support for students and families in need, Anacortes School District will implement an evidence-based suicide prevention program called Signs of Suicide (SOS) later this fall in middle and high school. The goals of the program are to:
- decrease suicide and suicide attempts by increasing student knowledge and adaptive attitudes about depression
- encourage personal help-seeking and/or help-seeking on behalf of a friend
- reduce the stigma of mental illness and acknowledge the importance of seeking help or treatment
- engage parents and school staff as partners in prevention by understanding mental health challenges and how to respond
As part of this process, we also plan to reach out to community mental health partners to discuss aligning resources and deepening communication around student and family mental health services.
One small step in this effort is to make sure students and families are familiar with the national suicide hotline. The number is 1-800-273-8255. Counselors are on hand to support callers in crisis.
In addition to our plans, a community group is sponsoring an opportunity for students, parents and community members to share perspectives and coordinate efforts on November 8, 7-8:30 p.m., at City Hall.
Thank you for your support in these efforts. We will communicate specific outreach to students and families in the coming weeks. Please let me know if you have questions.
Sincerely,
Mark Wenzel, Superintendent
District's Annual Goals
Goals include:
- Development of a Cap Sante Strategic Plan
- Enhanced family engagement and communication
- Implementation of a scratch cooking plan
- and more
Check out the District's website for more information.
Coming soon: text messaging
Kaleidoscope Play & Learn Group
NOW IN ANACORTES!!!
Kaleidoscope Play & Learn© groups help families prepare their young children (birth to age 5) for success in school and life. This program, based on scientific evidence, reaches families in their neighborhoods at weekly, facilitated playgroups.
At a Kaleidoscope group, children have fun participating in activities and being around their peers. Family members learn about:
● Activities they can do at home to support children’s learning
● Turning everyday activities- such grocery shopping, cooking and bath time- into early learning opportunities
● Child development from birth to five
● Skills children are expected to have when they start school
● Community programs and services available to help them raise healthy children
Kaleidoscope Play and Learn group will be offered at Fidalgo DanceWorks Annex, located at 909 3rd St., Anacortes. The program is free of charge and will be held on Tuesdays 11:00-12:15, October 16 through December 11, 2018.
For more information, contact Nicole Mortimer: nmortimer@asd103.org
This program is made possible through a partnership between Anacortes School District and Fidalgo DanceWorks and sponsored by Kiwanis Noon Club.FAQs posted here.
ASD staff can receive a $100 discount.
Anacortes Parks & Rec Breakfast with Santa
Anacortes Parks and Recreation Department is gearing up for our annual Breakfast With Santa event - Saturday, Dec. 1st
Tickets are on sale www.anacorteswa.gov or call APRD office at 360-293-1918. The following live performances will take place during the event:
8:30-9am Fidalgo Dance Works
9am-9:30am Fidalgo School Choir
9:30-10am- AHS Choir
10am-10:30am- Mt. Erie Mustang Choir
10:30-11am- Anacortes Harmonaires
Tickets will sell out... so plan ahead.
Support Anacortes Alumna for Miss Washington!
https://www.misswashingtonusa.com/miss-public-voting/
Ms. Terek is hoping to advocate for abused factory farm animals if she wins Miss Washington.
Anacortes Boys Basketball 1st- 6th grade registration is now open until December 14th. Sign up today at https://anacortesparksandrecreation.sportsiteslabs.com/player#Root15e5fe1a9-704a-eda9-b4b3-c1a60cbe6fb30 or call APRD office at 360-293-1918.
FYI- CONSTRUCTION AT THE HIGH SCHOOL WILL PUT SOME CONSTRAINTS ON GYM SPACE FOR THE 2019 SEASON. Because of this, each team will only practice once per week and games will be held on Saturdays. 1-hour practices will be scheduled between 4:00 and 6:00 pm on weekdays. Some weekday games may be scheduled as well. Teams are formed by the Parks and Recreation staff. Volunteer coaches are needed, especially coaches who can coach during the weekday times of 4-6 pm.
Anacortes Chamber - Accepting Candy Donations for Downtown Trick-or-Treating
Anacortes Community Theater Classes
Annual Anacortes High School PTSA Poinsettia Fundraiser
With the holiday season is right around the corner, it is time once again for the Anacortes High School Parent Teacher Student Association Annual Poinsettia Sale!!
The AHS PTSA Annual Poinsettia Sale runs October 8th-November 9th.
Orders Due with payment by November 9th.
Proceeds from this important fundraiser go to support the PTSA’s drug and alcohol free graduation night celebrations, as well as scholarships and other student-oriented activities.
Poinsettias will be available in red, white and pink in assorted sizes for your holiday decorating and enjoyment. Poinsettias make great teacher or hostess gifts! Order forms are available on the AHS website under the PTSA page at http://anacortessdhigh.ss10.sharpschool.com/for_parents/p_t_s_a
Anacortes Robotics Booster Club Gala Fundraiser - Oct 27
Anacortes Farmers Market
Markets are every Saturday, 9am-2pm at the Depot. We have fresh produce, baked goods, dairy, meat, cheese, honey, delicious hot food and wonderful local arts and crafts, and so much more. Live music 10am-1pm and frequent kids activities. We accept EBT - ask us about our matching program! Well behaved dogs welcome. See our website for more information at www.AnacortesFarmersMarket.org
Anacortes Food to Go - This is a weekend backpack food program for Anacortes students. If you are in need, please contact Food to Go - (360) 708-3037 or ftgAnacortes@gmail.com
Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County Accepting New Enrollment
Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County will begin enrollment for new members on Monday, August 20th for Anacortes, Sedro-Woolley, and Mount Vernon Clubs. All current memberships must be renewed by Aug 31st, 2018. Registrations are accepted in-person at each Clubhouse. Waiting lists may apply. Forms and additional information can be found at skagitclubs.org. Clubs are for youth ages 6 (or completed kindergarten), through high school. Clubs operate after school, and on select no school days, offering a safe, fun, positive environment, and targeted programs within three priority outcomes, Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Good Character & Citizenship.
Cap Sante PTSO Fundraiser - Mums
Chess Club - After School at Mt Erie
Chess Club - After School at Fidalgo
Dogs on Call - Volunteer Opportunity - We need YOU and YOUR PET to help kids in need with Dogs on Call! If you are interested, click on the flyer!
Family Life's Harvest Fest - Oct 31
Fidalgo DanceWorks - STARS - Dance for Youth and Teens with Special Needs
Fidalgo DanceWorks Enrolling for the Fall - FDW is currently accepting new students of dance. Classes range from ballet, jazz, modern, tap and hip hop. There is something for everyone. Check out the fall schedule at fidalgodanceworks.org and call the office to enroll. 360-299-8447.
FIRST Robotics 2018-19 Sign Ups: Anacortes FIRST Robotics is now accepting advance signups for 2018-2019 FLLJr/FLL team information for elementary and middle school teams. FIRST is celebrating its 30th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the first manned mission to the moon with space-themed challenges at all levels. Teams will be starting at the beginning of the school year. Don’t let your child miss out; sign up in advance for team registration information. No obligation or commitment. Send e-mail to Info@AnacortesRobotics.org with a subject of “Program Announcements” and we will add you to the mailing list.
FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Team Sign Up
Foster Care Family Recruitment
Healthy Students Healthy Communities Newsletter
IRG Ski Conditioning Class - Nov 27 - Free class to interested skiers, age 10 & up. Please RSVP to events@irgpt.com. Space is limited.
Love & Logic Parenting Class - Sept 26-Dec 12
Peterson Conservatory of Music & Arts - Fall Classes
Secret Harbor - Foster Parent Info
Skagit Parent to Parent Workshops - IEPs
Exciting News! Skagit Valley College Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) will have Full Day (6 ½ hour) classes, 4 days a week next school year 2018-2019. This is a free preschool for 3-5 year olds. Breakfast, lunch, and snack provided. Parent Activities and Educational opportunities. For more information or enrollment, call 360-679-5348.
Here is a copy of our application: https://skagit-my.sharepoint.com/…/EfXQIaAr4CxHnUXCkhN314YB…
Skagit Financial People Project Volunteer Educator Workshop
Anacortes School District
Email: anacortessd@asd103.org
Website: www.asd103.org
Location: 2200 M Avenue, Anacortes, WA, USA
Phone: 360-503-1200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnacortesSchoolDistrict/
Twitter: @AnacortesSchool