Tonasket School District
Weekly Update ~ 1/8/2021
"Focused on Learning and Linking Learning to Life"
Be Positive, Be Grateful, Be Involved, Be Flexible
January is School Board Recognition Month. Thank you, school board, for helping build the future of public education.
Capital Project Update
The trim on the new school entrances was completed over break. We had a programming issue over break that shut down the system for a time, but that has been fixed.
Powerful Teaching and Learning
As an organization and as individuals, we always need to be growing and improving. I want to share my appreciation and thanks to all of our staff that embrace this attitude. The evidence of this attitude is pervasive throughout our organization, and I look forward to seeing more and more examples as we move through this school year!
Stewardship
- (1) On January 16th of each year or the preceding Friday when January 16th falls on a nonschool day, there shall be observed within each public school, "Temperance and Good Citizenship Day." Annually the state superintendent of public instruction shall duly prepare and publish for circulation among the teachers of the state a program for use on such day embodying topics pertinent thereto and may from year to year designate particular laws for special observance.
(2) Each year on "Temperance and Good Citizenship Day," social studies teachers must, as resources allow, coordinate a voter registration event in each history or social studies class attended by high school seniors. This event is part of the future voter program. Teachers must make voter sign up and registration available to all students.
(7) Beginning March 1, 2020, and annually thereafter, the superintendent of public instruction must report on yearly progress toward the goal established in *subsection (5) of this section, including the number of seventeen and eighteen year olds registered to vote by county and recommendations for increasing youth voter registration, to the governor and the appropriate standing committees of the legislature in accordance with RCW 43.01.036. To read the full RCW, click here.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, observed Monday, January 18, 2021: In January 2004, the Washington State House of Representatives passed House Resolution 4676 to recognize Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, honoring the importance of the life and work of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The resolution calls on the people of the state of Washington to study, reflect on, and celebrate Dr. King’s life and ideals in order to fulfill his dream of civil and human rights for all people and urges “all the citizens of our state to make Martin Luther King, Jr. Day a day of service—a day on, not a day off.” There is no state law or specific regulation that requires school districts to observe this day in any particular way.
District Culture and Climate
The Supt’s On with Staff was well attended this week. We discussed the new Washington State Roadmap to Recovery and how it impacts schools, vaccine distribution, some potential changes coming with education delivery, COVID leave, and a document that could help people in our organization better direct parents and community members to the right person to help them solve school concerns. Thanks for your attendance and for the great feedback.
College, Career, Life Readiness
The HS is working hard with students on their High School and Beyond Plans. They made a written guide and video tutorial for students going over how to log in and step by step instructions on completing (Freshman) and/or updating their plans. They are also working with students in their Advisory classes to complete resumes, cover letters, and job applications. I appreciate your efforts to prepare our students for life beyond THS.
Parent and Community Engagement
At the community Supt’s On meeting, I shared many of the same topics from the Supt’s On staff meeting, but a wonderful surprise was learning about the Rosca de Reyes or King’s Bread celebration that was taking place on the same evening. The parents at the meeting were gracious enough to share about this celebration. I was surprised the next morning with a plate of the King’s Bread to share with the district office staff. What a wonderful way to start the day!
TEA and PSE Updates
Joy Timm has stepped down as PSE president. Vice President Ken Weese will take over the responsibilities until a new president is selected.
Staff Updates
- Tracey Tamashiro is transferring to the Special Programs Secretary position being vacated by Donna Zabreznik. Donna retires today, and Tracey started training for the position this week. Tracey's email is ttamashiro@tonasket.wednet.edu if you need any assistance from her in the area of special programs. She will also be taking over Donna's office, X5208, on Monday. Tracey will continue to act as the CTE secretary as well. Congratulations, Tracey, on your new position!
- Happy retirement Donna Zabreznik. We hope you enjoyed your last day, you will be missed!
Other
- The enrollment for January is 1,056.70 FTE (Full Time Equivalent). We continue to hold a steady enrollment with a very slight increase from the December count of 1,053.78 FTE.
- The district received a grant from The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for $5000 to provide funds to waive ASB card fees for low-income students in grades 9-12.
COVID Data Dashboard - Data for January 4 - January 8
What Every Employee Needs to Know Reminders
Superintendent Steve McCullough
