District Update
Feb. 24, 2023
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February 2023 Important Events
February
Black History Month, Career & Technical Education Month, Gap Year Awareness Month, National Children's Dental Health Month, Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month
24 - LY Wildcat Assembly, 9:35 a.m.
27 - School Board Meeting, 6 p.m. CMS
27 - First Day of Practice β SWHS Spring Sports
March 2023 Important Events
Music in Our Schools Month, Youth Art Month, National Nutrition Month, Social Work Month, Women's History Month
1 - All Schools - One hour late start for professional development
2 - NEAβs Read Across America Day
2 - K-12 Parent Conferences - Early Release All Students (No Good Beginnings)
3 - Early Release - All Students - Scheduled parent conferences (No Good Beginnings)
6β10 - Education Support Professional Week
6β10 - National School Breakfast Week
8 - International Womenβs Day
8 - All Schools - One hour late start for professional development
9 - Mary Purcell Parent Group Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
9 - Evergreen Parent Group Meeting, 6 p.m.
12 - Daylight Saving Time Begins
13 - School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
13-17 - MP Spring Book Fair
14 - Pi Day
14 - LY Parent Group Meeting, 6 p.m.
14 - CMS Choir Concert, 7 p.m. @ CMS
14 - RISE Meeting, SWHS Library 3 p.m.
15 - All Schools - One hour late start for professional development
15 - CMS 7th Grade Band Concert, 7 p.m. @ CMS
16 - BL - BLPGA meeting, 7 p.m.
16- SWHS Choir & Orchestra Concert, 7 p.m. @ SWHS
19-25 - National Poison Prevention Week
22 - All Schools - One hour late start for professional development
22 - MP Spring Picture Day
23 - 6th and 8th Grade Band Concert, 7 p.m. @ CMS
27 - School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
28 - 6th-8th Grade Orchestra Concert 7 p.m. @ CMS
29 - All Schools - One hour late start for professional development
29 - Family Safety Night - SWHS Library (English 5:30-6:15 p.m. / Spanish 6:30β7:30 p.m.)
31 - LY Wildcat Assembly 9:35 a.m.
Student conferences March 2, Early release on March 3
Grades Kβ12 will have early release on Thursday, March 2 and on Friday, March 3 for conferences.
Elementary teachers will have pre-arranged conferences with parents/guardians. If you have questions, please contact your child's teacher.
Cascade Middle School conferences are on March 2. Students and parents/guardians can drop in the cafeteria any time between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. It's really important for students to attend because they will be leading the conference with their parents/guardians. Teachers will also be available to speak with students and parents as well either before or after the conference.
Sedro-Woolley High School conferences are on March 2. Students will work with their parents/guardians to arrange the student-led conference appointment with their advisory teachers in February.
State Street High School conferences are on March 2 from 12β6 p.m. Families may drop by the school anytime to meet with teachers and enjoy some dinner!
Because of early release, there will be no Good Beginnings Preschool on Thursday, March 2. The preschool is not in session on Fridays.
Camp Orkila Packets due March 1
Parents/guardians must also fill out the YMCA Camp Orkila Liability Form online.
Drivers Ed Information
Dear Sedro-Woolley families,
We are reaching out to you with an important update about Sedro-Woolley High Schoolβs Driverβs Education Program. The program, which has taught countless students to drive over the years, is ending after this spring.
Students will still be able to take driverβs education classes locally through Munrosβ Driving Instruction. The companyβs instructors will utilize space at Sedro-Woolley High School to continue offering local lessons. Munroβs next five-week course starts on March 20, 2023 and will be hosted at their offices located at 303 State Street. They will start offering driving courses at Sedro-Woolley High School in the fall. Munroβs will offer a discount to Sedro-Woolley students to match the current cost the district was charging.
The SWHS Driverβs Education Program has been staffed by certified instructors who have a longstanding relationship with the program. Because of budgetary restrictions, Sedro-Woolley School District is unable to staff the program with instructors and maintain the vehicle fleet.
We share in your disappointment, as we know that this program was a valuable resource to our students, families and community.
The current course will continue at Sedro-Woolley High School this spring as planned. Students must complete any remaining drives by August 31, 2023.
We would like to extend our gratitude to all of our Driverβs Education instructors. We greatly appreciate their dedication to our students!
For questions or concerns, please email swsdcoms@swsd101.org.
Thank you,
Sedro-Woolley School District
Superintendent Student Advisory Councils
Superintendent Miriam Miralles Mickelson has formed student advisory councils in each of the district's schools. Below is Dr. Mickelson meeting with students at Big Lake, Evergreen and Lyman respectively. She plans to meet with them during lunch two to three times a year.
The Student Advisory Council is an opportunity for Dr. Mickelson to listen to student perspectives pertaining to overall student learning experiences in the district. It also allows her to elevate student voice as she continues to make decisions that impact students and staff.
Students were nominated by their building principal.
Superintendent of the Day
Lyman Elementary School sixth grade student Danica Costanti served as the Superintendent of the Day on Thursday. She started the day with Dr. Mickelson and Mr. McPhee, before venturing to the high school where she visited the jazz band and ceramics classes. After that, it was off to tour the Sedro-Woolley Museum (if you haven't been there, it is AMAZING and well worth the trip). The District's Public Information Officer Ruth Richardson talked about being the last Courier-Times editor to work in the Sedro-Woolley office!
Danica took a break in the day to eat an amazing lunch made by our incredible lunch ladies at Sedro-Woolley High School in Dr. Mickelson's office. Finally, she was able to be the very FIRST student to climb aboard the district's newest propane bus that starts serving the Samish area tomorrow!
March 29: Family Safety Night 2023
Please join district leaders and first responders on March 29 for a discussion about the district's comprehensive approach to school safety. Learn more about the local response to emergency situations and our response to emergency situation.
5:30β6:15 p.m., Wednesday, March 29
(English, with Spanish interpretation available)
Sedro-Woolley High School Library
1235 3rd Street, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
6:30β7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 29
(Primarily in Spanish)
Sedro-Woolley High School Library
1235 3rd Street, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Language interpretation will be provided during both presentations, however, the first presentation will be provided in English, while the second will be primarily in Spanish.
SWSD to open kindergarten registration March 1
The Sedro-Woolley School District will open online registration for the 2023-2024 school year on March 1 (it is currently 2022-2023 only). Parents should be prepared to upload high-quality images of their childβs birth certificate and immunization records to complete the registration process.
Children who will be 5 years old by Aug. 31, 2023 are eligible to be registered as incoming kindergarteners for next school year.
Open houses for Evergreen, Central and Mary Purcell Elementary Schools will be on April 11 from 5β7 p.m. Open houses for Big Lake, Clear Lake, Lyman and Samish Elementary Schools will be on April 13 from 5β7 p.m.
Parents should bring copies of their childβs birth certificate and immunization records to complete the registration process if they attend an in-person open house.
For more information about kindergarten registration, including paper registration packets and boundary maps, visit https://www.swsd.k12.wa.us/Page/5227.
Elementary school phone numbers are Big Lake: 360-855-3525; Central: 360-855-3560; Clear Lake: 360-855-3530; Evergreen: 360-855-3545; Lyman: 360-855-3535; Mary Purcell: 360-855-3555; Samish: 360-855-3540.
Apply for the FEMA Youth Preparedness Council
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is looking for students in grades 8 through 11 interested in supporting disaster preparedness to join the Youth Preparedness Council (YPC).
FEMA created the Youth Preparedness Council in 2012 to bring together young leaders from across the country who are interested in disaster preparedness and community service. The YPC demonstrates FEMAβs commitment to involve Americaβs youth in preparedness-related activities. It also provides young people an opportunity to present their perspectives, feedback, and opinions to FEMA staff. During their terms, YPC members can make a difference in their community, gain valuable leadership and emergency management experience, and work with like-minded peers to help strengthen preparedness and resilience across the country.
YPC members meet with FEMA staff throughout their term to develop strategies, initiatives, and project proposals. YPC members will also participate in the YPC summit held in Washington, DC in July 2023 with FEMA leaders and other preparedness professionals to network and learn more about the field. This is a paid trip for the selected student and one chaperone.
Students in grades 8 through 11 who have a passion for preparedness and helping others, are involved in their community, and have an aptitude for working on teams and as leaders.
How to Apply?
The online application is open now and closes March 6, 2023, 11:59 p.m. PT. To learn more about the YPC and application requirements, visit ready.gov/kids/youth-preparedness-council and visit https://community.fema.gov/PreparednessCommunity/s/apply-to-ypc to apply. FEMA will also host an informational webinar for potential applicants on Feb. 28, 2023.
Ready, set, JUMP!
Samish Co-Op Preschool hosting open house
The Samish Co-op Preschool is hosting an open house on Wednesday, March 8 from 5β6 p.m. at Samish Elementary. Families will have the opportunity to meet the teacher, see the current classroom space, and ask questions.
Samish Co-Op Preschool will run during the regular school year on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. Ages 3-5. Cost is $100 per month. Families are required to volunteer in the classroom 2-3 times a month and attend monthly parent meetings. Samish Co-Op Preschool is affiliated with Skagit Valley College so your are ensured of high quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum.
Please reach out to the preschool directly with questions at samishcooppreschool@gmail.com.
The district does not sponsor this event and the district assumes no responsibility for it. In consideration of the privilege to distribute materials, the Sedro-Woolley School District shall be held harmless from any cause of action filed in any court or administrative tribunal arising out of the distribution of these materials, including costs, attorneyβs fees and judgments or awards.
Committee to evaluate high school schedule model
Report Card Guides
Curious about your childβs elementary report card? Want to know more about standards-based grading?
Scan the QR Code or visit https://www.swsd.k12.wa.us/Page/4898 for a grade-specific breakdown of what the numbers mean.
T-3 3v3 Basketball Tournament
The YMCA and the Schweigert Family are excited to announce the first annual T-3 3v3 Basketball tournament on April 22-23. The tournament is for youth grades 6-12 and split into two divisions: 6th - 9th and 10th - 12th.
The T-3 Basketball Tournament promotes drug education and "skills over pills" messaging to increase awareness of the fentanyl crisis. The Tournament is held in memory of Trey Schweigert whose life was tragically taken after unknowingly ingesting a fake prescription pill.
For more information on the T-3 Tournament visit https://www.skagitymca.org/t-3-3v3-basketball-tournament/ or Register a Team Here!
Peer Navigator Training for Spanish Speaking Youth
Mental Health Matters Washington has a Peer Mental Health Navigator training offered for Spanish Speaking Youth in April. The training takes place over 6 weeks, each weekly session between 75-90 minutes. Those who complete the training will learn skills to connect peers to mental health information and services, receive a certificate of completion, and will earn $150! Registration will be opening in March.
For more information visit https://mentalhealthmatterswa.com/train-to-become-a-peer-mental-health-navigator/
SWHS Spring Sports
Spring sports (Baseball, Boysβ Golf, Boysβ Soccer, Girlsβ Golf, Girlsβ Tennis, Fastpitch, Track) practices start on February 27.
The following MUST be on file in the Athletic Office or purchased PRIOR to the first practice:
- ASB CARD - $40
- CURRENT PHYSICAL
Questions? Please call Rhonda 360-855-4017.
All forms must be signed by both the parent/guardian as well as the student athlete (using their school email address) on FINAL FORMS.
Booster Club Fundraising Events
Attention Alumni
CITY OF MOUNT VERNON βALONG THE RIVERβ BANNER PROJECT
The City of Mount Vernonβs Arts Commission is proud to present a Community Banner Project, an opportunity to create a banner that will hang along the scenic Downtown Riverwalk and raise awareness of Mount Vernonβs natural beauty, wildlife, the Mighty Skagit River, marine life, culture, and heritage and engage the community while showcasing local artists from the state of Washington.
The purpose of the contest is to add vibrancy and color to the Cityβs Riverwalk while promoting the diverse ecosystems and culture of Mount Vernon and Skagit County.
Please help us advertise this great opportunity for local artists to display their work through this banner project. Attached is a flyer announcing the project. The flyer includes a QR code to our City website with all the details, here is a link: https://www.mountvernonwa.gov/1141/Along-the-River---Banner-Contest
Thank you in advance for your help in distributing the information about the banner contest to the artists and junior artists in the community.
Please contact us with any questions β 360.336.6215 or mvparks@mountvernonwa.gov
Apply for benefits
Families who previously qualified for free or reduced-price meals through meal applications should complete BOTH the Family Income Survey and the Consent to Share form. These are confidential and can save families money on ASB and athletic fees, health insurance coverage, and internet costs. Juniors and seniors may qualify for reduced ACT, SAT and AP testing fees as well as College in the Classroom fees. Families can also secure discounts on fees associated with applying for college and Running Start.
Do you have concerns about your childβs development?
The Good Beginnings Preschool serves children in the Sedro-Woolley School District from birth to age 5 who have been identified as children who would benefit from a developmental early childhood program.
Call 360-855-3870 to discuss your concerns and schedule a FREE SCREENING!
You do not need to be a permanent resident of the Sedro-Woolley School District to request a screening for your child.
FREE TUTORS FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS!
Paper is a secure, online tutoring service that provides students with unlimited, 24/7 academic support. Whether theyβre stuck on homework, studying for a test, or need someone to read and make suggestions to their essays, there will always be experts available online to assist students in more than 200 subjects and in FOUR languages.
If youβd like to learn more about Paper you can sign up for a Paper hosted Parent Info Session, available in both English and Spanish. Or if youβd like to speak to a member of the Paper team directly, you can reach them at parents@paper.co.
To see Paper and the help it offers firsthand, we encourage you to login with your students. To get started, simply visit PAPERβs student login page, type your schoolβs name, and login via Google using your school credentials
Public library cards available for all district students
All SWSD students have an existing library account with the Sedro-Woolley Library! Stop by today, all we need is your student's name to get started.
Questions? visit us at 110 West State Street, call 360-755-3985, or email help@centralskagitlibrary.org.
Report Safety Concerns
Vector Alert is the tip reporting system that the Sedro-Woolley School District uses for students, staff, and parents to submit safety concerns to our administration.
β’ National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988
β’ Are you feeling bullied, harassed or intimidated? Report it at:
- https://swsd-wa.safeschoolsalert.com/
- Text to: 1-855-764-8877
- Email: 1376@alert1.us
- District ID Code: 1376
Easily report tips on bullying, harassment, drugs, vandalism or any safety issue you're concerned about. Tips may be submitted anonymously too. Thanks in advance for helping to make our school community a safer place to work and learn! We appreciate your support.
Arrival & Dismissal Times
All elementary schools start at 9:25 a.m. Doors typically open between 9:10 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. The district has professional development built into its calendar for Wednesday mornings, meaning school will have a one-hour late start (10:25 a.m.) every Wednesday except on Nov. 9 (conferences), Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving holiday), and June 14 (last week of school, no professional development). Students are dismissed at 3:30 p.m. Early dismissal is 12:30 p.m., except on the last day of school when elementary students are dismissed at 11 a.m.
Cascade Middle School starts at 7:40 a.m. Doors open at 7:20 a.m. The district has professional development built into its calendar for Wednesday mornings, meaning the middle school will have a one-hour late start (8:40 a.m.) every Wednesday except on Nov. 9 (conferences), Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving holiday), and June 14 (last week of school, no professional development). Students are dismissed at 2:15 p.m. and need to leave campus by 2:20 p.m. unless in a staff supervised activity. Please see the district calendar for early dismissal times.
Sedro-Woolley High School starts at 7:55 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. The district has professional development built into its calendar for Wednesday mornings, meaning the high school will have a one-hour late start (8:55 a.m.) every Wednesday except on Nov. 9 (conferences), Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving holiday), and June 14 (last week of school, no professional development). Students are dismissed at 2:30 p.m. Please see the district calendar for early dismissal times.
State Street High School starts at 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:15 a.m. The district has professional development built into its calendar for Wednesday mornings, meaning the middle school will have a one-hour late start (9 a.m.) every Wednesday except on Nov. 9 (conferences), Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving holiday), and June 14 (last week of school, no professional development). Students are dismissed at 2:30 p.m. Please see the district calendar for early dismissal times.
Skyward
Free COVID-19 testing available for students and staff
Sedro-Woolley School District Health Services team continues to offer access to timely diagnostic testing for SWSD students and staff with symptoms of COVID-19. The testing will be free of charge and will only be offered to ONLY students and staff showing symptoms.
Schedule an appointment and complete pre-test paperwork
Testing will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday on regular school days. All appointments will need to be scheduled, as drop-ins cannot be accommodated at this time.
While the guidance is specific to COVID-19 prevention, it can also help to reduce transmission of other common respiratory viruses such as influenza and RSV.
Covid questions
Email: covidquestions@swsdonline.com
Phone: (360) 855-3059
If you want to check COVID-19 cases, you can find it on our district website under community, click on this link: COVID-19 Dashboard.
YOUTH SPORTS FEE ASSISTANCE
Apply today for the Every Kid Sports Pass β a youth sports grant to help cover registration fees.
Log Your Digital Box Tops
Volunteering
We are excited that you are interested in volunteering your time for our students and staff in the Sedro-Woolley School District! All volunteers, student-teacher observers, and PTO members must complete several forms and undergo a background check verification.
Complete the required background check paperwork available from the building secretary
Provide a copy of your photo ID
Wait for the background check to be completed and approved
Forms must be turned in and verified by the building secretary.
Thank you for your support of the Sedro-Woolley School District!
Opt-in for text messages
The Sedro-Woolley School District utilizes the SchoolMessenger system to deliver text messages, straight to your mobile phone with important information about events, school closings, safety alerts and more.
You can participate in this free service* just by sending a text message of βYβ or βYesβ to our schoolβs short code number, 67587.
You can also opt out of these messages at any time by simply replying to one of our
messages with βStopβ.
District News
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Please visit the district website for a list of mental health resources available to students and families.
SWHS, SSHS STUDENTS CAN RECEIVE MEDICAL SERVICES AT WELLNESS CENTER
Parents, did you know your students could get health care at the Woolley Wellness Center during and after school?
The clinic is open Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The center's phone number is 360-856-7995 (no voicemail is available outside of regular clinic hours). Fax number is 360-856-8000.
The Woolley Wellness Center is located in the main hallway at Sedro-Woolley High School, across from the Student Services office, and is operated by PeaceHealth.
View the attached Woolley Wellness Center Informational Flier for more information.
Forms to be completed and returned to the Woolley Wellness Center
A VIS or Vaccine Information Statement is a document produced by CDC, that informs vaccine recipients - or their parents or legal representatives - about the benefits and risks of a vaccine they are receiving. Please find the appropriate VIS by visiting the CDC Website: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/current-vis.html
About the District
The Sedro-Woolley School District has a preschool, seven elementary schools, one middle school and two high schools, averaging more than 4,200 students during the 2021-2022 school year. We proudly serve Sedro-Woolley and its smaller surrounding communities.
Sedro-Woolley School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, and provides equal access to all youth groups identified in U.S.C., Title 36. The District has designated the following employees to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, Title IX Officer, Affirmative Action Officer and ADA Coordinator (Daniel Lee | dlee@swsd101.org | 360-855-3500), Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator (Mike Schweigert | mschweigert@swsd101.org | 360-855-3500), and Tony Smith, Section 504 Coordinator (tosmith@swsd101.org | 360-855-3500). Address: 801 Trail Rd., Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.
Email: swsdcoms@swsd101.org
Website: https://www.swsd.k12.wa.us/
Location: 801 Trail Road, Sedro-Woolley, WA, USA
Phone: 360-855-3500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SedroWoolleySchoolDistrict/
Twitter: @SedroWoolleySD