Friday Family Message
Hello Families
Rounding out our first full week of the second half of the school year brought some exciting opportunities for students.
Many secondary students have begun new elective courses and are learning about art, music, cooking, sewing, vocational skills, and more. Our elective programs are rich and round out our students’ day at our middle and high schools.
Our students and staff have hit the halfway mark at the elementary level in our newly adopted reading and writing materials. Students enjoy our increased use of non-fiction books as they learn to read AND read to learn. From the adventures of Don Quixote to how the human body systems function to the constitution and founding fathers, our kids are learning!
Finally, please be sure to VOTE if you have not already. Ballots do not require postage to be mailed and can be placed in your mailbox, any blue USPS mailbox, or one of three ballot drop boxes (one between Stanwood Middle School and the library, one at the Camano Island Annex, and one in Silvana). Don’t leave those ballots on the kitchen counter!
Spartans shining in extracurricular activities!
Several students from Stanwood High have been rewarded for their hard work so far this school year, including:
- Stanwood FBLA — 54 Stanwood High students competed at FBLA Regionals at SHS on Feb. 3. Many Spartans claimed top spots in several categories, making them eligible to compete at the FBLA state competition in April in Spokane.
- Stanwood FFA — The Ag Sales teams recently competed in Ferndale. One SHS team placed second and another placed fourth. Individually, three Spartans placed in the top 10: Hunter Sparrow (4th), Raya Jakobsen (6th), and Stella Nelson (7th).
- Spartan winter sports — SHS athletes have wrapped up their regular seasons and are transitioning to postseason play! Follow all their journeys on our weekly Spartan Sports Report newsletter (sign up for free HERE)
Learn more about area preschool options
Local preschools will host open houses in the coming weeks.
See the attached image or visit StanCamPreschools.com — created by the Community Resource Center of Stanwood-Camano — to find information about all the childcare and preschool programs within the Stanwood-Camano School District.
This website — sponsored by the Making Life Work community collaboration Kindergarten Readiness Initiative — has contact information, ages of children accepted, and days and times of operation.
Take survey about the High School and Beyond Plan
State officials are asking students, families, educators, and community partners to help them choose an online platform to manage the High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) graduation requirement.
This 15-minute survey is open now through March 8. Questions are designed to get feedback on the best possible features and functions to include in the new platform. Statewide feedback from a wide variety of users is vital to ensure we understand the needs and interests of all stakeholders.
Glass Quest starts next week
The 15th Annual Northwest Glass Quest runs from Feb. 16-25 where participants search for hidden plastic clue balls scattered across Stanwood and Camano Island.
Turn in these clue balls to receive a limited-edition, stamped, and signed hand-blown glass treasure. The Camano Island Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual event, which features more than 400 clue balls hidden this year.
You can also engage in the new Kind Quester Program! This initiative represents a mindshift and behavior — a recognition that Glass Quest is more than finding a coveted glass ball. Questors simply need to participate in a list of suggested "kind activities" during their outings. Complete 6 of the 16 suggested activities to be entered to win a handmade glass pebble heart.
To learn more, please visit www.northwestglassquest.com or download the Glass Quest App to access the digital Quester Guide Book, helping you to the locations of the clue balls.
Ever thought about volunteering?
Come to the community Volunteer Fair to discover a bunch of local volunteering opportunities — including with the school district!
The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 17, at The Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center in Stanwood.
To learn more about volunteering in our schools — or to apply! — visit www.stanwood.wednet.edu/volunteer
Reminder: 4-day weekend for President’s Day
There is no school Friday, Feb. 16, and Monday, Feb. 19, in observance of President’s Day weekend.
However, please be aware that the public may see a heavy police presence on campus Friday, Feb. 16. Several Snohomish County Sheriff’s deputies from the North Precinct will be conducting training exercises at Stanwood High School during the day.
Don’t miss this timeless classic
Circle your calendar now! You'll want to join us for the Stanwood High spring musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella."
The play will be presented at 7 p.m. on March 8, 9, 15, and 16. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students — can be purchased at the box office or online via GoFan. Don't miss this play for the whole family.
This is your opportunity to witness our vibrant student talent as they bring “Cinderella” to life with flair and finesse.
Local nonprofits offer clubs and programs for students
Did you know that several area nonprofit organizations offer clubs, programs, classes, and events for local students?
Learn more on our Community e-Fliers webpage or by checking out a few of the current programs here:
School Board update
The Stanwood-Camano School Board heard several updates on district and school initiatives during its regular board meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 6.
Stanwood Elementary principal Staci Lauinger provided an update on its School Improvement and Action Plan. The school will honor its Shining Star Award during the 6 p.m. Feb. 20 board meeting.
Church Creek Campus principal Ryan Pike then gave an annual report on the district’s Alternative Learning Experience (ALE).
Teaching and Learning director Dr. Ben Gauyan followed with a mid-year update on the district’s Teaching and Learning progress.
Financial Services director Ruth Floyd then spoke about the district’s December Financial Report.
The school board also accepted five donations:
$1,462 in school rebates from Firefly Images for Utsalady Elementary School ($515), Cedarhome Elementary School ($524), and Elger Bay Elementary School ($421.62).
$5,874 from the Utsalady Booster Club to cover the transportation cost for a field trip to the Children’s Museum ($289) and to help cover a portion of the cost of the Outdoor Education field trip forth 2022-2023 school year ($5,584)
$1,125 from the Utsalady Booster Club to purchase art supplies for the Art Cart at Utsalady Elementary School
$19,000 from the Washington State FF Foundation Stanwood High School to promote agricultural science in schools
A donation of musical instruments from Kerri Jones in support of the Port Susan Middle School Music Program valued at $410
For more information about the meeting, see the agenda or watch a video recording of a meeting.
The school board will next host its regular meeting at 6 p.m. Feb. 20. Meetings are in the boardroom at the Stanwood-Camano School District Administration & Resource Center at 26920 Pioneer Highway in Stanwood. Sign up for public comment HERE.
For more about the School Board, click HERE.