Port Susan Middle School
Staff Update 03/18/2022
Thank you!
Definition of HQTL
At PSMS, high quality teaching and learning means that we are a community of learners including both students and staff. Teachers provide routine and structures along with the belief that ALL students have the ability to learn.
Student Engagement
DNA Models
Band Class
Off-Campus Opportunity
Good luck, Willa!
SHS Play
Power Hour/Student Support
PDW
Upcoming Spirit Days
Spring Sports Information (7th & 8th Grade)
Knights Gear
https://www.spiritgeardirect.com/GearDrive/Store.aspx?guid=0d393978-5054-45f5-ac0a-9af7fbbd6c8c
Upcoming XELLO Lesson #3 - Advisory Monday
In the Stanwood-Camano School District, we are utilizing the online platform Xello to allow students the opportunity to explore options, build self-knowledge, create their pathway, and document their plan. The following pages outline the scope and sequence for this work.
We will lead students through our second lesson on Monday as an introduction. Students may need to take time during advisory throughout the week to complete the week lesson for their grade level. Students may work on this at home as well and share it with parents.
Definition of HQTL
At PSMS, high quality teaching and learning means that we are a community of learners including both students and staff. Teachers provide routine and structures along with the belief that ALL students have the ability to learn.
8th grade Advisory **THIS WEEK**
8th GRADE MEET LINK HERE for Tuesday, March 22nd & Friday, March 25th
*Reminder: Google Educator Level 1 Certification - 2022
March 1, 2022 - June 1, 2022
Google for Education has level 1 and 2 certifications available. This asynchronous course will take you through the online fundamentals training program to prepare you for the (optional) Educator Level 1 exam.
Earning Level 1 certification allows teachers to distinguish themselves as educators and demonstrate mastery with Google tools. Completing the certification earns a badge that will help teachers stand out on resumes, portfolios, websites, and more. (You can also earn STEM clock hours.)
The Educator Level 1 certification is valid for three years.
Course Options (must be completed by June 1, 2022)
Option 1: Register on pdEnroller and complete the course for 17 STEM clock hours
Option 2: Register on pdEnroller, complete the course, and take the 3-hour exam for 20 STEM clock hours ($10 fee to be paid for by participant)
Clock Hours
Online Instruction
17 clock hours
Google Educator Level 1 Exam (optional)
An additional 3 clock hours
*Reminder: Panorama Data Dashboard - Check it Out!
Our district has partnered with Panorama Education, a data platform that gives you a visual representation of the following state and benchmark assessments: SBA & WCAS, aimswebPlus, NWEA MAP, and WIDA.
This tool is great for tracking student success, creating intervention plans, and much more. An account has been created for each of you. Once you log in, you will be able to view the adult SEL survey results and data from the students you serve. Use this link to access the sign in page and select ‘Sign in with Google’. Training sessions are being scheduled. In the meantime, please find time to explore this platform.
SBA Testing
SBA Testing
Window open NOW through June 10th for ELA/Math. Science is open until June 3rd.
Test approximate length:
ELA PT (100-180 min) *May 2nd - 6th
Math CAT (40-60 min) *May 2nd - 6th
ELA CAT (40-60 min) *May 9th - 13th
Math PT (40-90 min) *May 9th - 13th
Science (120 min) *May 16th - 20th
Make up testing
Science by June 3rd
ELA/Math June 10th
- We will keep regular bell schedule
- Testing will be completed through content classroom during regular instruction time. Limit testing to 3 weeks in length and then allow 3 weeks for make up/completion as needed.
No proctor training needed because it was taken care of in the fall. Refresher for those that would like will be offered on April 13th during Grade Prep Day (OPTIONAL).
Week of March 21st through March 25th
Monday:
Regular Schedule
Advisory - XELLO Lesson #3
Varsity Basketball @ Cedarcrest
Wrestling @ Lakewood
Tuesday:
Regular Schedule
Admin Meeting 7:30 -10:30 a.m. (Crysty & Cherae)
Advisory - Homework Support
6th Grade Band Concert
Wednesday:
RED Wednesday
Classified Staff Donuts w/Dr. Rumbaugh (Staff Room @ 7:30 a.m.)
Varsity Basketball vs CAV/LSMS
Wrestling @ Lakewood
Thursday:
Regular Schedule
Advisory - Homework Support
JV Wrestling @ North Lake MS
Friday:
Regular Schedule
Advisory - Homework Support
District Information
Air Purifiers
Special Education March Newsletter
We got a good amount of feedback on the February edition, which was much appreciated! There were some of you who may not have been sent the February newsletter, and if so, you can find it here.
Thank you,
Robert and Melissa
REPLACEMENT CAPITAL PROJECTS AND TECHNOLOGY LEVY
Learn more detailed information about the proposed levy at https://www.stanwood.wednet.edu/levy
This proposed local replacement levy would fund critical facility and technology needs not funded by the state.
50% is to be used for long-term facility needs and 50% is to be used to upgrade the technology used for student learning and staff/personnel computers at all schools.
This is not a new tax. This is a replacement of an expiring levy and will not raise taxes currently being paid if it is approved. We are committed to keeping the rates as stable as possible. The estimated tax rate per $1,000 of the assessed property value is $0.27 for each year of this proposed levy. If approved on April 26, 2022, the total local school tax rate is expected to drop in 2023 and is anticipated to decrease over the next four years. If property values go up, the amount collected ($0.27) is reduced.
If the levy fails a second time, the district may not place it on the ballot again until 2023. Planned capital projects would be delayed and the district would not be able to adequately maintain and upgrade its technology for student learning.
The District cannot wait until November to resubmit the levy for approval. When voters renew levy funding, the amount is approved by calendar years, January through December. However, public school district budgets are written by the school year which starts each September 1, running 12 months to August 31 of the following year. Public school budget planning begins in the spring for the next school year. To do so, school leaders must know how many dollars are available.
Does the increase in home prices in our community affect what taxpayers will pay with this measure?
No. Property tax assessments may fluctuate, but the district only collects the total amount approved by voters. When property values rise, rates go down.
The levy funds technology devices and supports learning for students and staff.
Thanks to voter support in 2018, all of Stanwood-Camano’s 4,500 students had access to a Chromebook computer to use during online learning throughout the pandemic. When the 2019 levy expires at the end of 2022, this levy will replace it to keep devices updated, supported, and properly maintained.
The proposed replacement levy will continue funding the purchase of computers, online curriculum, and technical support for students and their teachers. Specifically,
25% of staff devices will be renewed each year (about 100 devices per year)
25% of student Chromebooks will be renewed each year (about 1100 devices per year)
Out of date Chromebooks are returned for credit to purchase repair and replacement parts for current Chromebooks (screen repair, power cords, etc.)
Purchasing internet hotspots for families and district internet and filtering software
Learning applications/online learning supports (IXL, Robotics Software, Renaissance, assistive technology, Read and Write, Read Naturally, typing programs and more)
Communications tools such as School Messenger and S’more (school newsletters)
Security camera maintenance and licensing
Servers with backup power supplies during power outages (this allows us to maintain some phones and WiFi at schools when the power goes out)
Funding from the current levy has provided:
Expansion and update of student computing devices in the classroom and for home use by students.
Annual maintenance fees associated with online applications, subscriptions, and software licenses.
Renewal of about 25% of staff computers per year, about 100 devices.
Renewal of 25% of student Chromebooks per year, about 1,100 devices.
Maintenance and upgrades of the district WiFi network and filtering
Learning applications
Personnel, including four technology department staff and Technology Teacher on Special Assignment
Security, including camera installation and maintenance and access control licensing
Server upgrades
Capital Projects
The levy provides funding for prioritized facility improvements
Older systems such as boilers, roofs, fire sprinkler systems, public address systems, bleachers, security fencing, and sidewalks are at or near the end of their useful life. The proposed levy would fund:
New roof at Cedarhome Elementary;
New boilers at Cedarhome and Elger Bay;
Replacement fire sprinkler lines at Utsalady and Elger Bay Elementary Schools;
Portable maintenance at Port Susan, including new roofs, paint and siding repair;
Upgraded public address systems at Stanwood Middle and Stanwood Elementary Schools; and
Various projects to improve student safety, such as fencing, sidewalks, and bleacher replacements.
Funds from the current levy have provided:
Replacement of fire alarm systems at Cedarhome, Twin City, and Stanwood Elementary;
Playground safety improvements at Cedarhome, Elger Bay, and Utsalady Elementary;
Renovation and roof replacement for the facility that houses the Stanwood High School Transition Program; and
Window replacements for Stanwood Middle School (to occur in Summer 2023 using 2019-2020 levy funds).
Election date
In the April 26, 2022 election, Stanwood-Camano’s Capital Projects and Technology levy requires a simple majority, or 50% + 1 of the votes cast, to pass.
How can I vote?
Please register to vote through the Washington Secretary of State election website if you haven’t already done so. The April 26, 2022, special election is an all-mail election. Registered voters who live in the Stanwood-Camano School District boundary will receive their ballot around April 8, 2022. Ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, April 26, 2022. No postage is required to return your ballot. There is a secure ballot drop box near the Stanwood Library at 9701 271st St NW and at the Island County Administration Building at 121 N East Camano Drive on Camano Island. The dropbox is open until 8 p.m. on Election Night.
Our community has a long history of supporting our schools and local control of educational programs. We are committed to openness and transparency. Please call 360-629-1200 or send an email to scsdinfo@stanwood.wednet.edu with any questions you may have about this proposal.