Utsalady Elementary School
Utsalady Family newsletter — March 24, 2024
Stanwood-Camano District Promise
Every student in the Stanwood-Camano School District is empowered to learn in an inclusive setting and is prepared for the future of their choice.
Thank you SCAAC and Booster Club for Afternoon of the Arts
Dear Utsalady families:
Thanks SO much to all of the artist teacher volunteers, their volunteer assistants and especially to the Stanwood Camano Arts Advocacy Commission for another amazing Afternoon of the Arts last Friday. These pieces that all the students created will be part of permanent installations at Utsalady to enhance the visual environment, and be an enduring marker of community and expression. Special thank you to Callie Darland, Utsalady Booster Club President - all Utsalady students have had a truly impactful experience thanks to you!
Reminder: Half-days this week
Plan ahead for a different schedule this week.
- Wednesday, March 27, is a teacher in-service day. Schools will be on an early release schedule (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) and there will be no late start.
- Thursday, March 28, and Friday, March 29, are spring conferences. Schools will be on an early release schedule (9 a.m.-12 p.m.)
- There is no school next week, April 1-5, for Spring Break. Classes then resume Monday, April 8.
You can see the school schedule on our Calendar webpage.
New Garden Beds!
Thanks so much to Nicole Star, Behavior Support Tech for organizing, sourcing, recruiting and installing 6 new garden beds at Utsalady. Also thanks to Nurse Sam and her husband Rick for helping to build and install on a rainy Saturday. Thanks to Cascade Lumber for the donation! And finally thanks to Jerry and John Construction for donated labor.
Bus guidelines
To keep everyone safe on school buses and to abide by state law, please follow these guidelines while on a bus:
All items — such as sports equipment, instruments, and metal water bottles — must be completely secured inside of a closed bag or instrument case.
The bus is considered an extension of the school day, and students are expected to behave in a way that is consistent with school/classroom expectations.
For example, items such as bats, lacrosse sticks, tennis rackets, and Stanley water bottles must be secured inside a closed bag while on a school bus.
There are no exceptions to these rules and regulations, per WAC 392-145-021 (Washington State Administrative Code) and School Board policy.
We appreciate your help in making sure that our students continue to stay safe on the bus and following state law so our school buses remain in service.
Please contact our Transportation Department with any questions.
Time is running out to take our community survey!
We're still hoping more community members take our annual Community Survey.
Your voice truly helps us plan for and prioritize for the years ahead as we adjust our practices in several ways to meet the needs of our students, staff, families, and community!
Help us address attendance issues
Research shows that missing as little as two days of school every month, or 10% of the school year, can significantly impact students' learning ability and test scores.
Chronic absenteeism is trending down in our district in most categories — such as illness, family business, and appointments. However, absence rates still remain higher than in pre-COVID years, and the total number of “unexcused absences” so far this school year is trending higher than last year — particularly among our high schoolers. “Unexcused absences” are days a student misses class and the school is not notified as to the reason.
Reducing the number of days students are absent is a key component of improving graduation rates, increasing academic achievement, and giving students the best chance at success in the workplace. We want all of these things for our students!
Together, we can ensure our scholars arrive at school on time every day when they are well.
Let's do this! Find information and tips on our Attendance webpage.
Help us address fentanyl
We wanted to share that our Fentanyl and Opioid Awareness Night on March 12 was attended by about 60 individuals. If you missed it, you can watch a recording of the presentation on our YouTube site.
A common theme throughout the night was the importance of having conversations early and often with our children and students about the dangers of taking pills and drugs from unknown sources. Law enforcement experts are finding more and more substances laced with potentially lethal amounts of fentanyl, many times unbeknownst to the buyer and seller of the pill or drug.
It was compelling to hear our presenters and audience members affirm that talking with our youth about these dangers once or twice is simply not enough. Regular conversations are needed to help protect our children.
You can learn more about fentanyl at www.dea.gov/onepill
Local nonprofits offer clubs and programs for students
Several area nonprofit organizations — such as the Stanwood-Camano YMCA and the Stanwood Camano Arts Advocacy Commission — offer clubs, programs, classes, and events for local students, including:
View even more local programming on our Community e-Fliers webpage!
Friday Family Message
Find the most recent Friday Family Message from the Stanwood-Camano School District online HERE
The Stanwood-Camano School District does not discriminate in employment, programs, or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the District's Title IX/Affirmative Action Officer and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, Christine Del Pozo (cdelpozo@stanwood.wednet.edu), or the Section 504/American Disabilities Act Coordinator, Robert Hascall (rhascall@stanwood.wednet.edu) Stanwood-Camano School District, 26920 Pioneer Hwy, Stanwood, WA 98292. Telephone: (360) 629-1200.