BSD Staff Updates
2020-21 Issue #8: Tuesday, Feb 9, 2021
News, Information and Updates for Bremerton School District staff.
Thank you counselors and interventionists!
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
February is Black History Month and we want to honor some of our BSD staff
Darence Shine
Darence Shine is a counselor at Bremerton High School. He’s been with the District for four years.
Most of Darence’s family originated from Africa. He has family all over the United States, but most have settled in the east coast. His father is a retired government agent of 25 years, who studied at Morehouse College. His mother is a retired Nurse of 30 years who studied at NYC College.
One of the most meaningful traditions of Darence's family is their family reunions in South Carolina. They have had more than 200 people attend - with the oldest family member being over 90!
When reflecting on his culture as an African American, Darence believes that African Americans have an enriched culture and while great strides have been made toward equality, there is much more work to be done in reaching this goal--and he’s up for the challenge.
Darence received his B.S. from Southern Illinois University and his Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling from City University Seattle. Before joining the Bremerton School District family, Darence worked as an Education and Employment Counselor with the OESD #114.
Darence’s “why” for working in education: He wants to give all students options to reach their educational goals and show them the light at the end of the tunnel with continuous support.
Carla Foster
Carla Foster is an ISP paraeducator at Bremerton High School.
Before joining the BSD family four years ago, she was a Program Specialist/Assistant House Manager with Northwestern Human Services.
Carla has an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts from Community College of Philadelphia and a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and Master's Degree in Education/Adult Leadership from Strayer University.
Carla’s family once owned the land where the Norfolk International Airport (Virginia) is now located. Her maternal grandmother told her that it was where her great great grandmother, great, and grandmother lived as slaves. The daughter of the master taught her grandmother how to read because her great-grandmother was the nanny and took care of the grandmother when she was ill. Once they became free she left her the house and all the land.
Her maternal grandfather was a Master Chief in the Navy. Her paternal great great grandfather was the first African American to own a barbershop/barber school in West Philadelphia. Both of her parents were very influential in the civil rights movement. Her father was a Lieutenant in the Navy and a chemist. Her mother was a homemaker but she also was born with an incurable disease called Gorham Stout Syndrome. Despite her illness, she did become a CNA.
Carla’s maternal great uncle was the leader of the Black Panther movement the Norfolk, Virginia chapter. Her mother was also a member, and she assisted with the breakfast and lunch programs for needy families. She also assisted with the WIC program.
Carla’s “why” for working in education: She loves nurturing, encouraging, motivating, and coaching students with their educational experience. She used to teach her dolls and stuffed animals what she learned in school.
More profiles to come in the next Staff Updates newsletter. We will also be sharing some of them on the District's Facebook page throughout Black History Month!
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Board Highlights - February 4, 2021
Policy News
The Board reviewed four policies that fall under the 1000 series, Legal Status & Operation. These were reviewed for first read only and will come back to the Board on February 18th for adoption on second read.
Policy 1600; Code of Ethics
Policy 1610; Conflicts of Interest
Policy 1620; Board-Superintendent Relationship
Policy 1731; Board Member Expenses
At the January meeting, revised Policy 3231, Student Records, was adopted. To address those changes, the associated procedure, 3231P, has now been revised and can be found here. School administrators and staff responsible for handling, maintaining, or releasing student records should be familiar with the policy and procedure.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The new Affirmative Action Plan to carry the district through the 2023-24 school year was approved and can be found on the District’s website, under the Human Resources department.
To view any of these documents, you may also visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/wabrsd/Board.
Compiled by Ioanna Cossack, Board Secretary
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Staff Announcement: Cathie Seevers, Director of Finance
(In case you missed the email from Carol Bailie on February 2)
The Bremerton School District is pleased to announce that Cathie Seevers has accepted the position of the Director of Finance.
Cathie comes to BSD from the Olympic Educational Service District (OESD) where she’s served as the Director of Fiscal Services since 2017. Cathie has also worked as Executive Director of Business & Finance for the North Mason School District, and Assistant Finance Director for the North Kitsap School District.
Cathie has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. Originally from the midwest, the military brought her family to Washington in 2003 and they have been here ever since - and love it! Cathie and her husband have 5 grown children and 4 grandchildren - most of whom reside in Washington state. She loves the summers in Washington and she and her husband spend a lot of time outdoors camping with friends, traveling and boating. Cathie also likes to cook, watch the Seahawks play and read her Kindle.
Welcome Cathie!
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Please remember to sign-in to your buildings!
If you have questions about your school's check-in process, please talk to your principal.
Reminder: there are TWO daily tasks staff who are working in our buildings must complete:
- Daily Health Assessment (in Skyward) - link sent daily via email
- Daily staff building check-in (varies by building).
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
We are pleased to welcome 3-5 grade students enrolled in the Hybrid Learning pathway next week!
The elementary Back-to-Buildings Family Guide is updated regularly and can be viewed at: BremertonSchools.org/BackToBuildings2021.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
2021 Semancik Drive-Thru Crab Feed Registration
We are doing a drive-thru event this year at Minder Meats, 4921 Auto Center Blvd, Bremerton, WA 98312. Please fill out the registration and someone will contact you to schedule payment and pick up.
Deadline: Orders need to be in by March 1, 2021.
It's going to be the same great crab we have every year! We absolutely need your help! Our students need your help!
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
BHS and MVMS PTAs merge into Bremerton Secondary PTA
This new PTA will be replacing/is a combination of the Bremerton High School PTA and Mountain View Middle School PTA.
Combining the administrative and management side into one allows more communication, more continuity between the schools, and much less administrative work for the volunteers.
There are two membership levels - individual for $12 and Multiple/Family for $10 per person (ie: $20 per couple). Here is a link where people can join and pay online:
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Virtual Math Blast was a success!
Math Blast STEM 2021 went virtual this year.
- 150 students registered for this virtual family night event
- These students participated along with their families in a variety of break out "classrooms"
- Students were able to select activities according to their grade band
- They practiced designing, building, testing and revising
- Math Blast STEM is funded by one of the District's DoDEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) grants.
Check out the video below that provides a glimpse of the event and includes some of the flip grids of students explaining about their projects, sharing what they learned and how much they enjoyed the evening.
Thank you to all of the staff who helped make Math Blast STEM 2021 a huge success including BSD staff who served as event coordinators or Zoom monitors, as well as community partners.
VR
- Nancy Braunz
- Deb Swanson
- Dorothy Schnyder
AJ
- Sherri Robinson
- Maria Little
WH
- Stephanie Cordorniz
- Katrina Jones
- Colleen Paris
- Maggie Cordray
- Julie Durham
KLE
- Sonya Piper
NA
- Kelly Carr
- Katie Exum
- Paula Rupel
CH
- Kristi Gile
- Pip Thompson
- Tayna Martin
MVMS
- Erin Locke
BHS
- Deann Irish
- Kyle Moore
Admin Office
- Aaron Leavell
- Lisa Elm
- Joyce Cowdery
Community Partners
- WSSEF (WA State Science And Engineering Fair)
- Kitsap Transit Team
- iReady
- PSNS Engineer Team - Under the direction of Corinne Beach
- Keyport Engineer Team - Under the Direction of Sam De Lano
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
District Cafe Updates
You can now find the link to the District Cafe on the BSD website in the "FOR STAFF" drop-down menu (top right).
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Thank you, Bremerton Kiwanis Club!
With a grant from the Bremerton Kiwanis, Naval Avenue Early Learning Center purchased character trait books sets for each grade level in English and Spanish.
The books, purchased with support from our local independent bookstore, Ballast Book Company, align with the Purposeful People monthly character traits.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Educators can now deduct out-of-pocket expenses for COVID-19 protective items
Eligible educators can deduct unreimbursed expenses for COVID-19 protective items to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the classroom. COVID-19 protective items include, but are not limited to:
- face masks;
- disinfectant for use against COVID-19;
- hand soap;
- hand sanitizer;
- disposable gloves;
- tape, paint or chalk to guide social distancing;
- physical barriers (for example, clear plexiglass);
- air purifiers; and
- other items recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be used for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.
Rev. Proc. 2021-15, issued today, provides guidance related to educators and their expenses under the COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020, which was enacted as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. The new law clarifies that unreimbursed expenses paid or incurred after March 12, 2020, by eligible educators for protective items to stop the spread of COVID-19 qualify for the educator expense deduction.
The educator expense deduction rules permit eligible educators to deduct up to $250 of qualifying expenses per year ($500 if married filing jointly and both spouses are eligible educators, but not more than $250 each).
Eligible educators include any individual who is a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal, or aide in a school for at least 900 hours during a school year.
This deduction is for expenses paid or incurred during the tax year. Taxpayers claim the deduction on Form 1040, Form 1040-SR or Form 1040-NR (attach Schedule 1 (Form 1040) ).
For additional information regarding the deduction for certain expenses of an eligible educator, see the Instructions for Form 1040 and Form 1040-SR or the Instructions for Form 1040-NR.
For more information about this, the COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020 and other tax changes, visit IRS.gov.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
State unveils COVID-19 vaccination ‘Get Ready’ plan for school employees
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Reminder: Bremerton School District Administrative Internship Opportunity
Any certificated employee interested in an Administrative Internship for the 2021-22 school year must submit an application no later than Friday, February 26, 2021.
Applications are available by emailing Amy Stam in the Human Resources Office at
Please note: The Washington State Education Leadership Intern Grant is currently available on the AWSP website:
http://www. awsp.org/member-support/principal-interns/intern-grant
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Kitsap Strong Virtual Community Center
In May of 2020, Kitsap Strong launched a Virtual Community Center with the goal of helping community find connection through “regulation” activities/practices (regulation refers to science-informed activities that help individuals manage stress; art, music, drumming, singing, movement, play, breathing, mindfulness, etc.) all while still practicing social distancing and gathering virtually.
Each virtual session was provided via zoom or previously recorded videos, is all free to our community and still accessible on the Kitsap Strong website!
Click here to view the Virtual Community Center. Please help spread the word!
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
School Meals Information
Because of the return of K-2 Hybrid students to the classrooms, our meal program has changed.
Current meal pick-up times: 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. at all schools (excluding RHS, Open Doors and WST).
Meal Bus Delivery: The bus delivery schedules will be remaining the same for now.
Our meal program will be changing later this month due to the return of K-3 students to the buildings. More details coming soon.
Teachers: Feel free to share this graphic on your Google Teacher Site with a link to our meals page: www.BremertonSchools.org/Meals. Just "right click" the graphic to save it.
Presidents Day Holiday
Kindergarten Registration now open!
Tech Support Website
Elementary AA/BB hybrid bus routes available District website
Spanish Information
- Spanish announcements/updates web page (there is a link on the home page under "2020-21/COVID-19 tab)
- Spanish information recorded message: 360-473-1002 x 2
Report Card instructions
Just "right click" the graphic to save it.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Website update: new "jobs" button
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
New Free Pandemic Resource
Bremerton School District is partnering with a new resource that is free to all staff and students.WA Listens of Kitsap County is a Collaboration with the Washington State Department of Health and local non profit organizations.
Washington Listens is a free, anonymous service for anyone in the state. Washington Listens provides support to people who feel sad, anxious, or stressed due to the events of this year including COVID-19 and the wildfires. It is a partnership of several agencies from across the state to provide emotional and mental support to individuals and families during these trying times, and links to community resources.
The program was created in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and has since been expanded to support those affected by the wildfires.
Any Washington resident can access a support specialist who will listen and help you cope with stress. They can provide information to local resources and additional support, based on needs you may have, WAListens.org or 1-833-681-0211.
Please see the attached flyers (English & Spanish) for more information and feel free to share. These flyers are also posted in the Staff Directory on the District website.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
(Virtual) 2021 Washington State Science & Engineering Fair (WSSEF)
Grades 9 - 12 ~ March 26 & 27, 2021
Grades 1 - 8 ~ April 15 & 16, 2021
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Little Blue Pantries
Since the food banks in Bremerton are only a mile or so apart, there are several neighborhoods in the Greater Bremerton community that do not have easy access to the food banks or grocery stores. The purpose of the Little Blue Pantry project was to bridge the food insufficiency gap in these neighborhoods. Current Little Blue Pantries are located at:
- 816 National Avenue (Navy Yard City)
- Corner of Elm Street and Lebo Blvd. (Sheridan Park near boat launch)
- Aero Mobile Home Park 7420 Highway 3, Bremerton
- 1150 Marine Drive (adjacent to parking lot of Bremerton United Methodist)
- In the alley across Sheridan Road from Iglesia ni Christo Church
This information is posted on our School Meals page. Read more about the Little Blue Pantries below.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Ellison Education Grants: Deadline March 27, 2021
The Ellison Education Grants were created to empower and support Washington State’s most effective, innovative and inspirational K- 12 public school teachers. Their goal is to support lifelong achievement and success of Washington State students. They do this by providing support to educators who select and design academic enrichment curriculum for students and or professional learning experiences relevant to their current practice.
In addition, as a result of the COVID-19 crisis the Foundation will also consider grants for "Learning Loss" in 2021. The Ellison Foundation supports the classroom teacher's expertise in understanding their own professional learning needs and the needs of their students. The Ellison Foundation has awarded 52 grants and $218,100 in the last four years.
The Ellison Foundation wishes to award at least 10 grants in the Spring of 2021 for the 2021 – 2022 school year. Grant amounts range between $1,000 and $10,000.
If you need a smile, take a minute to watch the video below
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Follow BSD on Social Media!
- Staff Updates newsletter archives
- Submit ideas or content for the Staff Updates newsletter to: Karen.Bevers@BremertonSchools.org
Website: www.bremertonschools.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BremertonSchools/
Twitter: @BremertonSD