Friday Family Message
Hello Families
It is almost time to open our doors and say, βWelcome Back!β
It was great to see so many smiling faces at our open houses this week. We have missed you and canβt wait to return to school together. I hope you have been able to enjoy good weather and time with friends and family.
Over the summer, we have been busy preparing our classrooms and buildings for the benefit of our students, staff, families, and community. Here are a few of the highlights:
New reading and writing materials have arrived at each of our elementary and middle schools. Staff have already begun their year-long training in these new materials.
Summer safety meetings with local law enforcement, high school principals, and student advisory team
Final projects from expired capital project levy:
Stanwood Middle School installed new windows, new bleachers, and refinished the gym floors.
Cedarhome Elementary and Port Susan Middle School installed new, more energy-efficient heating systems
Staffing and furniture moving between our elementary schools in preparation for new students
No-cost school supplies for all elementary students
School improvement plans in place for all school sites
As a reminder, our students will return according to this schedule:
Tuesday, Sept. 5, for grades 1-9
Wednesday, Sept. 6, for grades 10-12
Friday, Sept 8, for Preschool and Kindergarten
We are more committed than ever to our district's promise that every student is empowered to learn in an inclusive setting and is prepared for the future of their choice!
Buses back on area roads
With school starting for most students Tuesday, Sept. 5, we want to urge ALL drivers to brush up on the rules when it comes to safely operating around school buses and school zones:
π On a two-lane road, traffic in both directions needs to stop.
π Please keep in mind that even if you are not required to stop, you need to proceed with caution.
π Failure to stop for a school bus can run you a $500 ticket.
π Remember that 20 mph school zones are active again β so drive cautiously near our schools and crosswalks!
We have 50 buses out each morning traversing the 140 square miles in the Stanwood-Camano School District. And while the big yellow school bus is one of the safest vehicles on the road, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, we hope that everyone stays extra alert as we get back into our school routines.
Please be sure to check out your student's route and bus stop information for the 2023-24 school year now at our Bus Route Information webpage, which includes instructions on how to use Versatrans eLink.
Stanwood roadwork updates
Please be aware of three road projects in Stanwood that could lead to minor delays for buses, drivers, and pedestrians.
- The downtown intersection of 92nd Ave. NW and 271st St. NW near QFC and the PUD that has been under construction in August will be partially open with flaggers directing traffic.
- Along 72nd Ave. NW near Twin City Elementary crews are finishing sidewalk restoration and will be paving the turn lane in the coming weeks. Drivers can expect minor traffic delays and lane shifts at times. However, crews will not close the turn lane during school drop-off and pickup times.
- The sidewalk project along 80th Ave. NW between Cedarhome Drive and 280th St. NW necessitates a detour at times next week. Students can walk along the sidewalk and flaggers will be in place to direct them to the proper routes. In addition, the city and the contractor are allowing buses through the work zone.
Always focused on safety
We invite you to explore our robust Safety & Wellness section on our website with plenty of important links, resources, and information. The site includes a printable Emergency Preparedness safety guide to keep at home, work, or vehicle.
Meanwhile, our Student-Superintendent Leadership Team recently met with Camano Island Fire and Rescue chief Levon Yengoyan, Stanwood Police Department chief Jason Toner, and Snohomish County Sheriff's Office deputy and SCSD School Resource Office Bud McCurry to discuss safety and security.
Information and ideas generated from the students on the team and from our local safety experts will help the school district hone our safety plans, procedures, and communication for the upcoming school year and beyond.
A busy summer
You may have noticed the work being done at Stanwood Middle School over the summer β it was one of a handful of important projects at our schools.
SMS now features new, more energy-efficient windows, refinished gym floors, and new bleachers.
Elsewhere, Cedarhome Elementary and Port Susan Middle School replaced their old heating systems with new, more energy-efficient boilers. Cedarhome also had additional security fencing and access controls installed.
Thank you to the community for these projects that were funded with the last of the money from the now-expired 2019β2022 Facilities and Technology Levy.
A few reminders
Mariners news!
Two fun updates to share about the Seattle Mariners:
- The Stanwood High Jazz Ensemble has been invited to return to T-Moble Park to sing the National Anthem for the game at 6:40 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25. That game is also a value night game, which features $10 tickets. Our amazing SHS Jazz Ensemble has performed prior to a Mariners game a handful of times over the past decade, including last summer!
- A grand-slam-sized congratulations to Cedarhome Elementary teacher Brandon Hammond was awarded the Teacher of the Week by Seattle Mariners Radio Network, WSECU, and Seattle Sports 710 AM. He is one of 24 teachers selected out of hundreds of nominations. The honor came with a $500 classroom grant, and an additional $500 grant for Cedarhome, and two suite tickets to a recent game. Congrats Mr. Hammond!
Get social with us!
Please remember to follow the Stanwood-Camano School District on Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, and Twitter, and follow my tweets @rumbaughsupt.