District Update
November 19, 2021
Adverse Weather
This Guide has a list of frequently asked questions for when there's snow in the forecast. It's been a couple of years since a snow storm has affected school; some of our newer parents have never experienced the district's process. The FAQs has the two-hour late-start schedules for CMS and SWHS as well as a bevy of other information families may want to know.
This Newsletter has information on how to sign up for information and where to go for news.
As you will see in the documents, we make decisions about whether to have a two-hour late start or to cancel school as early as possible because we know how difficult it is for our families to juggle a last-minute call. Our transportation director and transportation coordinator both drive some of our more challenging bus routes starting at 3 a.m. We also typically consult multiple weather forecasts and also try to take staff commutes into consideration as well as teenage drivers when making the final decision by 4:45 a.m. Safety is paramount and we try our best to make the right call. Ultimately, in adverse weather, families make the final call on whether or not to send their children to school.
COVID-19 testing now available
Beginning Nov. 29, Sedro-Woolley School District Health Services team is expanding access to timely diagnostic testing for SWSD students with symptoms of COVID-19.
The testing will be free of charge and will only be offered to ONLY students and staff showing symptoms. To schedule an appointment and complete pre-test paperwork, visit https://form.jotform.com/213156543945055. Testing will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday on regular school days. All appointments will need to be scheduled, as drop-ins cannot be accommodated at this time.
We will have a drive-up, outdoor option for convenient access outside the front doors of the Admin Annex (201 N. Township, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284). Once you have filled out the paperwork online and arrived, please do the following:
Park in the designated COVID-19 testing space located at the front of the building.
Call 360-855-4453 to let us know you have arrived and remain inside your vehicle.
Results take approximately 15 minutes to process and we will use the phone number given on the form to report the results back to you, as well as answer any questions you may have.
Health Services will then report all COVID-19 results – positive and negative – within 24 hours to the Health Department using the web-based reporting tool called US Digital Service’s SimpleReport.
Please note this is NOT the Test to Stay program. We do not currently offer testing for those who are NOT presenting with symptoms. As testing supply availability increases, we hope to expand the testing opportunities. We will be sure to keep you updated on any changes.
Thank you Clear Lake Firefighters
Great job transportation team
Every year the Washington State Patrol (WSP) inspects the district's school buses for defects and safety. These inspections are done in the fall known as a surprise inspection, meaning the transportation team has no idea what day inspectors are showing up. The second inspection is scheduled in the spring or summer time.
Amidst the chaos of this week's high flood waters, our transportation team had a surprise inspection on Tuesday, Nov. 16. WSP inspected about 12-13 buses and found no defects or out-of-service items. A huge shoutout once again to Jim Cimoch and his team for another great inspection. We appreciate all of the work you do behind the scenes to keep our buses safe for our students.
School District Flood Resources
If you are in need of shelter or support. The Red Cross is operating shelters at Bethany Covenant Church (1318 S. 18th Street, Mount Vernon) & Hamilton First Baptist Church (797 Hamilton Cemetery Road, Sedro-Woolley).
If your family has been temporarily displaced because of flooding, please reach out to Rinny Shelton 360-855-3879 or rshelton@swsd101.org to connect with available resources.
Flood Recovery Guidance from Skagit County Public Health
When returning to a home that’s been flooded after a natural disaster, be aware that your house may be contaminated by floodwaters, mold, or sewage, all of which can cause health risks for your family. Below are some tips for Skagitonians who may be returning home after flooding.
When you first reenter your home.
Try to return to your home during the daytime so that you do not have to use any lights. Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, or gas lanterns.
- If you have standing water in your home and can turn off the main power from a dry location, then go ahead and turn off the power, even if it delays cleaning. If you must enter standing water to access the main power switch, then call an electrician to turn it off. NEVER turn power on or off yourself or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water.
- If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open all windows, and leave your house immediately. Notify the gas company or the police or fire departments or State Fire Marshal’s office, and do not turn on the lights or do anything that could cause a spark. Do not return until you are told it is safe to do so.
- If the house has been closed for several days, enter briefly to open doors and windows to let the house air out for a while (at least 30 minutes) before you stay for any length of time.
- If your home has been flooded and has been closed for several days, assume your home has mold.
- If your home has been flooded, it also may be contaminated with sewage. See Floodwater After a Disaster or Emergency.
Once you are safely in your home, please continue to use caution. Here are some things to keep in mind once you have reentered your home.
- Stay out of floodwater. Click here for more information.
- Throw away unsafe food. Click here for more information.
- Use safe water. Click here for more information.
- Use generators and other electrical equipment safely. Click here and here for more information.
- Dry out your home to prevent mold. Click here for more information.
- For septic systems. Click here for more information.
- Check with your insurance company before beginning to clean.
- Clean up your home safely. Click here for more information.
More Resources:
- For more information about the guidance above, please contact Skagit County Public Health at (360) 416-1500 or email EH@co.skagit.wa.us.
More information can also be found on the blog: https://bit.ly/3csFrrv - For general questions, call the Department of Emergency Management Flood Hotline at (360) 416-1850.
- For flood level updates, call the Flood Hotline at (360) 416-1404.
- For questions about deceased or otherwise impacted animals, call Animal Control at (360) 428-3211.
SWSD replacement levy to be on February ballot
The Sedro-Woolley School Board approved a resolution on Nov. 8 asking voters to maintain the Education Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy.
Local school levies must be renewed by voters.The current levy, which expires in 2022,collected $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The district expects to collect approximately $11,259,099 in 2022, which is lower than the voter approved cap of $13,667,84.
The proposed levy will collect $11,919,069 in 2023, $12,515,023 in 2024, $13,140,774 in 2025and $13,797,813 in 2026. These are the capped amounts or lids based on a 5% growth projection per year of the community’s assessed value.
Even though the district has a $2.50 rate, it won’t be able to collect more than the capped amounts approved in the board’s resolution. If the community’s assessed value increases, the $2.50 rate would actually be substantially less.
Washington state funds schools based on a“prototypical model”, representing the Legislature’s assumptions of what resources are required to provide students with a basic education.
State funding typically falls short in covering costs to enhance local schools with services requested by the community, leaving EP&O levies to bridge the gap in funding to provide for additional expenditures.
Foundations K applications due by the end of November
Applications are available at https://www.swsd.k12.wa.us/Domain/824.
Turkey Trot to be held Wednesday at CMS
Cascade Middle School will be having their annual Turkey Trot on Wednesday, Nov. 24. Seventh graders will do the trot first with eighth graders following afterwards.
Students will run/jog/walk/stroll down McGarigle Road from the middle school to Fruitdale and back. There will be prizes for the winners at each grade level. Staff will be supervising the race along the route.
Thanksgiving Break
Join FCCLA's Cubs Dine In event
Join Sedro-Woolley High School's Family Career Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and others around the nation in the annual Cubs dine in night!
Why is eating with your family so beneficial?
• When children can count on regular times with a parent or other adult, they feel loved, safe, and secure.
• Table talk gives youth a safe place to express their ideas. They gain confidence to speak up in class.
• Listening to grown-ups at the table exposes children to new words which helps them to read better.
• Laughter at the table makes mealtime fun!
• Children set roots for a lifetime as they experience their family’s values and traditions
• Kids can feel accepted by their family and may not need to seek approval from others
• Positive mealtimes help families know each other and feel that they belong to one another.
“What is Cubs Dine In?”
Cubs dine in began in 2014 and it takes place annually on December 3. Cubs dine in is one night a year where families purposely sit down and have dinner together. This annual event was founded in commemoration of the FCS founder Ellen Richards’ birthday. Join more than 200,000 other families who will be preparing and eating a meal with their families.
Take a picture of you eating with you family and send it to mdempsey@swsd101.org.
Skagit Valley Herald Christmas Fund
The Skagit Valley Herald Christmas Fund is a non-profit, charitable organization that has provided toys, books and a holiday meal to needy children and their families in Skagit County for over 71 years. Every donation is tax deductible.
Changes for 2021 with COVID 19
Registration — Will begin on Monday, November 15. There will be no phone registration this year.
Online Registration – See the following links for English or Spanish registration. This may be done on your phone or computer.
English: https://form.jotform.com/201646737303150
Spanish: https://form.jotform.com/201756878099170
Or fill out a registration form – See below under Forms. Select Register as a Recipient and print out the form. Forms may be dropped off at the Skagit County Fairgrounds, 1410 Virginia Street in Mount Vernon. This is the north entrance to the Fairgrounds.
Sponsor Program — There will be a sponsor program this year.
Christmas Party With Santa — This has been cancelled for 2021
Toy Donations — New, unwrapped toys for boys and girls ages 0-17 years old may be dropped off at the Skagit County Fairgrounds, 1410 Virginia Street in Mount Vernon. This is the north entrance to the Fairground. Please call 360-419-7261 to make an appointment to drop off your gifts, or email christmasfund@skagitpublishing.com
Knit Hats and Scarves — May be dropped off at Wildfibers, 706 1st Street, Mt Vernon.
Distribution — Will be a drive through pick up for gift bags. Enter the Fairgrounds through the NORTH gate, 1410 Virginia Street in Mount Vernon.
Questions — call 360-419-7261 English or 360-419-7263 Spanish
Cambios Para 2021 Con COVID 19
Registro — Comenzará el lunes 15 de noviembre.
Este año no habrá registro telefónico.
Registro en línea - Consulte los siguientes enlaces para registrarse en inglés o español. Esto se puede hacer en su teléfono o computadora.
Inglés: https://form.jotform.com/201646737303150
Español: https://form.jotform.com/201756878099170
O complete un formulario de registro - Consulte más abajo en Forms. Seleccione Registrarse como beneficiario e imprima el formulario. Los formularios se pueden dejar en el recinto ferial del condado de Skagit, 1410 Virginia Street en Mount Vernon. Esta es la entrada norte del recinto ferial.
Programa Patrocinador — Habrá un programa de patrocinadores este año.
Fiesta De Navidad Con Santa — Esto ha sido cancelado para 2021.
Donaciones De Juguetes — - Los juguetes nuevos sin envolver para niños y niñas de 0 a 17 años se pueden dejar en el recinto ferial del condado de Skagit, 1410 Virginia Street en Mount Vernon. Esta es la entrada norte del recinto ferial. Llame al 360-419-7261 para hacer una cita para dejar sus regalos, o correo electrónico christmasfund@skagitpublishing.com
Sombreros y Bufandas de Punto — se pueden dejar en Wildfibers, 706 1st Street, Mount Vernon.
Distribución — Será un recorrido en coche para recoger las bolsas de regalo. Ingrese al recinto ferial por la puerta NORTE, 1410 Virginia Street en Mount Vernon.
Preguntas — llame al 360-419-7261 en inglés o al 360-419-7263 en español
Contact Info
Volunteer 419-7263
Sponsor a Family 419-7261
Important: All online donors will be acknowledged and thanked in the Skagit Valley Herald. If you wish to remain anonymous, please mail your donation clearly marked anonymous to SVHCF, 1215 Anderson Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98274. Thank you for your tax deductible donation. Charitable 501(c) Tax-ID: 91-1304740.
Drop Off Locations (mid-November to mid-December)
Skagit County Fairgrounds,1410 Virginia St, Mt Vernon, Building A/B, Call 360-419-7261 to make an appointment to drop off your gifts.
Highly Capable Program referrals
Referral forms for the district's Highly Capable Program for exceptionally advanced learners are being accepted for students currently in kindergarten through 11th grade. Forms are available in English, Spanish and Russian at: https://www.swsd.k12.wa.us/Page/3747 or you can fill out this Google survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bkZ6YGVTQ8LT0zdvGzkHtJnlaLnhXY5iUdHfsbVveR8/edit?usp=drive_web.
Forms for grades K-6 can be mailed to Hi-Cap Coordinator, Central Elementary, 601 Talcott St., Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284; forms for grades 7–12 can be mailed to: Principal Mischelle Darragh, 23953 Prairie Road, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284. Forms for all grade levels are due by December 10, 2021. K-6 forms can also be emailed to ejenkins@swsd101.org; forms for all grades 7–11 can be emailed to mdarragh@swsd101.org.
Assessments are scheduled to begin in January/February 2022. Students meeting the screening criteria will be assessed by multiple measures to determine eligibility for program services.
The Multi-Disciplinary Selection Committee (MSC) screens all referrals and makes the final decision for placement in the Highly Capable Program.
Qualification letters will go out after spring break for the 2022-23 school year.
For additional information, please call or e-mail Principal Mischelle Darragh, Highly Capable Program Administrator, mdarragh@swsd101.org or by phone at 360-855-3540 or contact the Sedro-Woolley District Office at 360-855-3500.
IEP Recovery Services
COVID-19 Information
The district nursing staff is in constant communication with the Skagit County Public Health regarding COVID-19 cases in our schools. Decisions on who needs to quarantine is made by the county in coordination with the district.
The school principal and/or district leaders will communicate directly with impacted families or staff members of confirmed COVID-19 cases or those who are confirmed close contacts. As part of this process, the district will communicate about length of quarantine and how to shift to remote learning.
If you do not receive such a notification, it means that your student has not been identified as a close contact and does not need to quarantine.
The health, safety, and well-being of our school community remains our top priority. We are following sound protocols aligned with Skagit Public Health guidance to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect the health or our school community. We also want to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of wearing masks, physically distancing from others, and regularly washing your hands.
The primary symptoms of COVID-19 are:
• Fever (defined as subjective or 100.4°F or higher)
• Cough
• Loss of sense of taste and/or smell
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle or body aches
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea (defined as two or more loose stools in 24 hours)
If your child or anyone in your household develop(s) any of the above symptoms, all unvaccinated household members should stay home, contact a provider for medical evaluation and testing, and notify childcare/school/work/etc. Additionally, if you're awaiting test results for COVID-19, do not come to school until you have received confirmation of a negative test. Staying home when experiencing symptoms also helps our schools' close contacts and quarantine numbers. Following these everyday preventative actions helps reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases.
We sincerely appreciate all your help and support as we work together to mitigate risks and ensure the learning process continues in our school community.
For more information about COVID-19 protocols in the district, including the district dashboard, please visit our COVID-19 Information website.
Email: covidquestions@swsdonline.com
Phone: (360) 855-3841
Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative (CPWI) Community Survey 2021
This 10-15 minute survey is completely anonymous.
ONLINE SURVEY ENGLISH
SWHS 2022 Parent Group needs parent volunteers
The Class of 2022 Senior Parent Group is happy to announce that the graduation night trip is set! The group is excited to bring this trip together for the Senior class and really needs parent support and help. Senior parents, please join the SWHS Class of 2022 Parents Facebook group. You can also join the group's e-mail list by sending an e-mail to jhulst90@gmail.com.
Box Tops are now digital
SWSD employees support United Way
United Way programs supports all of our communities in Skagit County by feeding food insecure families, helping house homeless youth, helping new mothers and their babies, and much more.
A single investment in United Way of Skagit County is an investment in our Skagit County youth.
SWHS Athletics Ticket Information
Tickets can now be reserved at: https://swhscubsden.com/event-tickets
Attendees must reserve tickets so the high school can follow capacity restrictions for events at SWHS. Also, a helpful reminder that masks must be worn by all spectators for indoor events and are REQUIRED for outdoor events that exceed a 500 person capacity.
Reminder: All elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by an adult at all high school events. Please do not drop off children at the games unchaperoned. Please also remind students they should follow the same behavior codes as school.
Mental Health Resources
COVID-19 Safety Measures
All students who choose to learn in-person are required to wear face coverings while indoors to protect the health and safety of our staff and students. We are also implementing enhanced personal hygiene and a degree of physical distancing among students to the extent possible.
Sedro-Woolley School District is following the safety measures required by the Department of Health in the K-12 COVID-19 Requirements.
Please note, there is not a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for students currently in Washington state. We would encourage those 12 and older to talk to their health-care providers for vaccination recommendations.
Calendar
November
22 - School Board Meeting
24 - NO LATE START: Early Release - All Schools
25 - Thanksgiving - NO SCHOOL
26 - Native American Heritage Day - NO SCHOOL
December
1 - All Schools - One hour late start for professional development
2 - National Special Education Day
2 - FAFSA night for English and Spanish families (Spanish interpreting available and support from our ELL office) as well as our College and Career Pathway Specialist
6:00 p.m. SWHS Library
2- Central Parent Group Meeting @ 6 pm at Central.
2- CL Picture Retakes
4 - Sedro-Woolley Holiday Parade
7 - Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
7- CMS Choir Concert, 7:00pm (TBD-C-19) @ CMS
8 - All Schools - One hour late start for professional development
8 - CMS Band Concert, 7:00pm (TBD-C-19) @ CMS
8- EVG Parent Group Meeting
9 - MP Booster Club meeting
6–12 Computer Science Education Week
13 - School Board Meeting
14 - Sedro-Woolley RISE Meeting, 3:00
14 - LY Parent Group Meeting, 6:00
14 - CMS Beginning and Jazz Band Concert 7 pm @ CMS
15 - All Schools - One hour late start for professional development
18 - Blood Donor Day
24 - Christmas Day observed
25 - Christmas Day
20-31 - Winter Break
31 - New Year’s Eve (New Year’s Day observed)