District Update
October 1, 2021
Bus driver shortage impacting routes
Dear families,
Sedro-Woolley School District, just like many other districts in the state, is facing a significant bus driver shortage that will impact routes. Even with a shortage of bus drivers during the past three weeks, we have been able to have all routes covered by pulling various staff members outside of the transportation department who have the required licenses. However, due to COVID-19 quarantine protocols, this is no longer the case.
The shortage of drivers is resulting in current bus routes running late and other complications. As a district, we are currently investigating potential solutions to mitigate the issue.
Most transportation office staff are trained bus drivers and have been driving to fill gaps in our morning and afternoon routes. Because of this, there has been a significant delay in returning calls regarding transportation questions. We apologize for the inconvenience, but we appreciate our staff’s flexibility and willingness to work a variety of positions to best serve our students and their families.
We also are fortunate enough to have several trained bus drivers in our grounds department. We are utilizing them right now to transport students to and from schools. Unfortunately, the community may soon see the results in the appearance of our grounds. And, finally, several of our mechanics are also driving buses, which is greatly appreciated.
We acknowledge your patience as we've worked hard to optimize our ability to serve in the wake of a significant staff shortage.The worker shortage being felt by all service industries and schools is significant. As restaurants, gas stations, and countless other service-based industries have had to adjust to worker shortages and asked for patience during the pandemic, we too must ask for patience.
Please know that we will continue to do our best to serve our students, families, and community.
This situation will not improve unless we have more staff. We are asking for anyone who may be interested in making lives better in Sedro-Woolley to consider applying as a bus driver, food service professional, paraprofessional, or substitute teacher. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.swsd.k12.wa.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=140
Sincerely,
Dr. Miriam Miralles Mickelson
Photo Caption: Thanks and appreciation to our Big Lake route driver, Suzanne, for allowing me to ride along during her route this week.
SWHS Horticulture
SWHS Unified Horticulture
Latinos unidos
Community Highlight
Judy Kruger and the congregation at Central United Methodist Church have supported Sedro-Woolley School's homeless students for more than 10 years.
Judy is a former teacher who understands the importance of students being ready to learn and having the necessary supplies, including backpacks, binders, paper, etc. Her coordinating efforts have also garnered basic necessities like socks and underwear for our students. In addition, the women's group at the church always sends a monetary donation that can be used for any unique needs a student may have or to fill in on supplies the district may be running low on.
Judy and the Central United Methodist Church have supported thousands of students over the years.
Thank you for loving our Sedro-Woolley students.
Speech and Debate
Big Lake students learning through play
This is Big Lake second grade learning through play. We use math games, manipulatives, and individual learning centers to create fun learning opportunities and a chance to share time with each other.
Final Product
FCCLA philanthropy work
Mary Purcell students grateful for STEM and play materials
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
SWHS Class of 2022 Senior Photos Due Nov. 1st
National Honor Society spirit shop is open
Students to take Healthy Youth Survey in October
We will be taking the Healthy Youth Survey this October! Students have been taking the Healthy Youth Survey since 1988. The number of students has grown nationally from only a few thousand students to over 230,000 a year! The survey is voluntary and anonymous. It asks students questions from a range of topics including their feelings around school community, relationships, use of tobacco, alcohol, etc.
Results from the Healthy Youth Survey will help us to better understand our students and to provide them with the services they need.
If you have any questions about the purpose of the survey or survey procedures:
Call toll-free 1-877-HYS-7111
Email: healthy.youth@doh.wa.gov
Information about the Healthy Youth Survey can be found at: www.AskHYS.net
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.
Prescription Drug Take back
Masks required for entry at large outdoor events
We truly appreciate your cooperation in wearing the masks except while actively eating or drinking, regardless of vaccination status. Your cooperation will keep us in good standing with Skagit County Public Health and allow us to continue to host sporting events.
Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative (CPWI) Community Survey 2021
This 10-15 minute survey is completely anonymous.
ONLINE SURVEY ENGLISH
Sponsors sought for Fall Sports Programs
The Lady Cubs Basketball Team has advertising spots available in the 2021-2022 Fall Sports Athletic Programs, which will be distributed at home games.
Please email Danny Crosby for more information.
Box Tops are now digital
Chromebooks & Hotspots
All Chromebooks that were checked out last school year and not returned have been automatically shutdown by the district to prevent use.
The district has started to issue $250 fines this past week. These fines can be paid at the student's current school.
Why do these Chromebooks need to be returned?
1. Every school needs these available for upcoming state testing.
2. If we have classrooms or schools that need to shift to virtual due to quarantine, we need Chromebooks available for those students.
3. BEFORE we can test or shift to virtual, we have to be able to clean, repair and update the Chromebooks that have been checked out.
4. There is a shortage of Chromebooks for replacing the missing laptops.
5. It would cost a substantial amount of money to replace all of the Chromebooks that are still checked out. This money will have to be shifted from other budget areas.
If you have a Chromebook and need a way to return them, please contact your child's building administrator. These laptops need to be reimaged and updated BEFORE they can be used for this school year.
For questions about the Chromebook return, please email techhelp@swsd101.org or call 360-855-3587.
Concessions are open
Still hiring for multiple positions
We know a lot of families are looking for work that follows their students' school schedules! We offer competitive pay and many of our open positions are great for those looking for part-time employment!
Please visit https://www.swsd.k12.wa.us/domain/24 to fill out an application!
For those who are interested in being a bus monitor or a substitute bus driver, there is a new class starting soon! Call Tracy Gugel at 360-855-3890 for more information!
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.
SWHS students who qualify for the free/reduced meal program also qualify for free SWHS ASB cards. With the ASB card, students will gain free admission to events and that student’s family will qualify for up to 5 free passes to events as well. If you have not completed the consent form, please do so as quickly as possible. Once ASB cards are purchased, there will be no refunds on those cards.
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
Voter Information
The General Election will be held on Nov. 2.
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.
UPDATE: To allow our community to attend, the district must require masks for large outdoor events with 500 or more people in attendance. Please mask up to help our student athletes continue to play.
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.
Wednesdays Start Late!
Free & Reduced Meal Applications
While breakfast and lunch will continue to be offered at no cost to students in the 2021-2022 school year thanks to waivers issued by the United States Department of Agriculture, families are strongly encouraged to apply for free and reduced price meal benefits to be eligible for other discounts and offers that will support your child's educational experience.
Students who qualify for benefits may also be eligible for discounted rates on:
- District technology fees
- AP tests
- SAT/ACT tests
Applying and qualifying for meal benefits can also help students in these ways:
- Financial aid (FAFSA, EFC - Expected Family Contribution)
- Scholarship opportunities
- Free wireless hotspots (Emergency Broadband Benefit Program)
Participation in the Meal Benefits Program helps support students, staff, and qualifies the Sedro-Woolley School District for federal funds:
- Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program Eligibility
- National School Lunch Program Equipment grants
- Teacher Loan Forgiveness
- Fulfills required Race/Ethnicity Data Collection
- ESEA Programs: Title I, Part A; Title II, Part A; Title V
Please help students access all of the perks by filling out the Free & Reduced Meal Applications online.
Rental assistance available through county
Calendar
October
National School Principal Month
2 - National Custodial Worker’s Recognition Day
3–9 Fire Prevention Week
4 - SWHS Senior Parent Group Meeting 6:30 p.m. SWHS Gym (by the concession area)
5 - CEN Individual Pictures
5 - EVG Individual Pictures
6 - All Schools - One hour late start for professional development
8 - SAM Individual Pictures
9–16 SWHS Homecoming Week
9 - Deck the Den, Buff Puff/Powder Puff games
11 - School Board Meeting 6 p.m.
11–15 National School Lunch Week
12 - All Schools - One hour late start for professional development
12 - Sedro-Woolley RISE Meeting, 3 p.m.
12 - SAM parent group meeting
12 - LY Parent Group Meeting, 6 p.m.
13 - LY Individual Pictures
13 - SWHS Homecoming Lip Sync/Coronation
14- MP Booster Club Meeting (Location TBD)
18–22 National School Bus Safety Week
20 - All Schools - One hour late start for professional development
21 - Great Washington ShakeOut
21 - CL Broadway Night
25 - School Board Meeting 6 p.m.
26 - CL Picture Day
27 - All Schools - One hour late start for professional development
28 - Combined CMS band and choir concert, 7 p.m. (Tentative; depends on district approval)
29 - CL Book Character Day
31 - Halloween
November
1 - SWHS senior pictures due for yearbook
1 - SWHS Senior Parent Group 6:30 p.m. (Location TBD)
2 - Election Day
3 - All Schools - One hour late start for professional development