Friday Family Message
Hello Families
As we are in the final stretch toward election day for our Replacement Levy (ballots due by Feb. 13!), I want to express my appreciation and admiration for the questions, suggestions, thoughts, and ideas brought forward since November.
Your feedback and that of our community have helped us better communicate the why, what, and how of school levies. Regardless of the outcome, our efforts to provide factual information about the school district will continue to be our aim.
As we head into the second half of the school year, we will focus on the importance of attendance and its connection to student success.
School districts nationwide have seen a decline in student attendance since the pandemic that has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. We know that students missing about two days of school a month adds up to missing a whole month of school. We aim to better understand student absenteeism and design ways to support students and families.
We will continue to collect and review data on our progress toward our four district strategic plan goals:
- Early Learning
- Engagement
- Achievement
- Future-Ready Graduates
These data will be shared publicly. We are excited to share your efforts and our student's success with the broader community.
Our promise is to ensure our students are empowered to learn in an inclusive setting and prepared for the future they choose!
Cedarhome welcomes its new TK class
After a successful launch of our new Transitional Kindergarten program one year ago at Utsalady and Twin City elementary schools, we are excited to have opened our third classroom!
The newest class started Jan. 31 at Cedarhome Elementary School. A big thank you to Making Life Work for a grant to purchase the classroom's furniture!
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is aimed at helping children who haven’t accessed preschool to prepare for kindergarten. TK is a free, full-day early entrance kindergarten program for children who will be 4 years old as of September 1 at the beginning of that school year.
Students are eligible for the program if they have not had prior access to early learning experiences and/or have been identified through a screening process as being in need of additional preparation based on academic or social-emotional deficits to be successful in kindergarten in the following year.
Learn more about our TK program at www.stanwood.wednet.edu/TK
We're expanding our CTE options
We are beyond excited to provide even more career options for our students!
Stanwood-Camano school staff and board members recently toured the Sno-Isle Technical Skills Center, which will complement our already comprehensive Career and Technical Education (CTE) program at Stanwood High.
Through CTE — previously called vocational education — students get opportunities to learn skills and achievements for a wide variety of in-demand, well-paying jobs in our area.
Stanwood-Camano School District begins its partnership with Sno-Isle Technical Skills Center next school year. Current students will learn more about applying for these classes in early spring.
In addition, February is Career and Technical Education Month, making it an ideal time for students and families to pause and consider exploring our CTE offerings.
Learn more about our CTE programs and our new partnership with Sno-Isle Technical Skills Center here: https://stanwoodnew.ss19.sharpschool.com/about/news/what_s_new/new_c_t_e_option
Stanwood Middle students make a big donation
Thank you to the Stanwood Middle School community, who recently wrapped up their annual schoolwide Food Drive.
The leadership class then transported the donations in shopping carts — thanks to QFC — to hand-deliver the food to the Stanwood Camano Food Bank. This year, the students collected 987 pounds of food!
Thank you to everyone who donated, and to our SMS leadership students!
More than $200,000 in local scholarships available
The Stanwood-Camano Area Foundation has opened its 2024 High School Scholarship cycle.
More than 200 scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors who reside within the school district's boundaries or attend school in the district — including home-schooled students and those who attend private schools outside of the area.
Application information can be found on the Stanwood-Camano Area Foundation website at
www.s-caf.org. The deadline for applications is at midnight on Monday, March 11.
For more information, please contact the Stanwood-Camano Area Foundation at 360-629-6878 or
Artists take over Utsalady!
Stanwood Camano Arts Advocacy Commission organized 6 art teachers and a small army of volunteers to teach art lessons at Utsalady Elementary on Friday, Jan. 26.
Students at all grades learned different techniques and created Artist Trading Cards. Kids are now ready for swapping and trading these one-of-a-kind creations!
The next Afternoon of the Arts will be Friday, Feb. 23. Look for the volunteer sign up soon and come join the fun! To learn more about becoming a volunteer in our schools, visit www.stanwood.wednet.edu/volunteer
School Board update
A few reminders
Get social with us!
Please remember to follow the Stanwood-Camano School District on Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, and Twitter, and follow my tweets @rumbaughsupt.