Bearcat Necessities 1/7/2022
Monroe High School - 17001 Tester Road, Monroe, WA 98272
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MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL, BRETT WILLE
Welcome to 2022 MHS!
What a crazy week it was, as we came back from the holiday break with the snow and unpredictable weather. It definitely made for an “easing back into school” type of week for both our staff and students. In talking to many students and staff this week about the holiday break, overwhelmingly I heard dozens of stories about how great the time off was because most took the time to just rest and recharge. That was the story of my 2 week break … lots of reading and spending time at home with family. For some reason I felt guilty not “getting much done” each day, but looking back it’s exactly what was needed to recharge the batteries.
Aside from seeing our students again, the hi-light of the week was spending time w/ Bill de la Cruz on both Tuesday and Wednesday. For those that haven’t heard, Bill is a national consultant and facilitator working with schools, districts, and organizations to facilitate conversations about the impacts of race, stereotypes, biases and judgments in our interactions with each other. Our school and district has brought Bill in to hear about our current reality here in Monroe and help outline some positive steps forward that we can take to improve things here for our students. As an MHS admin team, we spent a few hours with Bill on Tuesday, sharing our MHS story, asking him questions, and beginning to create some initial ideas and plans on how to grow forward. On Wednesday, Bill spent some quality time with several of our MHS students, listening to their stories and getting their input on some next steps. He then spent about an hour with our staff, sharing his own story and his approach to having these crucial conversations in a school community. It was highly engaging and extremely exciting to begin to think about the work we have ahead of us in creating a school where all students feel safe, where all students belong, and where all students are making growth in acquiring all of the essential skills they will need to be successful.
I can’t think of a better way to start 2022 … a week full of important and energizing conversations as we consider all of the opportunities we have to make MHS a GREAT school for ALL students. It’s scary and exciting all at the same time. In any case, dreaming and planning on how to improve our school for the students that we serve. What a great way to initiate the new year! I hope your new year has started off great as well … enjoy the weekend and GO BEARCATS!
COME ONE....COME ALL
Looking for a career change? Always wondered what is like to work for Monroe School District? We are hosting an in-person job fair on January 8th from 9 a.m. - noon. Come ask questions and apply!
We are looking to fill all open positions: substitutes, paraeducators, teachers, coaches, and more: https://monroejobs.hrmplus.net/JobOpenings.aspx.
We can't wait to meet you!
Thank you for your help and Happy New Year!
Announcement from or MHS Key Club
Key Club needs your help. We need donations to help people experiencing homelessness during the cold winter months. Through the whole month of January we will be accepting these donations in boxes located in students' English classrooms. Students can scan the QR code for the flyer from the boxes placed in their English classrooms for a full list of things you can donate or click on the PDF attachment
MHS STUDENTS.....LETS LOOK FOR THOSE BOOKS
From the MHS Finance Office:
Have you noticed old textbooks around your home? Please have your students return these as they are listed as fines on their student accounts. To view your student's fines please visit: https://wa-monroe.intouchreceipting.com/
For specific questions or to make payment arrangements please reach out to Ms. Rasmussen at rasmussenj@monroe.wednet.edu. Credit card payments may be made online at https://wa-monroe.intouchreceipting.com/. Cash or Check payments may be made in person at MHS.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR DECEMBER SCHOLARS
Leadership-Douglas, Olivia
Manufacturing-Metzger, Dillon
Counseling-Sheldon, Robin
Main Office Support-Arce-Fernandez, Jose
American Sign Language-Ramirez-Palomera, Yanely
Foreign Languages-Rodriguez, Angelica
Foreign Languages-Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Cristina
Agricultural Sciences-Fields, Madison
Agricultural Sciences-Petermann, Edward
Physical Education-Mendez-Garcia, Marisol
Physical Education-Duran, Gerardo
Drama-Lapanja, Malia
Choir-Neibauer, Ariaunna
Math-Shoemaker, Xylo
Art-Howerton, Ashton
Science-Boswell, Megan
Science-Martinez-Ayala, Joanna
Social Studies-William, Ellison
Social Studies-Rossman, Sophia
!!!!! BEARCAT PRIDE !!!!!
Happy New Year!
Please join us for our first meeting of the 2022 school year. Come hear how you can support the staff at MHS and other ways to contribute.
When: Wednesday January 12, 2022
Where: (zoom link) https://us04web.zoom.us/j/8039767866?pwd=S1owOS9Udk4zV3YrbFZwOVM5dGhkdz09
Meeting ID: 803 976 7866
Passcode: Bearcats
Time: 7:00 pm
COCOON HOUSE:
An organization that works with youth who are at-risk of or currently facing homelessness in Snohomish County. Cocoon House provides short and long term housing to homeless young people ages 12-17 years old, and their children. Providing much more than a safe place to sleep, teens receive help engaging in school, preparing for employment, life and enrichment skills, and help accessing community services on and off site, while planning for long term housing. Cocoon House has homes throughout Snohomish County, including: Everett, Arlington and a new home opening soon here in Monroe.
If you are interested in helping please visit https://www.cocoonhouse.org/holidays-2021 for a list of needs and to find their Amazon holiday wish list. Only new/unwrapped items please.
Cocoon House empowers young people, families, and the community to break the cycle of homelessness through outreach, housing and prevention.
Questions?
Kit Topaz at 425.259.5802 x 103
Honor Roll for MSD Employees...WHAT?
Do you know a Monroe School District employee who deserves some much-needed recognition?
Monroe School District has launched a new employee recognition program, called the MSD Employee Honor Roll! This program is aimed at recognizing Monroe School District employees for exemplifying the district’s commitment and shared values through their service to our students, staff, families, and/or community.
Supervisors, fellow employees, parents and community members are encouraged to nominate ANY staff member for exemplifying any of the following:
Providing engaging learning opportunities through powerful instruction
Providing students with equitable access to learning and opportunities based on their unique, individual needs
Holding students to high standards
Using innovation to provide educational choice
Recognizing, honoring and building upon students’ strengths and passions
Engaging families and the community in the learning process
Preparing all students for college, careers and life beyond graduation
All nominees will be recognized, but only one in each employee category will be selected each month as the MSD Employee Honor Roll award recipients. Employee categories include:
Certificated (teachers, counselors, psychologists, etc)
Classified (paraeducators, nurses, office staff, bus drivers, food service, custodial, technology, maintenance, etc)
Substitutes and coaches
Administrators (Principals, assistant principals, directors, executive staff)
SO PROUD OF OUR BOLD BEARCATS!!!!!
Thank you Patrick Vigus, for stepping up and helping lead the band at last night’s basketball game.
Thank you Emmaleigh Hahn and Alekzander Schwartz...your work ethic and friendly attitude in AP US History are inspiring!
Thank you Brayan Ojeda for thinking hard on your professional goals during ACT.
Thank you Makinna and Marissa Gamble for volunteering your time over break to help provide medical coverage for the sports we had going on!
Thank you Donovan Jones, Izayah Vasquez, and Michael Rapp for always being willing to help others, consistently stay past the bell to help me put up stools for the custodian after class
Thank you Nester Perez for always staying positive!
Thank you Stevie Kuhnle for always being willing to help other students.
Thank you Ashley Neufang for helping tidy up and put away equipment while you wait for your bus!
Pursuit Program
Edmonds Community College Pursuit Lab
Fall Online Session begins Oct. 25th! Students are still encouraged to apply.
Gain workplace readiness and work-based learning experiences
Do you have a documented disability and want to pursue your post-secondary goals? In this chapter filled with many unknowns, the Pursuit Lab is on a mission to bring college access and workplace readiness. We are a pre-employment transition service for students transitioning out of high school or looking for jobs/careers. We want you to join us!
In partnership with Washington’s Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Pursuit’s Workplace Readiness course seeks to help students to discover strengths, to prepare for jobs, and reach educational goals.
Program requirements:
Must be 16 or older and motivated to pursue more education, a job, and/or discovering their dependable strengths. 16-21 year old students are offered this opportunity for free.*
Must be able to communicate in verbal/written English and can function independently without constant support on campus (unless it is ASL interpreter).
Have (had) a documented disability could qualify for this support class (IEP, 504, or documented through SSD here on campus)!
Must be able to access an online class and be capable of independent management between 1-3 hours transportation and are committed to attending class meeting times, Monday through Thursday, for one to three hours for an online class
Willing to be a part of a fun and supportive community of peers building independence through job and college exploration and progress.
*Limited space available for 22+ with a class fee
Fill out a pre-registration to reserve your spot!
WINTER SESSION- virtual or in-person to be determined
Jan. 10-March 17, (2 classes) Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-12 p.m. or 2:30-4 p.m.
Registration Steps
After you finish this pre-registration process, you will need to fill out the Pre-employment Transition Service Consent form which will take some time so please do this as soon as possible. See Jill Vandemoortele in counseling for this form or reach her at VandemoorteleJ@monroe.wednet.edu or 360-804-4521.
Section 2 will need to be filled out and signed by a High School/Transition Program contact (anyone on the student's IEP team that has knowledge of his/her/their disability). If the student has graduated from high school and is NOT a part of a transition program, they can leave Section 2 blank and make a note in the email (to pursuit@edcc.edu) of their graduation date and school.
Pre-employment Transition Service Consent form needs to be fully filled out form emailed to pursuit@edmonds.edu. We need section 2 fill out by a counselor or Special Education Teacher to verify your documentation of disability (see Jill Vandemoortelein counseling)
**NOTE: Electronic Signatures in the Print Name is acceptable as a signature. Please make sure the date on the entire form is dated for before the start date of the class. If you have questions please ask Diana George by reaching out to: pursuit@edmonds.edu
We will help you determine the correct paperwork and funding source. Please feel free to reach out to pursuit@edmonds.edu or 425.640.1684 with any questions about this.
If you have any questions, please contact the Pursuit Lab at 425- 640-1684 or pursuit@edcc.edu or Jill Vandemoortele at
Searching For Scholarships
Sno-Isle Application Opened January 13th - Now Is The Time To Apply
Boeing Spring Manufacturing Fellowship - 16 years old and up
Who's Who at MHS
Brett Wille- willeb@monroe.wednet.edu
Principal
Rachel Bleakney-Bailey - bleakneybaileyr@monroe.wednet.edu
Assistant Principal
Jennifer Murphy - murphyj@monroe.wednet.edu
Assistant Principal
Noah Wallace - wallacen@monroe.wednet.edu
Assistant Principal
Shannon Tarrach - tarrachs@monroe.wednet.edu
Director of College and Career Readiness - (360) 804-4508
Ashley Tuiasosopo - tuiasosopoa@monroe.wednet.edu
Athletic Director - 360-804-4542
Melissa Myers - myersme@monroe.wednet.edu
Office Manager - 360-804-4502
Oscar Hanson - hansono@monroe.wednet.edu
Main Line - Front Desk - (360) 804-4500
Rhoda Lochmann -lochmannr@monroe.wednet.edu
Office Support -Attendance/Communications -(360) 804-4501
Jacci Rasmussen - rasmussenj@monroe.wednet.edu
Office Support - Financial Office/ASB - (360) 804-4513
Sarah Tuckers- tuckerss@monroe.wednet.edu
Office Support - Athletics - (360) 804-4511
Shannon Barksdale - barksdales@monroe.wednet.edu
Office Support - CTE - (360) 804-4512
Tammy Berreth - berretht@monroe.wednet.edu
Registrar - (360) 804-4524
Amber Mehta - mehtaa@monroe.wednet
Attendance Intervention Specialist - (360) 804-4518
Helen Hutson - hutsonh@monroe.wednet.edu
Office Support - Counseling - (360) 804-4520
Michelle Dickinson - dickinsonm@monroe.wednet.edu
Career & College Ready Specialist - Career Center - (360) 804-4507
Geneva Padilla - padillag@monroe.wednet.edu
Health Room RN/ (360) 804-4532