District Update
March 10, 2023
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March 2023 Important Events
Music in Our Schools Month, Youth Art Month, National Nutrition Month, Social Work Month, Women's History Month
12 - Daylight Saving Time Begins (Don't forget to "spring" your clocks forward by an hour!)
13 - School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
13-17 - Mary Purcell Spring Book Fair
14 - Pi Day
14 - Lyman Parent Group Meeting, 6 p.m.
14 - CMS Choir Concert, 7 p.m. @ CMS
14 - RISE Meeting, SWHS Library 3 p.m.
15 - All Schools - One hour late start for professional development
15 - CMS 7th Grade Band Concert, 7 p.m. @ CMS
16 - Big Lake Parent Group meeting, 7 p.m.
16- SWHS Choir & Orchestra Concert, 7 p.m. @ SWHS
19-25 - National Poison Prevention Week
22 - All Schools - One hour late start for professional development
23 - Mary Purcell Spring Picture Day
23 - 6th and 8th Grade Band Concert, 7 p.m. @ CMS
27 - School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
28 - 6th-8th Grade Orchestra Concert 7 p.m. @ CMS
29 - All Schools - One hour late start for professional development
29 - Family Safety Night - SWHS Library (English 5:30-6:15 p.m. / Spanish 6:30β7:30 p.m.)
31 - Lyman Wildcat Assembly 9:35 a.m.
STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCILS
Superintendent Miriam Miralles Mickelson has formed student advisory councils in each of the district's schools. Below is Dr. Mickelson meeting with students at Cascade Middle School and Central Elementary School. She plans to meet with them during lunch two to three times a year.
The Student Advisory Council is an opportunity for Dr. Mickelson to listen to student perspectives pertaining to overall student learning experiences in the district. It also allows her to elevate student voice as she continues to make decisions that impact students and staff.
Students were nominated by their building principal.
SEDRO-WOOLLEY HIGH SCHOOL ROTARY STUDENT OF THE MONTH 2022-2023
January - Katelyn Helgeson
KATELYN HELGESON is the daughter of Roger and Kerri Helgeson of Mount Vernon.
Katelyn maintains a 4.0 GPA while being actively involved in Sedro-Woolley High School. She is a member of our Varsity in Volunteerism club, National Honors Society and holds the position of Event Coordinator for NHS, Fellowship of Christian Athletes club, and a Cub Crew Mentor. Katelyn is also a triple threat athlete, participating in Varsity Tennis (4 years lettering), Varsity Soccer (4 years, lettering 3) and Unified Basketball. She received a Triple Threat Award, the 2021 SWHS Athlete of the Month for October 2021, Soccer MVP Award, Tennis Coaches Award, and has gained many Department and Faculty Awards over her Junior and Senior year. Katelyn is Valedictorian of her graduating class!
Outside of school, Katelyn loves snowmobiling and baking. She currently babysits for multiple families and also holds a position at the Children's Museum of Skagit County. Katelyn has 100+ hours volunteering at the Special Olympics; she is inclusive to all types of athletes as her brother has Downs Syndrome.
After graduation, Katelyn is going to be attending Central Washington University to study Elementary Education and hopefully will gain a teaching position with a 5th grade class. Congratulations Katelyn!
January - Aiden Johnson
AIDEN JOHNSON is the son of Tim and Courtney Johnson of Sedro-Woolley.
Aiden maintains a 4.0 GPA while being actively involved in Sedro-Woolley High School. He is a Triple Threat Athlete, participating in Varsity Football (4 years, lettering 3), Varsity Wrestling (2 years, lettering for both years), and Varsity Track & Field (3 years, lettering all 3 years). Aiden received the award for 1st Team All Northwest Conference Offensive Lineman for 2022/2023 Football season. He has gained many Department and Faculty Awards over his Junior and Senior year. Aiden is Valedictorian of his graduating class!
Outside of school, Aiden enjoys mountain biking, weight lifting and working out, snowboarding, hanging out with family and friends, and enjoying summer time water sports on the lake. Aiden currently works at Skagitβs Own Fish Market part time, and has been an employee there since July 2021.
After graduation, Aiden plans to study mechanical engineering. He is undecided on where to attend but his top choices are Montana State University, Washington State University, Eastern Washington University, or George Fox University. Congratulations Aiden!
February - KYANN ARENDSE
KYANN ARENDSE is the daughter of Cara and Kevin Welk of Mount Vernon, and Travis and Lee Arendse of Sedro-Woolley.
Kyann maintains a 3.9 GPA while being actively involved in Sedro-Woolley High School. Kyann is a member of the National Honor Society (2 years) and is a member of the Journalism Club (2 years), and is also a Editor of The Cub newspaper.
Outside of school, Kyann enjoys hanging out with her friends and family. She loves playing the piano, and learned to play the piano in 2013. Kyann is also an avid skier, and has been on the slopes since 2018. She is also a volunteer firefighter with Day Creek Fire Department and joined the volunteer team in 2019.
After graduation, Kyann plans on studying biochemistry, and then adding on a medicine degree. She is still undecided on where to attend but has been accepted into Washington State University, Eastern Washington University, University of Oregon, and Seton Hall University. Congratulations Kyann!
February - Todd Montgomery
TODD MONTGOMERY is the son of Beau and Monica of Sedro-Woolley.
Todd maintains a 3.9 GPA while being actively involved in Sedro-Woolley High School. He is a member of National Honor Society, and a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Todd is a Triple Threat Athlete, lettering in Cross Country all 4 years, Swim all 4 years and Track and Field 3 out of 4 years. Todd also went to State 3 years for Cross Country and 1 year for Track.
Outside of school, Todd enjoys hanging out with his friends and family. You can find him mountain biking or running in his spare time. He has spent multiple summers mowing lawns and doing other miscellaneous landscaping jobs, and even had the chance to work in a donut truck this past summer. Yum!
After graduation, Todd wants to start his apprenticeship, working as an Electrician. Congratulations Todd!
Attention High School Job Seekers: Job Fair March 16th
More than 20 local businesses will take part in a job fair on March 16 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Four Points by Sheraton in Bellingham.
Participating employers are offering solid pay, good benefits, training, and many are offering hiring bonuses or on the job training.
Whether your high school student is looking for full-time work after graduation or part-time or seasonal work for this summer, the job fair features employers actively seeking to hire and motivated to help their employees succeed and grow.
From entry level to professional, attendees will be able to talk to employers and apply onsite.
March 29: Family Safety Night 2023
Please join district leaders and first responders on March 29 for a discussion about the district's comprehensive approach to school safety. Learn more about the local response to emergency situations and our response to emergency situation.
5:30β6:15 p.m., Wednesday, March 29
(English, with Spanish interpretation available)
Sedro-Woolley High School Library
1235 3rd Street, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
6:30β7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 29
(Primarily in Spanish)
Sedro-Woolley High School Library
1235 3rd Street, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Language interpretation will be provided during both presentations, however, the first presentation will be provided in English, while the second will be primarily in Spanish.
Online kindergarten registration now open
Online kindergarten registration for the 2023-2024 school year is now available. Parents should be prepared to upload high-quality images of their childβs birth certificate and immunization records to complete the registration process.
Children who will be 5 years old by Aug. 31, 2023 are eligible to be registered as incoming kindergarteners for next school year.
Open houses for Evergreen, Central and Mary Purcell Elementary Schools will be on April 11 from 5β7 p.m. Open houses for Big Lake, Clear Lake, Lyman and Samish Elementary Schools will be on April 13 from 5β7 p.m.
Although Foundations K and Good Beginnings students are automatically enrolled into their neighborhood elementary school, families should attend the open houses so they can sign up for kindergarten screening meetings, WA Kids meetings, and complete some additional registration paperwork required by their individual neighborhood schools.
Parents should bring copies of their childβs birth certificate and immunization records to complete the registration process if they attend an in-person open house.
For more information about kindergarten registration, including paper registration packets and boundary maps, visit https://www.swsd.k12.wa.us/Page/5227.
Elementary school phone numbers are Big Lake: 360-855-3525; Central: 360-855-3560; Clear Lake: 360-855-3530; Evergreen: 360-855-3545; Lyman: 360-855-3535; Mary Purcell: 360-855-3555; Samish: 360-855-3540.
Youth Sports (Non-District)
Sedro-Woolley Little League
Registration for spring typically closes in early February. Baseball/softball.
www.sedrowoolleylittleleague.com
Questions: sedrowoolleylittleleague@gmail.com
Sedro-Woolley Youth Soccer Association
Registration for fall season is typically open until May 31.
Questions: swysa@hotmail.com
Sedro-Woolley Youth Football and Cheer
Registration for fall season typically closes in June.
Practices start in August.
Cheer Questions: Klhoeswihart@yahoo.com
Football Questions: contact@swyfl.org
Northwest United Soccer
The club offers year round soccer for ages U9-U19 for both boys and girls, with all levels from recreational, select and premier teams and leagues.
Skagit Valley Flyers Lacrosse
This program offers grades K-12 an opportunity to be introduced to and taught about the amazing sport of lacrosse. The Flyers offer boys, girls and coed programs.
For more information, email svflyers2009@gmail.com.
Sedro-Woolley SteelClaw Youth Wrestling Club
Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco wrestling. The club accepts both male and female wrestlers.
Questions: swsteelclawwrestling@gmail.com
**Please note that most youth sports are run by volunteer boards of directors. Coaches are most often fellow parents and there is a significant referee shortage amongst almost every sport. Volunteering to coach or training to become a referee is one of the best opportunities a parent or guardian has to stay involved in their child's life through various stages of development!
Tax statement missing 2022 information
A line item from the 2022 Skagit County tax assessment was missed, making it appear as though there was a significant increase from year to year.
βWe are getting a lot of calls about the 2023 tax statement,β said Brett Greenwood, Sedro-Woolley School District Executive Director of Business, Operations and Student Support.
According to a press release from the Skagit County Treasurerβs Office, the mistake was due to a software glitch.
βThe comparison for residentsβ tax distribution from 2022 to 2023 does not include a second line item for local school districts,β according to the release. βThe line items for school districts were combined in 2023 giving the appearance of a larger increase than the actual increase.β
The missing line item has resulted in a large number of residents contacting their local districts with concerns.
βThis makes it appear that our tax collection went through the roof,β Greenwood said. βIn reality, our tax rates actually decreased year over year.β
Sedro-Woolley's rate per $1,000 assessed value was $3.32 in 2022. In 2023, the district's rate drops to $2.82 per $1,000.
School districts depend on local taxes to fill the gap between state and federal funding for facilities, programs, and services from voter-approved bonds and levies.
The county included a separate piece of paper explaining the missing line item, but itβs apparent from the phone calls and emails the district is receiving that the correction hasnβt been viewed.
Washington State law provides two tax benefit programs for senior citizens and individuals who are disabled: property tax exemptions and property tax deferrals. Call the Skagit County Assessorβs Office at 360-416-1780 for more information.
For more information, please visit www.skagitcounty.net/treasurer. You may also contact the Treasurerβs Office via email at treasurer@co.skagit.wa.us or call (360) 416-1750.
Apply for the FEMA Youth Preparedness Council
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is looking for students in grades 8 through 11 interested in supporting disaster preparedness to join the Youth Preparedness Council (YPC).
FEMA created the Youth Preparedness Council in 2012 to bring together young leaders from across the country who are interested in disaster preparedness and community service. The YPC demonstrates FEMAβs commitment to involve Americaβs youth in preparedness-related activities. It also provides young people an opportunity to present their perspectives, feedback, and opinions to FEMA staff. During their terms, YPC members can make a difference in their community, gain valuable leadership and emergency management experience, and work with like-minded peers to help strengthen preparedness and resilience across the country.
YPC members meet with FEMA staff throughout their term to develop strategies, initiatives, and project proposals. YPC members will also participate in the YPC summit held in Washington, DC in July 2023 with FEMA leaders and other preparedness professionals to network and learn more about the field. This is a paid trip for the selected student and one chaperone.
Students in grades 8 through 11 who have a passion for preparedness and helping others, are involved in their community, and have an aptitude for working on teams and as leaders.
How to Apply?
The online application is open now and closes March 6, 2023, 11:59 p.m. PT. To learn more about the YPC and application requirements, visit ready.gov/kids/youth-preparedness-council and visit https://community.fema.gov/PreparednessCommunity/s/apply-to-ypc to apply. FEMA will also host an informational webinar for potential applicants on Feb. 28, 2023.
Ready, set, JUMP!
Samish Co-Op Preschool hosting open house
The Samish Co-op Preschool is hosting an open house on Wednesday, March 8 from 5β6 p.m. at Samish Elementary. Families will have the opportunity to meet the teacher, see the current classroom space, and ask questions.
Samish Co-Op Preschool will run during the regular school year on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. Ages 3-5. Cost is $100 per month. Families are required to volunteer in the classroom 2-3 times a month and attend monthly parent meetings. Samish Co-Op Preschool is affiliated with Skagit Valley College so your are ensured of high quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum.
Please reach out to the preschool directly with questions at samishcooppreschool@gmail.com.
The district does not sponsor this event and the district assumes no responsibility for it. In consideration of the privilege to distribute materials, the Sedro-Woolley School District shall be held harmless from any cause of action filed in any court or administrative tribunal arising out of the distribution of these materials, including costs, attorneyβs fees and judgments or awards.
Committee to evaluate high school schedule model
Report Card Guides
Curious about your childβs elementary report card? Want to know more about standards-based grading?
Scan the QR Code or visit https://www.swsd.k12.wa.us/Page/4898 for a grade-specific breakdown of what the numbers mean.
T-3 3v3 Basketball Tournament
The YMCA and the Schweigert Family are excited to announce the first annual T-3 3v3 Basketball tournament on April 22-23. The tournament is for youth grades 6-12 and split into two divisions: 6th - 9th and 10th - 12th.
The T-3 Basketball Tournament promotes drug education and "skills over pills" messaging to increase awareness of the fentanyl crisis. The Tournament is held in memory of Trey Schweigert whose life was tragically taken after unknowingly ingesting a fake prescription pill.
For more information on the T-3 Tournament visit https://www.skagitymca.org/t-3-3v3-basketball-tournament/ or Register a Team Here!
Peer Navigator Training for Spanish Speaking Youth
Mental Health Matters Washington has a Peer Mental Health Navigator training offered for Spanish Speaking Youth in April. The training takes place over 6 weeks, each weekly session between 75-90 minutes. Those who complete the training will learn skills to connect peers to mental health information and services, receive a certificate of completion, and will earn $150! Registration will be opening in March.
For more information visit https://mentalhealthmatterswa.com/train-to-become-a-peer-mental-health-navigator/
Booster Club Fundraising Events
Attention Alumni
Apply for benefits
Families who previously qualified for free or reduced-price meals through meal applications should complete BOTH the Family Income Survey and the Consent to Share form. These are confidential and can save families money on ASB and athletic fees, health insurance coverage, and internet costs. Juniors and seniors may qualify for reduced ACT, SAT and AP testing fees as well as College in the Classroom fees. Families can also secure discounts on fees associated with applying for college and Running Start.
Do you have concerns about your childβs development?
The Good Beginnings Preschool serves children in the Sedro-Woolley School District from birth to age 5 who have been identified as children who would benefit from a developmental early childhood program.
Call 360-855-3870 to discuss your concerns and schedule a FREE SCREENING!
You do not need to be a permanent resident of the Sedro-Woolley School District to request a screening for your child.
FREE TUTORS FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS!
Paper is a secure, online tutoring service that provides students with unlimited, 24/7 academic support. Whether theyβre stuck on homework, studying for a test, or need someone to read and make suggestions to their essays, there will always be experts available online to assist students in more than 200 subjects and in FOUR languages.
If youβd like to learn more about Paper you can sign up for a Paper hosted Parent Info Session, available in both English and Spanish. Or if youβd like to speak to a member of the Paper team directly, you can reach them at parents@paper.co.
To see Paper and the help it offers firsthand, we encourage you to login with your students. To get started, simply visit PAPERβs student login page, type your schoolβs name, and login via Google using your school credentials
Public library cards available for all district students
All SWSD students have an existing library account with the Sedro-Woolley Library! Stop by today, all we need is your student's name to get started.
Questions? visit us at 110 West State Street, call 360-755-3985, or email help@centralskagitlibrary.org.
Report Safety Concerns
Vector Alert is the tip reporting system that the Sedro-Woolley School District uses for students, staff, and parents to submit safety concerns to our administration.
β’ National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988
β’ Are you feeling bullied, harassed or intimidated? Report it at:
- https://swsd-wa.safeschoolsalert.com/
- Text to: 1-855-764-8877
- Email: 1376@alert1.us
- District ID Code: 1376
Easily report tips on bullying, harassment, drugs, vandalism or any safety issue you're concerned about. Tips may be submitted anonymously too. Thanks in advance for helping to make our school community a safer place to work and learn! We appreciate your support.
Arrival & Dismissal Times
All elementary schools start at 9:25 a.m. Doors typically open between 9:10 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. The district has professional development built into its calendar for Wednesday mornings, meaning school will have a one-hour late start (10:25 a.m.) every Wednesday except on Nov. 9 (conferences), Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving holiday), and June 14 (last week of school, no professional development). Students are dismissed at 3:30 p.m. Early dismissal is 12:30 p.m., except on the last day of school when elementary students are dismissed at 11 a.m.
Cascade Middle School starts at 7:40 a.m. Doors open at 7:20 a.m. The district has professional development built into its calendar for Wednesday mornings, meaning the middle school will have a one-hour late start (8:40 a.m.) every Wednesday except on Nov. 9 (conferences), Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving holiday), and June 14 (last week of school, no professional development). Students are dismissed at 2:15 p.m. and need to leave campus by 2:20 p.m. unless in a staff supervised activity. Please see the district calendar for early dismissal times.
Sedro-Woolley High School starts at 7:55 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. The district has professional development built into its calendar for Wednesday mornings, meaning the high school will have a one-hour late start (8:55 a.m.) every Wednesday except on Nov. 9 (conferences), Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving holiday), and June 14 (last week of school, no professional development). Students are dismissed at 2:30 p.m. Please see the district calendar for early dismissal times.
State Street High School starts at 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:15 a.m. The district has professional development built into its calendar for Wednesday mornings, meaning the middle school will have a one-hour late start (9 a.m.) every Wednesday except on Nov. 9 (conferences), Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving holiday), and June 14 (last week of school, no professional development). Students are dismissed at 2:30 p.m. Please see the district calendar for early dismissal times.
Skyward
Free COVID-19 testing available for students and staff
Sedro-Woolley School District Health Services team continues to offer access to timely diagnostic testing for SWSD students and staff with symptoms of COVID-19. The testing will be free of charge and will only be offered to ONLY students and staff showing symptoms.
Schedule an appointment and complete pre-test paperwork
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.
While the guidance is specific to COVID-19 prevention, it can also help to reduce transmission of other common respiratory viruses such as influenza and RSV.
Covid questions
Email: covidquestions@swsdonline.com
Phone: (360) 855-3059
If you want to check COVID-19 cases, you can find it on our district website under community, click on this link: COVID-19 Dashboard.
YOUTH SPORTS FEE ASSISTANCE
Apply today for the Every Kid Sports Pass β a youth sports grant to help cover registration fees.
Log Your Digital Box Tops
Volunteering
We are excited that you are interested in volunteering your time for our students and staff in the Sedro-Woolley School District! All volunteers, student-teacher observers, and PTO members must complete several forms and undergo a background check verification.
Complete the required background check paperwork available from the building secretary
Provide a copy of your photo ID
Wait for the background check to be completed and approved
Forms must be turned in and verified by the building secretary.
Thank you for your support of the Sedro-Woolley School District!
Opt-in for text messages
The Sedro-Woolley School District utilizes the SchoolMessenger system to deliver text messages, straight to your mobile phone with important information about events, school closings, safety alerts and more.
You can participate in this free service* just by sending a text message of βYβ or βYesβ to our schoolβs short code number, 67587.
You can also opt out of these messages at any time by simply replying to one of our
messages with βStopβ.
District News
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Please visit the district website for a list of mental health resources available to students and families.
SWHS, SSHS STUDENTS CAN RECEIVE MEDICAL SERVICES AT WELLNESS CENTER
Parents, did you know your students could get health care at the Woolley Wellness Center during and after school?
The clinic is open Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The center's phone number is 360-856-7995 (no voicemail is available outside of regular clinic hours). Fax number is 360-856-8000.
The Woolley Wellness Center is located in the main hallway at Sedro-Woolley High School, across from the Student Services office, and is operated by PeaceHealth.
View the attached Woolley Wellness Center Informational Flier for more information.
Forms to be completed and returned to the Woolley Wellness Center
A VIS or Vaccine Information Statement is a document produced by CDC, that informs vaccine recipients - or their parents or legal representatives - about the benefits and risks of a vaccine they are receiving. Please find the appropriate VIS by visiting the CDC Website: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/current-vis.html
About the District
The Sedro-Woolley School District has a preschool, seven elementary schools, one middle school and two high schools, averaging more than 4,200 students during the 2021-2022 school year. We proudly serve Sedro-Woolley and its smaller surrounding communities.
Sedro-Woolley School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, and provides equal access to all youth groups identified in U.S.C., Title 36. The District has designated the following employees to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, Title IX Officer, Affirmative Action Officer and ADA Coordinator (Daniel Lee | dlee@swsd101.org | 360-855-3500), Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator (Mike Schweigert | mschweigert@swsd101.org | 360-855-3500), and Tony Smith, Section 504 Coordinator (tosmith@swsd101.org | 360-855-3500). Address: 801 Trail Rd., Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.
Email: swsdcoms@swsd101.org
Website: https://www.swsd.k12.wa.us/
Location: 801 Trail Road, Sedro-Woolley, WA, USA
Phone: 360-855-3500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SedroWoolleySchoolDistrict/
Twitter: @SedroWoolleySD