Dear Chimacum Families,

As we approach the Winter Solstice and shorter days, I am reminded that more light is just around the corner! I love this time of year, celebrating the holidays, seeing Christmas lights, and spending more time inside by a fire or outside in the quiet forest.

Two things come to mind about the winter darkness. One is practical- if your children are waiting for busses in the morning, they are easier to see on our dark, rural roadways if they have something reflective on themselves or their backpacks. Please be safe!

The other is a reminder to tend to ourselves and others. This can be a difficult time of year, and our moods can also become darker. It can be harder to get going in the morning or to motivate ourselves to be productive or even kind-hearted to others. Sometimes it feels like we are trying to move through pudding- everything takes more effort.

I think that the darkness is also a reminder that there is light. If not now, later. And we are always moving toward the light where there is joy, harmony, peace, and more ease than our lives sometimes seem to bring us. Offering encouragement, giving grace, and showing love are always helpful winter activities to get us there.

Enjoy your holiday and stay warm!

Scott Mauk, Ed.D.

Superintendent

scott_mauk@csd49.org

(360) 302-5896

It is amazing how fast our school year has flown by! Our students are doing a great job following our PBIS school-wide behavior expectations as well as consistently being engaged in the meaningful learning taking place in our classrooms every day. We are proud of our students and we know you are too!

What is PBIS?

PBIS is a school-wide research-based framework for teaching and supporting positive behaviors for all students. This approach to behavior focuses on creating consistent behaviors across all settings, which can promote socially appropriate behaviors and academic success. PBIS promotes the application of positive behaviors through teaching, modeling, practicing, intervening, and rewarding students for appropriate behavior. Implementing this approach has the ability to decrease behavioral issues and increase classroom instructional time.

How does PBIS Work?

• All students follow the same set of rules and expectations throughout all areas in the school.
• These rules and expectations are displayed as a matrix, which is posted in hallways, classrooms, outside areas, bathrooms, and offices.
• When students follow the rules and expectations, they are recognized. When students do not follow the rules, there are planned consequences and interventions to help them get back on track. Our school uses a behavior flowchart to determine which student behaviors are managed by classroom teachers, and which are managed by the principal. Please see our behavior flowchart to see how students are redirected and intervened to prevent the reoccurrence of unwanted behavior.
• Parents & guardians are always contacted if their student receives a behavior referral, from either the teacher or the principal.
• Students receive “Excellent Eagle” tickets when they are seen meeting a behavior expectation or if they go above and beyond expectations. Excellent Eagles are used in a weekly drawing where students can access fun rewards such as our CES shirts, flying a drone, driving an RC car, and other fun incentives. Students are also acknowledged using Excellent Eagles, and other forms of recognition in each classroom.

School Spirit Week 12/13 to 12/17

We are coordinating a school "spirit week" with CCP. We invite students to participate in our spirit week following the themes listed below. Participation in spirit week is voluntary and is meant for a fun way for students and staff to end our year together. Please do not purchase or spend money to participate- just use what you have around the house!

Monday, December 13- Hat and Scarves Day

Tuesday, December 14- Crazy Socks

Wednesday, December 15- Flannel (appropriate for school and outdoor recess)

Thursday, December 16- New Year's Eve Attire

Friday, December 17- Ugly Sweater

Note: Friday is a regularly scheduled "full" day. It was misprinted on another calendar.

The district will make every attempt to notify all families by 5:00 AM using our school messenger system. Additionally, information will also be posted on the District's website and Facebook page.

If you've not done so already, please be sure to "opt" in to receive alerts from our School Messenger system by texting a "Y" or "YES" to 67587. More information can be found below.

We know that there are a wide variety of reasons that students are absent from school, from health concerns, COVID exposures, to transportation challenges. Our goal is that students miss no more than 10 days per year. We encourage families to take that special trip or family experience, but be sure to stay under 10 total school days missed in a year. It is a good idea to leave room for sick days and medical appointments within the 10 absences per year goal.

For each absence the following steps will be followed by the school:

• An auto call informs parents that their child was absent each morning.

• If your child is ill, email the office at cesattendance@csd49.org. This will be an excused absence.

• If your student has 3 unexcused absences or more than 5 excused absences in one month, state law (RCW 28A.225.020) requires we schedule a conference with you and your student to identify the barriers and supports available to ensure regular attendance.

To request an excused absence (vacations, etc), please contact our school office two weeks before the absence. If approved by the office and teacher, the absence will be excused and your student will be given instructions on how to access their school work during their absence. Please know that we can't excuse additional absences if your child has already missed 10 days.