District Updates

At Cascade Middle School, Administrative Secretary Vivian Churape is recognized for her exceptional ability to create a welcoming environment for everyone, especially for Spanish-speaking families. Nominated for her efforts to bring these families into the school community and make them feel at home, Vivian exemplifies this year's theme: "Stronger Together: Building Bridges with Kindness."

For Vivian, the most enjoyable aspect of her job is being the welcoming face at the front line of the school. "I try to make it a welcoming and safe space for all students, staff, and families," she says. "I want to ensure that everyone feels welcome, no matter what walk of life they come from." Her commitment to inclusivity shines through in every interaction, setting a positive tone for the entire school community.

Vivian has built strong connections with families, students, and staff throughout her years at Cascade Middle School by focusing on kindness and understanding. "For example, when our Spanish-speaking families come in and find out I speak Spanish and that I am kind, they feel at home and build an amazing connection with me," she shares. Her ability to communicate in their native language and her genuine warmth make a significant difference, helping families feel more comfortable and engaged in the school environment.

Reflecting on the theme, “Stronger Together: Building Bridges with Kindness,” Vivian believes that kindness is a powerful force that can overcome all barriers. "It helps create a more harmonious and connected community," she says. Her dedication to fostering a sense of belonging for all is a testament to her belief in the power of kindness to bring people together.

Vivian's efforts to create a welcoming environment for all families, especially those who might otherwise feel marginalized, strengthen the bonds within the school and community. Her kindness, empathy, and commitment to inclusivity make her an invaluable member of the Cascade Middle School team, inspiring others to follow her lead in building bridges with kindness.

Don't miss Cascade Middle School's drama production of "Baker Street Irregulars" on October 18 and 19 at 7 p.m. on the Admin Annex Stage (old Cascade Middle cafeteria, located off Township Street).

The Sedro-Woolley School Board received 10 applicants for the District 5 School Board Director vacancy, following the resignation of Board Director Brandon Bond. Bond's term was set to end in November 2025, and his resignation was accepted at the September 23 board meeting.

The school board has narrowed the list to five finalists, who will be interviewed by the current board. The selected candidate will serve until November 2025. This position will be on the ballot in the August 5, 2025 primary election, with the top candidates advancing to the general election on November 4, 2025.

The district extends its sincere appreciation to all the applicants for their interest in serving the community.

This fall, every student at Lyman Elementary School received a pumpkin, generously donated by the Zartman Grandparents. Students arrived on Tuesday to find the playground filled with over 200 pumpkins, bringing excitement and autumn cheer to the school.

During the regular school board meeting on Monday, October 14, at Lyman Elementary School, school board members were introduced to the school’s Art Docent Program, an initiative funded and run by the Lyman Parent Group.

The Art Docent Program plays a key role in the education of Lyman Elementary School's 180 students, bringing creative arts into the classroom once a month. The parent group funds the program through its fall and spring fundraisers, budgeting approximately $2,000 for the 2024-2025 school year. With 78 lessons planned, each lesson costs about $1.19 per student.

The program offers a variety of materials to inspire creativity, including pencils, scissors, glue, crayons, colored pencils, markers, permanent markers, watercolors, tempera paint, oil pastels, chalk pastels, India ink, metal foil, origami paper, sulphite paper, watercolor paper, Gelii printing plates, and textiles. Younger students also use KwikStix for their projects.

Each Art Docent volunteer dedicates roughly two hours in school to prepare materials, teach the lesson, and handle cleanup, with an additional two hours outside of school spent developing lessons tailored to each grade level. The goal is to introduce students from Foundations Kindergarten through sixth grade to the seven elements of art, various artists, and a range of artistic mediums. The Washington State Learning Standards for Visual Arts guide lesson development, but the primary focus remains on the joy and learning that come through the creative process, rather than the finished product.

"Good art education is not about the final product, it's about the process of learning," the parent group shared. Art education encourages communication, fine motor skills, and emotional intelligence. It can also serve as a powerful motivator for students, with research showing that art involvement leads to positive outcomes in areas like high school graduation rates, reduced stress, and improved civic involvement, particularly in lower-income communities.

At its core, the Art Docent Program embodies its Latin roots, as the word "docent" comes from "docere," meaning to teach. The 16 parent volunteers who serve as Art Docents do not need any prior experience in art or teaching. Their commitment is simply to help students explore creativity through fun, hands-on lessons.

With its strong impact on both learning and engagement, the Art Docent Program is a great example of how parent involvement and community support can enhance the school experience for every child.

Families are welcome to bring their elementary school students and younger siblings to the Immaculate Heart of March Church Hall (719 Ferry Street, Sedro-Woolley, WA — please enter the building from Central Avenue.) on Saturday, October 19 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a free winter coat. Families will be escorted into the Hall and children will choose their own coats!

The Sedro-Woolley School District is accepting nominations for the annual Sedro-Woolley School District Community Recognition Awards. We'd like to invite you to nominate individuals whom you think deserve any of the esteemed awards. It is a great opportunity to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and innovation of those who have significantly impacted our community.

The nomination categories are:

• Hall of Fame — To honor SWHS students who excelled athletically, an individual who has achieved distinction as a former student-athlete.
• Hall of Fame — To honor SWHS students who excelled academically an individual who has achieved distinction as a former student.
• District-Wide Recognition — Acknowledge current exemplary efforts within the school system that goes beyond typical measures of accomplishment.
• Memorial Recognition — To honor posthumously an individual who has rendered outstanding service to the community or demonstrated loyal support for the Sedro-Woolley School District.
• Community Recognition — An individual who has rendered outstanding service to the community or demonstrated loyal support for the Sedro-Woolley School District.

Kindergarten students and their sixth grade buddies from Mrs. McRae and Mrs. Howell's classes at Central Elementary School enjoyed a fun and educational visit to the Sedro-Woolley Fire Station. Huge thanks to our incredible Sedro-Woolley firefighters for making this trip unforgettable!

The design should include:

• Sedro-Woolley, Washington.
• No current date.
• It should consist of no more than three colors.
• It can include local scenery such as background (trees, mountains, eagles, etc.).

Your drawing must be turned in by Thursday, February 20, 2025. It can be mailed to PO Box 712, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 or dropped in the mail slot on the Loggerodeo door at 727 Murdock Street (next to the Sedro-Woolley Museum).

Questions? Contact sedrowoolleyloggerodeo@frontier.com or call 360-770-8452.

The Loggerodeo consists of these events:

• Carnival
• Parades
• Fireworks
• Pie-eating contest
• Street dance
• Chainsaw carving competition and beard contest

The Loggerodeo reserves the right to use submitted designs as advertising on different media. The design may need to be modified as to the graphics. The name of the winner will be included in the program and announced at different venues.

Please note, the Loggerodeo T-shirt designs are separate from the Sedro-Woolley Rodeo.

SWISH in-person registration for 3rd to 8th grade boys basketball is October 20 and 27 from 2-4 p.m. at the Sedro-Woolley High School gymnasium. Games start January 11 and the season will run through March 15. All games are played on Saturdays in Skagit County.

Questions? Email: woolleyclubhoop@gmail.com

Registration deadline to be on a Woolley team is November 15.

All schools have a one-hour late start Wednesday for professional development.

Schools will start one-hour late on Wednesdays for certified staff to have one hour of weekly professional development.

Exceptions are November 6, November 27 and June 11. November 6 and November 27 are early dismissal dates and there is no professional development planned for the last Wednesday of the school year.

Families will receive reminders each week via social media as well as via the school district's app: Apple Store Link or Android Link.

Sedro-Woolley teens, get ready to sing your heart out! On Wednesday, October 23rd, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Sedro-Woolley RISE, United General District 304, and Central Skagit Library are hosting a Teen Karaoke Night at Central Skagit Library, complete with singing, snacks, and loads of fun. This event is free, but permission slips are required to participate.

Permission Slip

Sedro-Woolley RISE is a volunteer coalition committed to enhancing the health and wellness of our community by addressing risk factors that contribute to youth substance use and other challenges. The coalition includes youth, parents, schools, businesses, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and more, working together to create a safer, healthier environment for Sedro-Woolley. RISE operates through a partnership with Sedro-Woolley School District and United General #304, supported by Washington State Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative and the federal Drug Free Communities grant.

Join us for a night of music and fun, and help support the wellness of our community!

Picture Day is October 24 at Clear Lake Elementary School.

Samish Elementary School’s Parent Group will host the annual Harvest Bash on October 25 from 6–8 p.m.

Evergreen Parent Group is holding a fall festival on October 25 starting at 5:30 p.m. There will be cake walks, face painting and more! Costumes are encouraged. Click the links below to volunteer or make donations for the event!

• Harvest Festival Volunteers
• Harvest Festival 2024 Donations Needed

Sedro-Woolley High School is reviewing the feasibility of its 8-period bell schedule, which has been in place since the 2016-2017 school year to help all students meet state graduation requirements. Given the time that has passed since its adoption, the district believes it is essential to re-evaluate whether the current schedule continues to meet the needs of our students.

District leaders are seeking input from families, students, and staff members at the following meetings:

October 23: Information Night from 6–7 p.m. at the Sedro-Woolley Auditorium
October 29: Information Night from 6–7 p.m. at the Sedro-Woolley Auditorium
October 30: Information Night from 6–7 p.m. via Zoom (link to be provided)

If an alternative bell schedule is approved by the school board, it will be implemented beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.

For questions or more information, please contact Brian Isakson, Assistant Superintendent, at bisakson@swsd101.org.

Sedro-Woolley RISE will host a prescription drug take-back event on October 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sedro-Woolley City Hall, 325 Metcalf St. The event offers the public a safe and convenient way to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications. Both prescription and over-the-counter medications will be accepted.

Medications can remain in their original containers, and there is no need to remove labels. Medications not in their original containers will also be accepted.

The take-back event supports the Washington State Health Care Authority’s "Starts with One" campaign, which educates young adults, parents, and older adults about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and the importance of safe storage and disposal of prescription opioids.

According to the campaign website, “75% of opioid misuse starts with people using medication that wasn’t prescribed for them — usually taken from a friend or family member.” Safely disposing of medications is a simple step to help prevent misuse. Participating in these take-back events is one thing individuals can do to help address the opioid epidemic and protect their loved ones.

For more information about the HCA Starts with One campaign, visit www.getthefactsrx.com.

Sedro-Woolley High School will host Jazz Night on October 29 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria.

Clear Lake Elementary School will host their annual Book Character Day Parade on October 31 at 2:45 p.m. Parents and community members are welcome to cheer on students as they take the usual parade route from the school down to the fire station and back around.

Mark your calendars now to join Central Skagit Library in celebrating Día De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on November 2, 12-4 p.m. There will be performances by musicians and dancers, along with food and activities to keep the whole family engaged. This event is completely free and open to everyone in the community. Día De Los Muertos is a holiday that honors and remembers deceased loved ones while also celebrating the unity of life and death.

Clear Lake Firefighters Association is holding a Pictures with Santa Fundraiser on November 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is a $20 suggested donation for the photos.

Looking for fun activities this season? Be sure to check out the Fall/Winter Skagit County Youth and Adult Recreation Programs, which offer something for everyone! A highlight of the season is the Girls SWISH Basketball League, kicking off on October 26. Whether you're looking for youth or adult programs, there are plenty of options to stay active and engaged in the community.

For more information and to register, visit Skagit County Parks and Recreation. Don't miss out on the fun!

There will be an informational meeting for interested families at Evergreen Elementary at 5:30 p.m. November 21, 2024.

The bus, which will depart from Cascade Middle School, will take registered riders to and from the Mount Baker Ski Areas all four Saturdays in March 2025. This opportunity is open to all students in grades 6–12. It is not limited to Sedro-Woolley School District students.

• Registrations will be accepted at Evergreen (cash or check) “Attention: Winter Ride, Krissa Ammons"
• This is a four-week program - March 1, 8, 15, 22 (Saturdays only).
• Please note that Mount Baker provides discounts on passes, lessons and rentals to youth who have enrolled with an approved Winter Ride organization. For more information, visit https://www.mtbaker.us/lessons-rentals/multi-week-lessons/winter-ride/
• Lessons are required for all new participants (beginner/intermediate/advanced).
• Transportation arranged through the Sedro-Woolley School District. The bus cost is: $125 per registrant.

Questions? Contact: Ms. Ammons at Evergreen: kammons@swsd101.org / Ms. Jurado at CMS: jjurado@swsd101.org / Ms. Gildnes at Central: egildnes@swsd101.org

Sedro-Woolley High School will be offering the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test for students interested in pursuing a military career after graduation. The ASVAB, a multi-aptitude test used by all branches of the U.S. military to determine eligibility and job placement, is scheduled for November 25, 2024, at 8 a.m. in the school library.

Students can take the test at no cost, providing an excellent opportunity for those considering enlistment to fulfill this important requirement.

To sign up for the ASVAB, students should visit Mrs. Needham's office door, room A117, where a sign-up sheet is available.

Don't miss this opportunity to take the first step toward a career in the military.

ASVAB Information

As we gear up for games at Sedro-Woolley High School, we want to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Please keep the following reminders in mind:

• CMS Students: Cascade Middle School students must be accompanied by a paying adult to attend games. Admission is $5 for CMS students and $7 for adults.

• Clear Common Areas: Keep walkways free to maintain safety.
• No Substances: Alcohol, drugs, smoking, and vaping are prohibited on all school grounds, including parking lots.
• Re-Entry: Students will not be allowed to leave and re-enter the venue.
• No Bags or Backpacks: Large bags and backpacks are not allowed. Small purses for personal items are permitted but subject to search.
• No Outside Food, Beverages, or Balls: Please do not bring outside food, drinks, or balls into the game.

Thank you for helping us keep our school events safe and enjoyable for everyone!

The Woolley Wellness Center at Sedro-Woolley High School offers convenient onsite medical services for district staff, as well as students from Sedro-Woolley High School and State Street High School.

The clinic operates Monday to Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Located in the main hallway of Sedro-Woolley High School, across from the ASB office, the center is run by PeaceHealth. To schedule an appointment, call 360-856-7995.

Before your visit, please complete and return the required forms:

• Consent for Health Care Services

• SWHS Ferpa Form

• Permission to Vaccinate Form

• Registration Form

For vaccine information, visit the CDC website: CDC VIS Documents.

Fax documents to 360-856-8000.

All elementary schools start at 9:25 a.m. Doors typically open between 9:10 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. Students are released at 3:30 p.m. See below for the early dismissal schedule.

Cascade Middle School starts at 7:40 a.m. Doors open at 7:20 a.m. Students are released at 2:15 p.m. and need to leave campus by 2:20 p.m. unless in a staff supervised activity. See below for the early dismissal schedule.

Sedro-Woolley High School starts at 7:55 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Students are released at 2:30 p.m. See below for the early dismissal schedule.

State Street High School starts at 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:15 a.m. Students are released at 2:30 p.m. See below for the early dismissal schedule.

All schools in the district start one hour late on Wednesdays so that staff can receive professional development. The exceptions will be November 6, 2024, November 27, 2024 and June 11, 2025. These are all early release days, while June 11 is the last Wednesday of the year with no professional development time alloted for staff members.

Early Dismissal Times:
Cascade Middle School 10:45 a.m.
State Street High School 10:50 a.m.
Sedro-Woolley High School 11:00 a.m.
All Elementary Schools 12:30 p.m.

Early Dismissal Days for All Schools
November 7 & 8
November 27
March 6 & 7
June 13 (School in session – 2 hours - see schedule below)

Early Dismissal for P-6 Only
November 5 & 6

Early Dismissal for 7-12 Only
None

Good Beginnings Preschool Non-School Days
Every Friday
November 5, 6 & 7
November 27 & 28
March 6

June 13 Two-Hour Early Dismissal Times:
Cascade Middle School 9:45 a.m.
State Street High School 9:55 a.m.
Sedro-Woolley High School 10 a.m.
All Elementary Schools 11:30 a.m.

Possible Inclement Weather Make-Up Days:
Friday, February 14
Friday, May 23
*If there are more than two days of school canceled because of inclement, more school days will be added in June, possibly extending the days to the week of June 16, 2025.

Please note, during any early dismissal days, both AM and PM sessions at Good Beginnings Preschool are canceled. These dates include the Wednesdays mentioned above as well as during conference weeks: Tuesday, November 5, Thursday, November 7; and Thursday, March 6. Good Beginnings runs Monday to Thursday.

If a 2-hour late start is called for because of inclement weather, the AM session of Good Beginnings Preschool is canceled.

When adverse weather conditions are in the forecast, we would ask that you refer to the Inclement Weather and Emergency Bulletin page for specific directions and methods of communication that will be used in a weather emergency. If you live on a potential snow route, please contact the district's transportation department at 360-855-3504 for specific bus stop information.

School supply lists below may also be available in a printable format from your school building secretary. Some schools also have the printed lists offered in Spanish. On the website, please choose "Translate" and then select your primary language to see the automated translations of the supply lists. You can also call 360-855-3772 for language assistance.

Both State Street High School and Sedro-Woolley High School students will receive specific supply lists from teachers during the first week of school. General supplies include:

Large 3-ring binder

Dividers for 3-ring notebook

1 - Box of Pencils

1 - Box of pens, blue/black

2+ - Highlighter pens

4+ - Composition books

Lined notebook paper with 3 holes – 8-1/2 X 11

Free breakfast and lunch meals for ALL students will continue for the 2024-2025 school year. The continuation of free meals is possible through implementation of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).

Please note that CEP allows the service of one free breakfast and one free lunch meal daily. If students wish to have more than one meal per day, they will need to have money added to their food service account online or in the school office and will be charged accordingly. In addition, milk is an a la carte item. When taken by itself, the charge is $0.60. Students can get milk for free by ensuring they select a reimbursable meal, which can include a milk, fruit and vegetable. Students are not required to get the daily entrée.

Any questions about CEP or the Food Service Program can be directed to the Food Service office at 360-855-3515.

Elementary School Boundary Map

In-Town Elementary School Boundary Map

You can also email swsdcoms@swsd101.org for help reading the boundary maps or call 360-855-3504 or 360-855-3500.

My Ride K-12, can be downloaded in the Apple and Android app stores. You will need to download the new app to access updated transportation information for your student(s).

Downloads:

• My Ride K-12 – Apple App Store (iOS)
• My Ride K-12 – Google Play Store (Android)

My Ride K-12 provides secure access to student bus schedule/routing information, which can include the bus stop, route, and bus number. This is accessible on mobile devices, and is confidential and secure.

Parents/guardians will need to use their student ID# and current grade level to add their student to the app.

Grade levels

Kindergarten = K1

First = 01

Second = 02

Third = 03

Fourth = 04

Fifth = 05

Sixth = 06

Seventh = 07

Eighth = 08

Ninth = 09

Tenth = 10

Eleventh = 11

Twelfth= 12

Preschool families - call or email transportation.

If you see an issue with your child’s transportation information, parent transportation assistance is available by emailing jzimmerman@swsd101.org.

More Information

• My Ride K-12 User Guide Parent Flyer (English)
• My Ride K-12 User Guide Parent Flyer (Spanish)

Many of our schools are collecting box tops... digitally! Just scan your receipt and earn money for your school!

Every Kid Sports Pass

Apply today for the youth sports grant to help cover registration fees.

https://everykidsports.org/every-kid-sports-pass/

Gateway to Golf

A golf league for students ages 1st-8th grade. To request information email gateway2golf@gmail.com.

Sedro-Woolley Youth Soccer Association

Registration for fall season is typically open each spring until May 31.

www.swyouthsoccer.com

Questions: swysa@hotmail.com

Phone : 360-969-2269

P.O. Box 22

Sedro-Woolley, Washington 98284

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.

https://www.nwunited.org

NW United Facebook

Sedro-Woolley Youth Football and Cheer

Registration for fall season typically closes in June.

Practices start in August.

www.swyfl.org

Cheer Questions: cheerrep@swyfl.org

Cheer Facebook

Football Questions: contact@swyfl.org

Football Facebook

SWISH

For the Girls SWISH Basketball League (4th-8th Grades), contact Autumn Trannum: (autumnetrannum@gmail.com).

For the Boys SWISH Basketball League (3rd-8th Grades) contact: (woolleyclubhoop@gmail.com).

Sedro-Woolley Little League

Registration for spring typically closes in early February. Baseball/softball.

www.sedrowoolleylittleleague.com

Questions: sedrowoolleylittleleague@gmail.com

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.

Flyer Facebook Group

Sedro-Woolley SteelClaw Youth Wrestling Club

Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco wrestling. The club accepts both male and female wrestlers.

Questions: swsteelclawwrestling@gmail.com

Steelclaw Facebook

Club Hoop

Club Hoop is now taking registrations online https://leagues.bluesombrero.com/sedrowooleyclubhoops. In-person registration is October 20 and 27 from 2-4 p.m.

Ages: Kindergarten-3rd grade

Contact: clubhoopk3@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!

Have an update on youth sports contact information? Email swsdcoms@swsd101.org with the updated information!

The Sedro-Woolley School District appreciates your interest in volunteering. Please read the SWSD Volunteer Handbook before you complete the background form.

Please complete the volunteer application and submit all information requested.

You are required to complete a new application every two years. Please allow up to two weeks for processing. All volunteers must provide a photo ID each time they visit a Sedro-Woolley School District school.

Background Form

Volunteer Handbook Printable Version (English)

The district uses a reporting system for harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) through SafeSchools Alert. Students, parents and community members can report HIB and other unsafe behaviors anonymously through phone, text, email or web. Students, parents and community members should utilize SafeSchools Alert as it creates a record of the report, and each incident must be investigated. Visit https://swsd-wa.safeschoolsalert.com/ to report an incident or use the alternative methods below.

App: Search for “SafeSchools Alert” in the App Store to download for free.

Phone or text to: 1-855-764-8877

Email: 1376@alert1.us

District ID Code: 1376

The Sedro-Woolley School District has a preschool, seven elementary schools, one middle school and two high schools, averaging more than 4,100 students during the 2023-2024 school year. We proudly serve Sedro-Woolley and its smaller surrounding communities.

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/

Superintendent — Dr. Miriam Miralles Mickelson

Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning — Brian Isakson

Exec. Director, Educational Support Services — Anthony Smith

Exec. Director, Human Resources & Student Support — Daniel Lee

Director, Student Support — Michael Schweigert

Public Information Officer – Ruth Richardson

Transportation Director – Tracy Gugel (360) 855-3504

Food Service Director – Allison Johnston (360) 855-3515

Facilities & Maintenance Director – Michael Stephens (360) 855-3505

The five school board members are chosen during November elections, or appointed, to serve overlapping terms of four years each.

Monthly Board Meeting Dates: Second & Fourth Mondays at 6 p.m. or as publicized.

Location: Support Services Building, 317 Yellow Lane or as announced via the website.

For more information, please call: 360-855-3500, check local newspapers or the district website for meeting locations.