SBLSD News

There will be no school on Monday, Jan. 16 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

This week, SBLSD students are learning in classrooms and at assemblies about the importance of Martin Luther King Jr. and the reasons why we take a day to recognize his legacy. See below for how some schools are celebrating.

For those with preschool- and kindergarten-aged children, registration for the 2023-24 school year will open next month.

• Kindergarten registration opens Feb. 7. More details will be available soon.
• Tuition-based preschool enrollment opens Feb. 1 after 9 a.m. Registering is based on space available. Please contact Early Learning Director Pam Stoner at pam_stoner@sumnersd.org.

Each day this month, there is an activity that you and your family can participate in to celebrate the Whole Child.

Tomorrow’s activity is: Make a commitment to do something kind for another person, then share what was done in the evening.

The Whole Child approach is an effort to transition from a focus on narrowly defined academic achievement to one that promotes the long-term development and success of all children in grades K-12.

The Whole Child is part of our SBLSD Future Ready Goal 2 to create nurtured, engaged and empowered students who attend school regularly in a supportive and challenging learning environment where they are empowered to exercise an active voice in their own growth.

Don’t miss the rest of the month’s activities! See below for the calendar or visit sumnersd.org/wholechildmonth to learn more.

If you’ve driven Sumner’s Main Street, you’ve seen the high school’s impressive Phase 1 Expansion nearing even closer to completion. Here’s an update on construction activities:

• Systems are being tested and ready for inspection. This includes items such as the elevator, fire panel, kitchen equipment, fume hoods, alarms, generator, and equipment shutdowns for gas, HVAC.
• Walkway between the expansion and the main building is now lit and about to be finished.
• Work continues on the interior — finishes, technology, furniture and more.

Are you interested in learning more about your elementary student’s core curriculum? SBLSD is providing an opportunity for families to view Language Arts, Math and Social Emotional Learning elementary curriculum at one of two events:

• Jan. 26: 5:30-7 p.m., Victor Falls Elementary, 11401 188th Ave Ct E (Bonney Lake)

• Feb. 7: 5:30-7 p.m., Maple Lawn Elementary, 230 Wood Ave (Sumner)

What to expect at each event:

• Preview SBLSD core curriculum in Language Arts, Math, and Social Emotional Learning for each grade level, as well as intervention and remediation programs

• Meet and talk with SBLSD K-5 teachers, administrators, and specialists

• View our 5th grade Human Growth and Development/ HIV videos and classroom lessons. This content will only be taught in 5th grade. Opt out forms for current 5th graders will be available after viewing the videos/lessons.

• Get information about 2023-24 kindergarten registration and readiness programs.

• Visit resource tables hosted by elementary specialists in PE, Music, and STEM

We’re offering the same event two times, providing flexibility with dates and locations, so please attend whichever one is most convenient. This event is intended for parents/guardians; there will be no activities for children or childcare. Light refreshments will be available.

Experts agree that the best way to prevent suicide is to talk about it, but people are often afraid to bring it up. SBLSD has staff and resources available to help. Please reach out to your child’s school counselor.

• Signs a Child Might Be Suicidal: What to watch for and how to help
• What to Do if You Think Your Teenager Is Depressed: Start by listening without judgment, not trying to “fix” them
• Help for Cutting and Other Self-Injury: When kids intentionally hurt themselves as a way to manage difficult emotions
• What to Do if You're Worried About Suicide: A parent's guide to helping a child in distress
• When OCD Triggers Suicidal Thoughts: How a form of OCD can be mistaken for being suicidal
• Taking a Child to the Emergency Room: What the ER can (and can't) do for your child in a psychiatric emergency
• Preventing Youth Suicide: Tips for Parents and Educators

To help those in crisis and considering suicide, we recommend using LEARN®. We need everyone to play a role in suicide prevention. Most suicides are preventable. Together, we can save lives.

• Youth Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255

• GLBTQ hotline: 1-866-4TREVOR or 1-866-488- 7386

• 24 hour Crisis Line: 1-866-4CRISIS or 1-866-427-4747

• Text with a professional: Text “Hello” or “Help” to 741741

January is School Board Recognition Month and we honor our board members for the crucial role they play in our schools and communities.

Elected school board members voluntarily tackle the enormous job of governing our school district in providing vision and leadership, while taking actions and making decisions that affect the present and future lives of our children. Watch this short video to learn more about the role of a school board.

We thank our board members for their commitment and contributions to Sumner-Bonney Lake School District, and for serving with a willing heart, positive attitude and the desire to make a difference.

Thank you to our board members (listed in order of photo, left to right): Richard Hendricks, Deb Norris, Paul Williams, Erin Markquart and Kevin Lewis.

The Pierce County Library System wants to hear from Sumner residents about what they want in a new public library, which would be built in a new location on Main Street.

The new library will be a place for everyone in the community – from toddlers to teenagers to millennials and grandparents. What are your ideas for spaces, services, features and activities in the new building? Share your ideas online or in person:

• Share your ideas on poster boards in the current library at 1116 Fryar Ave

• Give your opinion in an online survey

• Join a discussion with library leaders and architects at an open house:

• Sumner Library (1116 Fryar Ave)

• Tuesday, Jan. 31

• 11 a.m.-noon and 3-4 p.m.

A Pierce County Library System project, the new Sumner Library is in design and not fully funded. Learn more about the project’s background, planning, building and funding online or call (253) 548-3300.

The public is invited to attend School Board study sessions and meetings, which are held at 6 p.m. virtually and in person at the Central Office Boardroom (1202 Wood Ave). Dates, times and locations are subject to change. Agendas are published a day prior to each meeting.

Jan. 11 study session highlights

• Presentation: Future Ready Goal #5: Readiness for College, Career and Life

• Recording: Link (Passcode: +L*W2mp+)

• Meeting recordings are also available on the SBLSD Youtube page here.

Jan. 18 board meeting

• Virtual: Meeting link (passcode: 536059)

• Sign up for in-person or virtual comments

• Submit comments online

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