Superintendent Brower's Newsletter

You are cordially invited to attend a special ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of Arrow Lumber Stadium and B.W. Lyon Field. This exciting milestone represents a significant investment in our students, athletic programs, and the Eatonville community, and we would be honored to have you join us for this event.

The ceremony will take place on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 12:00 PM at Arrow Lumber Stadium, located at 302 Mashell Ave N, Eatonville, WA.

Following the ceremony, the Eatonville Community Day Celebration will begin at 1:30 PM. We encourage everyone to stay and enjoy the festivities as we come together to celebrate this important addition to our district and community.

This project reflects the pride, support, and partnership that make Eatonville such a special place. We look forward to celebrating this moment with our students, staff, families, and community members.

We are preparing for an important system update this summer as Skyward transitions to Qmlativ.

To help support families and staff during this change, we have created a basic FAQ page on our website that outlines what to expect and answers some common questions. We encourage you to review the FAQ to learn more about the upcoming transition.

Additional information, resources, and timelines will be shared as we get closer to the transition date. Thank you for your patience and partnership as we work to improve our systems and services.

Kindergarten enrollment for the 26-27 school year is now open in Eatonville School District. Enrollment packets are available online and may be completed virtually or in person at your student’s school. Children must be five years old on or before August 31 to be eligible for kindergarten. Families will need to provide a medically verified immunization record, a birth certificate, and proof of residency as part of the enrollment process. We look forward to welcoming our newest Eatonville learners to the Class of 2039.

Spring Break is just around the corner. Schools will be closed April 6 through April 10 as we take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the season. We hope our students, families, and staff have a safe and refreshing break filled with time to relax and reconnect. We look forward to welcoming everyone back after Spring Break, rejuvenated and ready for learning.

Earth Day is April 22 and is a special time to celebrate and care for the world around us. Living and learning in such a beautiful natural setting reminds us that even small actions can make a big difference.

Here are a few simple ways to celebrate as a family:

• Take a nature walk and look for signs of spring
• Pick up litter in your neighborhood
• Plant flowers, herbs, or a tree
• Start a simple recycling or water saving challenge at home

Together, we can help our students grow into thoughtful stewards of our community and our planet. 🌎🌱

April is Autism Acceptance Month—a time dedicated to promoting understanding, inclusion, and respect for individuals with autism. The month begins with World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, a global initiative recognized by the United Nations.

2026 Focus: Embracing Neurodiversity

This year’s focus centers on embracing neurodiversity and celebrating differences. In our schools and community, this means recognizing that every student brings unique strengths, perspectives, and ways of learning.

How You Can Get Involved

• Listen & Learn: Amplify autistic voices and perspectives.
• Promote Inclusion: Support inclusive practices in classrooms and activities.
• Build Belonging: Encourage peer connections and model acceptance.
• Continue Learning: Explore resources on autism and neurodiversity.

What This Looks Like in Our Schools

• Inclusive classroom practices that support diverse learners.

• Individualized supports to meet students’ academic, social, and communication needs.

Family Resource Corner

Have questions about your student’s supports? We’re here to help.

• Special Education / IEP Questions: Contact your student’s case manager/social worker or building principal.

• 504 Plans or Accommodations: Reach out to your school counselor or administrator.

• Behavioral or Social-Emotional Support: Contact your school counselor or social worker.

• General Questions or Support Navigation: Contact Student Services.

Tip for Families:
If you have concerns about your student’s progress, you can request a meeting with your school team at any time to review supports and next steps.

Organizations Supporting Autism Acceptance

• National Autistic Society

• Autism Society

• Autism Speaks

By working together, we can create school communities where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. Autism Acceptance Month is not just about April—it’s about the actions we take every day to ensure all students belong.

Our Structured Learning Center (SLC) students have been busy building important life skills while having fun along the way!

Students have participated in hands-on learning experiences, including cooking activities, decorating cookies in collaboration with Occupational Therapy (OT), and engaging in small group communication work with Speech.

To celebrate Dr. Seuss Week, students made green eggs, bacon, and pancakes—encouraging everyone to try something new and explore different foods.

Throughout these activities, students have been practicing:

• ✔ Building patterns

• ✔ Taking turns and working collaboratively

• ✔ Measuring and following steps

These meaningful, real-world learning experiences help students develop independence, communication skills, and confidence in a supportive and engaging environment.

Our district is participating in a parent survey from Washington’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). If your child is receiving special education services, you will soon receive a link to the survey by email, text, or postcard.

This short survey is anonymous, and it’s a great way for you to share your thoughts, suggestions, and feedback about your child’s educational experience. OSPI will use the results to measure parent engagement in the state and share them with our district to help improve our parent engagement efforts.

If you have not done so already, please watch for the survey and take a moment to fill it out. Your feedback is important to us and helps improve programs and services for children with disabilities. Thank you for being an active part of your child's education!

Counselor Contacts

EHS

• Maryann Baker: m.baker@eatonville.wednet.edu

• Kirsten Dill: k.dill@eatonville.wednet.edu

EMS

• Anisa Parks: a.parks@eatonville.wednet.edu

• Kylee Meysenburg: k.meysenburg@eatonville.wednet.edu

CCA

• Kylee Meysenburg: k.meysenburg@eatonville.wednet.edu

EES

• Jana McIlraith: j.mcilraith@eatonvilleschools.org

WES

• Allysen Lindstrom: a.lindstrom@eatonville.wednet.edu

As we move into spring, students may experience increased stress due to testing, schedule changes, and end-of-year expectations. Our counselors and social workers are here to support students and families during this busy time.

Ways to Support Your Student at Home:

• Maintain consistent routines (sleep, meals, homework time)

• Encourage breaks and outdoor time

• Talk openly about feelings and stress

• Celebrate effort, not just outcomes

When to Reach Out for Support:

• Changes in mood or behavior

• Increased anxiety or school avoidance

• Difficulty with peer relationships

We’re Here to Help:
If you have concerns about your student’s well-being, please contact your school counselor or social worker.

Public Hearing Announcement

Eatonville School District’s Indian Parent Coalition (IPC)

Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Time: 6-7 pm
Location: Eatonville Middle School, Portable #4

The Eatonville School District’s Indian Parent Coalition invites parents, guardians, and community members to a Public Hearing to discuss important topics related to the education and well-being of Native American students in our district.

This hearing will provide an opportunity to:

• Share feedback on programs and services supporting Native American students
• Discuss educational policies, funding, and cultural inclusion efforts
• Voice concerns, ask questions, and collaborate with district leaders

Role of the Indian Parent Committee (IPC)

The Indian Parent Committee (IPC) plays a critical role in consulting with the Local Education Agency (LEA) on the development, operation, and evaluation of the Indian Education program before the final application submission. This includes reviewing and signing the IPC approval/agreement form to ensure the program aligns with student needs.

After grant funds are awarded, the IPC serves in an advisory capacity, working alongside the LEA to ensure the successful implementation of the Indian Education formula grant program. While the LEA, Tribe, or other eligible entity receiving the grant funds is fully responsible for financial and programmatic administration, collaboration between IPC and LEA Title VI members is essential to best support Native American students.

Your participation is valuable in shaping a supportive and culturally responsive learning environment.

For more information, please contact Dracy Blue at d.blue@eatonville.wednet.edu.

We look forward to hearing from you and working together for student success!

When: April 23, 2026

Time: 6-7 pm

Location: Eatonville Elementary Library

Join us for our Multilingual Learner Family Night! This event is designed to support families in understanding school programs, accessing resources, and learning how to support their student’s success.

Topics will include:

• Strategies to support learning at home

• Graduation pathways and future opportunities

• Family rights and communication with schools

For Families:
Interpretation and translated materials will be available. We encourage all families of multilingual learners to attend!

Our schools are preparing for the upcoming Washington State assessments, including the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) for English Language Arts and Math, and the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS).

Testing Window: Mid April through May
Grades Assessed: 3–8 and high school (grades 10–11)

Our goal is to ensure students feel confident, prepared, and supported, while continuing to engage in meaningful, grade-level instruction.

Why State Assessments Matter

State assessments provide important information about student learning and progress toward Washington State standards.

They help:

• Measure skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication

• Identify student strengths and areas for growth

• Inform instruction and supports at the classroom and district level

• Monitor progress over time and ensure equitable access to learning

For high school students, SBA results may also contribute to graduation pathway requirements.

How Our Schools Are Supporting Students

• Teaching grade-level standards aligned to assessments

• Providing opportunities to practice test formats and tools

• Supporting student confidence and reducing test anxiety

• Maintaining a balanced approach to instruction (not “teaching to the test”)

How Families Can Support at Home

Families play an important role in helping students feel ready and successful:

• Ensure your student gets adequate sleep and nutrition

• Maintain consistent attendance, especially during testing days

• Encourage a positive, growth mindset

• Talk with your child about doing their best—not being perfect

• Reach out to your child’s teacher with any questions

What You’ll Learn from Results

State assessment results provide a snapshot of your student’s progress, including:

• Performance in reading, writing, math, and science

• Growth over time

• Areas where additional support or enrichment may be beneficial

District staff also use this information to evaluate programs and ensure all students have access to high-quality instruction.

Our Commitment

We are committed to supporting every student through:

• High-quality instruction

• Thoughtful assessment practices

• Ongoing communication with families

Together, we can help students approach testing with confidence and a focus on growth.

As we step into this beautiful season of blooming flowers and fresh beginnings, we are excited to launch our districtwide Spring Attendance Campaign. Just as gardens thrive with consistent care and sunshine, students flourish when they are present each day, learning, connecting, and growing alongside their peers.

Each school day is an opportunity to plant seeds of knowledge, nurture friendships, and strengthen skills that will carry students forward. Even a few missed days can impact that growth, so consistent attendance helps ensure every child has the chance to blossom.

Thank you for partnering with us to make daily attendance a priority. Together, let’s help every student bloom and finish the school year strong.

Eatonville seniors planning for post high school education are encouraged to apply for local scholarships through Eatonville Dollars for Scholars. The application window is now open, and this is a great opportunity to access scholarships supported by our local community.

Students are encouraged to start early, stay organized, review their post high school plans, and begin working on required essays and artifacts. The application deadline is April 24, 2026.

To get started or learn more, visit eatonville.dollarsforscholars.org.

We are excited to announce that nominations are now open for the Eatonville High School Award of Distinction! This prestigious award recognizes EHS alumni who exemplify integrity, compassion, and excellence and who have made significant contributions to their professions, communities or society.

Award recipients will be honored during our Welcome Back event in August 2026, where their achievements will be celebrated, and their stories will inspire our students and staff as we begin the new school year.

Eligibility and Nomination Details:

• Nominees must have graduated from Eatonville High School at least 10 years ago.
• They should demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:
  • Academics
  • Professional accomplishments
  • Humanitarian efforts
  • Philanthropy
  • Personal contributions to society
  • Leadership
    

Printed applications will be available in all school offices and at the district office. Additionally, the application can be downloaded from our website: Award of Distinction Application. Completed nomination forms are due by May 31, 2026.

We encourage you to spread the word and help us identify and celebrate graduates who have made a lasting impact. If you know of someone deserving of this honor, please take the time to submit a nomination.

Thank you for your support in recognizing the remarkable achievements of Eatonville High School alumni!

The Eatonville School District is pleased to share a variety of community events, activities, and opportunities for our students and families. These events are hosted by local organizations and provide opportunities for enrichment, connection, and engagement beyond the school day.

Flyers and additional details for each event are included below. Please review for dates, times, locations, and registration information.

Please note: These events are not sponsored or endorsed by Eatonville School District.

The Eatonville Knowledge Bowl team placed 3rd in the 2A Division at the Washington State Competition, finishing behind only two teams after a full day of written and verbal rounds against schools from across the state.

More than 100 teams competed, and Eatonville advanced from the semifinals into the final round, where they secured an outstanding 3rd place finish in Washington. Congratulations to the team for an excellent performance!

Yesterday at the D3 Qualifier, our Dance Team made school history! In their very first year competing, they qualified for STATE!

EES athletes Sophia Roberts and Wyatt Duncan competed at the Washington State Special Olympics Winter Games in Wenatchee, February 27 to March 1. Sophia earned a Silver medal and Wyatt earned a Bronze medal in Individual Basketball Skills.

The Eatonville Special Olympics Basketball Team also earned Silver at Regionals. Team members included EHS students Ayden Hildebrand, Christian Stacy, and Kaydin Pine, with support from teen volunteers Cody Jumper and Emory Simpson. We are proud of all of our athletes for their hard work and dedication.

The Cruiser Baseball team opened their home season on March 23 with a great game on our home field. It was a beautiful day for baseball and a great start to the season. Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Cruisers.

For parent volunteers who plan to support multiple schools, only one volunteer application is required for district-wide approval. Please submit your application and show your driver’s license at the school where you will spend most of your time. That school will begin the process to grant you access across all schools in the district.

Superintendent: Mr. Jay Brower

Executive Assistant: Mrs. Cassie Froud

District Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Email: communications@eatonvilleschools.org

Website: https://www.eatonville.wednet.edu
Location: 200 Lynch Street West, Eatonville, WA, USA
Phone: 360-879-1000
Facebook: facebook.com/eatonville.school.district
Twitter: @EatonvilleSD

Eatonville School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator

• Name and/or Title: Dracy Blue, Executive Director of Student Services
• Address: 200 Lynch St. W., Eatonville, WA 98328
• Telephone Number: (360)641-1809
• Email: d.blue@eatonville.wednet.edu

Section 504/ADA Coordinator

• Name and/or Title: Dracy Blue, Executive Director of Student Services
• Address: 200 Lynch St. W., Eatonville, WA 98328
• Telephone Number: (360)641-1809
• Email: d.blue@eatonville.wednet.edu

Title IX Coordinator

• Name and/or Title: Dracy Blue, Executive Director of Student Services
• Address: 200 Lynch St. W., Eatonville, WA 98328
• Telephone Number: (360)641-1809
• Email: d.blue@eatonville.wednet.edu