District newsletter
October 24, 2025
What happens when Dorothy doesn’t return to Kansas, but instead lands in Wonderland? Cascade Middle School’s drama students take audiences on a whimsical adventure as Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Lion team up with Alice to outwit the Queen of Hearts.
Performances are Friday, October 24, and Saturday, October 25, at 7 p.m. in the old cafeteria on Township Street. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and tickets are $5 per person.
(Photo by Emma Westendorf)
Third graders in Meggan Massey Bogue’s class at Central Elementary recently welcomed a special visitor — Adele Eslinger from United General District 304’s Farm to School program.
Adele led students in a hands-on lesson about cover crops, plants that help protect and improve soil during the rainy winter months.
“We don’t want the soil to go away,” she told the class. “Cover crops help keep it in place and make it healthier for spring planting.”
Students also explored the concept of companion planting, discovering which plants grow well together — like garlic and its helpful garden friends. Working in small teams, students completed a fun handout to match plants with ideal companions.
The visit was part of the district’s ongoing effort to connect students with real-world science and local agriculture, helping them see how the choices farmers make support both healthy soil and healthy communities.
Sedro-Woolley High School’s FFA Trap Shooting team wrapped up another outstanding season, competing with skill and precision throughout the fall.
The team consistently placed near the top of the leaderboard, earning multiple first-place ties with Stanwood and Burlington early in the season before finishing 7th overall at the District Championship, held October 21 at Old Skagit Gun Club.
Junior Tyce Croucher led the way, tying for first place at the District Championship and ultimately earning 2nd place overall after a close 25-shot shoot-off with Burlington’s top shooter.
Other top scorers advancing to Districts included:
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Tyce Croucher (11th grade) – 145/150
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Caleb Bethea (12th grade) – 142/150
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Kaden Butcher (11th grade) – 122/150
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Douglas Fraser (9th grade) – 115/150
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Maddy Weyand (11th grade) – 113/150
Coach Jill True praised the students for their focus, sportsmanship, and teamwork throughout the season:
“It’s been another fantastic year with a great group of SWHS students," she said.
This week marked the first meeting of the Big Lake Elementary Math Olympiad team! Students in grades 4–6 from Big Lake—and Clear Lake students who can arrange transportation—are joining together to explore challenging math problems and creative problem-solving strategies.
Through the Mathematical Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS) program, participants will practice weekly and compete in national contests throughout the year. The club aims to spark a love of math, build teamwork, and help students develop flexible thinking skills in a fun, supportive environment.
Practice sessions run Wednesdays from 3:30–4:45 p.m., October through March.
Meet Mrs. Stephanie Cates
Throughout the year, we’ll be introducing you to new staff members across Sedro-Woolley School District. Each brings unique experiences, talents, and a commitment to empowering students.
Sedro-Woolley High School and Cascade Middle School welcome Stephanie Cates, who teaches choir at both schools. While she’s new to this dual role, Cates is no stranger to Sedro-Woolley—she previously taught choir, World Music Drumming, and guitar at Cascade from 2005 to 2013.
“It is an honor to get to step back into my old role and add a new one with the high school program as well,” she said.
Cates knew early on she wanted to be a teacher. “I used to play classroom with my friends, making my little sister do all sorts of school lessons with me,” she said. Her love of music grew through her involvement in Seattle Children’s Chorus, where her director became a lifelong mentor. “Her passion for kids and music was evident in all she did, and through the years my desire grew to someday be able to do what she did.”
To Cates, empowering students means “to give them the tools they need to find success and to take ownership in their learning. I want students to find their voice (musically and personally), and learn how music can help them express themselves in a positive, meaningful way.”
She said she hopes to empower students by guiding them through challenges, helping them “recognize both the places where they are already succeeding and find the places where they can grow.” In her classes, she encourages students to take risks, celebrate each other’s successes, and use their voices to uplift others.
Fun fact: Cates isn’t just a teacher—she’s also a district parent with children at all three levels of school: elementary, middle, and high.
“I am thrilled to be back in the role of teaching choir again,” she said. “Getting to be back in the classroom, spending time with my choir students, getting to know them, and making music together is such a blessing to me, and I am excited to see the choir program grow.”
It’s that time of year to apply to be a member of Sedro-Woolley High School’s National Honor Society Chapter. The Sedro-Woolley High School National Honor Society Chapter currently has 72 members! Last year, 32 seniors from the class of 2025 graduated with NHS recognition, and we are excited to add new members!
Use the QR Code to access the requirements and application process (maintain a 3.4 or higher cumulative GPA, while taking at least two advanced courses each year - Running Start and some CTE pathways count). Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible to apply as well as HiCap freshmen taking Honors 10 English and one other advanced course.
(Please note: Students must be signed into their student email account to fill out this form.)
NHS application submission deadline is Friday, November 7.
Please Note: This is not affiliated with SWHS Honor Roll.
Bring your creativity to the Festival of Trees Gingerbread House Contest during Family Festival Days in Mount Vernon!
🗓 Saturday, November 29, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
🗓 Sunday, November 30, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
📍 Saint Joseph Center, 215 N. 15th Street, Mount Vernon
Entries are open to individuals, families, and groups—whether you’re crafting from scratch or decorating a store-bought kit. Houses must fit on an 18" x 13" cookie sheet.
Registration deadline: November 17, 2025
Drop-off: 9:30–10 a.m. on Saturday, November 29
Voting & prizes: Festival guests will vote for their favorites, and the top three entries will win prizes! Winners will be notified by 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 30.
Log Your Digital Box Tops
Many of our schools are collecting box tops... digitally! Just scan your receipt and earn money for your school!
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/
Interim Superintendent — Brian Isakson
Assistant Superintendent of Business & Operations - Brett Greenwood
Exec. Director, Educational Support Services — Anthony Smith
Exec. Director, Human Resources & Student Support — Daniel Lee
Director, Student Support — Michael Schweigert
IT Director — Byron Haner (360) 855-3587
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
Eric A. Johnson, President (District 4)
Brent Schiefelbein (District 1)
Lindy Mullen Doyle (District 2)
Becky Taft (District 5)
