District Celebrates Outstanding Achievements in Student Learning
Big Lake Elementary, Central Elementary, Evergreen Elementary, and Mary Purcell Elementary have been recognized for their exceptional work in improving student learning for the 2022-23 school year. This prestigious acknowledgment is part of the Washington School Recognition Program, which honors K–12 public schools across the state for their efforts in closing opportunity gaps, and promoting student growth and academic achievement.
“As a district, we are immensely proud of the dedication and hard work demonstrated by the staff and students at our recognized schools,” Superintendent Miriam Mickelson said. “Their commitment to educational excellence and continuous improvement has earned them this well-deserved recognition.”
Big Lake and Mary Purcell were recognized for Growth for one or more student groups.
Central and Evergreen were recognized for Closing Gaps for English learner progress.
Recognition Criteria
Schools recognized by the Washington School Recognition Program are those identified for school improvement supports through the WSIF. This framework uses multiple measures of data to identify schools that require additional state resources, tools, and assistance targeted to meet student needs. The types of support provided vary based on the specific needs of each school and may include additional technical assistance, partnerships with continuous improvement professionals, and access to targeted funding.
There are three routes through which schools can be honored by the program:
Closing Gaps: Schools making significant advancements for all students or specific student groups in areas identified for improvement.
Growth: Schools with at least one student group among the highest performers on at least 60% of WSIF measures.
Achievement: Schools demonstrating high performance on at least two of the following measures: attendance, dual credit completion, English language arts (ELA) assessments, graduation rates, math assessments, and ninth grade on-track.
Washington School Recognition Program
For the 2021–22 and 2022–23 school years, a total of 571 public schools in 178 school districts across Washington state have earned this distinguished recognition. Of these, 104 public schools achieved recognition for both school years.
Recognized schools, including Big Lake, Central, Evergreen, and Mary Purcell, will receive a banner to display proudly in their buildings. This recognition is a collaborative effort between the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the State Board of Education (SBE), and the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee (EOGOAC). These organizations work together to identify and honor schools that demonstrate outstanding performance through the Washington School Improvement Framework (WSIF).
Sedro-Woolley Community Open House
The Heartwood House is hosting an open house on Tuesday, September 17, from 5:30-7:30 PM to share information about their peer grief support groups for youth aged 6-18 years old and their caregivers. Enjoy pizza and snacks while connecting with others in our community. This event is open to the public, families who are grieving, and anyone serving youth in our community!
Location: Heartwood House, 2136 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley
Questions? Reach out to Avry Richter at Avry.Richter@UnitedGeneral.org or call (360) 420-9390.
Come and learn more about Rooted and the support we offer!
Late-Start Wednesdays
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.
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/
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
