Superintendent Brower Newsletter

Dear Eatonville Students, Staff, Families, and Community Members,

As we reach the midpoint of the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made toward our strategic plan and reaffirm our key goals for the 2025–26 school year.

Focus #1: Academic Success – Dream Big, and Always Do Your Best!

I could not be prouder of our students who show up each day ready to learn and do their best. As I visit classrooms, attend student-led events, and cheer on our teams at athletic competitions, I am continually inspired by our students’ efforts and achievements.

Their success does not happen in isolation. It is supported by families who encourage attendance and effort every day, and by staff members who give 100% to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. Thank you to our dedicated staff and supportive families for making academic success a shared mission in Eatonville.

Academic success remains our top priority this year, last year, and for years to come. In addition, we are placing an increased emphasis on Preparation for Life. While our other strategic pillars Community and Belonging, Health and Wellbeing, Communication and Transparency, and Fiscal Responsibility remain essential, student growth and achievement, both now and in the future, must always come first.

I am excited to review our mid-year student growth data in English Language Arts and Math. Once all mid-year assessments are completed and compiled, I will share a detailed update in my next newsletter.

Focus #2: Preparation for Life

To achieve academic success, students must be in school.

Thank you for partnering with us to ensure students attend each day. Our educators are ready to support every learner, and we know that consistent attendance is one of the most critical factors in academic growth. Regular attendance is also a strong predictor of post-high school success, with positive correlations to graduation rates, earning potential, and long-term career stability.

Internships

This year, we are expanding internship opportunities throughout our community. Just this week, four seniors began new internships, an exciting step in preparing them for life beyond high school.

If you are interested in providing an internship opportunity for Eatonville High School students, please reach out to Ms. Powell at Eatonville High School. Community partnerships like these make a lasting difference for our students.

Transportation Successes

I am pleased to report that we have gone 22 months without a bus route cancellation. This consistency ensures students arrive at school on time every day and are able to fully participate and achieve at the highest levels.

In addition, our Transportation Department recently earned a 100% pass rate on the Washington State Patrol Winter Inspection. Congratulations to our transportation team on this outstanding achievement!

We are so pleased to share that we have recently secured and onboarded two new substitute school bus drivers, Randi Skagen and Kelsey Groenstedt. Superintendent Brower had the honor of riding along with our new drivers and shared that he has never felt safer on a bus.

We are so grateful for our Transportation Manager, Bonnie McNicol, for keeping things rolling smoothly and efficiently, as well as our driver trainer, Wendy Mayhew-Peterson, for her outstanding work.

Eatonville at the Washington State Capitol

Eatonville has been well represented in Olympia! Our students, staff, and school board members have been actively engaging with lawmakers to advocate for the needs of Eatonville students and our community.

On January 29, I had the honor of joining all three Student School Board Representatives Ruby, Caydence, and Eli, along with three board members, in meetings with State Representatives Matt Marshall and Andrew Barkis, as well as State Senator Jim McCune. Our students represented Eatonville exceptionally well and truly enjoyed the red-carpet treatment throughout the day.

Joe Harned Student Support Tutoring Program

In past newsletters, I’ve shared the exciting news of a generous donation that made the Joe Harned Student Support Program possible. I’m happy to report that this tutoring initiative continues to serve students in every Eatonville school, with each site tailoring the program to meet the specific needs of its learners.

The program is already contributing to increased academic success, and we’ve received overwhelming positive feedback from both parents and students. If you would like to learn more about tutoring opportunities for your child, please contact your local school.

Track and Field Update

We are making swift progress on fulfilling our promise to voters who approved the Capital Projects Levy to replace the community-use field and track at Eatonville High School. While funding for a new grandstand and stadium was not included in the levy, we have secured grants, donations, and legislative support to bring this vision to life.

I am deeply grateful to our voters and community members for helping make this long-overdue project a reality. Be sure to check out the latest photos on our social media pages or stop by to see the progress in person. Please mark your calendar for our ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 1!

Energy Grant Awarded

Last year, Eatonville School District was awarded a $1 million Clean Energy Fund grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce. This funding is being used to improve energy efficiency at Eatonville High School, helping us meet Clean Buildings Act requirements and avoid costly non-compliance fines.

Grant-funded improvements include HVAC system optimization, air balancing, and lighting upgrades. These enhancements create healthier, more comfortable learning environments for students while stretching local levy dollars further. As a result, EHS has already seen an approximate 15% reduction in electricity costs, allowing us to reinvest savings directly back into student programs and services.

Thank You for Your Support

It is an honor to serve as Superintendent of Eatonville Schools. I am deeply grateful for our students, staff, families, and community members who make this district such a special place to learn and grow. Thank you for your continued trust and unwavering support.

Eatonville Strong,

Jay Brower
Superintendent

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.

We are exploring the possibility of offering a Transition to Kindergarten (TK) Program for the 26-27 school year. At this time, we are gathering interest and potential enrollment numbers, but please note that this program is not yet confirmed and is dependent on a variety of factors. Please note that submitting this form does not guarantee enrollment.

Eatonville School District is preparing for the 26-27 school year and is now accepting Choice Transfer requests and regular enrollment applications for current TK–11th grade students.

Transfer forms will be accepted beginning February 2, with kindergarten registration opening the same day. Transfer forms are due by February 18.

Families are encouraged to review these timelines and submit forms early to support planning for the upcoming school year.

Mr. Danielson's Archery in Unified PE and 6th grade is a great example of our Preparation for Life pillar in action. Students build focus, patience, confidence, and teamwork while learning a lifelong skill from inspiring community role models.

The Technology Team is making significant strides in enhancing the educational experience for our students. With over 2,000 students and five main buildings, managing technology efficiently is crucial. Our dedicated team is turning challenges into opportunities for growth and learning. Special thanks to Jim Carey, IT Lead, Tyler Bisig, Network Engineer, and Sandy Doyle, IT Technician, for their outstanding efforts.

Future Ready Schools

Our IT team is driving technological advancement through a series of impactful projects. These initiatives are designed to enhance connectivity, modernize classroom tools, strengthen cybersecurity, and ensure our students are well-prepared for future challenges. Here are some key summer projects making a difference in our classrooms:

• Outdoor Wireless Access Points: Enhancing connectivity for students and staff.
• Battery Backups Installation: Ensuring uninterrupted power in all buildings.
• 139 Newline Interactive Boards Deployment: Modernizing classroom technology.
• Network and Security Enhancements: Transitioning to a cluster-style wireless network and improving cybersecurity measures.
• Chromebook Initiative: Implementing a rotating schedule for purchasing and maintaining devices.
• CTE Computer Lab: New desktop computers for CTE’s lab

Addressing Building Challenges

Our team is diligently addressing Chromebook and staff technology needs, having processed over 1,000 support tickets and repairs so far this year, with a continued focus on resolving each issue promptly and efficiently.

Network and Infrastructure Enhancements

Recent projects include the installation of battery backups in all buildings and the deployment of 139 Newline Interactive Boards for classroom instruction. These upgrades enhance the learning environment and ensure uninterrupted educational experiences. Future plans include expanding the wired network with more switches to support security systems and transitioning to a cluster-style wireless network. This will enhance connectivity and independence for each school, particularly those with external internet connections. One of our standout projects has been the installation of outdoor wireless access points, providing robust connectivity for students and staff. Our Network Engineer, Tyler Bisig and IT Lead, Jim Carey work to enhance our infrastructure and network, ensuring a seamless and secure learning environment for all.

Software and System Upgrades

The transition from our old Skyward system to the new Skyward Qmlativ platform has been a major focus. Kari and Jim met with individual staff to provide an introduction to the platform and ensure a smooth changeover, benefiting both students and staff.

Kari Agnew, Skyward Manager is a key team member to the district team. She has diligently cleaned up errors and maintained our databases. Her meticulous work, such as correcting data in our system, showcases the attention to detail that our district upholds.

Supporting Instructional Platforms

Our IT Lead, Jim Carey, plays a critical role in setting up and maintaining the instructional platforms that support your child's learning. This includes ensuring that all educational software and tools are readily available, up-to-date, and functioning smoothly. By managing platforms like i-Ready, our IT Lead ensures that teachers and students have reliable access to the resources they need for effective learning. This support helps create a seamless educational experience, making it easier for students to focus on their studies and achieve success.

Enhancing Safe and Secure Web Access for Students

Tyler Bisig, Network Engineer is dedicated to ensuring safe and secure web browsing for students. We've implemented security measures, including network-based systems and regular updates to firewalls and antivirus software. These efforts are essential for protecting sensitive information and maintaining a secure online learning environment.

Sustainability and Recycling

This team is committed to sustainability, repairing and recycling older computers to extend their usability. This hands-on approach not only saves resources but also supports our district’s goals of efficiency and environmental responsibility. Additionally, Sandy Doyle, IT Technician, has prepped about 700 outdated/broken devices, ensuring they continue to serve educational purposes elsewhere. Sandy plays a crucial role in keeping our devices in circulation. She supports library management and distribution, while also overseeing repairs and handling any necessary paperwork to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Chromebook Initiative

A structured plan is in place to purchase and maintain Chromebooks, ensuring students have access to the latest technology without running into obsolescence. A rotating schedule for purchases helps manage costs and maintain a reliable fleet of devices.

Supporting Student Achievement

By maintaining a reliable and innovative technological environment, our IT team plays a supportive role in preparing students for success both in school and in life. With continued dedication and tech solutions, the team ensures that our schools remain at the forefront of educational excellence.

Keeping Your Child Safe Using Technology at Home

As technology becomes an integral part of education, it's essential to ensure your child's safety online. Encourage open discussions about internet use and set clear guidelines for appropriate online behavior. Utilize parental controls and privacy settings to monitor and restrict access to unsuitable content. Educate your child about the importance of protecting personal information and recognizing online threats, such as phishing and scams. By fostering a safe digital environment at home, you can help your child navigate the online world responsibly and securely.

We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of our IT team and look forward to sharing more exciting developments in the future.

Reminder: Tuesday February 17, 2026 is a State Professional Learning Day, so school is not in session for students. We look forward to seeing our students on Wednesday.

Eatonville School District will host a professional development day focused on empowering teachers and promoting student success. This event reflects the district's commitment to fostering teacher growth and achieving academic excellence.

Customized Learning Tracks for Staff

• Elementary Teachers (K-5 ELA Focus):
  Teachers will engage with I-Ready trainers to explore the ELA Magnetic Portfolio, scaffolded activities, assessments, and access to the Teacher Toolbox.

• Middle School Teachers (6-8 Intervention/MTSS Focus):
  Educators will delve into intervention strategies using I-Ready, focusing on screening and targeted instruction..

• High School Teachers (Technology, HSBP):
  Teachers will explore tools like SchoolLinks and SchoolAI to align learning with future career pathways.

• Teacher-Directed Professional Learning For Pre-8 staff not involved in specific tracks, a self-directed professional development option is available. This flexible approach allowed educators to tailor their learning experiences, accommodating diverse professional growth needs.

Continuous professional development is crucial for educational success. We are appreciative of our staff’s effort and commitment to enhance their teaching practices, ensuring a bright future for all students.

Mark your calendars!

Join us on March 3, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm for our K-12 Parent Partnership Night held at Eatonville Middle School. Get the scoop on resources to support your child in and out of the classroom and enjoy a taco bar dinner.

Topics and resources include:

• Learning Standards
• Navigating Social Media
• Curriculum Review
• Take-home activities and resources
• Counseling Resources
• School-Family Compact
• Assessment Station
• Parent Volunteer Forms and Opportunities

Click here to RSVP: Family Night RSVP

English Language Proficiency Assessments

Assessment Window: January 26th-March 20th 2026

Title III of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires states to annually assess the English language proficiency of students receiving English language development (ELD) services at school. Washington utilizes the World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) Consortium for this purpose, both their array of assessments and their ELD standards that the assessments are based in. These standards correspond to Washington's content standards across content areas, while the WIDA assessments measure English proficiency in the four domains of listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

The WIDA ACCESS assessment is an annual English language proficiency assessment given online to all Multilingual Learners (MLs) who receive English language development (ELD) services. The annual assessment measures each student’s English language proficiency in the four domains of reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Results from this test determine eligibility for continued ELD services.

As we move through the school year, we want to take a moment to highlight the vital role our school counselors and social workers play in fostering the academic, social, and emotional growth of every student. The collaboration between home and school is key to ensuring that all students have the tools they need to succeed. In this edition of our district newsletter, we are focusing on the resources, initiatives, and programs offered by our school counseling team.

What Does the School Counselor & Social Worker Do?

Our school counselors are here to support your child in a variety of ways, including:

• Academic Guidance: Helping students set goals, stay organized, and navigate academic challenges.

• Social-Emotional Support: Offering strategies for managing emotions, building relationships, and resolving conflicts.

• Career and College Readiness: Providing resources for career exploration, high school course planning, and college application processes.

Crisis Intervention: Being a trusted resource in times of need, whether personal, family-related, or schoolwide.

Please see email addresses of our school counselors below:

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 winter has settled in, the colder months can bring unique challenges to our mental and emotional well-being. Shorter days, colder weather, and the post-holiday lull can sometimes lead to feelings of sadness, isolation, or increased stress. As a school community, we want to remind everyone that prioritizing mental health is just as important as caring for physical health.

Here are a few tips for maintaining mental well-being during the winter season:

1. Stay Active: Even light physical activity can boost your mood and energy levels. Bundle up and try a short walk outdoors or explore indoor activities like yoga.

2. Keep a Routine: Regular sleep and meal schedules can help provide structure and stability.

3. Connect with Others: Staying socially connected is crucial. Reach out to friends or loved ones, even virtually, if meeting in person is challenging.

4. Seek Natural Light: Whenever possible, spend time outdoors during daylight hours or sit by a window to soak up natural light.

5. Practice Self-Care: Take time for yourself to read, journal, or engage in hobbies that bring you joy.

We understand that for some, the winter season can bring more significant mental health challenges, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or heightened anxiety. Please know that support is available:

• Our school counseling office is here to assist students and families in need.

• We can connect you with additional resources, community programs, or mental health professionals.

If you or your child are feeling overwhelmed, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can work to create a supportive plan.

Let’s look out for one another during these colder months and make mental health a priority for all.

Counselor Appreciation Week is February 2 through 6, and we are proud to recognize the outstanding work of our school counselors across Eatonville School District. Their guidance, compassion, and commitment support students academically, socially, and emotionally every single day. Thank you to our dedicated counselors who make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families.

• EHS: Maryann Baker and Kirsten Dill
• EMS: Anisa Parks and Kylee Meysenburg (social workers)
• CCA: Kylee Meysenburg (social worker)
• EES: Jana McIlraith
• WES: Allysen Lindstrom

We are grateful for all that you do to uplift, encourage, and empower our students. Your teamwork, expertise, and care help create safe, welcoming learning environments where students can grow and thrive.

Next Meeting Date: February 5th from 5:30-6:30 pm

Eatonville Middle School Library

At Eatonville School District, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students. Our priority is to ensure that every member of our community feels valued and supported. It is our collective responsibility to uphold these principles and our zero-tolerance policy for harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB).

Understanding HIB:
Harassment, intimidation, and bullying encompass any behaviors, whether verbal, physical, or online, that are intended to harm, demean, or intimidate others. Such actions violate our values and can have serious consequences for individuals and the community.

To address HIB effectively:

• We provide regular training and workshops for students and staff.

• Our policies are readily available and emphasize reporting and accountability.

• We maintain anonymous reporting channels for anyone witnessing or experiencing HIB.

Civility in Our Community:
Beyond preventing HIB, we emphasize the importance of civility—treating one another with respect, empathy, and kindness. Civility creates a foundation for productive communication, mutual understanding, and a positive learning environment.

What You Can Do:
We encourage students, parents, and guardians to join us in this effort by:

1. Encouraging open conversations about respect and inclusion at home.

2. Reporting any incidents of HIB to [Contact Information].

3. Modeling civil behavior in daily interactions.

Resources and Support:
Our Student Services team is here to provide support, guidance, and resources. If you or your child ever feel unsafe or need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to us at (360)641-1809 or at d.blue@eatonville.wednet.edu.

Together, we can create a community where every individual feels safe, valued, and respected. Thank you for partnering with us to achieve this goal.

Working Together for All

2025-26 School Year

Purpose: To involve parents, district staff and the community to work on improving and enhancing the services for all children in the Eatonville School DIstrict. All stakeholders have unique, valued perspectives and expertise that need to be shared in order to better serve and meet the needs of all students, their families and staff.

Meeting Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Meeting Time: 6-7 pm

Meeting Location: Eatonville School District, Board Room

Meeting Topic: Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)

You are invited to attend an upcoming training focused on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and how communication devices can support students who benefit from alternative ways to express themselves.

This session is designed to build family understanding and confidence in supporting communication at home and will include:

• Basics of Communication Devices
  An overview of what AAC is, how communication devices work, and the different types of tools that may be used to support communication.
  
  

• Modeling Communication
  Practical, parent-friendly strategies for modeling language and encouraging meaningful use of communication devices during everyday routines at home and in the community.
  
  

• Ablenet Resource Overview
  Learn about Ablenet, an external resource that supports families in navigating funding options and identifying individualized communication devices that meet their child’s needs.
  
  

This training is appropriate for families at any stage of learning about AAC and is intended to provide practical information, real-world strategies, and helpful resources.

Students explored the exciting Snow Days Festival in Alberta, Canada through reading and discussion. They learned how communities celebrate winter with outdoor activities, art, and winter fun—even in very cold weather! The class enjoyed discovering how people embrace winter and turn snow into something to celebrate.

To bring our learning to life, students participated in a hands-on science and art activity by making artificial snow right in the classroom. They observed the texture, discussed how it compared to real snow, and used it creatively in an art project inspired by winter scenes and snow festivals.

Students from our elementary Structured Learning Centers (SLC) across the district have been participating in swim lessons at the high school pool as part of their instructional program. These lessons provide meaningful opportunities to build essential life skills, including water safety, physical fitness, confidence, and independence, while also supporting individualized learning goals.

Swimming instruction is thoughtfully planned and supervised by trained staff and aligns with students’ educational and developmental needs. In addition to the physical benefits, students gain valuable experiences navigating a community setting, following routines, and engaging in inclusive school activities.

We are proud to offer opportunities that promote access, inclusion, and skill-building for all students, and we appreciate the collaboration between our instructional staff and high school facilities that make this experience possible.

We are pleased to share a new family guidance resource developed by Eatonville School District to support students in our Highly Capable (Hi-Cap) Program. This document provides practical strategies for nurturing academic growth while also supporting students’ social-emotional well-being.

Families will find helpful information on asynchronous development, executive functioning skills, common characteristics of Highly Capable learners, and ways to partner with the school across elementary, middle, and high school years. The goal is to support curiosity, resilience, and healthy development—while ensuring students are appropriately challenged and supported.

We encourage families to review the sections most relevant to their child and reach out with any questions or concerns.

Hi-Cap Parent Resources

We invite you to join us for a Highly Capable Program Update and Information Night to learn more about the district’s Highly Capable services, upcoming program updates, and opportunities to support your student’s growth.

Date: February 12
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: EES Library

During this meeting, we will share:

• An update of the Highly Capable program and services

• Updates to program planning and supports

• Time for questions and discussion

We value family partnership and look forward to connecting with you as we continue to strengthen opportunities for our Highly Capable learners.

Every school day is a chance to learn, grow, and connect and it all starts with being here. When students show up on time and ready to learn, they build strong habits, deepen friendships, and keep their learning moving forward. Just like love, attendance takes commitment and consistency. This Valentine’s season, we are celebrating showing up because every day in school matters and our students are always worth it.

Support the EHS Class of 2026 and Dollars for Scholars with a delicious community fundraiser at Varsity Pizza. Families and community members are invited to enjoy a meal while helping local students build their future scholarship funds. A portion of every purchase during the event will go directly to support Eatonville graduates as they pursue college, technical training, and career goals. There will also be a Bake Sale held at Varsity that day to support the class of 2026!

This is an easy and fun way to invest in our students. Grab dinner with friends, invite neighbors, and help spread the word so the Class of 2026 can reach their scholarship dreams. Thank you for supporting our students and for being part of a community that shows up for kids.

We want to hear from you! Do you have a favorite Community Day or May Day memory?

Maybe a great photo from a past performance, parade, or May Pole dance? Please share your special memories and pictures using our Google Form below.

We look forward to seeing all the wonderful moments that make this tradition so special.

Members of the 2024-25 EHS Basketball team recently faced off in a college game held at Pierce College. Lillian Bickford now plays for the Lower Columbia Red Devils, while Tia Schanbeck suits up for Pierce College.

Adding to the excitement, former EHS coaches Deanna Andersen and Robyn Wright were in attendance, cheering on their former players and celebrating how far they have come.

Once a Cruiser, always a Cruiser. We are so proud of you both and love seeing EHS athletes continue to shine at the next level.

Saturday morning (January 31st) 19 EHS Band Students performed in the Washington State Mountain Region’s Solo & Ensemble Competition at Graham-Kapowsin High School. These students are the definition of Dedication as they spend hundreds of hours throughout their high school career performing for our community

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