Superintendent Brower Newsletter

In honor of Veterans Day, the Eatonville School District would like to extend a heartfelt invitation to all veterans and their families to attend our annual Veterans Day programs. These events are a special opportunity for our students and staff to recognize and celebrate the service and sacrifice of our veterans.

We would be truly honored to have you join us as our guests of honor. We hope you will join us as we come together to show our deep gratitude and appreciation for all you have done for our country.

Thank you for your service, and we look forward to honoring you.

This is a time to honor and celebrate the rich histories, traditions, languages, and diverse cultures of American Indians and Alaskan Natives. We also recognize their important contributions and enduring impact on our society.

This month provides a meaningful opportunity to educate ourselves and others about the unique challenges Indigenous people have faced, both past and present, and the resilience and strength they have shown in overcoming those challenges. Let’s celebrate and learn together!

Eatonville School District Board of Directors have set inspiring goals for the 2024-2025 school year!

Goal #1: Establish and maintain high expectations for student learning.
Goal #2: Align district goals with school improvement plans.

We are committed to achieving excellence in every classroom, every building, and everywhere throughout our district!

To learn more about how these goals will be put into action, check out the School Improvement Plans for each of our five schools, now posted on the district website. Let’s work together for an amazing school year!

We are excited to share that our students are making strides on their pathways to success. The Common Core State Standards provide clear, consistent guidelines for what every student should know and be able to do in Math and English Language Arts from kindergarten through 12th grade. Our fall I-Ready data reflects higher levels of achievement and growth for our 2024-25 school year launch as compared to our Fall 2023 data.

I-Ready Assessment Comparison:
We are pleased to announce that Eatonville students have shown progress on their I-Ready Diagnostic test. When compared to Washington State and national scores, our K-8 students are off to a solid start. This is a testament to the hard work of our students, parents, and educators!

The state has completed scoring for the spring 2024 assessments; score reports were made available during parent-teacher conferences last week, for grades 3-8, 10 and 11. If you were unable to attend the conference, you can request your student’s score report by contacting your child’s teacher.

Understanding State Testing Smarter Balance Assessment

Please remember that state tests offer a snapshot of your student’s performance at a specific time and should not be viewed as the only indicators of their skills and knowledge. Classroom performance is a significant factor in understanding your child's academic journey.

For additional information about the SBA and WCAS (science assessment), including how to understand student score reports and learning standards, please visit the following resources:

• State Testing Overview

• Starting Smarter

If you have questions regarding your student’s state testing results or their overall academic performance, please do not hesitate to reach out to your student’s school.

One essential tool for families is the Washington State School Report Card, hosted by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). This site provides comprehensive information about our schools. To explore the School Report Card, please visit the following link: OSPI School Report Card.

We are pleased to share progress using our new History curriculum at Eatonville Middle School and Columbia Crest. Our teachers have been dedicated to integrating new resources and actively engaging students in our social studies classes, using the new TCI History curriculum.

Sixth Grade Teacher Mr. TJ Cotterill speaks to student engagement and success in the classroom.

“I've really enjoyed our new TCI curriculum's interactive and hands-on materials. I’m impressed with its flexible activities, from readings with embedded checks for understanding, to group projects, lesson games and video activities. For example, during our "Cave Clues" activity, students worked in teams with flashlights to interpret placards of ancient cave paintings, sculptures and tools around the room, developing their hypotheses about prehistoric humans, comparing these ideas with those of social scientists and presenting their arguments to the class. This process reinforced their critical thinking and gave them a chance to engage directly with historical evidence.

Currently, we’re studying the six key themes of world history, where students are challenged with solving a riddle from the fictional "Oracle of History" that encourages them to recognize historical patterns. TCI’s range of assessment options have been engaging, as well, including interactive lesson games (like cracking the code to uncover a cave painting they need to analyze) and inquiry-based projects that encourage students to build their own compelling questions and research these with evidence, fostering a deeper inquiry-driven mindset. TCI also integrates well with Google Classroom so students can easily access the content. It's clear their focus is on making its curriculum dynamic and alive, which is great for our students.

Overall, I've enjoyed and I've seen the students benefit from TCI’s resources providing a strong foundation for engaging, thought-provoking lessons. I have seen firsthand how lessons motivate students to delve deeply into history and think critically about the past.”

This program offers interactive and student-centered materials that make history come alive. This material emphasizes collaboration, and real-world connections, allowing students to engage with history in meaningful ways.

Engaging Student Activities

• Project-Based Learning: Our teachers are implementing project-based learning activities where students can choose topics of interest and conduct in-depth research.

• Role-Playing and Simulations: Students will participate in role-playing and simulations that immerse them in historical events. These activities help develop empathy and understanding of different perspectives throughout history.

• Collaborative Group Work: Teachers are incorporating more group work, where students collaborate on projects, discuss historical events, and share their insights. This not only builds teamwork skills but also enhances their communication and critical thinking abilities.

Ask Open-Ended Questions

Parents can engage your students in a history class conversation through open ended questions. Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about their learning by asking open-ended questions. Open-ended questions promote critical thinking and help your child articulate their experiences and understanding. This approach not only fosters a love for learning but also strengthens your relationship through meaningful dialogue. For example:

• "What was the most interesting thing you learned today?"

• "Can you tell me about a challenge you faced in school and how you overcame it?"

• "What is something you would like to explore further?"

Our Core Instructional Leaders play a crucial role in enhancing English Language Arts (ELA) instruction and overall academic performance through collaborative discussions and data analysis. They facilitate the sharing of insights among classroom teachers to identify barriers and refine instructional strategies, ensuring that decisions are informed by those who understand the daily realities of teaching. Teachers: Jenny Clemenson, Samantha Stone, Rachel Hight, and Christian Tonkinson will be supporting the great work of our elementary teachers in the first year implementation of new Magnetic Reading Materials.

The Elementary Report Card Committee work includes plans to make improvements for the 2024-25 school year to better accomplish the following: Provide a report card that is easily understood by all parents, regardless of prior experience. In the report card, recognize strengths and growth for all students. Ensure grading reflects feedback on most important skills and knowledge that students learned and were assessed in our curriculum. Provide clear and consistent feedback to students and families using standards-based criteria that is readily available to parents in an easy-to-understand format. The teachers involved in this work are: Heidi Piper, Cathy Pederson, Jenny Clemensen, Katie Hilliker, Jade Engleback, Hayley Hancock, Kendra Best.

November pays tribute to the cultures and traditions of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities; celebrating their rich histories, stories, and enduring contributions to the United States – and underscoring the importance of upholding treaty responsibilities, promoting self-determination, and respecting Tribal sovereignty.

This month provides a meaningful opportunity to educate ourselves and others about the unique challenges Indigenous people have faced, both past and present, and the resilience and strength they have shown in overcoming those challenges. Let’s celebrate and learn together!

Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty in Washington state or other tribally-developed curriculum be taught in all schools. The use of the Since Time Immemorial curriculum has been endorsed by all 29 federally recognized tribes.

• Since Time Immemorial Curriculum

• Native American Heritage-Teacher Resources

The NAYLA program is geared to help gather Native American youth from across the Western Washington region. It develops leadership, communication, and life skills for Native youth in a safe and nurturing environment. These students, who represent many districts, gather and discuss topics that affect their lives and how to approach solving issues. Along with making new friends and stepping out of their comfort zones, these students learn to become leaders in their schools, among their peers, and in their communities. Video: What Is NAYLA Video: NAYLA.

The Highly Capable Program (HiCap) is a program that provides instruction and services for students who are identified as having exceptional academic, cognitive, and/or creative abilities. The program is designed to help students explore learning and accelerate their learning through enhanced activities.

View the newsletter below to see what our elementary HiCap students have been doing.

Question: As the new school year begins, when must students eligible for special education and related services start receiving services?

Answer: Each school district must have in effect an individualized education program (IEP) for every student within its jurisdiction who is eligible to receive special education services at the beginning of the school year (WAC 392-172A-03105). The beginning of a new school year, however, often brings questions about when students eligible for special education will start receiving services. School districts are reminded that they cannot arbitrarily determine when special education and related services will begin or schedule them to begin after the start of the school year for some providers (SECC 16-29 (2016)). Furthermore, a school district policy mandating that services for all students eligible for special education will begin at a specific time after the beginning of the school year (e.g., the third week of the school year) would not be consistent with the IDEA and its implementing regulations (Letter to Ackerhalt, 60 IDELR 21 (OSEP 2012)). The IEP team, which includes the parent(s) and school district officials, determines the projected date for the start of a service based on the individual needs of the student. The IEP team, on a case-by-case basis, may determine that the individual needs of the student require that the start date of a service should occur the first week of school or some other time after the beginning of the school year. Any decision by an IEP team regarding the anticipated start date for services must be documented within the IEP.

(WAC 392-172A-03090). The expectation, however, absent any other documented decision from an IEP team, is that students eligible for special education start receiving services at the beginning of each school year.

Positive behavioral support is a general term for classroom management strategies designed to help teachers understand why challenging behavior occurs, address the motivation behind the behavior, and alter the learning environment to provide positive support and encouragement for the desired behavior. Creating and implementing a positive behavior system at home is just as crucial as it is in schools. Check out the link below to view great resources and simple steps to creating a positive behavior system in your home!

Executive Director of Student Services

Dracy McCoy

200 Lynch St. W./PO Box 698

Eatonville, WA 98328

(360)641-1809

d.mccoy@eatonville.wednet.edu

Special Services Executive Assistant

Tonya Roebuck

200 Lynch St. W./PO Box 698

Eatonville, WA 98328

(360)641-1807

t.roebuck@eatonville.wednet.edu

We wish you a wonderful holiday spending time with those you love.

We are thankful for all of our Eatonville School District families, staff, students, partnerships and community members.

How to Enroll in Champions:

1. Visit DiscoverChampions.com and create your account.
2. Follow the step-by-step instructions to enroll your child.
3. Customize your schedule through the Family Portal.

For more information on enrollment and scheduling, check out the flyers linked below. If you need help, Champions Family Support is available Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST at 1-800-246-2154.

• Wednesday, November 13th, 7 PM, Work Study Meeting at the District Office Boardroom
• Tuesday, November 26th, 7 PM, Business Meeting at the District Office Boardroom

On November 15, K-5 parents can now view your child's report card on their Skyward Family Access account.

To access the report card:
1️⃣ Log in to your Skyward Family Access account.
2️⃣ On the left side, click on the "Portfolio" tab to view the report card.

If you need help logging in or don't know your login information, please reach out to our school secretary

We are incredibly proud to announce that our very own Erik Danielson from Eatonville Middle School was honored today at Pacific Lutheran University, where he received the prestigious S.H.A.P.E. Washington (Society of Health and Physical Educators) Middle School Teacher of the Year Award!

This award recognizes the top Health and Physical Educators in the state, as chosen by their peers and professional mentors. It's a tremendous honor to be acknowledged by such a distinguished group, and I was thrilled to witness this moment firsthand as Erik was presented with his plaque.

Mr. Danielson's dedication to our students and his passion for teaching has led to several innovative programs at Eatonville Middle School. From pioneering our Adaptive Physical Education program—ensuring all students have access to fitness activities tailored to their needs—to launching the highly popular Archery program and Life Sports curriculum, Erik continues to leave a lasting impact on our school and community.

This recognition is well-deserved, and we are so fortunate to have such a talented educator shaping the lives of our students. Congratulations, Erik, and thank you for all you do!

When to Keep Students Home:

To help keep our school community healthy, please keep students home if they have any of the following symptoms:

• Fever over 100.4°F
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash not cleared by a healthcare provider
• Open or draining wounds that cannot be covered
• Not feeling well enough to participate in school activities

When Students Can Return to School:
Students may return to school once they are symptom-free, showing improvement, fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, and free from vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours.

Student Concussions and Injuries:
If your child is diagnosed with a concussion or injury, please provide medical documentation indicating when they are cleared to return to school and resume normal activities. Include any specific accommodations recommended by a healthcare provider.

Thank you for helping keep our students and staff safe and healthy!

Congratulations to the 2024 inductees of the Eatonville Chapter of the National Honor Society! The Induction Ceremony was beautiful, and we are so proud of these outstanding students. They join a group that now totals 108 members at EHS!

Let’s celebrate the hard work, dedication, and commitment to both academics and service shown by each of these incredible students:

• Alice Alexander
• Cooper Allar
• Carston Massier
• Asher Bamford
• Emilie Bandel
• Hannah Bieker
• Gavin Campbell
• Rylin Caramandi
• Margaret Ebert
• Morgan Eichost
• Cody Estby
• Cole Fowler
• Emmi Friedt
• Katie Froud
• Jacob Golding
• Samantha Hann
• Bella Henneberry
• Gracie Hennessey
• Khloe Jacobs
• Taylor Johnson
• Katie Johnston
• Carson Jones
• Michael Killion Meyer
• Morgan Laird
• Peyton Lindquist
• Linnea Lofgren
• Titus Lowe
• Cameron Massier
• Kaitlyn McCandless
• Savannah McCandless
• Madison McChesney
• Roxy McFadden
• Silas McMains
• Callie Mohler
• Ella Mohler
• Kalli Olson
• Grace Prater
• Nash Sherrard
• Logan Shipman
• Nicholas Shipman
• Jacob Simons
• Lane Smith
• Carlito Tapia
• Nohea Uhls
• Kayleigh Vanderveer
• Isaiah Whatley

Keep striving for excellence, both in the classroom and beyond!

On Friday, Oct. 25, members of our Anti-Bullying Committee and a group of enthusiastic middle and high school students came together to sponsor and volunteer at the Eatonville Family Agency Community Dinner. This event was more than just a meal; it symbolized our community's dedication to fostering safe, respectful, and supportive school environments.

Committee member Darren Sniezak addressed attendees, sharing the committee’s commitment to our anti-bullying and civility program. "Our efforts are about more than just behavior; they’re about giving every student a chance to feel secure, supported, and able to thrive," he emphasized. Darren highlighted the importance of active collaboration with student leaders at all grade levels, empowering them to set a positive example and contribute directly to a culture of kindness and respect.

The Anti-Bullying Committee is also dedicated to transparency and open communication with families, welcoming input from our community to shape our efforts effectively.

We are proud of the students and staff who dedicated their time to this event, setting an inspiring example of leadership and unity. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this impactful evening!

Our mission is to create a culture of safety and civility for all. We invite staff, students, administration, parents, and community members to be a part of our efforts to foster a respectful and supportive environment in Eatonville.

Upcoming Meeting Dates:

• 11/14 from 5:30 - 6:30 PM at the Eatonville Middle School Library
• 12/12 from 5:30 - 6:30 PM at the Eatonville Middle School Library

To be added to our email distribution list, please contact: a.meines@eatonville.wednet.edu.

Let's work together to make a difference!

The Eatonville High School Junior Class came together with generosity and creativity to make Senior Night even more memorable by putting together these gift baskets and blankets for the graduating seniors. Emma, Ruby, Lily, Ruth, Linnea, and Katelyn dedicated time and effort into this heartfelt gesture that shows their appreciation and school spirit. This thoughtful project not only highlighted their creative talents but also underscored the strong bond within the EHS community, celebrating their seniors in a meaningful and lasting way.

We had an amazing tour at the GRITS farm led by the incredible Jeanette Dorner, Executive Director of the Nisqually Land Trust. Huge thanks to Jeanette for guiding us through the day! This field trip was part of a three-day workshop for individuals working on nonpoint water quality pollution from state and federal agencies in EPA Region 10.

We were honored to host professionals from Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and even Washington DC. Such a valuable opportunity to connect and share knowledge around protecting our environment!

We had the incredible honor of celebrating Terry High, our amazing Food Service Manager, for her 40 years of dedicated service to the Eatonville School District!

Terry began her journey as a bus driver, later moved into the kitchen as an assistant cook and cashier, and in 1990, she became the head cook at Eatonville Middle School. For the past 5 years, she’s been leading the district as our Food Service Manager, ensuring all of our students receive nutritious meals each day.

Terry’s hard work and commitment to the students and staff over the decades have made a lasting impact. We are so grateful for her years of service and look forward to many more!

We're pleased to honor Sandy Doyle, our amazing tech technician, with the Glass Apple Award for her outstanding 25 years of service with Eatonville School District! Sandy’s dedication to keeping our tech running smoothly and helping students, teachers, and staff has made a lasting impact on every classroom and team she supports. She brings skill, patience, and an incredible work ethic, always going above and beyond to keep our district connected and learning.

Thank you, Sandy, for your 25 years of commitment, expertise, and care for our district family. We’re so grateful to have you on our team. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition

Congratulations to the following Eatonville High School staff members for their years of dedicated service, celebrated through the 🍎 Apple Awards 🍎!

• Tira Hancock – With an impressive 30 years as a Science Teacher, Tira has inspired generations of students, fostering curiosity and a love for science in her classroom.

• Kelly Powell – Celebrating 25 years as CTE Director and Teacher, Kelly has shaped the district’s Career and Technical Education, preparing students for hands-on careers and lifelong skills.

• Geoff Olson – Acknowledged for 25 years as a PE Teacher, Geoff has promoted health, teamwork, and resilience, supporting students' physical and personal growth.

• Rena Aguilar – With 15 years as a dedicated Custodian, Rena’s hard work has been crucial to maintaining a safe, welcoming school environment for all.

Thank you to each of these outstanding professionals for their incredible commitment and positive impact within Eatonville School District!

We're grateful to Erik Swartout for capturing breathtaking drone shots over the football field during a recent game! Not only did he capture the game’s high energy, but he also gave us a stunning view of the aurora lighting up the night sky.

• Don’t delay! You can mark and return your ballot as soon as you receive it in the mail. You can return your ballot for free using USPS mail or a ballot drop box. Visit PierceCountyElections.org to learn more or find a drop box near you.
• Your vote matters. Have questions or need assistance for election? Call the Pierce County Elections team and they can help! 253-798-VOTE (8683).
• Your vote is your voice. Don't sit this election out. Get your ballot returned before 8 p.m. on election day. Find a drop box near you by visiting PierceCountyElections.org.

A regular attendance routine is important for your child’s well-being, learning and long-term success. Attached are tips to keep your child healthy and avoid unnecessary absences from school.

On August 28 our entire Eatonville School District staff stood together, united in learning and growth during our Professional Development Day. In our white t-shirts generously donated by TwinStar, we formed the shape of our beloved Mt. Rainier, symbolizing our collective strength and dedication to our students. We are Eatonville Strong, committed to reaching the top for our kids!

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 #404 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

• Title IX Coordinator, Section 504/ADA Coordinator & Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator: Dracy McCoy, Executive Student Services. Email: d.mccoy@eatonville.wednet.edu Address: 200 Lynch St. W., Eatonville, WA 98328; Telephone: 360-879-1000
• Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
• Information about the nondiscrimination and sex-based discrimination policies and grievance procedures, and how to report a concern or complaint, linked here.