SBLSD News
May 25, 2023
More than 300 Sumner-Bonney Lake families and student athletes gathered at Sumner High School on May 24 to participate in a Mental Health and Wellness Matter event.
The event helped families gain understanding of athletes’ stress and mental health concerns, identify signs and symptoms of mental health distress, acquire skills to help youth in crisis or considering suicide and learn about resources.
Keynote speaker Marcus Trufant, former Seattle Seahawk, spoke about his personal experiences and encouraged students that they weren’t alone if they needed to talk to someone about their mental health.
“Don't be afraid. Talk to a close friend. Talk to a family member. We're all in this together. We're all human beings who fall short, that are flawed, that can do better and that need a little bit of help. Things aren't always going to be great, but there's always somebody there that's got your back. You're never by yourself,” he said.
SBLSD coaches echoed the message.
“You're not alone. You’ve got teammates, you've got classmates and you've got other people that are thinking about you and thinking those same things along with you,” said Mike Olson, head coach of BLHS Panthers Baseball.
Families also heard from UW Forefront Suicide Prevention experts about LEARN, a five-step process to help recognize when someone may be at risk for suicide and how to connect them with immediate help.
For more mental health and wellness resources, visit sumnersd.org/wellness or kidsmentalhealthpiercecounty.org.
Melissa Harmon, Cosmetology Instructor: “When choosing Michelle for this year's SOY, a few things made them stand out from the rest of their amazing peers. They are always on time, they always are willing to help without being asked, they are always on task and very often help me stay on track. They rarely complain about the workload from the program and when they do, it’s probably warranted. Michelle has a passion for hair and the hair industry. They are not only talented, but also open to learning new ways of doing things. They never shy away from a challenge and can be trusted to demonstrate maturity beyond their age.”
Gaudencio Merafuentes, Pre-Pharmacy Instructor: “Kennedy has truly excelled both in the classroom and at her internship with Walgreens. Throughout her time in the program, she has consistently shown a strong commitment to her studies and a willingness to go above and beyond in all aspects of her work. She has demonstrated a deep understanding of the subject matter, as well as an ability to apply that knowledge in practical settings. In the Pre-Pharmacy class, she has actively participated in discussions and is always eager to share her insights and engage with her peers. Her hard work, dedication, and passion for her studies have set her apart as an exceptional student. I am confident Kennedy will continue to achieve great things in her future endeavors.”
For the first time in about 10 years, the District’s Transportation Department participated in a regional Bus Road-e-o on May 20, bringing back a fun tradition and winning the third place team award.
Sponsored by the Puget Sound Educational Service District and held at Auburn School District’s transportation office, nine school districts competed this year with the theme “Blue Jeans & Bling.” Four SBLSD drivers participated in the competition, which included several complex obstacle courses that tested driving skills and safety.
Congratulations goes to Kellie Lohre, Jenny Peters, Emily Chappell, and Kellie Pinkowsky, who practiced for about a month prior to the competition.
“It’s a really good learning experience for all drivers, but especially new drivers,” said Debbie Lewis, a longtime SBLSD driver who has competed in the past and went to state. Now, she helps other drivers hone their skills for the competition. “It helps build up your confidence.”
Obstacle courses include a railroad crossing, parallel parking, right hand turn, straight line (driving a bus through tennis balls with about an inch clearance on each side of the dual tires), back-in, curb line (pulling close to the curb within a restricted distance), diminishing clearance (smoothly driving the bus in a manner through an area of diminishing clearances), student stop and load, and more.
“I decided I wanted to do something positive,” said Kellie Pinkowsky, who competed at the Road-e-o for the second time. “I'm just doing it to have fun.”
About 30 of the District’s transportation staff and 17 family members were at the event to cheer on the participating drivers. They wore matching, theme-appropriate shirts and decked out a bus with “Wanted” posters of the participants, cowboy hats, bejeweled jeans, and faces of each member of the department.
“My favorite part is getting with the other districts and talking with other drivers, and the driver trainers having their families come together,” Debbie said. “It's just a big bonding experience.”
Upgrades to Sumner’s Sunset Stadium and Bonney Lake’s Panther Field mean simultaneous temporary closures of the venues this summer. The Athletics and Facilities Scheduling Office is working hard to find alternative field space during the closure. They will communicate directly with those who’ve already reserved the spaces.
Here is the tentative schedule for the upgrades:
Sunset Stadium: Track resurfacing, June 26-July 9
Panther Field: Turf replacement, June 19-Aug. 11
