SBLSD News
August 11, 2023
As we enjoy summer break in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, we also acknowledge the wildfire devastation in another beautiful part of our nation — Maui. Many in our Sumner-Bonney Lake community have ties to Hawaii and are experiencing a difficult time. We extend our heartfelt compassion and concern for all of those impacted — locally, on the island and throughout the state of Hawaii.
Resources for talking with children
Did you know that children can experience trauma indirectly through news reports and social media? This event might generate questions and concerns. For families who recognize a need to have a conversation with their child, here are some tips to guide the discussion:
Find a quiet moment to talk with your child.
Tell the truth with words about the facts at a level they can understand — there is no need to provide graphic details.
Give them the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings. Being available and listening to your child is crucial when bad things happen. It is OK to acknowledge your own feelings and model how you continue to move forward.
Most importantly, reassure your child that you will do everything you can to keep them safe and you are available to answer questions or talk about this topic in the future.
More resources:
Tips for Talking to Children and Youth After Traumatic Events
How to Talk with Kids about Tragedies and Other Traumatic News Events
Support for those impacted
For those who have the means and feel moved to help, funds donated to these organizations is the fastest way to directly support communities affected by the wildfires on Maui:
Summer’s not over, but if you’re looking for back-to-school information, have no fear.
Visit our Back-to-School Hub at sumnersd.org/BackToSchool, where you’ll find important information about school supplies, back-to-school nights, meals, health and medical forms, athletics, transportation, communication to families and more. Information will be added throughout the month.
Also check out our list of 2023-24 key dates, or visit your school’s website for school-specific information. Stay tuned for more communication from the District and your school throughout August.
The first day of school for grades 1-12 is Tuesday, Sept. 5. The first day of school for kindergarten is Friday, Sept. 8.
Main offices open for middle and high schools on Aug. 17. Elementary school offices open Aug. 21 (closed Aug. 24, 25). The 2023-24 Calendars will be sent to all families this month.
Our new voice, video intercom system installed at our schools last year was featured in a story by The News Tribune this month. This project was paid for by our voter-approved technology levy funding.
“The new voice and video intercom system at Samuel Neeley’s school makes him feel reassured.
‘I feel safe here,’ Neeley, a student at Sumner High School, told a reporter this summer.
The high school at 1707 Main St. has a device attached near the front door, greeting visitors since spring 2023. After visitors press the intercom button, they must give their name, purpose for visiting, and show a photo ID.”
Continue reading the full story here and check out the video for some familiar faces!
Congratulations to Michelle Lewis, Executive Director of Learning and Innovation with SBLSD, for being awarded Outstanding Administrator of the Year by the Washington Family & Consumer Science Educators organization!
The award recognizes administrative CTE professionals at the school, district, county, state, or federal level who have demonstrated leadership in ensuring teacher and student success and have made significant contributions toward innovative, unique, and effective Career and Technical Education and Family and Consumer Sciences Programs. Michelle was presented her award on Aug. 9 in Spokane.
One of Michelle's achievements was her support of the SBLSD Teaching Academy program. Michelle helped to streamline the process for our "grow your own'' educator model, ensuring that students who complete the Teaching Academy program go on to earn teacher certifications are guaranteed an interview for positions they are qualified for in our district. Michelle's foresight led to the inclusion of the paraeducator assessment as part of the Teaching Academy program, enabling students to secure paraeducator positions immediately after high school, if that aligns with their career aspirations.
We also want to give a shoutout to our family & consumer science educators, Rachel Aszklar (SHS) and Tricia Littlefield (BLHS), who were elected as co-presidents for the Washington Family & Consumer Science Educators! The organization is in the hands of great leaders!
The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District is creating a Safety Advisory Council, which will involve examining issues relating to providing students and staff with safe environments. The work also includes emergency preparedness and reviewing safety and operations data.
A recommending unit of safety and security, the Safety Advisory Council will include representatives from district staff, students and families, community members, and first responders.
Please complete this application and submit it to Charmaine Abram on or before 5 p.m. on Aug. 31. If you have questions, contact Charmaine Abram at charmaine_abram@sumnersd.org or (253) 891-6080. Learn more about the Safety Advisory Council.
