The WOLFPACK Family/Community News
Coupeville School District January 16, 2026
A Message from Superintendent Leatherwood
Thank you to everyone who attended our Levy Information Night this past Wednesday. It was wonderful to see so many community members there as we continue sharing facts about the upcoming ballot measure on February 10, 2026.
If you were unable to attend but would like more information, please visit our website or preview the information later in this newsletter. I have also included a video below showcasing the amazing work happening in Coupeville Schools.
Please remember to vote on February 10, 2026. The programs and opportunities highlighted in the video—and so much more—are made possible through levy support from our community.
Go Seahawks!
Shannon Leatherwood, Superintendent
Wolf Pack Staff Shoutout
Katja Willeford | CMS Science and Robotics Teacher
This week’s Wolf Pack Staff Shoutout goes to Katja Willeford, a thoughtful, dedicated, and endlessly creative educator who continues to shape Coupeville Middle School in meaningful ways.
Katja is known as a problem solver who consistently steps up to help make CMS better for students and staff. She wears many hats and approaches each one with focus, resilience, and care. Whether she’s refining curriculum, supporting school initiatives, or teaching robotics classes that are consistently filled to the brim, Katja brings energy and intention to her work.
💬 “Katja is a problem solver and always steps up to be a part of solutions.”
A passionate advocate for students, Katja has played a key role in building and strengthening the middle school robotics program. Through professional development, championing resources, and designing engaging coursework, she has created learning opportunities that are relevant, challenging, and exciting for students.
💬 “She has built something special with the robotics program that truly connects with kids.”
Katja’s ability to dig deeply into curriculum and continuously improve past practices reflects her commitment to growth and student success. Add in her creativity, humor, and unmistakable enthusiasm for science, it’s easy to see why she’s such a valued and admired member of our Wolf Pack.
💬 “She makes science sparkle.”
Thank you, Katja, for the passion, innovation, and dedication you bring to our schools every day.
Students of the Quarter
Coupeville Lions Club Recognizes Students of the Quarter
The Coupeville Lions Club, in partnership with the Coupeville School District, is proud to honor Noelle Western and Dahlia Miller as the Students of the Quarter for the second quarter of the 2025–26 academic year.
The announcement was made on January 9 at Coupeville High School by Lions Club member Robin Bernardy. All 12th grade students at Coupeville High School are eligible for this recognition, with school staff voting each quarter to select two students who best exemplify excellence in community service, effort, character, social relationships, scholarship, ethical behavior, and integrity.
Both students will be formally recognized at the January 21, 2026 meeting of the Coupeville Lions Club.
Noelle Western, daughter of Kerry and Michael Western, is actively involved in Cross Country, Track, Captain’s Club, National Honor Society, Leo’s Club, and ASB. Her community service includes volunteering at the elementary school, supporting cross country events, participating in Race the Reserve, and volunteering through her church. Noelle’s favorite subjects are Anatomy and English. She works part time in landscaping, childcare, and housekeeping, and plans to attend college to pursue a degree in Nursing with a minor in Childhood Development.
Dahlia Miller, daughter of Timothy and Holly Miller, has participated in Tennis, National Honor Society, Leo’s Club, and the Young Life program. Her community service includes tutoring at the middle school, assisting in the library, volunteering at concession stands, and supporting cross country events. Dahlia has worked at the Front Street Grill and enjoys tennis and listening to music. Her favorite subjects are English and History. She plans to attend law school with the goal of being a voice for those who may not be in a position to speak for themselves.
The Coupeville School District extends its sincere thanks to the Coupeville Lions Club, founded in 1938, for its longstanding commitment to supporting youth and education. Through fundraisers such as the Annual Garage Sale and Scholarship Auction, the Lions Club has awarded more than $60,000 in scholarships to Coupeville High School students.
Congratulations to Noelle and Dahlia on this well-deserved recognition. Their hard work, leadership, and service reflect the very best of Coupeville High School.
Free EKG Youth Heart Screening - Ages 12-24
Click Below: Video on Levies
February 10, 2026: Two Levy Renewals on the Ballot
I encourage all community members to take time to read and carefully review the facts about two levy renewals that will appear on the February 10, 2026 ballot. These are replacement levies for funding that our community last approved in 2022. It's important to understand that there are TWO separate propositions on the ballot:
Career Opportunity:
Director of Business and Finance
Coupeville School District is conducting a search for a Director of Business and Finance. This position oversees financial operations, budget management, and business services that support our students and schools.
We have strong interim leadership in place to ensure continuity during this transition, and all district operations continue smoothly.
If you know a qualified professional who might be interested in serving our community in this important role, please share this opportunity with them. CLICK HERE FOR POSTING
Training Opportunity
Youth Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis
Please join staff from the Educational Service District 189 to learn about basic skills for identifying and responding to Youth experiencing a Mental Health Crisis. This training is being offered free of charge.
Children's Hospital Mental Health Referral System
Is a youth in your life in need of mental health support? Let the Children’s Hospital Mental Health Referral System reduce the work of finding available providers in our area. — — — ¿Hay algún joven en tu vida que necesite apoyo de salud mental? El sistema de derivación de salud mental del Hospital Infantil puede facilitarte la búsqueda de profesionales disponibles en nuestra zona.
Complete Child Nutrition and Eligibility
How to Apply for Free Student Breakfast and Lunch:
Printed Applications: Available at the front desk of every school and District office. Print Your Own from the Coupeville School District website Online Application: The applications are available online in Qmlativ Family Access. You only need to fill out one application for all of the members of your family. Watch this short video on how to apply through Qmlativ.
List Cómo solicitar desayuno y almuerzo gratuitos para estudiantes:
Solicitudes impresas: Disponibles en la recepción de cada escuela y en la oficina del distrito. Imprime el tuyo propio desde Sitio web del distrito escolar de Coupeville Solicitud en línea: Las solicitudes ya están disponibles en línea en Acceso familiar Qmlativ. Solo necesitas completar una solicitud para todos los miembros de tu familia. Mira este video sobre cómo presentar la solicitud a través de Qmlativ.
Food resources for Central Whidbey:
- Meals2Kids (Weekend Meal Bag Program) for Coupeville Students through Gifts from the Heart Food Bank; bags can be provided every Friday upon request at all campuses.
Contact Arianna Bumgarner, 262-528-3774 (text/call) or abumgarner@coupeville.k12.wa.us for more information.
Coupeville:
- Gifts from the Heart, 203 N. Main St., 360-672-5502 ** Open 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 2-5 PM
- Oak Harbor: North Whidbey Help House, 1091 SE Hathaway St, 360-675-0681
- South Whidbey: Good Cheer Food Bank, 2812 Grimm Rd, Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-6454
Resources for Military & Government Employees:
- Fleet & Family Support Center (FFSC) - Local resource navigation and support Military OneSource - Additional financial and basic needs support for military personnel and their families
Recursos alimentarios para Central Whidbey:
- Programa de bolsas de comida para estudiantes de Coupeville (Meals2Kids) a través del banco de alimentos Gifts from the Heart; se pueden proporcionar bolsas todos los viernes a solicitud en todos los planteles.
Coupeville:
- Regalos del corazón, 203 N. Main St., 360-672-5502 ** Abierto el segundo y cuarto miércoles de cada mes, de 14:00 a 17:00 **
- Oak Harbor:Casa de ayuda de North Whidbey, 1091 SE Hathaway St, 360-675-0681
- Sur de Whidbey:Banco de Alimentos Good Cheer,2812 Grimm Rd, Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-6454
- Centro de Apoyo a la Flota y la Familia (FFSC): Información y apoyo sobre recursos locales. Military OneSource: Apoyo financiero adicional y para cubrir necesidades básicas del personal militar y sus familias. Lista de recursos comunitarios adicionales
Message from Food Services:
TChild Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit Application
Did you know that completing the Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit Application does more than help determine meal benefits? Your child at Coupeville Middle and High School may qualify for free breakfast and lunch every day. Your application helps ensure Coupeville Elementary remains eligible to provide free meals for all students. It can also qualify your family for other important benefits, such as waived school fees and reduced costs for activities. Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify, every completed application helps support our school community. Please take a few minutes to complete yours today—your participation truly makes a difference!
Print Your Own: https://www.coupeville.k12.wa.us/departments/food-service/free-and-reduced
Complete Online:
Qmlativ Family Access under “Online Food Service Applications”
Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit Applications!
September is the month for Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit Applications! (formerly known as the Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications). Our District's eligibility for several state and federal programs is based on our percentage of qualifying students on October 1st. Please use your communication systems and any opportunity with families to encourage completion of this form. Coupeville Elementary: Help keep breakfast and lunch free for all students! CES must have at least 30% of students approved for Free/Reduced price meal benefits to qualify for the Free Meals for Washington Students program. Coupeville Middle and High School: Approved students receive free breakfast and lunch all year long. They also qualify for free or reduced fees for ASB cards, sports and activities.
How to Apply: Printed Applications: Available at each school's office.
Print Your Own: https://www.coupeville.k12.wa.us/departments/food-service/free-and-reduced
Complete Online: Qmlativ Family Access under “Online Food Service Applications”
Lunch Menus
Directions for Signing up Your Child for Sports
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Coupeville School District: Strategic Plan
2025-2026 School District Calendar: Updated 1/5/2026
Please remember we had a weather related day in December. This day has been added to the school year in May. We now have school on May 22nd. Thank you!