Superintendent Brower Newsletter

On August 18, 2025, excavation began on our new field. One year later, I am proud to announce that our Eatonville Track, Field & Stadium Project is complete!

This state-of-the-art facility was made possible through the tremendous support of our voters, legislators, the Greater Eatonville Community Foundation, local businesses, community members, and grant partners combined with countless hours of dedicated and coordinated work.

This is truly a community accomplishment, and we are grateful to everyone who helped make it possible.

Please join us in celebrating by cheering on our student-athletes throughout the year, including at our first home football game on September 4 at 7:00 p.m.

Well done, Eatonville!

Our staff spent significant time this summer engaged in professional development designed to improve outcomes for every student. This year, we are fully implementing our recently adopted K–8 Math curriculum and 6–8 Science curriculum.

Our commitment is simple: every student who attends Eatonville School District deserves an excellent education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.

On August 25, our entire staff gathered to celebrate our successes and honor distinguished Eatonville alumni. Peak Credit Union generously provided breakfast and shirts for every staff member featuring this year's theme:

Rising Together — Eatonville Strong

We then gathered around the EHS EC logo at the center of our new field for our annual all-staff photo. It was a powerful reminder that while we each have different roles, we are united by one purpose: providing our students with the best possible educational experience while preparing them for success in their chosen paths after high school.

I could not be prouder of our staff, our students, and our community.

Last year, the American Heart Association selected Eatonville School District to receive a generous $25,000 investment from Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital to strengthen cardiac emergency preparedness across our schools.

Through this investment, we have:

• Replaced AEDs throughout the district and provided CPR/AED certifications;

• Acquired CPR training kits, including 100 mannequins, to provide hands-only CPR training; and

• Developed a comprehensive Cardiac Emergency Response Plan.

Last year, students across the district learned hands-only CPR, and our entire staff participated in hands-only CPR training during our Welcome Back Day on August 25. Community members also had the opportunity to practice this life-saving skill during Community Day on May 1.

These resources and trainings are helping ensure that our students, staff, and community are better prepared to respond in the event of a cardiac emergency.

We are grateful for partnerships that help us make Eatonville a safer and healthier community.

This summer, approximately 60 elementary students participated in tutoring that combined academic support with social-emotional learning and growth.

Thanks to the dedication of our staff and the generosity of our donors, these students began the new school year with additional academic skills, greater confidence, and positive momentum.

During their annual retreat, our School Board directors reviewed the district's Strategic Plan and established two priorities for the 2026–2027 school year.

Goal 1: Student Success

Support the implementation and monitoring of a districtwide student success model that fosters safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environments through improved student behavior and academic achievement.

Measures of Success include:

• Increased student achievement for every student;

• Improved student attendance and reduced chronic absenteeism;

• Increased positive responses on stakeholder climate surveys;

• Consistent implementation of district behavior expectations across all schools; and

• Quarterly review of student achievement, behavior, attendance, and school climate data by the Board to monitor progress and inform continuous improvement.

This work will continue through 2029 and align with the goals of our Strategic Plan.

Goal 2: Preparation for Life

Provide meaningful pathways for career exploration and skill development that prepare students for their futures beyond high school.

These goals directly support our district mission:

Eatonville schools inspire lifelong learners by providing opportunities for growth and academic achievement in a respectful and caring environment.

Over the past three years, Eatonville students have made meaningful academic progress.

• ELA proficiency increased 2.8 percentage points, with particularly strong gains in Grades 6 and 7—13.5 points in Grade 6 and 12.8 points in Grade 7.

• Math proficiency increased 1.2 percentage points overall, with Grade 7 improving each of the past three years and Grade 6 showing strong improvement this year.

• Science proficiency increased 3.5 percentage points, highlighted by Grade 8 Science, which improved each year and gained 8 percentage points over three years.

• Grade 10 Math improved 4 percentage points in the most recent two-year comparison.

These results reflect the hard work of our students, teachers, staff, and families. We are proud of the progress we are making while remaining focused on the areas where our students need additional support.

We are making progress, learning from our successes, and continuing to move forward—together.

As we begin this new school year, I am filled with pride for all we have accomplished together and excitement for what lies ahead.

Through the dedication of our staff, the leadership of our School Board, the support of our families, and the commitment of our community partners, Eatonville continues to demonstrate what it means to be Eatonville Strong.

Thank you for your trust, your support, and your belief in our students. Together, we are building a future rooted in excellence, opportunity, and community strength.

Rising Together — Eatonville Strong!

With gratitude,

Jay Brower
Superintendent
Eatonville School District

Our Child Nutrition staff gathered for their annual retreat and meeting to plan and prepare for a successful new school year. The team spent time collaborating and getting ready to welcome students back with nutritious meals and friendly smiles. A special thank you to Child Nutrition Manager Mrs. Betsy Bamford for her leadership and dedication to the program and department. We appreciate our entire Child Nutrition team and all they do to serve Eatonville students!

High school fall sports practices began Wednesday, August 19. With increased use by Eatonville High School and Eatonville Middle School athletic programs, public access hours will be adjusted for the fall season:

• Weekends: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM

The track or field is closed to community use whenever student-athletes are using that area for practices, competitions, or other school activities. If a team is using only one area, community members may continue using the other area if it is available.

The facilities will be closed to the public on weekday evenings throughout the fall athletic season. Weekend access may also be restricted during scheduled school activities or athletic events.

If you need to access the building, please enter through the main entrance of South Hall. To help keep our students safe, we kindly ask that community members not enter through or access the locker rooms or weight room. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

A portable restroom is available for your convenience near the tennis courts.

Please help us protect the track and turf by following all posted facility rules, supervising children, disposing of trash, and leaving the facility clean.

Thank you for respecting our student-athletes and helping keep these facilities safe and well maintained for our schools and community!

Our goal is simple: every student should have access to engaging, rigorous instruction and the support, challenge, and opportunities needed to be successful. Throughout the 2026–27 school year, Eatonville School District will continue strengthening instructional practices, using student data to guide decisions, and providing staff with the tools and professional learning necessary to meet the needs of all learners.

Our teachers have been preparing to implement several new instructional resources for the 2026–27 school year. These resources provide rigorous, standards-aligned materials while allowing teachers to respond to student strengths, needs, and readiness.

• Ready Math — Grades K–4
• Kiddom Math — Grades 5–8
• McGraw Hill Science — Grades 6–8
• CommonLit 360 — Secondary pilot

Students in grades K–8 will continue to participate in i-Ready assessments. The information helps educators understand student strengths and learning needs and plan instruction that supports continued growth, whether students need additional support, grade-level learning opportunities, or greater challenge.

Teachers and school teams will also review academic, attendance, behavior, and student engagement information throughout the year to identify needs, celebrate growth, adjust instruction, and determine appropriate supports or opportunities.

Eatonville School District continues to strengthen its Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). MTSS is a framework that helps schools provide high-quality instruction and appropriately responsive supports for students. It begins with strong classroom instruction for all learners and adds targeted or individualized support when needed.

Tier 1: High-quality, differentiated instruction and supports for all students, including opportunities for appropriate challenge and extension.

Tier 2: Targeted instruction or support for students who benefit from additional focused learning opportunities.

Tier 3: More intensive and individualized intervention when needed.

MTSS is not only about intervention. Strong Tier 1 instruction is designed to help all students grow, including students who are meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations.

Our staff participated in extensive professional learning before the start of the school year. Training focused on new curriculum, instructional practices, student supports, assessment, and strategies for meeting the needs of diverse learners.

Teachers will also continue collaborating through Professional Learning Communities and district teams to examine student learning, share effective practices, plan responsive instruction, and identify opportunities for continued growth.

Families should know that our focus on student support includes every learner. Students who need additional assistance should receive timely intervention. Students who are on track should continue to experience meaningful grade-level learning and growth. Students who are ready for greater challenge should have opportunities for enrichment, extension, and acceleration when appropriate.

Our Highly Capable Program is one part of this commitment, along with differentiated classroom instruction and opportunities for students to deepen and extend their learning.

Teaching and learning is strongest when schools and families work together. Throughout the year, we will continue sharing information about curriculum, assessments, interventions, enrichment opportunities, and ways families can engage in their child’s learning.

While returning to school can be exciting for many students, it can also be a nerve-wracking time for others. Below is a resource for families to build strategies to manage anxiety while attending school.

• Is your child missing school due to anxiety? (Attendance Works)

The Eatonville School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, disability, or age in its program or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The Eatonville School District offers classes in many career and technical education program areas: Agriculture, Business Education, Skilled and Technical Education, Arts, STEM and Health Science under its open admissions policy. For more information about CTE course offerings and admissions criteria, contact Kelly Powell, CTE Director at k.powell@eatonville.wednet.edu. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Dracy Blue, Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator 200 Lynch St. W./PO Box 698 Eatonville, WA 98328 (360)641-1809

The Eatonville School District values multilingualism and views the cultural and linguistic diversity of our students as an asset that makes each classroom, school, and the whole district stronger, more innovative and better prepared for a global society. Our staff is committed to providing high quality education programs designed to ensure students from all backgrounds are served in an equitable and inclusive environment.

In Washington state, the qualification process for the ML program begins when a parent or guardian enrolls their child and completes a Home Language Survey. If the returned survey indicates that a language other than English was the first language learned or is currently used by the student, then his/her English language proficiency must be assessed. The WIDA (World Class Instructional Design and Assessment) is the language proficiency test used in Washington schools. This assessment measures a student’s English language knowledge and skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The WIDA language screener is used to determine initial eligibility for the ML program. Continued eligibility is based on the annual WIDA ACCESS summative assessment.

Under state and federal law, all parents have the right to information about their child’s education in a language they can understand.

Dracy Blue
Executive Director of Student Services & Achievement
200 Lynch St. W. / PO Box 698
Eatonville, WA 98328
Phone: (360) 641-1809
Email: d.blue@eatonville.wednet.edu

John Christensen

Special Education TOSA/504 Plan Designee

Phone: (360) 879-1800

Email: j.christensen@eatonville.wednet.edu

Tonya Roebuck
Student Services Executive Assistant
200 Lynch St. W. / PO Box 698
Eatonville, WA 98328
Phone: (360) 641-1807
Email: t.roebuck@eatonville.wednet.edu

Kyla Bernard

Student Achievement Admin. Assistant

200 Lynch St. W. / PO Box 698

Eatonville, WA 98328

Phone: (360) 641-1032

Email: k.bernard@eatonville.wednet.edu

We are here to answer questions, provide resources, and help ensure every student feels valued, supported, challenged, and able to grow. Here’s to a safe, successful, and inspiring 2026–27 school year!

A strong school year begins with consistent attendance. When students attend school every day and arrive on time, they build important routines, stay connected to their classmates and teachers, and have more opportunities to learn and grow.

Families play an essential role in helping students establish strong attendance habits. Consistent bedtime and morning routines, preparing school materials the night before, and scheduling appointments outside the school day whenever possible can help students arrive on time and ready to learn.

If your family is experiencing challenges that are affecting your child’s attendance, please reach out to your school. We are here to partner with you and help your student succeed.

Every student. Every school. Every day. Together, we are Eatonville Strong!

Every school day matters. Regular attendance helps students stay on track academically, build strong relationships, and fully participate in school life.

When possible, please plan family vacations during scheduled school breaks. Our 2026–2027 Vacation Planner highlights long weekends and extended breaks throughout the school year, making it easier to plan ahead while protecting valuable instructional time.

Here’s to making special family memories while making the most of every school day

September 11, 2026 marks 25 years since the tragic events of September 11, 2001. As we pause to remember, we honor the lives lost and extend our thoughts to the families and communities forever impacted by that day. Let us come together in reflection, unity, and hope for a peaceful future.

Students, families, faith communities, and neighbors of all ages are invited to come together for the Eatonville 9/11 Day of Service & Remembrance as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001.

This special community tradition provides an opportunity to remember those whose lives were lost or forever changed on 9/11, honor the courage and sacrifice of our first responders and military, and turn remembrance into action by serving side by side throughout our community.

Events of the Day & Service Projects:

• 9:00 AM – Opening Ceremony at the Eatonville High School Flagpole, 302 Mashell Ave N.
• 25th Anniversary Flag Ceremony & Tribute featuring an Honor Guard with representatives from the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, South Pierce Fire & Rescue, Civil Air Patrol, Washington State Patrol, Eatonville Police Department, and local Scout troops.
• Guest Speaker: Deputy Chief Adam Rosenlund, Central Pierce Fire & Rescue.
• Following the ceremony – Community Service Projects: Volunteers will divide into teams and serve throughout Eatonville. Projects include:
  • Eatonville Family Agency – Community Kitchen Deep Clean
  • Center Street Junction – Inventory & Clean-Up
  • Eatonville Community Garden – Greenhouse Repair & Beautification
  • Eatonville High School – Stadium Landscaping
  • Town of Eatonville – Community Trash Pick-Up
  • Town of Eatonville Cemetery – Spruce-Up & Beautification
  • Eatonville Special Olympics & EHS Track & Field – Apple Gleaning for Cider Fest
  • And additional community projects
• 11:30 AM–1:00 PM – Free Volunteer Appreciation BBQ at Eatonville Methodist Church, 185 Mashell Ave N. Everyone who volunteers is invited!

There are opportunities for students, families, individuals, churches, youth groups, businesses, and community organizations to participate. Whether you can serve for the entire morning or simply join us for the opening ceremony, we hope you will be part of this meaningful day.

Twenty-five years later, we can honor the past by choosing to strengthen our community today remembering together, serving together, and building connections with our neighbors.

Honoring the Past. Serving the Present. Building a Better Future.

Please contact Ronda Litzenberger, 9-11 Day of Service & Remembrance Coordinator with any questions at 253.380.4480.

Every September 17, we celebrate the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, a foundational moment in our nation’s history. The Constitution not only outlines our rights and freedoms, but also serves as a guiding framework for democracy, justice and equality.

In our schools, we take pride in educating our students about the principles that have shaped our country. From classroom lessons to discussions on civic responsibility, today is a great reminder of the importance of being informed, engaged citizens.

Let’s honor this day by reflecting on the values that unite us as a community and a nation.

Families can now complete the Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit Application through Qmlativ Family Access.

Paper applications will also be available at each school during Open House for families who are unable to complete the application online.

The deadline to apply is October 14. If an application is not submitted by this date, your student will move to paid meal status. This may also affect eligibility for discounts related to athletics, preschool, and Sun Bucks.

Free meals for all students will continue at the following schools:

🍎 Columbia Crest Academy
🍎 Eatonville Elementary School
🍎 Weyerhaeuser Elementary School

To complete the application online:

1. Log in to Qmlativ Family Access.

2. Select “View All Students” or choose an individual student’s profile.

3. Select “FS Application.”

4. Click the arrow icon to begin and follow the prompts.

We encourage families to complete the application as soon as possible. Thank you for helping us ensure your student’s meal and educational benefit eligibility is current for the school year.

Be part of Eatonville’s legacy by sponsoring a seat in our brand-new stadium through the Greater Eatonville Community Foundation. Your contribution helps celebrate our community pride and supports the continued enhancement of our athletic facilities.

Visit the site or Scan the QR code in the image or visit the Greater Eatonville Community Foundation page to learn more and make your donation today!

ESD does not sponsor or endorse this information and assumes no responsibility for it

At the Eatonville School District Staff Welcome Back Day, we were honored to celebrate four remarkable individuals for their outstanding contributions to our district and community.

Congratulations to this year’s Award of Distinction recipients:

• ✨ Kyle Litzenberger, J.D. (Class of 2011)
• ✨ Dr. Peter Karlin (Class of 2000)
• ✨ David Baublits (Class of 1973)
• ✨ Dr. Michelle Christensen (Class of 1999)

These awards celebrate their exceptional achievements, service, and the lasting positive impact they have made on others. Whether through professional excellence, humanitarian service, community investment, or ultimate sacrifice, each honoree serves as an inspiring role model for our students and a testament to the values we hold dear.

Originally created in 2010 and recently revived, the Award of Distinction honors the accomplishments of Eatonville graduates and serves as an inspiration for current students.

Special thanks to Rich Williams for his leadership of the Award of Distinction Committee and to Lucy Fountain for interviewing each honoree and thoughtfully personalizing their introductions.

From September 15 to October 15 we join communities across the nation in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. This is a time to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. The month-long observance recognizes the rich traditions, vibrant stories, and enduring influence of people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. We invite our students, staff, and families to take part in activities and learning opportunities that highlight and celebrate this important part of our nation’s heritage.

Eatonville School District is proud to recognize our 2026-27 Apple Award recipients for their years of dedicated service to our students, families, schools and community.

Tyler Bisig

Morgan Northern
Kim Davis
Monique Larson
Douglas Fillbach
Susie Danielson
Menolly Kempf
Michele Koehler
Tiffany McGuire
Cara Rogers
Haley Gardner
Kristen Dill
Darcy Granger Dennis
Abel Aguilar
Ali Kneeshaw

Heather Kimball

Kimberly Davidson
Shay Painter
Kristen Anderson

Betsy Bamford

Matthew Pederson
Amy Sturdivant
Julia Jenkins
Travis Collins

Carrie Johnson

Sheila Pelland
Julie Ruark

Jill Brunn

Renee Ricketts

Tod Morrish
Sheelah Ridgway

Jason Hunter

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