Happy Halloween

What a wonderful conference week, Chargers! Thank you for the time, care, and meaningful conversations you shared with our students and families. Your commitment to building connections makes a difference in our school community.

Please have a conversation with your failing students before report card prep November 24th. We can utilize Learning Lounge and RTI to make sure Chargers are following through on their assessments.

Two highlights were the coffee truck keeping us fueled and the food trucks bringing delicious options to campus! The vendors truly appreciated your business, and it’s always cool to support local businesses while enjoying a treat together. Thank you for all you do for Cedarcrest. Go Chargers!

HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT HALLOWEEN! THRILLER

Womack

October can be one of the toughest months for teachers, and you made it through! Thank you for the care, energy, and determination you bring to our students and to one another every day.

Becky read an article today that offered some great reminders, and I wanted to share an article with you. I hope you find something that encourages you as we head into a new month.

Each week, we want to take time to recognize a fellow colleague who is going above and beyond for our students, staff, and Cedarcrest community.

Think about someone who has made a difference—through their support, teamwork, positivity, leadership, or commitment to our Chargers—and take a moment to give them a CHARGER CHANT!

THIS WEEK:

Miller to Mr. Oldham- Thanks for your calm presence and always going with the flow on short notice with changes to the plan. Also thanks for you support during conferences.

Womack to Cafeteria- Everyone involved in making sure our kids get fed each day. It is a team effort and we make sure our kids leave without an empty stomach. Thank you all!

11/2-6: Food Drive

11/2: Late Start: PLC

11/4: LIT: Staff Mtg.

11/4: Modified Lockdown Drill (12:45 pm)

11/9: Late Start: PLC

11/10: Veteran’s Assembly - AM Schedule

11/11: No School - Veterans Day

11/13- Womack's Birthday- He turns 28 years old

11/20: Vision and Hearing (7th Grade only)

11/24- Report Card Prep

What can we do right now?

• Identify students early: Review your Progress 1 grades and identify students currently earning an F. What is preventing them from being successful?

• Prioritize essential learning: Identify which assignments or standards have the greatest impact on student success and help students focus their efforts there.

• Connect with students: Have a quick conversation with students earning Fs to identify barriers, create a manageable plan, and celebrate small wins.

• Communicate with families: Reach out early to share concerns, successes, and specific ways students can improve. Don't just assume parents are checking ParentVue gradebook. Be intentional with your communication.

• Collaborate through PLCs: Look at F data together, identify trends, share successful interventions, and monitor whether our supports are making a difference.

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Winter Mash-Up: Two Schools. One Cool Night!

Cedarcrest Middle and Bethel Middle are teaming up for Winter Mash-Up on Wednesday, December 9, from 6:00–8:00 PM here at the current CMS location.

We're looking for staff members interested in helping make this a fun and memorable evening for our students and families! Whether you'd like to host a winter-themed game, craft, activity, or hands-on project, volunteer during the event, or simply share a creative idea, we'd love to have you involved!

You can team up with colleagues to run a station or help wherever needed. No need to plan an entire activity on your own!

Interested in participating or have an idea? Please reach out and let me know!

Let's make this a night to remember!

SCHOOLINKS:

To help you navigate Schoolinks, we have created this handy resource. It will help you:

• Provide directions on how to track students’ progress

• Identify due dates for assignments

• Identify which assignments are in the advisory gradebook per grade

• Link to the district’s pacing guide with assignment details

The resource is also linked in the advisory calendar

• RTI:

  • Please remember to take attendance for each RTI and confirm the correct students are in your session. We are seeing some students not attending the correct session. If a student intentionally skips, this is a minor write-up with a lunch detention.

  • Monday at ILT, the leadership team will check on RTI. If you have any feedback, please share it with your leadership team.

  • November RTIs have been created. November 12, will be a non priority due to the short week.

No School November 11th

What a great conference week, Chargers! I received so many handshakes and hugs from parents, and those were a reflection of the care and support you show their children. I hope you know how much you mean to our families and the impact you have on our Cedarcrest community.

Even though we’ve moved farther from our neighborhood, somehow being together at the old Bethel High School has brought our community closer. That connection comes from the relationships you build and the way you show up for our students every day. Thank you for all that you do. I’m proud to work alongside you. Go Chargers!

HMH representatives will visit classrooms on Thursday, November 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:35 p.m. to support HMH implementation. Each classroom visit will last approximately 10 minutes.

Please continue with your regular instruction—there is no need to prepare anything special or do anything out of the ordinary. Thank you!

The IEP at a Glance documents are ready for you to review and access student accommodations. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to the student’s case manager.

Behavior tracking forms will be shared soon to help us monitor student behaviors and identify patterns.

Please take a few moments each day to complete the tracking forms, as consistent data collection is essential to understanding student needs and determining appropriate supports.

Thank you for your time and collaboration in supporting our students!

We will be in our PLCs Monday

STAFF MEETING- We will meet in the library. Get ready for some data!

I am so pleased to share this data with the staff. So much to celebrate. Please take a few minutes and review the date from our panorama survey. Thank you staff for making our students feel safe connected and challenged here at Cedarcrest. Thank you for all that you do.

We will resume our meeting together and momentum on November 16th and 18th. Thank you for all your work. I thing the author Peter Leijedahl would be happy walking through our school. Nice job!

WIDA Can-Do Descriptors are a helpful tool for understanding what our MLE students can do right now based on their English language proficiency level.

Teachers can use a student’s WIDA level to identify appropriate expectations for listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and then plan supports that help students access grade level learning.

The goal is to build from what students can do while providing the right scaffolds to help them continue growing.

Admin will walk around the month of November recognizing students for their determination. Thank you for all that you do.

Equity Team: Your copy of Belonging Through a Culture of Dignity is ready! Please stop by Womack’s office to pick up your book. We’re excited to begin reading, reflecting, and defining what equity means in our building together. Thank you for helping make Cedarcrest a place where every student and staff member feels valued and belongs! We will be sending out calendar invites soon. We look forward into meeting everyone's needs at Cedarcrest.

PRIDE TIME REMINDERS:

• Thursday: All sessions created and priority students pulled.

• Closed sessions: only on your priority date.

• Class Size: minimum 15 students for priority and 30 students for non-priority sessions

• Need a student? Do not pull students from other sessions without connecting with staff ahead of time.

We are off to a great start to the school year! Thank you for the teamwork, positive energy, smiles, and the way everyone has been working together to set clear expectations for our students. It has been a great start, and we appreciate all you are doing!

Submitting a minor or major

• Utilize the behavior flow chart to help guide you.

• When submitting a minor, remember to add either admin conference or lunch detention at the top of the description on how you’d prefer behavior expectations re-taught. Helpful resource.

• In the description, stick to the facts and do not include other students’ names in the description.

• For lunch detention, home must be contacted before the student serves.

• All these resources can be located on the toolbelt for daily use.

We wanted to send out another reminder for our first WEB recognition. Please nominate 2 students that have shown great effort this month.

WEB Monthly Recognition

Cookie Grandma’s sweet tradition keeps Cedarcrest connected

Wednesdays at Cedarcrest Middle School come with a special kind of warmth, courtesy of a beloved community member known fondly across the building as “Cookie Grandma.” Every single week, Joyce bakes and delivers homemade cookies for the school staff. Her weekly visits are a tradition, extending to the elementary and high schools her grandchildren have attended over the years. https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/cookie-grandmas-sweet-tradition-keeps-cedarcrest-connected

Band and Orchestra students are required to take their instruments to and from school with them for home practice.
In the morning, students must bring their instruments to the Band/Orchestra rooms after being released from breakfast (6:55-7:05).
At the end of 7th period, students must quickly go to their Band/Orchestra class to retrieve their instrument and leave for the day (after dismissal).

Some notes:

• Athletes need to work with coaches on a storage plan for practices and games. They must communicate with their music teacher if certain game days can't allow for instrument logistics.
• Students who are late in the morning must quickly drop off their instrument before reporting to class. We have student helpers who can buzz them into the main building.
• Some instruments are small. If it fits away in a bag, students may keep it with them throughout the day. (flute clarinet) etc.
• If you have a band or orchestra student in 7th period who is struggling with the timing of getting their instrument and catching the bus, you may offer to allow them to keep it in your room if you have the space but they may not leave it over night.
• PLEASE let us know if a student is leaving their instrument anywhere around the building other than our rooms. They are required to bring them home for home practice and we don't want students hiding it in another classroom :)

Q: Can I give a student a warning?

A: No, the steps start immediately.

Q:Can I allow students to use their phones for an educational activity?
A: No. There is no classroom discretion for personal electronic devices. If technology is needed for instruction, students should use district-provided devices or other approved resources.

Q: What about headphones and wireless earbuds?
A: These should only be used with the iPad, and only for an instructional purpose such as a required video, online curriculum. They should also be removed and put away when that portion of the activity is complete. They are NOT for listening to personal music or any other personal reason.

Q: What if a student is just checking the time on their phone?
A: The expectation is still the same. If the phone is out and being used during classroom time, staff should follow the established response.

Q: What if a student says they need to text or call their parent?
A: Students will follow the school’s established process for contacting home, which is waiting until passing period, rather than using their personal device during class.

Q: What if a parent texts or calls their student during class?
A: The expectation does not change. Students should not answer calls or respond to messages during classroom time. Parents, in an emergency, will contact the office to connect with their student regrading the emergency.

Q: What about smartwatches?
A: It will be treated the same way as a cell phone.

Q: What if I see a phone sticking out of a pocket or backpack but the student is not using it?
A: The focus of the policy is device use during classroom time. If the device is put away and not being used, there is no need to address it. However, a reminder Cellphones should not be here at CMS.

Q: What if a student says their phone fell out of their pocket and they only grabbed it to put it back?

A: Too bad! The phones should not be here at Cedarcrest.

Q: What if the student immediately puts the phone away when I see it?
A: This is a "see" policy. Once a staff member observes the device being used, the established consequence should still be followed.

Q: What if a student refuses to hand over the device?
A: Do not get into a power struggle. Refusal automatically moves the incident to a 3rd offense. Write them up.

Q: Do I have to know whether this is the student’s 1st, 2nd, or 3rd offense?
A: Staff should document the incident according to the established process so the student’s history can be tracked consistently.

Q: What if a student says another teacher lets them use their phone?
A: The expectation is building-wide. Individual classrooms do not have separate rules or exceptions.

Q: Can students use their phones after they finish their work?
A: No. Finishing an assignment early does not create an exception to the policy.

Q: What about students who need a device because of an IEP, 504 Plan, or medical need?
A: Any documented accommodation or legally required exception should be followed. Those situations should be handled according to the student’s individual plan.

Q: Why is consistency so important?

A: The policy works best when students receive the same message from every adult. Consistent enforcement makes this a CMS expectation rather than an individual teacher rule.

Please make sure we are marking students Tardy.

PASSES: Please help reinforce these expectations so we can keep student movement safe.

• Every student should have a lanyard and SMART PASS when moving around the building.

• Restrooms have capacity limits. SMART PASS will only allow a certain number of students in the restroom at one time.

• Before allowing a student to leave your classroom, check the restroom capacity. If the restroom is full, a virtual line will be created.

• Remind students to turn off their SMART PASS as soon as they return to class. Please help reinforce these expectations so we can keep student movement organized and restrooms safe and accessible for everyone.

• One student at a time should be leaving class.

• One person, one pass. If you need to send more than one student somewhere, i.e. talking to three students after class, please write a pass for each student.

  
  

Also, please continue to use your professional judgment when students ask to use the restroom. If you believe a student genuinely needs to go or it appears to be an emergency, please allow them to use the bathroom.

We had a couple of students experience accidents because they were unable to go, and we want to make sure we are balancing our expectations with the individual needs of our students.

As we end week 2, this is a great time to explicitly teach students how your step-by-step retake process works in your classroom. Clear expectations make it much easier for students to take advantage of these opportunities (actually, retakes are expected).

To keep things aligned across the school:

• CEDARCREST Retake Policy: Guarantees every student's right to demonstrate learning mastery.

• Teacher Retake Procedure: The step-by-step process of how a student completes a retake in your class.

Our students manage 7 different classes a day. If the step-by-step process is not clear by each teacher, they will not follow through. It is important that it is taught early and throughout the year and that students have access to the step-by-step process for your classroom.

The health services team will no longer distribute paper copies to classrooms or coaches. Teachers and coaches must now view healthcare plans in TeacherVUE (instructions below).

If the school nurse changes a care plan, they will follow up with an email indicating the change to the appropriate team members.

As with everything, there are a few exceptions to the above statement; below are some specific times when paper healthcare plans will be needed.

Times when printed IHPs may be needed:

• Sub plans

• Teachers will need to pre-print these for substitutes

• Please update regularly, and when nurses send emails indicating an IHP change

• Field Trips

• The nursing team will assemble care plans and medication go bags, Teachers will check in with the nurse

• Sporting events

• Coaches access through TeacherVue - Nurses Initiate delegation training

• Transportation

• Individual nurses will work with transportation to send IHPs

• Nutrition Services

• Individual nurses will work with nutrition to send IHPs

• Emergency/Master book in health room (emergencies and power/internet outages)

• Health staff maintains and updates

• Recess

• Nursing provides plans when needed

• ESAs

All staff are required to complete a monthly Qmlative attestation form.

If you get some time come support your students at during sports season. I am sure they would love to see you there supporting them.

Please welcome students at the classroom door each period by using CharacterStrong’s relational practice:

1. Eye to Eye — Make intentional eye contact.
2. Name to Name — Greet each student by name.
3. Hand to Hand — Offer an appropriate greeting, such as a handshake, fist bump, or wave.
4. Heart to Heart — Make a genuine, positive connection.
5. +1 More: Entry Task — Have a consistent activity ready so students can begin learning immediately.

This simple practice helps students feel welcomed, seen, and connected while creating a positive and predictable start to class

The CMS Toolbelt contains important links and resources to support you throughout the school year. Be sure to bookmark the Toolbelt in Chrome for quick and easy access whenever you need it.

MPORTANT DATES

• September 14: Late Arrival

• September 21: Late Arrival

• September 28: Late Arrival

• October 5, 12: Late Arrival Days

• October 16: Waiver Day #1 - No Students

• October 19: Elementary Grade Prep - Early Dismissal, Grades K-5

• October 26 - 30: Elementary Conference Week - Early Dismissal, Grades K-5

• October 28 - 30: Secondary Conference Week - Early Dismissal, Grades 6-12

You can find the full district calendar at https://www.bethelsd.org/about-our-district/district-calendar

Coffee with the Superintendent: September 24
The next Coffee with the Superintendent event will be September 24 from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Educational Service Center (516 176th St. E, Spanaway, WA 98387). We will also be hosting other events in November and March! Invite your neighbors! Everyone is welcome.

South Sound Pow Wow: September 26

The annual South Sound Pow Wow will be one of the first big events held at the NEW Bethel High School this fall! Mark your calendars for music, food, free school supplies, and traditional Pow Wow dancing and signing! The event is FREE and runs from 1 to 7 p.m. Grand Entry is at 1 p.m. and Educator Honoring is at 3 p.m.

Paraeducator Hiring Event: September 29, 2026

We’re hosting a hiring event geared towards Special Education Paraeducators, including 1:1 Instructional Paras! Come join our team to support teachers and students in special education classrooms. Responsibilities include assisting with classroom activities, working one-on-one or in small groups with students, and supervising student activities. These part-time roles are perfect for parents, grandparents and community members looking for work that aligns with school schedules. Enjoy working the same days students attend school, with the same breaks off, and make a difference in students’ lives. The next hiring event will be on September 29 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Educational Service Center (516 176th Street East, Spanaway, WA 98387).

All Bethel Community Day: October 3
ABC Day, our FREE annual community event, is Saturday, October 3rd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the new Bethel High School! Join us for music, food, activities and more. You can also tour the new school!

Upcoming School Board Meetings
School Board meetings begin at 7 p.m. and will be held at Bethel School District's Educational Service Center (ESC), 516 176th St. E., Spanaway, WA 98387 unless otherwise noted. The public is welcome! To join via Zoom, visit https://bethelsd.diligent.community/portal/

• September 22: School Board Meeting

• October 13: School Board Meeting

• October 27: School Board Meeting

FAMILY REMINDERS

Free breakfast and lunch for ALL students

ALL students in ALL schools in the Bethel School District qualify for free breakfast

and lunch again this year! To maintain our qualifications, ALL Bethel School District families must complete the Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit Application at https://emealapps.bethelsd.org. By submitting this application, households may qualify for reduced fees for programs and activities. You must check “YES! Please share my child’s income eligibility” for each program you wish to receive discounts for.

Why every day in school matters

Mornings are hard. Between lost shoes, missed alarms, and the constant race against the clock, just getting your kids out the door can feel like a victory. But every single day your child makes it into the classroom matters more than you might think. It’s easy to view an absence here and there as no big deal. But missing just two days a month adds up fast. That’s 20 days, or a full month of missed school, in a single year. https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/why-every-day-in-school-matters

DISTRICT NEWS

Podcast Episode 185: How librarians are teaching kids to tell fact from online fiction

In a world flooded with AI generated content and online clutter, helping kids figure out what’s real isn’t always easy. On this week’s podcast, we sit down with two of our district's teacher-librarians who share how their exclusive summer experience at the Library of Congress is giving local students the tools to navigate online information with confidence. From historical maps to hands-on programs like Battle of the Books, we’ll learn how primary sources and great reads are sparking curiosity and building critical thinking across our schools. New episodes drop on Wednesdays wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also hear us on 101.9 Radio Tacoma, Saturdays at 2 p.m. Be sure to like, comment, subscribe, and share with a friend! bethelsd.org/podcast

How Bethel educators are rewriting discipline

Across our district, classrooms are moving away from traditional, reactive punishments. Instead, teachers and administrators are working side-by-side to help every student thrive by building real-life skills, teaching them how to navigate conflicts, and creating a sense of belonging in our schools. The results of this shift speak for themselves: an impressive 70% reduction in elementary suspensions districtwide. A huge part of that success comes down to educators supporting educators. https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/how-bethel-educators-are-rewriting-discipline

How Bethel High’s new campus honors its roots and community

At 300,000 square feet and stretching an eighth of a mile door to door, the new Bethel High School is an enormous building. But it wasn't built just to look impressive. It was designed from the ground up for the students who will use it for generations to come. But long before construction crews broke ground, this land was already a place of gathering and education.

https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/how-bethel-highs-new-campus-honors-its-roots-and-community

90% of Dual Language students earn college credit in high school

Huge congratulations to the Dual Language students at Spanaway Lake High School for their outstanding achievements in AP Spanish Language and Culture! A whopping 90% of these hard-working students earned scores high enough to receive college credit.

This success is a true reflection of our students' dedication to bilingualism, as well as the seamless teamwork of Dual Language teachers across Thompson Elementary, Spanaway Middle School, and Spanaway Lake High School. We are so proud of everyone involved in reaching this milestone! https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/high-marks-for-dual-language-program-and-volleyball-player-of-the-week

Blue Zones Project targets local longevity

When it was discovered that Parkland and Spanaway had the lowest life expectancy of anywhere else in Pierce County, the Blue Zones Project stepped in to change our community's narrative. By partnering with schools, local businesses, grocery stores, faith-based organizations, and workplaces, the project shapes surroundings so healthy options feel natural and accessible. https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/blue-zones-project-targets-local-longevity

Spanaway Lake Alumni Highlight

Big news for one of our former Sentinels! Spanaway Lake High School alum ToFoi Gatoloai was named the NWAC Volleyball Offensive Player of the Week after an incredible performance for Highline College. Now a freshman at Highline, ToFoi helped lead her team to a perfect 4-0 record over the week, averaging 15.5 points per match alongside 59 total digs and five blocks. We love seeing our alumni thriving at the next level. Way to go, ToFoi! https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/high-marks-for-dual-language-program-and-volleyball-player-of-the-week

Need a space for your next meeting or sports event?
Our schools and campuses are valuable community resources, and we are proud to make them available for public use when not in session. Whether you're planning a community meeting, youth sports event, cultural activity, or special gathering, we invite you to explore our wide range of available spaces at https://www.bethelsd.org/programs-departments/maintenance

School Board Recap: September 8, 2026

Deputy Superintendent David Hammond reported on the first days of the new school year. The Board accepted nine policies for first reading and further study, and nine other policies for second reading and adoption. The Board also passed a resolution regarding additional public right of way for the new Cedarcrest Middle School project and met our newest principals and assistant principals. You can see the full agenda and watch the meeting at: https://bethelsd.community.diligentoneplatform.com/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=590

VARSITY SPORTS SCORES: Sept. 1-7, 2026

Football

Lakes 23, BHS 17

Lake Stevens 31, GKHS 26

SLHS 19, Central Kitsap 14

Girl’s Soccer

Eatonville 1, BHS 0

Mount Si 3, GKHS 0

Bear Creek 4, GKHS 2

Auburn Riverside 6, GKHS 0

Volleyball

GKHS 3, Kennedy Catholic 1

SLHS 3, Fife 1

Girl’s Golf

SLHS 4, Curtis 110

COMMUNITY NEWS

Suicide Prevention Summit: September 18

Join Pierce County for the first annual Suicide Prevention Summit and Bridge to HOPE 5K, a free community event bringing together behavioral health professionals, healthcare providers, first responders, educators, community partners, families and residents to learn, connect and take action. Details: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/9028/Suicide-Prevention-Summit