District newsletter

Missing school doesn’t always mean skipping school.

Many absences—especially for our youngest learners—are excused and tied to real challenges like:
🤒 Chronic illness
🧠 Mental health needs
🚍 Lack of reliable transportation
🍎 Food insecurity

In Sedro-Woolley, we want to understand, not judge. We’re working with families and partners to remove barriers so every student can get to class and stay on track.

Because when students are present, their dreams are possible. 💫

#AttendanceMatters #EmpoweringDreams #RootedInSW #EveryStudentEveryDay

Here are some important dates and events happening across the Sedro-Woolley School District this month and into October!

September 22

• School Board Meeting, 6 p.m. (District Office, 801 Trail Road, Sedro-Woolley)

September 23

• Central Elementary – Picture Day

• Evergreen Elementary – Doughnuts with D.O.G.S (Watchdogs), 8 a.m.

September 24

• All Schools: One-Hour Late Start (Professional Development)

September 26

• Lyman Elementary – Wildcat Assembly, 9:35 a.m.

September 30

• Evergreen Elementary – Picture Day

• Samish Elementary – Watchdog Pizza Night, 6–7 p.m.

October 1

• All Schools: One-Hour Late Start (Professional Development)

• First Day of Transition to Kindergarten classes (formerly Foundations K)

October 2

• Good Beginnings Preschool – Picture Day

• Mary Purcell Elementary – Hispanic Heritage Night

• HIV/Aids & Human Growth & Development Curriculum 5:30 p.m. SWHS Library

October 3

• Cascade Middle School - Picture Day

October 6

• Lyman Elementary – Parent Group Meeting, 6 p.m.

October 7

• Mary Purcell Elementary – Picture Day

• Big Lake Elementary – Fire Safety Day (Big Lake Fire Department)

• Good Beginnings Preschool – Open House, 5:30–6:30 p.m.

October 8

• All Schools: One-Hour Late Start (Professional Development)

• Samish Elementary – Picture Day

October 9

• Lyman Elementary – Picture Day

October 11

• SWHS Homecoming: Deck the Den 9 a.m.–5 p.m. SWHS Cafeteria
• SWHS Homecoming: Powder Puff 6:30 p.m. SWHS Stadium
• SWHS Homecoming: Buff Puff 7:30 p.m. SWHS Gymnasium

October 13

• School Board Meeting, 6 p.m. (Samish Elementary, 23953 Prairie Road, Sedro-Woolley)

October 15

• All Schools: One-Hour Late Start (Professional Development)

• SWHS Homecoming: Community Pasta Feed 5:30–7 p.m. SWHS Cafeteria

• SWHS Homecoming: Lip Sync & Queen Coronation 7 p.m. SWHS Gymnasium

October 16

• Lyman Elementary – Family Math & Reading Night, 6–7:30 p.m.

• SWHS Homecoming Parade 5:45 p.m.
• SWHS Homecoming Game vs. Mount Vernon High School 7 p.m. SWHS Stadium

• Homecoming Dance 7:30–10:30 p.m.
• $15 with ASB card (pre-purchased at ASB office); $25 at the door **Guest Registration forms are required for non-registered SWHS students to attend a SWHS dance, and are available for pickup outside the ASB office

October 21

• Clear Lake Elementary – Picture Day

• Big Lake Elementary – Picture Day

October 22

• All Schools: One-Hour Late Start (Professional Development)

October 24

• Samish Elementary – Harvest Bash, 6–8 p.m.

October 25

• Cascade Middle School – School Play, Old Cafeteria, 7 p.m.

October 26

• Cascade Middle School – School Play, Old Cafeteria, 7 p.m.

October 27

• School Board Meeting, 6 p.m. (District Office, 801 Trail Road, Sedro-Woolley)

October 29

• All Schools: One-Hour Late Start (Professional Development)

October 31

• Lyman Elementary – Wildcat Assembly, 10 a.m.

September 15–October 15

• National Hispanic Heritage Month – Celebrating the rich heritage and contributions of Hispanic Americans. Learn more: www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov

September 22

• First Day of Autumn

September 27

• Public Lands Day

October 2

• School Custodian Appreciation Day

October 5–11

• Fire Prevention Week

October 13

• Canadian Thanksgiving / Columbus Day / Discoverers’ Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day

October 13–17

• National School Lunch Week

October 20–24

• National School Bus Safety Week

October 31

• Halloween

This year, the Sedro-Woolley School District is embracing the theme “Empowering Dreams. Rooted in Community.” As part of that, we're highlighting the people who have shaped—and been shaped by—our schools and community over the years. If you’ve lived in the Sedro-Woolley area for a long time, we’d love to hear your story. Whether you’re an alum, a parent, a grandparent, or someone who’s just always cheered from the sidelines, your perspective matters.

QUESTIONS

Sedro-Woolley High School welcomes Grace Smith, a math teacher who also serves as Cub Crew adviser and freshman success coordinator.

Smith said she has “wanted to teach since the second grade” because she has “always enjoyed helping others learn, especially in math.”

To her, “empowering students means giving them the knowledge and resources to succeed and reach their goals. It means helping students dream big and believe that they can obtain any future they desire, and then supporting them in making that future possible.”

Smith describes herself as “friendly and supportive” and said she offers help whenever she can, making herself available before and after school and throughout the day.

“I am here for my students and set things aside to make space for them. I try to do a lot of listening,” she said.

A fun fact: Smith’s elementary school mascot was a bear, “so it’s fun to be a Cub!”

She said she is most excited “to see the growth of my past students and build positive professional relationships with my new group of students.”

Many of you have already downloaded the Sedro-Woolley School District app—thank you! If you haven’t yet, we encourage you to do so now so you don’t miss important updates from your child’s teacher, coach, or school.

Why download the app?

• One place for all school communication (no more multiple apps).

• Automatic translation into your preferred language.

• Safe, secure, and easy to use.

How to get started:

1. Download the Sedro-Woolley SD app:

   • App Store (iPhone/iPad)

   • Google Play (Android)

2. On the app, at the bottom, you'll see “Rooms.” Tap the link.

3. Sign in using the phone number or email that received the invite.

Tip: Once signed in, you can adjust your notification settings in the app under More → Settings.

We’re excited to bring all communication into one simple, connected place for families.

Do you have a child who has not yet started kindergarten? The Sedro-Woolley School District offers free Child Find Screenings to check your child’s growth and development. These screenings are a simple way to see how your child is learning before they begin school.

What is a Child Find Screening?
A Child Find Screening is a short and fun check of your child’s development. It looks at:

• Large muscle development (running, jumping, climbing)

• Fine motor skills (using scissors, drawing, eye-hand coordination)

• Communication skills (speaking and understanding)

• Early learning skills (basic concepts like colors and numbers)

• Social skills (getting along with others)

• Self-help skills (everyday independence)

Why is screening important?
The goal is to see if anything might be slowing down your child’s learning or growth. It also helps parents learn about their child’s strengths and areas that might need support. Families receive helpful ideas to use at home.

What happens during the screening?
Your child may play with blocks, draw, name colors, count, or jump. The activities are designed to be fun! Afterward, a trained professional will share the results with you and answer your questions. You might receive suggestions for home, a referral for more testing, or a plan to check again later. The whole process usually takes about 45 minutes.

Who can participate?

• Children ages 3–5 who live within the Sedro-Woolley School District.

• Children ages birth–2 can be referred to our partner program.

• Families in temporary living situations can attend screenings through the district where they are staying.

How to schedule a screening:

• Ages 3–5: Call Good Beginnings Preschool at (360) 855-3868

• Ages birth–2: Call Skagit Preschool and Resource Center (SPARC) at (360) 416-7570

Child Find is available to all families in Washington State. If you know someone in the Sedro-Woolley community with young children, please share this opportunity with them.

The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children as "individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence." The act provides examples of children who would fall under this definition:

• Children and youth sharing housing due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason
• Children and youth living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camp grounds due to lack of alternative accommodations
• Children and youth living in emergency or transitional shelters
• Children and youth abandoned in hospitals
• Children and youth whose primary nighttime residence is not ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation (e.g. park benches, etc)
• Children and youth living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations
• Migratory children and youth living in any of the above situations

For more information about Sedro-Woolley's McKinney-Vento support, visit https://www.swsd.k12.wa.us/page/mckinney-ventohomeless.

The PeaceHealth Wellness Clinic at Sedro-Woolley High School reopened on September 16. This school-based health center is available to students at both State Street High School and Sedro-Woolley High School.

Clinic details:

• Location: Main hallway at Sedro-Woolley High School, across from the ASB office

• Hours beginning Sept. 16: Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

• Expanded hours expected in October: Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

• Appointments: Call 360-856-7995 during clinic hours to schedule. Walk-ins may also be available.

• Providers: Two health care providers will be on site.

The clinic is run by PeaceHealth and offers services similar to what you would find at an urgent care clinic—right on campus for your convenience.

To use the clinic, students need to have a signed permission form on file. Families can download the consent form and registration form below and return it to the wellness office.

We are grateful to have this resource available again to support student health and wellness!

High schoolers, this one’s for you!

Join Sedro-Woolley RISE on Wednesday, September 24 from 5:30–7:00 PM at the Sedro-Woolley Starbucks for:

• Free Refreshers + Cake Pops
• Board & card games
• Chill time with friends

Location: 1102 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley

For high school students only. Don’t miss it!

About RISE

The RISE coalition is a volunteer organization dedicated to improving the health and wellness of our community by addressing risk factors known to predict a variety of problem behaviors including youth substance use. Our membership is comprised of youth, parents, law enforcement, civic groups, businesses, healthcare professionals, media, schools, local government, and more! RISE is a partnership with the Sedro-Woolley School District and United General #304, with funding provided by the Washington State Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative and the federal Drug Free Communities grant. The coalition serves the community located within the Sedro-Woolley School District.

Get ready to rock, Sedro-Woolley!

The SWAMP presents a FREE, all-ages Rock 'n Roll Show featuring live performances by Charlatan, Surreal, and Lazy Acres!

• 6 p.m.
• Friday, September 26
• Sedro-Woolley Recreation Center, 802 Ball Street

Don’t miss this epic night of local music —let’s pack the house!

Registration — Will begin on Monday, November 11. There will be no phone registration this year.

Online Registration – See the following links for English or Spanish registration. This may be done on your phone or computer. THESE LINKS WILL NOT BE ACTIVE UNTIL NOVEMBER 11.

English Link: https://form.jotform.com/201646737303150

Spanish Link: https://form.jotform.com/240385421093149

Or fill out a registration form – See below under Forms. Select Register as a Recipient and print out the form. Forms may be dropped off at the Skagit County Fairgrounds, 1410 Virginia Street in Mount Vernon. This is the north entrance to the Fairgrounds.

SPONSOR PROGRAM — There will be a sponsor program this year. Please call the Christmas Fund at 360-419-7261 between November 6-19 to sponsor a family. The deadline to sponsor a family is November 20th.

TOY DONATIONS — New, unwrapped toys for boys and girls ages 0-17 years old may be dropped off at the Skagit County Fairgrounds, 1410 Virginia Street in Mount Vernon. This is the north entrance to the Fairground. Please call 360-419-7261 to make an appointment to drop off your gifts, or email christmasfund@skagitpublishing.com.

Toys may also be dropped off at the following locations between November 4th through December 6th:

Skagit Valley YMCA, 1901 Hoag Road, Mount Vernon. Hours: Monday - Friday 5 am- 9 pm, Saturday 7 am – 4 pm, Sunday 12 pm - 4 pm.

Honda of Burlington, 1615 Goldenrod Road, Burlington. Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am-6 pm, Saturday 9 am – 6 pm.

State Farm Insurance, 2705 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes. Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am-6pm, closed on Saturday & Sunday.

KNIT OR CROCHETED HATS AND SCARVES – May be dropped off at Wildfibers, 706 1st Street, Mt Vernon and Fidalgo Yarns, 711 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes.

DISTRIBUTION – Will be a drive through pick up for gift bags. Enter the Fairgrounds through the NORTH gate, 1410 Virginia Street in Mount Vernon.

Questions — call 360-419-7261 English or 360-419-7263 Spanish

Kick off the holiday season at the Friends of Clear Lake’s Annual Christmas Bazaar! Enjoy a festive day of shopping and community fun with local vendors offering handmade gifts, holiday décor, treats and more. All are welcome.

Where: Clear Lake Elementary School, 23631 Lake Street, Clear Lake, WA 98235
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 • 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

If your student is new or if your address has changed, please complete the Transportation Form below so we can plan your bus route.

👉 Click here to fill out the Transportation Form

📞 Questions? Call 360-855-3504 after August 4

📧 jzimmerman@swsd101.org

School supply lists below may also be available in a printable format from your school building secretary. Some schools also have the printed lists offered in Spanish. On the website, please choose "Translate" and then select your primary language to see the automated translations of the supply lists. You can also call 360-855-3772 for language assistance.

Both State Street High School and Sedro-Woolley High School students will receive specific supply lists from teachers during the first week of school. General supplies include:

Large 3-ring binder

Dividers for 3-ring notebook

1 - Box of Pencils

1 - Box of pens, blue/black

2+ - Highlighter pens

4+ - Composition books

Lined notebook paper with 3 holes – 8-1/2 X 11

Registration is now open for both AM and PM programs at the Sedro-Woolley Boys and Girls Club!

• AM Program (Licensed Child Care): Serving ages 5–12, opens at 6:30 a.m. Transportation to school is provided by the Sedro-Woolley School District. DCYF Working Connections is accepted.
  

• PM Program: Serving ages 6–18. Transportation from school to the Club is provided by Sedro-Woolley School District. Program closes at 6:30 p.m.
  

Register today at skagitclubs.org. Questions? Contact Christina Trader at Christina.trader@skagitclubs.org

Looking for a place to practice, perform, or learn? Join Sedro-Woolley Arts & Music Performance (The SWAMP)—a music community sponsored by the Sedro-Woolley Y.M.C.A. Teen Center. Whether you're a beginner or ready to take the stage, The SWAMP offers a space to grow and connect with fellow musicians.

📧 Email theswampWA@gmail.com for more info!

All elementary schools start at 9:25 a.m. Doors typically open between 9:10 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. Students are released at 3:30 p.m. See below for the early dismissal schedule.

Cascade Middle School starts at 7:40 a.m. Doors open at 7:20 a.m. Students are released at 2:15 p.m. and need to leave campus by 2:20 p.m. unless in a staff supervised activity. See below for the early dismissal schedule.

Sedro-Woolley High School starts at 7:55 a.m. Doors open at 7:20 a.m. Students are released at 2:30 p.m. See below for the early dismissal schedule.

State Street High School starts at 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:15 a.m. Students are released at 2:30 p.m. See below for the early dismissal schedule.

All schools in the district start one hour late on Wednesdays so that staff can receive professional development. The remaining exceptions is June 10, 2026, which is the last Wednesday of the year with no professional development time alloted for staff members.

Early Dismissal Times:
Cascade Middle School 10:45 a.m.
State Street High School 10:50 a.m.
Sedro-Woolley High School 11:00 a.m.
All Elementary Schools 12:30 p.m.

Early Dismissal Days for All Schools
November 4–5 Transition to K to Sixth Grade at ALL Elementary Schools

November 6–7 Transition to K to 12th Grade at ALL Schools

November 26 Transition to K to 12th Grade at ALL Schools

March 12–13 Transition to K to 12th Grade at ALL Schools

Good Beginnings Preschool Non-School Days
Every Friday

June 12, 2026 Two-Hour Early Dismissal Times:
Cascade Middle School 9:45 a.m.
State Street High School 9:55 a.m.
Sedro-Woolley High School 10 a.m.
All Elementary Schools 11:30 a.m.

Possible Inclement Weather Make-Up Days:
February 13 and May 22 are possible make-up days for inclement weather. If there are more than two days of school canceled because of inclement, more school days will be added in June, possibly extending the days to the week of June 15, 2026.

Please note, during any early dismissal days, both AM and PM sessions at Good Beginnings Preschool are canceled. These include Wednesdays with early dismissals and conference weeks, such as Thursday, March 6. Good Beginnings runs Monday to Thursday.

If a 2-hour late start is called due to inclement weather:

• No morning preschool (Good Beginnings, Samish Cooperative, Cub Club, and Y at Good Beginnings Preschool).
• Afternoon preschool classes will operate as normal.
• Head Start and Early Head Start (located next to Evergreen Elementary School) will continue as scheduled. On Wednesdays, the program will start at the same time as the regular Tuesday schedule.

When adverse weather conditions are in the forecast, we would ask that you refer to the Inclement Weather and Emergency Bulletin page for specific directions and methods of communication that will be used in a weather emergency. If you live on a potential snow route, please contact the district's transportation department at 360-855-3504 for specific bus stop information.

Free breakfast and lunch meals for ALL students will continue for the 2025-2026 school year. The continuation of free meals is possible through implementation of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).

Please note that CEP allows the service of one free breakfast and one free lunch meal daily. If students wish to have more than one meal per day, they will need to have money added to their food service account online or in the school office and will be charged accordingly. In addition, milk is an a la carte item. When taken by itself, the charge is $0.60. Students can get milk for free by ensuring they select a reimbursable meal, which can include a milk, fruit and vegetable. Students are not required to get the daily entrée.

Any questions about CEP or the Food Service Program can be directed to the Food Service office at 360-855-3515.

Elementary School Boundary Map

In-Town Elementary School Boundary Map

You can also email swsdcoms@swsd101.org for help reading the boundary maps or call 360-855-3504 or 360-855-3500.

My Ride K-12, can be downloaded in the Apple and Android app stores. You will need to download the new app to access updated transportation information for your student(s).

Downloads:

• My Ride K-12 – Apple App Store (iOS)
• My Ride K-12 – Google Play Store (Android)

My Ride K-12 provides secure access to student bus schedule/routing information, which can include the bus stop, route, and bus number. This is accessible on mobile devices, and is confidential and secure.

Parents/guardians will need to use their student ID# and current grade level to add their student to the app.

Grade levels

Kindergarten = K1

First = 01

Second = 02

Third = 03

Fourth = 04

Fifth = 05

Sixth = 06

Seventh = 07

Eighth = 08

Ninth = 09

Tenth = 10

Eleventh = 11

Twelfth= 12

Preschool families - call or email transportation.

If you see an issue with your child’s transportation information, parent transportation assistance is available by emailing jzimmerman@swsd101.org.

More Information

• My Ride K-12 User Guide Parent Flyer (English)
• My Ride K-12 User Guide Parent Flyer (Spanish)

Many of our schools are collecting box tops... digitally! Just scan your receipt and earn money for your school!

Club Hoop

Registration now open

Ages: Kindergarten-3rd grade (now accepting limited 4th grade)

Contact: clubhoopk3@gmail.com

Gateway to Golf – Junior League

In Honor of Rudy Franolovich & Gene Murray

For Boys & Girls | Grades K–8

Join us for a fun and supportive introduction to golf! Build skills, confidence, and friendships — no experience needed.

When: Sundays, September 14 – October 12

Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Where: Avalon Golf Course – Driving Range & Practice Facilities

Cost: $60 per player (Includes 5 weekly sessions)

Volunteer Facilitators: Gabe Wilson & Jenny Swanson

Questions? Email: gateway2golf@gmail.com

Also Coming Soon: Gateway to Golf – Junior Spring League!

*Dates to be announced. Stay tuned!*

Skagit Valley Rugby Club

Skagit Valley Rugby Club is excited to welcome new players of all skill levels! Whether you’re in elementary, middle, or high school, now is the perfect time to join their growing team. Registration is officially open, and the club is looking for athletes eager to learn the game, improve their skills, and be part of a fun, supportive community. Don’t miss out—sign up today and be part of the action this season!

Every Kid Sports Pass

Apply today for the youth sports grant to help cover registration fees.

https://everykidsports.org/every-kid-sports-pass/

Sedro-Woolley Youth Soccer Association

Registration for fall season is typically open each spring until May 31.

www.swyouthsoccer.com

Questions: swysa@hotmail.com

Phone : 360-969-2269

P.O. Box 22

Sedro-Woolley, Washington 98284

Northwest United Soccer

The club offers year round soccer for ages U9-U19 for both boys and girls, with all levels from recreational, select and premier teams and leagues.

https://www.nwunited.org

NW United Facebook

Sedro-Woolley Youth Football and Cheer

Registration Opens April 1st and closes May 31st for fall season.

Practices will start end of July.

www.swyfl.org

Football and Cheer Questions: contact@swyfl.org

SWYF&C Facebook Page

SWISH

For the Girls SWISH Basketball League (4th-8th Grades), contact Autumn Trannum: (autumnetrannum@gmail.com).

For the Boys SWISH Basketball League (3rd-8th Grades) contact: (woolleyclubhoop@gmail.com).

Sedro-Woolley Little League

Registration for spring typically closes in early February. Baseball/softball.

www.sedrowoolleylittleleague.com

Questions: sedrowoolleylittleleague@gmail.com

Skagit Valley Flyers Lacrosse

This program offers grades K-12 an opportunity to be introduced to and taught about the amazing sport of lacrosse. The Flyers offer boys, girls and coed programs.

For more information, email svflyers2009@gmail.com.

Flyer Facebook Group

Sedro-Woolley SteelClaw Youth Wrestling Club

Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco wrestling. The club accepts both male and female wrestlers.

Questions: swsteelclawwrestling@gmail.com

Steelclaw Facebook

**Please note that most youth sports are run by volunteer boards of directors. Coaches are most often fellow parents and there is a significant referee shortage amongst almost every sport. Volunteering to coach or training to become a referee is one of the best opportunities a parent or guardian has to stay involved in their child's life through various stages of development!

Have an update on youth sports contact information? Email swsdcoms@swsd101.org with the updated information!

The Sedro-Woolley School District appreciates your interest in volunteering. Please read the SWSD Volunteer Handbook before you complete the background form.

Please complete the volunteer application and submit all information requested.

You are required to complete a new application every two years. Please allow up to two weeks for processing. All volunteers must provide a photo ID each time they visit a Sedro-Woolley School District school.

Background Form

Volunteer Handbook Printable Version (English)

The district uses a reporting system for harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) through SafeSchools Alert. Students, parents and community members can report HIB and other unsafe behaviors anonymously through phone, text, email or web. Students, parents and community members should utilize SafeSchools Alert as it creates a record of the report, and each incident must be investigated. Visit https://swsd-wa.safeschoolsalert.com/ to report an incident or use the alternative methods below.

App: Search for “SafeSchools Alert” in the App Store to download for free.

Phone or text to: 1-855-764-8877

Email: 1376@alert1.us

District ID Code: 1376

The Sedro-Woolley School District has a preschool, seven elementary schools, one middle school and two high schools, averaging more than 4,100 students during the 2023-2024 school year. We proudly serve Sedro-Woolley and its smaller surrounding communities.

Email: swsdcoms@swsd101.org
Website: https://www.swsd.k12.wa.us/
Location: 801 Trail Road, Sedro-Woolley, WA, USA
Phone: 360-855-3500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SedroWoolleySchoolDistrict/

Interim Superintendent — Brian Isakson

Assistant Superintendent of Business & Operations - Brett Greenwood

Exec. Director, Educational Support Services — Anthony Smith

Exec. Director, Human Resources & Student Support — Daniel Lee

Director, Student Support — Michael Schweigert

IT Director — Byron Haner (360) 855-3587

Public Information Officer – Ruth Richardson

Transportation Director – Tracy Gugel (360) 855-3504

Food Service Director – Allison Johnston (360) 855-3515

Facilities & Maintenance Director – Michael Stephens (360) 855-3505

The five school board members are chosen during November elections, or appointed, to serve overlapping terms of four years each.

Monthly Board Meeting Dates: Second & Fourth Mondays at 6 p.m. or as publicized.

Location: District Office (801 Trail Road, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284) or as announced via the website.

For more information, please call: 360-855-3500, check local newspapers or the district website for meeting locations.