The Falcon Flash

Dear Skamania Families,

As we head into the final stretch of the school year, it is time to channel our collective energy into finishing strong! April is a busy and meaningful month for our community, filled with opportunities to connect, give back, and showcase our students' hard work.

Here is what is happening at Skamania:

Community & Connection

• Meet the Board & PTO Dinner: Join us for a special combined event! This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow parents, meet our school board members, and enjoy a delicious dinner in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Please see the details and RSVP link below.

Academic Excellence

• State Assessments: In the coming weeks, students in grades 3-8 will participate in the Smarter Balanced assessments for Math and English Language Arts. Additionally, grades 5 and 8 will take the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS). These assessments are a chance for our students to demonstrate the progress they’ve made this year.

Hands-On Learning

• Sam’s Walker Field Trip: Our students will soon head to Sam’s Walker to plant the native species they’ve been nurturing in STEAM class!

  • TK - 3rd Grade: April 21st

  • 4th - 8th Grade: April 23rd

  • Chaperones Needed: We would love to have you join us on this journey to support our ecosystem. Please let us know if you can assist with the planting!

Gratitude

• Staff Appreciation Week (May 4-8): Let’s finish the year by celebrating the incredible educators who care for our students every day. We invite you to write a thank you letter to your child’s teacher to show your appreciation.

Exciting News

• We are thrilled to announce that Skamania School has been awarded a $200,000 Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools grant for new playground equipment! Because this space belongs to our entire community, we want your input to help us prioritize and plan. See below for more information!

Thank you for your continued support as we make these final months the best they can be!

Warm regards,

Katie Chavarria
Superintendent/Principal
kchavarria@skamania.k12.wa.us

April 13

5:30-7:00pm

PTO & Meet the Board Event

April 13/April 20/April 27/May 4

2:30-3:30pm

Spring After School Clubs

April 21

Field trip to Sams Walker

TK - 3rd grades

April 23

Field trip to Sams Walker

4th - 8th grades

May 4-8

Staff Appreciation Week

May 21

Annual Color Run

May 27

11:30am-1:00pm

TK/K Preview

Join us for a special combined event with the Skamania School PTO and School Board! This evening offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow parents, meet our school board members, and enjoy a delicious dinner in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

The event will feature our regular monthly PTO meeting, followed by a School Board Meet & Greet. This is your chance to ask questions, share feedback, and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of our school community.

We’re pleased to offer childcare, so parents can fully participate and enjoy the evening without worries. We can’t wait to see you there for an evening of information, conversation, and fun!

While no RSVP is needed to attend the event, we kindly ask that you do RSVP if you plan to eat or need childcare, so we can ensure we’re fully prepared.

If you have questions for the board, please submit them below:

These six outstanding students have shown what it truly means to have perseverance—by pushing through challenges, staying focused on their goals, and refusing to give up when things get tough. They strengthen our classroom with their hard work, resilience, and a steady commitment to growth. Their consistent determination makes our learning community more inspired, motivated, and a better place for everyone to succeed.

👏 Congratulations to these role models who consistently put perseverance into action! Keep leading by example and showing us the power of a "never give up" attitude.

TK/K - Russell W.

1/2 - Tatum M.

2/3 - Addie C.

4/5 - Carter M.

5/6 - Avah C.

7/8 - Phoenix B.

Dear Skamania Families,

We have some VERY exciting news to share! Skamania School has been awarded the Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools grant, providing $200,000 toward the purchase and installation of brand-new playground equipment.

Because we know our playground is a vital resource for the entire community, we want your input to help us prioritize and plan this project. Your feedback will ensure the new space meets the needs and preferences of our students and neighbors alike.

How you can help: Please take a few minutes to complete our community survey. Your voice is essential in helping us design a space where our children can play, grow, and thrive.

Thank you for your continued support of our school and students!

Dear Skamania Families:

In the coming weeks, students in grades 3-8 will participate in the Smarter Balanced assessments for math and English language arts. Additionally, students in grades 5 and 8 will take the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS).

The results from these assessments will provide valuable insights into each student's readiness for college and career pathways, helping to ensure they are on track for future success.

Students will take the tests online. Our school is scheduled to take the tests:

• May 14 & 19 (3-8 ELA)

• May 21 (5 & 8 Science)

• May 28 & June 2 (3-8 Math)

For more information about the Smarter Balanced and WCAS tests, visit: https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/testing/state-testing.

To try out an online Smarter Balanced practice test or WCAS training test, visit: https://login9.cambiumtds.com/student_core/V288/Pages/LoginShell.aspx?c=Washington_PT

Please call or email kprill@skamania.k12.wa.us if you have questions about state testing.

Your support and cooperation in ensuring your child's on-time attendance during these testing days are greatly appreciated as we strive to create an optimal testing environment and set our students up for success.

Thank you for continuing to work with us to make sure your student is successful. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to better support your student. We want your student to leave us with a solid foundation of skills and a future full of opportunities.

Sincerely,

Katie Prill

Testing Coordinator

• To ensure student safety and follow district medication protocols, please remember that all cough drops must be kept in the school office. If your child needs them during the day, simply drop them off at the front desk, and our staff will make sure they are available whenever your child needs relief.
• Students may bring other beverages for lunch, but only clear water is allowed in the classroom. Thank you for your cooperation!

• Please dress your child for the weather. Also, please remember to wear PE-appropriate shoes on PE days (every day but Wednesday and other early dismissal days.)
• Cell phones must remain in backpacks during the school day. Phones that are taken out will be held in the office until the end of the day.

• Gum is not allowed at school. Please help to remind your child of this policy.

• During dismissal, please avoid parking in the staff parking lot on the side of the building.

• If your child arrives after 8:00, an adult must walk him or her into the office and sign in.

What is Child Developmental Screening?

Children are screened in the areas of motor, concepts, speech and language. A hearing and vision screening may also be done. A developmental screening can identify children who are in need of further evaluation and/or participation in Early Intervention or Early Childhood Services that address their areas of need.

Early Intervention (EI) Benefits

• Early identification and implementation of services during the most crucial time in your child’s brain development.
• Services are designed for children in the natural environment of their homes, in child care, or in preschool programs.
• Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is a written plan for services to eligible children and families.
• Transition Plan prior to age 3 is a plan developed for your child when leaving early intervention at age three.

Skamania School District is part of the ESA, making these services available to our families. Please visit this link for more information: https://www.esd112.org/category/programs/early-intervention/