SBLSD News
Feb. 9, 2023
The District honored two new National Board Certified teachers at a celebration ceremony on Feb. 8 at the District Office.
Hannah Bateman, math teacher at Bonney Lake High School, earned certification in Mathematics/Early Adolescence
- Dawnetta Isaacson, 4th grade teacher at Bonney Lake Elementary, earned certification in Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood
They’ve earned the most respected professional certificate available in K-12 education. National Board Certification is a voluntary, advanced teaching credential that goes beyond state licensing requirements.
We’re also honored to be named a National Board Accomplished District for having 20 percent or more teachers who have achieved National Board Certification.
Congratulations, Hannah and Dawnetta, on this very significant professional accomplishment!
School counselors have a tremendous impact in helping students achieve school success, plan for a career, and so much more. This week is National School Counseling Week, and we want to celebrate the work they do to know, value and support every child.
At Maple Lawn Elementary, Counselor Aubrie Merritt meets every week with the Restorative Practices Leadership Team, a group of 5th graders who support younger students with leadership skills and community building.
"Being a school counselor is a dream come true because I get to help the most amazing group of 5th graders be even more amazing leaders than they already are,” Aubrie said. "The 5th grade students who participate in Restorative Practices are learning how to hone their communication skills, solve problems effectively, and build and restore relationships across our school. I'm encouraged and hopeful for this generation of youth because I see so much empathy, determination, dedication, and pride in what they do. They truly make being a school counselor a dream!"
Today at Donald Eismann Elementary, Counselor Dani Steele taught a lesson on Kelso’s Choices, a conflict-management curriculum for elementary students that is based on the premise that every child is capable of becoming a peacemaker. It is designed around Kelso the Frog, who offers nine options students can choose from to resolve minor conflicts or small problems on their own.
“It’s about truly teaching the kids the skills to solve their own problems as well as giving them another trusted adult to look up to when they get to school,” Dani said.
We also have teams of counselors supporting our students at middle and high schools. Students recognized their counselors with notes of encouragement and thanks this week.
In addition, our high school counselors shared how they help their students dream big:
"I help my students dream big by ... helping students navigate any challenges they may face,” wrote Bonney Lake High School Counselor Kelly Speir.
"My students help me dream big by ... dreaming big themselves!" wrote Sumner High School Counselor Alec Simmons.
Thank you to all our school counselors for their work!
Do you have experience with large capital program activities? Consider applying to be a volunteer member of the District’s new Capital Facility Advisory Committee (CFAC). The 30-member committee will represent a broad cross-section of community members and staff, who will work in an advisory capacity to the administration on issues such as capital planning, funding measures and boundary recommendations.
Meeting monthly from spring 2023 to June 2024, the committee’s goal is to make recommendations for a long-term capital facilities plan that includes funding measures. Activities include studying facility needs, reviewing data, and developing a plan designed to meet the needs of students over the next 10 years. The committee's work will culminate in a working list of future priorities and a recommendation to the school board for future funding.
Members interested in serving on the CFAC must be able to commit to evening, in-person participation once a month at the Central Office Administration Building. Apply electronically or by mail (1202 Wood Ave, Sumner, WA 98390) by Feb. 17.
Find details about member qualifications, selection, meeting dates and application at sumnersd.org/CFAC.
Down with the construction fencing and up comes green grass! We’re near substantial completion of the Sumner High School Expansion Phase 1 project, continuing with:
Grinding, polishing and sealing the Commons floor
Systems coming online and tested (elevator, fire panel, kitchen equipment, alarms, generator, etc)
Detail and trim work in process
Interior finishes, technology and furnishings continue
Visit the Sumner Community Food Bank on Feb. 20 or 21 for free dental services, sponsored by the Pierce County Local Impact Network. There will be two events:
Feb. 20: Free Kids Dental Day, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free screenings and sealants.
Feb. 21: Free Dental Day, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Urgent adult dental care, insurance sign-up assistance and free referrals.
Both events will be held at Sumner Community Food Bank, 15625 Main St. E. in Sumner.
Appointments are encouraged. Schedule one now at this link.
Do you know a child who will be five years old on or before Aug. 31? Maybe it's your neighbor, friend or even your own child. Now’s the time to enroll kindergarten students for the 2023-24 school year. The sooner you enroll, the better we can keep you informed.
Kindergarten kickoff video
To learn more about kindergarten in the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District, watch this video for an overview of kindergarten, the registration process and forms, resources, transition events and kindergarten readiness.
School orientations
To help welcome new kinders and their families, each of our elementary schools will host a Kindergarten Roundup. Prior to kinder screening, Roundup provides students/families an opportunity to physically tour school and meet important people as well as get pertinent information regarding registration. Find the date and time for each school’s orientation.
New immunization requirements
New requirements are in effect for students in preschool and kindergarten who are four years old or older on Sept. 1. Learn about the requirements, documentation, exceptions and more.
Registration
Enrollment into the District is online. Visit our enrollment page for details on the three-step registration process. Hard copy registration packets are available at our schools.
For more information, go to www.sumnersd.org/kindergarten.
Learn how to:
Avoid un-winnable power struggles and arguments
Set enforceable limits
Empower kids
Help kids learn from mistakes rather than repeating them
Workshop details (limited to 30 individuals):
Wednesdays, April 19-May 17
5:30-7 p.m. at Crestwood Elementary
Love and Logic parenting represents a “how-to” practical approach to parenting that has been successfully taught over 25 years. The Love and Logic approach is fun! Participants will receive a free workbook while attending. Childcare (5 years and older), water and snacks will be provided at each session.
Register now and visit sumnersd.org/loveandlogic for more information.
