LISD School Newsletter
From Dr. Martin....
Hello LISD Families.
I hope you're all staying warm and cozy, and enjoying those recent blue skies and sunshine. Thanks to everyone who has been coming out to cheer on the Lobos at our varsity home games, to the Pack and volunteers providing concessions, and to our wonderful coaches, Karrie and Aaron, for many many hours of practice/game/travel time. Thanks also to the Lobo pep band and to our elementary cheer team for entertainment and spirit.
Saturday was a whirlwind of activity at school. We had a group of wonderful volunteers come to the work day and a number of projects were checked off Brady's indoor/outdoor punch list. Several LIPTSA volunteers cleaned and spruced up the elementary break room, while the ASB dance committee decorated for the high school winter dance to be held that evening. Our L.I.F.E. team partnered with Lopez Locavores to host a soup dinner and seed swap in the evening. My heart is full of gratitude for ALL who came out to help and support our school yesterday.
During the second semester of each year, I get to start one of my very favorite practices... interviewing our graduating seniors! I truly enjoy these interviews and I know our community loves reading them. We are so lucky to be part of a small school community where this is possible! Please enjoy my interviews with our ASB President, Ana-Sophia Rempel, and Vice-President, Kaileah Poole, below and then watch for two senior interviews in each newsletter until we are very close to high school graduation.
Have a wonderful week!
All my best,
Martha
Upcoming Key Dates at the School
- Jan 27: HS Basketball, girls at 4 pm, boys at 5:30 pm - SENIOR NIGHT
- Jan 28: HS Basketball, girls at 3:30 pm, boys at 5:00 pm
- Feb 11: School Board Work Session, 4 pm, LMC
- Feb 16 - 20: Mid-Winter Break
Meet Heather Arps - New Health Room Assistant
LISD is delighted to welcome Heather Arps in the school health room. Heather is a quilter, artist, and a licensed care giver for four and a half decades. Heather has lived on Lopez with her husband Hawk since 1988, setting down roots and raising two boys. From Heather: "My sons have flown the coop now and have kids of their own so I am delighted to join the team at Lopez School. I am looking forward to reconnecting with our younger families and supporting the island community that I care so much about. When I am not at school, I might be working with elders in their homes, visiting with family off island or working in my quilt studio."
PTSA Annual Chili Sale
It's Time to Get Your Chili On!
Please support the Lopez Island Parent Teacher Student Association and purchase a 32 oz container of belly warming and heart filling chili. Made from scratch and vegetarian. $20 for a very good cause -- helping the LIPTSA support our many goals this year including supporting a couple of Lopez High School students with scholarships for their next steps as a graduate!! Pick up will be Saturday, Feb. 7.
Order Chili Here
We will also hold onto your chili in case you can't pick it up on Saturday -- just email us at lopezislandPTSA@gmail.com to arrange for another pick up time! Support our local school and have dinner already made. Or better yet, buy 2 and have 1 for the Superbowl!
Valentine's Day Crab Feed
The Pack's 4th Annual Crab Feed is February 14
This is a fun Valentine's event that supports the organization that does so much for our school athletics. Saturday, February 14th, at the Lopez Island Community Center. Doors open at 4:30pm, dinner serving is 5:30 - 7:30 pm. The crab is locally sourced through Lopez Crab. Buy tickets online at www.thepacklopez.com or in person at Paper Scissors on the Rock.
Library Update from Ms. Deirdre
Students from Kindergarten to 6th grade are benefiting from the digital citizenship lessons provided by Common Sense Media. During Library Enrichment, Deirdre selects lessons from their grade leveled offerings and presents them to the students. Some of the topics include: privacy and safety of personal information, creating device free moments, how media makes us feel, how to deal with digital drama and many more relevant topics. Students are also learning to type using Typing Club. This is essential as they progress towards middle school. Students in lower elementary are becoming familiar with the computer slowly. Discussions around the question: "What is media?" resulted in many interesting answers from Kindergartners to 3rd graders!
From LIFRC: Raising Cyber Savvy Kids in a Digital World
February 10, 5 - 6:30 pm, MPR
Dinner, childcare, and Spanish interpreter provided. More info about the presenter and the program can be found here.
Interested in a Morning Walking Buddy?
Parents and guardians are invited to join school neighbor Holli Kongorski to "Walk The Track" after dropping off kiddos at school. She is currently walking from 8:20-8:40 and welcomes anyone to join her.
Senior Profiles: Ana-Sophia & Kaileah
Ana-Sophia Rempel
What is one of your favorite memories from school?
I can’t really pick one specific memory but my best memories are when my class is hanging out and we are working together on things. I really like socializing so that’s when I have the most fun.
What are your plans after high school, and what are you most excited about?
I plan to go to a four-year college. I’m undecided about what I want to do for a career but I’m going to major in international affairs and public policy. I’m mostly excited about becoming independent and the beginning of adulthood.
What do you hope your life will be like in 10 years?
I just hope that I’m in a good place, happy, and doing something that will help people. Since I don’t know where I’m going to college yet, it’s hard to imagine exactly where I’ll be in 10 years.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your freshman self?
I’m pretty hard on myself so I’d tell my freshman self to relax a bit. I’d tell my freshman self to take things seriously but not be so hard on yourself. I’d say, “Be kind to yourself.” Also, I’d tell myself to just turn assignments in on time.
What is the most meaningful assignment or project given to you by a teacher?
It wasn’t necessarily an assignment, but in Joe’s class, we went to the Seattle Children’s Hospital research lab. We worked with DNA and diseases, and I just really enjoyed that experience.
What is a favorite book, movie, song, or show that tells us something about you?
The live action Cinderella is one of my favorite movies. I love the motto in that movie, “Always have courage and be kind.” I think about that a lot and hope that people would say that it is something that describes me.
Who or what inspires you?
My parents are my biggest inspiration. They are very kind people and are always trying their best. They are just so amazing and I want to live up to them as people.
When you’re not in school or working, how do you like to spend your free time?
I really love doing crafts. I love everything about it….painting, working with clay, any sort of craft. Recently, I started beading with wire to make these bouquets. I also do tap every Monday, and have been doing that for ten years!
In what ways do you feel you have had an impact on your community?
I feel like being a part of ASB has given me a lot of insight into the school community. I’ve seen the work that goes into planning. I’ve had a lot of opportunities to volunteer, like at the talent show.
In what ways do you want to have a positive impact on the world in the future?
I want to do my best to provide aid to people in times of need and crisis. That’s why I’m interested in international affairs and policy. My dad does a lot of humanitarian work, and he is part of the whole structure of helping people in crisis. It’s something I hope to do.
Kaileah Poole
What is one of your favorite memories from school?
I’ve been here for a very long time so I have many good memories. I really love fall at school….fall sports, sunshine, pep rallies, homecoming…it’s a great time of year. Most recently, I’d have to say senior night for soccer. We beat MVC, celebrated seniors, and it was the night I found out that I get to go on the Japan trip.
What are your plans after high school, and what are you most excited about?
I’m planning to go to a four year college on the west coast, and I’m most excited to be in a new place and meet new people.
What do you hope your life will be like in 10 years?
I hope to be done with school and in a career I love, around a community I love…and to have traveled. I want to travel to Europe and South America.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your freshman self?
I’d tell myself to just try everything. Once you get into the higher grades, it’s harder to jump into something brand new, but freshman year is a great time for that. Also, just be your authentic self.
What is the most meaningful assignment or project given to you by a teacher?
My senior project. I’m learning more about something I really care about. For my project, I’m honoring Vortex and it’s legacy. I’m collecting photos and stories for Jean.
What is a favorite book, movie, song, or show that tells us something about you?
Ho Hey by the Lumineers. It reminds me a lot of Lopez, summer, my childhood, my dad practicing music, and hanging out with friends and family.
Who or what inspires you?
My parents. I’m inspired by their hard work and love for all aspects of our community. Also my sister, because she inspires me to be the best version of myself.
When you’re not in school or working, how do you like to spend your free time?
Outside for sure….with friends and family, playing soccer, creating art.
In what ways do you feel you have had an impact on your community?
I feel I’ve had an impact as a Youth Health Advocate, a soccer coach, and helping with the Lopez Uncovered Music Festival.
In what ways do you want to have a positive impact on the world in the future?
I want to lead with kindness and understanding, and I want to help others.
What else do you think people should know about you?
I really really love our Lopez community, and I love getting to know new people.
Lopez Island School District
Brady Smith, Superintendent
Martha Martin, K-12 Principal
The Lopez Island School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, 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 employee(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, and Title IX Coordinator Sarah Rucker; Section 504, Mary Fordham. OR contact by phone, 360-468-2202, OR mail to 86 School Rd, Lopez Island, WA 98261.