District newsletter

The Sedro-Woolley community came together on Feb. 20 to celebrate the 22nd annual Community Recognition Night, honoring individuals whose dedication and service have left a lasting impact on the town and its schools. Held at the Sedro-Woolley High School auditorium, the event featured tributes, memories, and well-earned recognition.

Mike Casey received the District Recognition Award for his years of service in planning and improving school facilities long after his official retirement. Whether traveling with his wife, golfing, or working on his yard, Casey continues to embrace new adventures while giving back to Sedro-Woolley.

Brenda Suryan-Sem was honored with the Community Recognition Award for her decades of volunteerism, from her early days as a hospital candy striper to her leadership in fundraising for the Cancer Center. An integral part of Loggerodeo, Beta Sigma Phi, and various community projects, Suryan-Sem’s enthusiasm and dedication have made a lasting difference.

The Athletics Hall of Fame Award was presented to Dennis Brown, whose legendary 99-yard touchdown run for Sedro-Woolley High School set him on a path to a full-ride scholarship at Washington State University. His record-setting track performances still stand more than 50 years later, and his love for the game continues through his family in Phoenix.

Two Memorial Recognition Awards were given in honor of individuals whose legacies continue to inspire. Matt Mihelich, a beloved educator and Rotarian, was remembered for his leadership as a principal and executive director in the school district, as well as his dedication to youth sports and community service. Julius Schulze, a skilled woodworker and former district custodian, was celebrated for his generosity, humor, and lifelong support of Sedro-Woolley students and staff.

We take pride in recognizing staff members who exemplify our Stronger Together: Building Bridges with Kindness theme. This program highlights the incredible individuals who go above and beyond to foster compassion, support, and a positive culture in our schools and community.

The Sedro-Woolley School District has named Cara Ottele as the recipient of the February Building Bridges with Kindness award. Ottele, a paraeducator in Samish Elementary School’s second grade STRIVE program, is recognized for her dedication to fostering a compassionate and inclusive learning environment.

The Building Bridges with Kindness award celebrates staff members who exemplify the district’s theme, Stronger Together: Building Bridges with Kindness. This initiative highlights individuals who go above and beyond to cultivate support, empathy, and positivity within their schools and the broader community.

Ottele, who works closely with STRIVE students, finds joy in helping them achieve their daily classroom goals. She believes that kindness, patience, and compassion are at the core of her work.

“My greatest joy is giving love, patience, compassion, and kindness every day,” Ottele said. “Working with our STRIVE students to help bring them to their greatest potential in the classroom, alongside their peers, is incredibly rewarding.”

For Ottele, this year’s theme resonates deeply with her approach to education. “It means that, as one team, together, with kindness and commitment, we become stronger in building the bridge to acceptance and bringing all students together in one teaching environment,” she said.

The Sedro-Woolley School District takes pride in honoring staff members like Ottele, who make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and contribute to a positive school culture. Her dedication serves as an inspiring example of how kindness and connection can transform the educational experience for all.

Reminder: Sixth graders in the Sedro-Woolley School District have the opportunity to attend Camp Orkila on Orcas Island from April 22–25, 2025! This experience brings students from all seven elementary schools together for three nights of adventure, learning, and team-building in the breathtaking San Juan Islands.

Camp Orkila, established in 1906, is a YMCA camp dedicated to fostering youth development, and environmental education. Students will engage in hands-on learning experiences such as marine and forest ecology, sustainability, and earth sciences—all aligned with state learning standards. Activities include exploring plankton under microscopes, playing an interactive food web game in the forest, and conquering the 50-foot climbing tower.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience! Parent/guardian packets are due by March 3, 2025.

Sedro-Woolley High School will host Woolley Idol on Saturday, February 22, at 7:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

Cascade Middle School’s Parent Group will meet on Monday, February 24, at 6:30 p.m. at CMS (location TBD).

🎮 Teen Arcade Night at Bigfoot’s Den! 🎮

📅 Wednesday, February 26
⏰ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Bigfoot’s Den, 829 Metcalf Street, Sedro-Woolley

Get your game on at this FREE event exclusively for teens! 🕹️✨ Enjoy unlimited arcade games, free snacks, and a fun night with friends. Additional food will be available for purchase.

Brought to you by Sedro-Woolley RISE, United General District 304, Central Skagit Library, and Bigfoot’s Den—working together to build a healthier, stronger community. 💙

The 2024-2025 Sedro-Woolley High School National Honor Society will hold an induction ceremony on February 26 at 6:30 p.m. Families are invited to attend. Contact Windy Hindman for questions:
whindman@swsd101.org.

A free family photo shoot will be held on Saturday, March 1, from 12–5 p.m. at Sedro-Woolley High School.

Sedro-Woolley RISE and the Sedro-Woolley School District are celebrating incredible students and their families in a positive community campaign. Images will be used locally to promote all the good things happening in our community and will be sent to each family for FREE! Bring an item that showcases your student's talent or skill.

Sign up for your 15 minute mini-session: Click here to register!

About RISE

Sedro-Woolley RISE is a volunteer coalition committed to enhancing the health and wellness of our community by addressing risk factors that contribute to youth substance use and other challenges. The coalition includes youth, parents, schools, businesses, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and more, working together to create a safer, healthier environment for Sedro-Woolley. RISE operates through a partnership with Sedro-Woolley School District and United General #304, supported by Washington State Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative and the federal Drug Free Communities grant.

Fuel up for success! March 3–7 is National School Breakfast Week! Join us in celebrating nutritious and delicious breakfasts at our schools. Let’s make every day a great start!

The Scholastic Book Fair at Central Elementary runs March 3–7 in the library, open during school & during conferences after school on March 6. Discover your next great read!

Attention SWHS parents — mark your calendars for the Parent Group Meeting scheduled for March 3 at 6 p.m. in the library. Save the date and join the conversation about our school community.

Evergreen Elementary families—don’t miss the Parent Group Meeting on March 4 at 6:30 p.m. It’s a perfect time to share ideas and support our school community.

Reminder for March 6 and 7:

March 6: Early dismissal day for K–12 Conferences.

March 7: All schools will have an early dismissal.

(Remember: No Good Beginnings Preschool on early dismissal days.)

Dismissal Times for Both Days

Cascade Middle: 10:45 a.m.

State Street High: 10:50 a.m.

SWHS: 11:00 a.m.

All Elementary: 12:30 p.m.

Please follow your school’s schedule and plan your pickup accordingly.

*Elementary conferences are scheduled by classroom teachers. If you would like to schedule a meeting, please contact your child's teacher via email.

Sedro-Woolley High School conferences will be held on March 6 from noon–3 p.m. and 4–7 p.m.

State Street High School will host conferences from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 6.

Cascade Middle School Conferences will be held on March 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 3:30–6:30 p.m. Conferences will be arena-style in the cafeteria!

Mary Purcell Elementary parents—mark your calendars to attend the Parent Group meeting on March 6 at 6:30 p.m.

Get ready for an unforgettable night of live music! The Skagit Valley Y.M.C.A. presents Sedro-Woolley Arts & Music Performance (SWAMP) Youth Concert Night on March 7 at the Y.M.C.A. Rec Center (802 Ball Street). Enjoy an all-ages show featuring local youth musicians playing alternative, grunge, and rock. Don’t miss out on this awesome community event—come support young artists and rock the night away! 🎶🔥

Educational Support Professionals Week is March 10–14! Help our schools honor our amazing support staff who make our schools a nurturing place for every student!

The Scholastic Book Fair at Mary Purcell Elementary runs March 10–14 in the library. The Parent Group Family Night will be from 6–7:30 p.m. on March 13 during Math Night.

Lyman Elementary School’s Parent Group Meeting is set for March 11 at 6 p.m.

Samish Elementary Parent Group Meeting will be held on March 11 at 6:30 p.m.

The Cascade Middle School Choir Concert will be held on March 11 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria.

Lyman Elementary School’s Spring Picture Day is on March 12.

Mary Purcell Elementary School's Math Night will be held March 13 from 6–7 p.m.

Cascade Middle School families, mark your calendars to attend the Parent Group Meeting on March 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the library.

The SWHS Band Concert is on March 18 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.

The Clear Lake Parent Group meeting is on March 18 from 6–7 p.m.

The Visions Parent Group meeting is on March 18 from 7–8 p.m.

The 6th & 8th Grade Band Concert is set for March 19 at 7 p.m. in the Cascade Middle School cafeteria.

The Central Elementary School Parent Group Meeting is on March 19 at 6 p.m.

Mary Purcell Elementary School's Spring Picture Day is on March 20.

The Combined Orchestras (6th–12th) will perform on March 20 at 7 p.m. in the Sedro-Woolley High School Auditorium.

Central Elementary Choir is set to perform at the San Juan Music Educators Association (SJMEA) Elementary Choir Festival on March 22 at CTK Community Church in Bellingham. The morning instructional session begins at 9 a.m. (Concert at 11:30 a.m.).

Central Elementary Garden Work Day is on March 22 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

March 25 is Spring Picture Day at Good Beginnings Preschool.

Central Elementary School's Spring Picture Day is on March 25.

The Cascade Middle School 7th Grade Band Concert is on March 25 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria.

The Sedro-Woolley High School Choir Concert is on March 26 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.

Families—don’t miss our Annual District Title 1 Meeting on March 27 at Evergreen Library from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Pizza will be provided, so come hungry for both information and a slice!

During the meeting, parents will learn about:

• Title I, Part A programs and services at your school.

• Requirements that govern this federal program.

• Parent's right to be involved with Title I, Part A programs and services.

Title I schools: Central, Evergreen, Mary Purcell and State Street

Lyman Elementary School’s Wildcat Assembly is on March 28 at 9:35 a.m.

B-I-N-G-O, it’s time for fun! Central Elementary School families are invited to attend Musical Bingo Night on March 28 from 5:30–8 p.m. in the school's gym. Watch your child’s backpack for a pre-order form for snacks! These must be turned in by March 26th! Get ready for a night of music, prizes, and laughter!

Mark your calendars! Samish Elementary's Parent Group is hosting a Spring Market March 29–30 at the school (23953 Prairie Road). This event is a special fundraiser to support playground equipment, classroom needs, field trips, school events, and other activities throughout the year.

Interested in becoming a vendor? Click the links below to apply and submit payment:

• Vendor Application
• Vendor Payment

Don't miss this opportunity to support Samish Elementary and shop for great finds!

The Class of 2025 Senior Parent Group presents the 2025 Glow Run – a fun-filled, glow-in-the-dark night run to support the Senior Class of 2025!

🏃‍♂️ WHEN: Friday, April 25, 2025
📍 WHERE: Northern State Recreation Area, Sedro-Woolley
🕖 TIME:
🔹 Registration opens at 7:00 PM
🔹 5K Run starts at 8:00 PM
🔹 2K Walk starts at 8:10 PM

💡 What to Bring: Tennis shoes, glow sticks, and a friend! Wear your brightest neon gear and get ready to light up the night!

🎟️ REGISTER EARLY & SAVE!
💲 $35 by April 1st (includes a FREE event t-shirt!)
💲 $45 after April 2nd
👶 $10 for kids 5 & under with a t-shirt | FREE for kids 5 & under without a t-shirt

🔗 Register now

📌 FAQs:
❓ Is it timed? Yes, but unofficially.
❓ Can I bring my dog? Sorry, no pets allowed.
❓ Can I bring a stroller? Yes! Just be mindful of other runners.

Don’t miss this glowing good time!

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!

This spring, we’re shining the spotlight on our graduating seniors in two special ways:

1️⃣ Senior Spotlights: Share your senior’s future plans, favorite memories, and dreams! These will be featured on district social media and in the weekly District Update leading up to graduation.

2️⃣ Senior Wills: Encourage your senior to leave their legacy in the June issue of the Concrete Herald! This fun tradition allows seniors to share advice, favorite memories, or words of wisdom with classmates and underclassmen.

✨ How to Participate
Submit your senior’s information and “will” using this form: [https://forms.gle/eR86oKdekHLPcP11A]

Deadline: Friday, May 23, at 5 p.m.

Let’s celebrate the incredible Class of 2025 together! 🌟

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 7:30 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 11, 2025, 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.

Remaining Early Dismissal Days for All Schools
March 6 & 7
June 13 (School in session – 2 hours - see schedule below)

Good Beginnings Preschool Non-School Days
Every Friday
March 6

June 13 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:
Friday, February 14 * Make-Up Day for Thursday, February 6 Snow Day (White Block Day at SWHS)
Friday, May 23
*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 16, 2025.

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.

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

Free breakfast and lunch meals for ALL students will continue for the 2024-2025 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!

Gateway to Golf

Attention: Gateway to Golf starts its 5 week spring league on April 27. This is a 5-week session that meets on Sundays from 4-5 p.m. at Avalon Golf Course.

Gateway to Golf is a golf league for students ages 1st-8th grade. To request information or to sign up for the spring league, email gateway2golf@gmail.com.

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 for fall season typically closes in June.

Practices start in August.

www.swyfl.org

Cheer Questions: cheerrep@swyfl.org

Cheer Facebook

Football Questions: contact@swyfl.org

Football Facebook

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

Club Hoop

Club Hoop is now taking registrations online https://leagues.bluesombrero.com/sedrowooleyclubhoops. In-person registration is October 20 and 27 from 2-4 p.m.

Ages: Kindergarten-3rd grade

Contact: clubhoopk3@gmail.com

**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

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: Support Services Building, 317 Yellow Lane or as announced via the website.

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