Superintendent Brower Newsletter

Dear Eatonville Community,

Students-The best part of my job—hands down—is spending time with our incredible students, whether in the classroom or cheering them on at events beyond the school day. Our students are intelligent, creative, dedicated, determined, friendly, and witty. They remind me every day why I entered this profession 40 years ago and what continues to keep me engaged, hopeful, and energized.

Strategic Plan-I also deeply value the connections I make with our parents, staff, and community members. Our Eatonville School District (ESD) staff remain committed to student academic success and well-being, as outlined in our strategic plan. They provide outstanding educational experiences, ensuring our students are supported and challenged.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Its Role in Education – Recently, we hosted a vital community forum to explore AI’s impact on education—its benefits, challenges, and the best ways to integrate it into our schools. Our goal is to ensure that Eatonville Schools remains a place where innovation enhances student success. AI is already influencing the world around us, shaping industries, workplaces, and the way we interact with information. As a school district, our responsibility is to ensure that our students are prepared for this rapidly evolving landscape. That means we must proactively plan how AI will be used in Eatonville Schools—to enhance learning, equip students with essential skills, and support our educators in their critical work.

For our students, AI presents opportunities to strengthen problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability—skills that are essential no matter what path they choose. Whether it’s in research, career training, or everyday problem-solving, understanding AI will be a key part of their future success.

For our staff, AI can serve as a tool to support and enhance instruction, providing real-time insights, personalizing learning experiences, and streamlining administrative tasks—allowing teachers to focus on what matters most: helping students learn and grow. As a community, we have a unique opportunity to thoughtfully integrate AI into our schools in a way that aligns with our values and priorities.

Track, Field, and Stadium Updates-This community deeply values its students, families, and traditions, and I am thrilled to share that we are on track to replace and upgrade the Eatonville High School track and field. Thanks to the support of our voters who approved the capital projects levy last February, this long-overdue improvement is becoming a reality. Promises made, promises kept!

Additionally, we recognize the need for a new stadium—a project that was not part of the levy measure or promised to voters. However, through the hard work of our ESD staff, who diligently pursued grant funding, and with the support of our 2nd Legislative District legislators and generous community donors, we are close to securing the full funding needed to bring this project to life. This new stadium—funded through grants and donations—will save Eatonville taxpayers nearly $2 million while improving safety and ensuring ADA accessibility for our entire community for generations to come.

Community Day – What began in 1913 as a student-led town clean-up has grown into a cherished Eatonville tradition, complete with a fair, games, and a royal court. Today, we continue to honor this legacy by bringing the community together every first Friday in May to celebrate our students and uphold this rich tradition. You won’t want to miss this exciting day filled with entertainment, great food, and fun for all!

Groundbreaking Ceremony – I want to extend my gratitude for your continued support as we move forward with long-overdue improvements. To celebrate this progress, I invite you to join us for a Groundbreaking Ceremony on Friday, May 2nd, at 11:30 AM in the stadium. This special event will mark the beginning of these important projects and serve as the perfect kickoff to Community Day. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Gratitude-Thank you once again for your continued support and dedication to our students and staff members. Together, we are creating a nurturing and inspiring environment for our students to thrive.

We are Eatonville Strong!

Warm regards,

Jay Brower, Superintendent

We are excited to invite you to a momentous occasion for the Eatonville community! Please join Eatonville School District as we celebrate the Groundbreaking Ceremony for our new community track, field, and stadium.

This project marks a significant investment in our students, athletes, and the broader community, enhancing opportunities for recreation, competition, and school spirit. We would love for you to be part of this special day as we break ground and look ahead to a brighter future!

The Eatonville School District is excited to announce that we are on track to replace and upgrade the Eatonville High School track and field—an important and long-overdue improvement made possible by our voters who approved the capital projects levy last February. Your support is turning plans into reality. Promises made, promises kept!

But that’s not all! The replacement of our stadium is also long overdue. While a new stadium was not included in the levy measure, thanks to the dedication of many who worked tirelessly to write and secure grants, along with generous donations, we are getting close to securing the funds needed to make it happen. This project will save Eatonville taxpayers nearly $2 million while addressing safety concerns and ensuring ADA accessibility.

Thank you for investing in our schools, our students, and our community. Stay tuned for updates as these much-needed projects take shape!

Note: This is not an official rendering. The image is a conceptual representation created for announcement purposes and does not reflect the final design of the project.

Want to leave a lasting legacy at the stadium? Sponsor a seat for just $500 and have your name or a dedication displayed for years to come!

Through the Greater Eatonville Community Foundation, you can personalize a stadium seat in honor or memory of a loved one, your graduating class, or with a special message (30-character limit).

📬 Mail a check to:
GECF
184 Dow Ridge Dr. N.
Eatonville, WA 98328

This opportunity is sponsored through the Greater Eatonville Community Foundation.

Disclaimer: The district does not sponsor nor endorse this information and assumes no responsibility for it.

Note: This is not an official rendering. The image is a conceptual representation created for announcement purposes and does not reflect the final design of the project.

As the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, our schools are buzzing with the sound of music! We are thrilled to invite you to our Spring Performances, where our talented students will take the stage to showcase their hard work and musical achievements.

From lively band concerts to heartwarming choir performances and delightful grade-level showcases, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Mark your calendars and bring the whole family for an evening of joy, community, and incredible student talent.

Come support our young musicians and performers—you won’t want to miss these special moments!

Our schools are preparing for the upcoming standardized assessment period. Grades 3-8, 10 and 11 will be testing at the end of April -May.

Teachers are working diligently to ensure students are comfortable with testing formats while maintaining a balanced approach to curriculum.

Parents can help by:

• Ensuring students get adequate sleep and nutrition

• Maintaining regular attendance during testing

• Encouraging a positive attitude toward testing

• Contacting your child's teacher with specific questions

Benefits for Students Taking the State Assessment

✓ The state assessments assess critical state standards, including higher-level thinking, communication, reasoning, problem solving, and application of knowledge and skills in new situations. Teachers and staff can gain information about students’ progress toward meeting grade-level expectations (what students should know and be able to do) in the core academic areas of reading, writing, math, and science, and can plan instruction accordingly.

✓ By taking the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) in grades 3-8, students become familiar with the test and have several chances to get feedback on their performance, before taking the state assessment in high school where passing the assessments can lead to partial fulfillment of graduation pathway requirements.

✓ Each student’s state assessment performance provides a profile of the student’s strengths and weak areas in each subject area tested. ✓ Parents and students can see student growth from year to year.

✓ Because the state assessment measures students’ progress toward meeting standards, information regarding the performance of district groups of students can help district staff make decisions about the equity and effectiveness of various instructional programs

This month, we want to highlight the significance of problem-solving skills in our children's development. As they grow, our students constantly encounter situations requiring critical thinking and solution-finding. While it may be tempting for us, as adults, to jump in and fix things, equipping our children with the tools to tackle problems independently is invaluable for their confidence and resilience.

Why Problem-Solving Matters:

• Builds Confidence: Successfully navigating a problem, even a small one, boosts a child’s self-esteem and belief in their abilities.

• Encourages Independence: Problem-solving empowers children to handle situations without constant reliance on adults.

• Develops Critical Thinking: It teaches children to analyze situations, consider different options, and evaluate the consequences of their choices.

• Promotes Emotional Regulation: Learning to deal with frustrations when things don't go as planned is a vital life skill.

How Can You Help Your Child Become a Problem Solver?

Here are a few strategies you can use at home:

• Pause and Listen: When your child presents a problem, resist the urge to solve it right away. Calmly listen to their perspective and ask clarifying questions, such as "Tell me more about what happened" or "How did that make you feel?"

• Brainstorm Together: Engage your child in brainstorming solutions. Encourage them to come up with multiple possibilities, even if they seem silly at first. Write them down to visualize the different options. For instance, if their blocks keep falling, brainstorm ideas like “building a wider base” or “using tape to hold it together.”

• Discuss Consequences: After brainstorming, talk about the potential outcomes of each option. Help your child understand that some solutions may be more effective than others. For example, “If you build a wider base, maybe the tower won’t fall over.”

• Let Them Try (With Guidance): Allow your child to try out the solution they think is best. Provide support as needed, but resist taking over. This gives them ownership of the process.

• Reflect and Learn: Whether their solution worked or not, take time to discuss what they learned. Ask questions like, "What went well?" or "What could you try differently next time?" Learning from both successes and mistakes is key.

Strategic Objective- We will promote higher order thinking by facilitating student-led academic opportunities that encourage resilience, problem-solving skills and self -advocacy.

Mrs. Piper’s 3rd graders: Setting Students Up for Success in Math and Reading

Our 3rd-grade tutoring program has been designed to provide targeted support for our students in both math and reading. This program plays a crucial role in setting our children up for long-term academic success.

Benefits of 3rd Grade Tutoring:

• Personalized Learning: Tutoring allows for individualized instruction tailored to each child's unique needs, helping them grasp concepts at their own pace.

• Strengthened Foundations: By focusing on key skills in math and reading, students build a strong foundation that will support their future learning.

• Increased Confidence: As students receive support and see their progress, their confidence grows, making them more willing to take on challenges.

• Enhanced Engagement: One-on-one or small group settings foster a more engaging learning environment, encouraging students to participate actively.

Key Focus Areas:

During tutoring sessions and class time,WES teacher Heidi Piper, emphasize the importance of understanding problem-solving steps, particularly highlighted during the recent Problem-Solving Day in Mrs. Piper’s 3rd grade session focused on reading and math applications.

• Reading the Problem: Students read and comprehend the problem, ensuring they understand what is being asked.

• Identifying Key Information: They practice breaking down the problem by underlining key words, allowing them to identify essential details.

• Modeling and Discussion: Heidi models the steps of solving the problem while students discuss and comment on the process.

• Identifying Equations: Students are asked to restate the problem, noting equations such as 7 \times 5. They collaboratively work through related questions, like 3 \times 7, and help each other reach the correct answer.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Students work together to complete multi-step problems, discussing what is being asked and whether two sides of an equation are equal, rather than simply adding them together.

• Guiding Each Other: Everyone gets a chance to contribute to the group discussion, guiding one another through the thought process of problem-solving.

• Visual Aids and Drawings: Students are encouraged to draw pictures to help visualize the problems and to note backward multiplication strategies.

• Reflecting on Choices: When prompted to explain their reasoning, such as why they chose 6 \times 6, students articulate their thought processes, connecting them to similar problems they have previously solved.

Mrs. Piper not only reinforces their math skills but also fosters a sense of community and teamwork among the students.

Helping Your Teen Develop Problem-Solving Skills

As our teens navigate their educational journey, one of the most essential skills they can develop is problem-solving. This skill not only helps them academically but also prepares them for real-world challenges. Here are some examples of how problem-solving is integrated into various subjects for secondary students, along with tips on how you can support your child in developing these skills at home.

1. Math Problem-Solving: Algebraic Equations

In math class, students often encounter equations that require them to think critically and follow a series of steps and or share conceptual understanding to find a solution. For example, consider the equation 2x + 3 = 11.

Steps to Solve:

• Identify Key Information: Students learn to isolate the variable by performing operations on both sides of the equation.

• Follow the Steps: They subtract 3 from both sides and then divide by 2 to find x = 4.

• Reflect on Their Work: After finding the solution, students check their work by substituting x back into the original equation.

How You Can Help: Encourage your teen to explain their thought process as they work through math problems. Discuss the importance of checking their work to ensure accuracy.

2. Science Problem-Solving: Environmental Impact

In science, students often engage in experiments to understand complex concepts. For instance, they might design an experiment to test the effects of different fertilizers on plant growth.

Steps to Solve:

• Define the Problem: What type of fertilizer yields the best results?

• Research and Plan: Students investigate various fertilizers, formulate a hypothesis, and outline their experiments.

• Conduct and Analyze: They carry out the experiment, collect data, and analyze the results to draw conclusions.

How You Can Help: Ask your teen about their science projects. Encourage them to think critically about their hypotheses and the results, discussing how they can apply their findings to real-life situations.

3. Social Studies Problem-Solving: Current Events Debate

In social studies, students often analyze current events and engage in debates about policy changes.

Steps to Solve:

• Understand the Issue: Students research and gather information about a recent policy change.

• Identify Perspectives: They explore different viewpoints, preparing arguments both for and against the policy.

• Engage in Debate: During debates, students present their arguments, respond to opposing views, and practice critical thinking.

How You Can Help: Encourage your teen to stay informed about current events. Discuss the importance of understanding multiple perspectives and the skills involved in respectful debate.

4. Literature Problem-Solving: Analyzing Character Decisions

In literature classes, students analyze characters' decisions and their implications within the story.

Steps to Solve:

• Identify a Decision: Students select a pivotal moment in the narrative.

• Discuss Motivations: They analyze the factors influencing the character’s choice.

• Explore Alternatives: Students brainstorm alternative decisions and potential outcomes.

How You Can Help: Encourage your teen to express their opinions about the characters and their choices. Discuss how literature reflects real-life decisions and moral dilemmas.

Conclusion

Eatonville’s Portrait of a Graduate identifies Innovative Problem Solvers as an attribute for student success within and beyond high school. By fostering problem-solving skills across subjects, we prepare our students for future challenges both in academics and in life.

Eatonville School District is excited to welcome our newest learners for the 2025-2026 school year! If you have a child who will be 5 years old on or before August 31st, now is the time to register for kindergarten.

Enrollment packets are available online and at your student’s school. Early registration helps us plan for a great year ahead, ensuring your child has a smooth and successful start to their educational journey.

📌 Required Documents for Enrollment:
✅ Medically Verified Immunization Record
✅ Birth Certificate
✅ Proof of Residency

We can’t wait to meet our future kindergarteners! For more information or to begin the registration process, visit our district website or contact your local school.

April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness, fostering understanding, and promoting inclusion for autistic individuals. The month kicks off with World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd, a global initiative recognized by the United Nations.

This year’s theme, "Celebrate Differences," encourages everyone to recognize and embrace the uniqueness of every individual. Differences make us who we are, and fostering a more accepting society ensures that autistic individuals are included, valued, and supported.

✔ Raise Awareness: Share information, listen to autistic voices, and help amplify their stories.
✔ Promote Inclusion: Advocate for inclusive practices in workplaces, schools, and community spaces.
✔ Support Organizations: Contribute to or volunteer with organizations that support the autism community.
✔ Educate Yourself: Learn more about autism and neurodiversity to better support and understand autistic individuals.

Several organizations lead the way in promoting autism acceptance, including:

• National Autistic Society

• Autism Speaks

• Autism Society

Unified PE aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where all students can participate and thrive, regardless of their abilities. Students with and without disabilities engage in physical activities, sports, and games together, promoting teamwork and understanding.

Empowering Students for Life Beyond High School

Our school’s transition program is making great strides in preparing students for life after high school! This initiative focuses on developing essential skills for independent living, employment, and post-secondary education opportunities.

Real-World Learning Experiences

Over the past few months, students have engaged in:
✔ Hands-on job training
✔ Community-based instruction
✔ Workplace skill development

Through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, students are exploring career paths, gaining real-world experience, and building valuable workplace skills in supportive environments.

Exciting Partnerships & Skill Development

A highlight of the program has been our collaborations with Arrow Lumber and Center Street Junction, a local thrift store. Here, students participate in job shadowing and learn workplace expectations firsthand. Additionally, they are working on:
🔹 Financial literacy
🔹 Self-advocacy
🔹 Daily living skills

Building Confidence & Community Connections

Beyond career preparation, the program also emphasizes social and community engagement. Whether through volunteering or interactive learning experiences, students are developing communication skills and confidence that will serve them well in adulthood.

We are incredibly proud of our students' progress and grateful to our dedicated staff, community partners, and families for their ongoing support.

Want to learn more or get involved? Contact Dracy McCoy or Wes Potter to support this incredible program!

Unified PE aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where all students can participate and thrive, regardless of their abilities. Students with and without disabilities engage in physical activities, sports, and games together, promoting teamwork and understanding. We have been doing great things at EMS with our Unified PE class.

Other programs throughout the district have visited our Unified PE class at EMS this year. It has been a great experience for all. Some of the units that our students have participated in are, basketball, bowling, racquet sports, volleyball and soccer. We do a lot of modifications for our students so they can be successful with all the units we teach them. We will continue to advocate and educate our students through this program.

EHS

• Maryann Barker: m.baker@eatonville.wednet.edu

• Kirsten Dill: k.dill@eatonville.wednet.edu

EMS

• Anisa Parks: a.parks@eatonville.wednet.edu

• Kylee Meysenburg: k.meysenburg@eatonville.wednet.edu

CCA

• Deb Noble-Perry: d.noble-perry@eatonville.wednet.edu

• Kylee Meysenburg: k.meysenburg@eatonville.wednet.edu

EES

• Jana McIlraith: j.mcilraith@eatonville.wednet.edu

WES

• Allysen Lindstrom: a.lindstrom@eatonville.wednet.edu

Wild Grief Hike Support Group

Wild Grief Summer Programs

Wild Grief - Spanish

Our recent field trip to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium was an unforgettable experience for our students! From meeting amazing animals to exploring the exhibits, the day was filled with learning and excitement. A huge thank you to our wonderful parent volunteers who helped make the day run smoothly, and to WES for providing delicious lunches that kept everyone energized. We’d also like to extend a special shout-out to our awesome bus driver for getting us there and back safely. We appreciate all the support that made this adventure a success!

Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
Time: 6-7 pm
Location: Eatonville Middle School, Portable #4

The Eatonville School District’s Indian Parent Coalition invites parents, guardians, and community members to a Public Hearing to discuss important topics related to the education and well-being of Native American students in our district.

This hearing will provide an opportunity to:
✅ Share feedback on programs and services supporting Native American students
✅ Discuss educational policies, funding, and cultural inclusion efforts
✅ Voice concerns, ask questions, and collaborate with district leaders

Role of the Indian Parent Committee (IPC)

The Indian Parent Committee (IPC) plays a critical role in consulting with the Local Education Agency (LEA) on the development, operation, and evaluation of the Indian Education program before the final application submission. This includes reviewing and signing the IPC approval/agreement form to ensure the program aligns with student needs.

After grant funds are awarded, the IPC serves in an advisory capacity, working alongside the LEA to ensure the successful implementation of the Indian Education formula grant program. While the LEA, Tribe, or other eligible entity receiving the grant funds is fully responsible for financial and programmatic administration, collaboration between IPC and LEA Title VI members is essential to best support Native American students.

Your participation is valuable in shaping a supportive and culturally responsive learning environment.

For more information, please contact Dracy McCoy at d.mccoy@eatonville.wednet.edu.

We look forward to hearing from you and working together for student success!

Executive Director of Student Services

Dracy McCoy

200 Lynch St. W./PO Box 698

Eatonville, WA 98328

(360)641-1809

d.mccoy@eatonville.wednet.edu

Special Services Executive Assistant

Tonya Roebuck

200 Lynch St. W./PO Box 698

Eatonville, WA 98328

(360)641-1807

t.roebuck@eatonville.wednet.edu

Earth Day is just around the corner on April 22, and it's the perfect opportunity for our schools and community to come together in support of a healthier planet! This year, let's inspire our students to take action with simple yet meaningful activities:

✅ Plant a Tree or Garden – Bring new life to your backyard or school grounds!
✅ Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Challenge students to cut down on waste and get creative with upcycled projects.
✅ Clean Up Your Community – Organize a litter pick-up walk in your neighborhood or school area.
✅ Go Green for a Day – Encourage carpooling, biking, or walking to school.

By taking small steps, we can all make a difference. Let’s empower our students to be stewards of the environment, not just on Earth Day but every day!

Join the Eatonville School District team and help transport our students safely!

• We reimburse for CDL training!
• Earn $26.27 per hour
• Enjoy a flexible schedule
• Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits
• Sick Leave & Retirement Benefits

Make a difference in our community while enjoying great perks!

Have questions? Call us at 360.879.1900.

Do you know an Eatonville High School graduate who exemplifies integrity, compassion, and excellence? We are now accepting nominations for the Eatonville High School Award of Distinction! This prestigious award honors alumni who have made significant contributions in their professional careers, community service, or personal endeavors.

Award recipients will be recognized during our Welcome Back event in August 2025, celebrating their achievements and inspiring the next generation of Eatonville students.

Nominees must have graduated at least 10 years ago and demonstrated excellence in areas such as academics, professional accomplishments, humanitarian efforts, philanthropy, or personal contributions to society.

Paper applications are available at each school office, the district office, and digitally at Award of Distinction Application. Completed nominations are due by May 31, 2025.

Help us honor those who continue to make a difference—nominate an outstanding EHS graduate today!

Eatonville Dollars for Scholars scholarship applications are now open! This is a great opportunity for Eatonville High School seniors to receive financial support for their future education. There’s no minimum GPA required, and all current seniors in good standing, on track to graduate in June 2025, are encouraged to apply.

Applications are due by April 30, 2025. Don’t miss out on this chance to support your career goals!

With the arrival of spring, we’re in the final stretch of the school year! This is a great time to reinforce the value of consistent attendance. Each day in the classroom provides students with valuable learning experiences, connections with peers, and opportunities for growth.

Every moment counts! Even a few missed days can make it challenging to stay on track. By prioritizing attendance, students develop strong habits that contribute to their academic success and future achievements. Let’s work together to make the most of these final months—showing up every day makes a difference!

Be here, be awesome, and let’s make this a spring to remember!

We are incredibly proud of Trey Sta. Rosa (Wrestling) and Bailey Andersen (Basketball) for being recognized at the Tacoma Athletic Commission Awards Banquet.

Trey was a finalist for Athlete of the Year, and Bailey took home the Athlete of the Year award!

Their dedication, hard work, and sportsmanship continue to inspire us all. Congratulations to both of them on this well-deserved recognition!

On August 28 our entire Eatonville School District staff stood together, united in learning and growth during our Professional Development Day. In our white t-shirts generously donated by TwinStar, we formed the shape of our beloved Mt. Rainier, symbolizing our collective strength and dedication to our students. We are Eatonville Strong, committed to reaching the top for our kids!

Superintendent: Mr. Jay Brower

Executive Assistant: Mrs. Cassie Froud

District Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Email: communications@eatonvilleschools.org

Website: https://www.eatonville.wednet.edu
Location: 200 Lynch Street West, Eatonville, WA, USA
Phone: 360-879-1000
Facebook: facebook.com/eatonville.school.district
Twitter: @EatonvilleSD

Eatonville School District #404 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.

• Title IX Coordinator, Section 504/ADA Coordinator & Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator: Dracy McCoy, Executive Student Services. Email: d.mccoy@eatonville.wednet.edu Address: 200 Lynch St. W., Eatonville, WA 98328; Telephone: 360-879-1000
• Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
• Information about the nondiscrimination and sex-based discrimination policies and grievance procedures, and how to report a concern or complaint, linked here.