Superintendent Brower Newsletter

Superintendent Jay Brower
Eatonville School District

Be part of Eatonville’s legacy by sponsoring a stadium seat through the Greater Eatonville Community Foundation. Your contribution helps celebrate community pride and supports the ongoing enhancement of our new stadium facilities.

Visit the Greater Eatonville Community Foundation Stadium Project Page to learn more and make your donation today. As a friendly note, please know that we anticipate the entire stadium will be completed by the end of December 2025.

Enjoy this video to learn more.

You’re warmly invited to experience the joy of the holidays with performances from our talented students across the district! Come support and enjoy the hard work and spirit our students bring to the stage in these festive programs.

Join Us for a Season of Celebration!

All concert dates and times for each school can be found on the attached graphic. We look forward to celebrating this joyful season with you!

EHS will partner with Bloodworks Northwest to host the first blood drive of the year on Thursday, Dec. 4th, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Make your appointment ONLINE. Students must be at least 16 to donate, 16 & 17 year olds need a signed parent permission form - stop by the EHS office or print HERE. The community is also welcome!

Six EHS leaders spent the morning at Orting High School for the first league sportsmanship clinic . This is the kickoff to a series of summits where student leaders from across the league will work together to strengthen sportsmanship in every school community.

They explored what sportsmanship means to them, shared examples of positive and negative behaviors , and wrapped up the day with ideas to help spotlight and celebrate good sportsmanship moving forward . These leaders are doing incredible work and making a meaningful difference for our communities.

Students attending:

• Caydence Bodnar
• Eli Benton
• Leo Marcelynas
• Ava Weaver
• Jacob Golding
• Gracie Hennessey

As we approach the halfway point of the 2025/2026 school year, it's amazing to see how quickly time is passing! With Quarter 2 ending on January 27th, our students are working hard toward their academic goals, eagerly awaiting the winter break, and looking forward to school holiday events.

The holiday season brings magic and wonder, reflected on our students' faces. Stay informed about all our upcoming activities, field trips, holiday music concerts and festivities, and winter spirit week celebrations.

Warm wishes to everyone for a joyful holiday season, a peaceful and relaxing winter break, and time filled with family and friends.

P.S. A heartfelt thank you to all parents and students who supported our school's food drive. Your contributions positively impact families in support of the Eatonville Family Agency.

The Eatonville School District provides valuable alternative learning paths for Online Learning Program for students who have a barrier to attending school in person due to specific circumstances such as those related to health issues, or for students who are homeschooled and/or looking for options for specific classes. In order to be successful, students will need to be independent workers. Selected courses in the program are provided by Spokane Virtual Learning classes at Eatonville Middle and High School. To find out additional information, students should schedule an appointment with their middle school or high school counselor.

Washington State Law requires students to make specific academic progress in their courses to remain eligible for online learning. Student progress will be measured against progress benchmarks which are clearly defined for each course in which a student is enrolled.

Washington State Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) rules govern how students must perform in online classes.

• Students must login daily and make acceptable progress toward course completion.

• Students should expect to spend a minimum of hours per week of online work. A student must make progress as determined by the written student learning plan.

• Students need to make contact with their staff each week.

• Students need to schedule time with the online learning manager to come into school to take one unit test and the final assessment for each course.

• Students need to participate in all state exams, including, SBAs, and WCAS.

• Students who complete all Eatonville School District graduation credit requirements, including a High School and Beyond plan, and any additional state requirements, will earn a Eatonville School District diploma. (Grad Alliance/Open Doors program)

The Eatonville School District offers an Open Doors program through a partnership with Graduation Alliance for High School Students who are eligible. The purpose of the reengagement program is to offer an alternative education to students who have dropped out of high school or who are at risk for dropping out.

Open Doors is an online program that offers social-emotional support as well as academic mentoring in order to eliminate barriers to education. Students are provided with the technology necessary to participate, such as a Chromebook/laptop and internet connectivity.

To find out additional information, students should schedule an appointment with their high school counselor.

This year is full of new experiences, discoveries, and friendships. Our school district participates in a program called WaKIDS (Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills), which is designed specifically for Kindergarten and Transition to Kindergarten students.

The goal of WaKIDS is to:

• Welcome students and families to Kindergarten.
• Assess students' strengths.
• Discuss the characteristics of children's development and learning that will enable them to be successful in school.

1. Social-Emotional Development: Understanding and managing emotions, building relationships, and developing social skills.

2. Physical Development: Growth in motor skills, including both gross and fine motor activities.

3. Language Development: Skills in understanding and using language, including vocabulary and communication abilities.

4. Cognitive Development: Thinking skills, problem-solving, and the ability to learn new concepts.

5. Literacy: Recognizing letters, understanding stories, and beginning to read and write.

6. Mathematics: Understanding numbers, patterns, and basic math concepts.

As a parent, you play an important role in your child's education, and your support is crucial for their success.

The WaKIDS program had three components. The first component was the Family Connection, where families met with their child's kindergarten teacher in one-on-one meetings at the beginning of the school year. These meetings allowed families to get to know the teacher and establish a comfortable environment for open communication. This helped build a relationship between families and teachers, enabling them to work together to support children's success in school.

The second component is the Whole Child Assessment, where teachers identify children's strengths to provide targeted support where it is needed most.

The third component is early learning collaboration regarding your child’s results , which aligns the practices of early learning professionals and kindergarten teachers to support a smooth transition for children.

Parent resource for continuing learning at home

Message in a Backpack™: Sparking Playful Learning with Your Child at Home

Children learn best through play and exploration. By incorporating some strategies from their early learning environments, you can foster joyful and engaged learning at home. This link to resources for activities to engage your child: messages in a backpack is available here.

• Open-Ended Materials: Use items like blocks, water, playdough, and natural objects. These materials encourage creative thinking and exploration. Engage with your child by asking questions such as “What do you notice?” or “How does it work?”

• Nurture Choice and Voice: Allow your child to lead their play by creating their own ideas and plans. Support their creativity whether they choose to sing, draw, or make cards.

• Encourage Problem Solving: Involve your child in solving real-life problems, like fixing a toy or caring for plants. Ask questions to guide them through the process.

• Respond in Positive, Playful Ways: Use a warm tone and playful actions to support learning. Share in positive experiences like reading favorite books or retelling stories.

For more information about WaKIDS, please visit http://www.k12.wa.us/WaKIDS.

We are excited to be a part of this education journey with you and your child.

In Washington state, learning standards outline what every student should know and be able to do at each grade level. These standards are developed by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and periodically reviewed as outlined in state law (RCW 28A.655.070). While the state sets the standards, local school boards are responsible for choosing the instructional materials that best fit their students’ needs.

That’s where curriculum adoption comes in. Curriculum adoption goes beyond selecting new textbooks or materials. It’s about identifying instructional materials that align with district goals, support student learning. School districts typically review and update core instructional materials every 8 to 12 years across subjects like math, English language arts, and science.

Teaching and learning emphasizes the curriculum adoption process’s connection to broader teaching and learning goals. Good teaching happens when instructional materials, teaching practices, and learning standards all work together, not just when there’s a new curriculum in place.

That’s why Eatonville’s support doesn’t end once the district picks a new program. The team stays involved to help teachers implement materials through professional development in ways that meet students where they are, reflect best practices to include the eight mathematical practices and foster student engagement and success.

On November 13th, principals and teacher leaders representing elementary and middle school (K-8) identified and revised a district math vision, and are reviewing numerous potential resources, and evaluating those materials using a math rubric, state math standards, and the eight mathematical practices.

The team will continue the review process on Dec. 4th. As this work is intended to identify strong instructional materials and resources for our teachers to review and pilot.

A shout out for this amazing team: Karrie Sepich, Caitlin Brinkman, Shay Painter, Samantha Stone, Sabrina Cravens, Amber Brandt, Travis Honaker, and our kindergarten to 8th grade principals.

For more information about the materials being reviewed click the links below:

• Eureka2
• Ready Math
• Bridges
• Illustrative Math- Kiddom

Mark your calendars!

Join us on Thursday, January 29th, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm for our K-12 Parent Partnership Night held at Eatonville Middle School. Get the scoop on resources to support your child in and out of the classroom and enjoy a taco bar dinner.

Topics and resources include:

• Learning Standards
• Navigating Social Media
• Curriculum Review
• Take-home activities and resources
• Counseling Resources
• School-Family Compact
• Assessment Station
• Parent Volunteer Forms and Opportunities

Click here to RSVP: Family Night RSVP

As your student moves through the school year we want to ensure that you have all of the support your family needs to help it be a successful year.

Please see email addresses of our school counselors below:

Counselor Contacts

EHS

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

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

EMS

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

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

CCA

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

EES

• Jana McIlraith: j.mcilraith@eatonvilleschools.org

WES

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

It is the Holiday Season!

While for many, this season can be one of hope, giving, abundance and togetherness, the holiday season can also be loaded with need, isolation, grief and feelings of not having enough.

Our counseling team sees an increase in office visits from students during the holiday times, and we know that family needs during this time can increase as well.

If you are either looking for ways to give back during the holidays, or if you need assistance with gifts or food for the holidays please contact the Eatonville Family Agency at 360-832-6805.

In addition to our local support, the following is an expansive list of agencies across Pierce County where you can access help or volunteer.

The holidays can be a joy-filled season, but they can also be stressful and challenging for those impacted by mental illness. Below are some suggestions you can do to help maintain your mental health during the holiday season.

• Write a gratitude list and offer thanks.

• Gratitude has been shown to improve mental health.

• Manage your time and don't try to do too much.

• Prioritizing your time and activities can help you use your time well. It's okay to say no to plans.

• Set boundaries Family dynamics can be complex.

• Acknowledge them and accept that you can only control your role. If you need to, find ways to limit your exposure.

• Exercise/Eat a balanced diet.

• Set aside time for yourself and prioritize self-care.

• Read a book, watch a movie, listen to music, take a walk outside. Catch up on sleep.

• Volunteer.

• Seek out support.

• Talk with friends, family, or a counselor.

The following resources are available:

Mary Bridge - PASSAGES 253-403-1966

Crisis Line (24 hours) 253-396-5180 or 1-800-576-7764

Good Samaritan Behavioral Health 888-445-8120

Greater Lakes Mental Healthcare 253-581-7020

Learning loss, otherwise known as regression, happens when a student loses a skill they have previously mastered. Students with disabilities are especially vulnerable to learning loss during times such as a school break.

Here are some ways to prevent learning loss:

• Attend free events and activities (libraries, museums, the zoo, etc.)

• Visit the public library

• Play educational games

• Schedule time to read

• Turn daily life routines into learning activities (cooking, shopping, etc.)

• Encourage art, music and physical activities

This event is supported by the TPCHD grant funding to help prevent vaping and substance use among our youth. We know that all health is connected and that prevention looks many different ways. Live music by student musicians, food, fun and community conversations! Quit kits, vaping education, craft table, raffles and fun activities. Open to all!

Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 Location: Eatonville Middle School Front Lawn Time: 2:30-4:30

On December 2nd, National Special Education Day commemorates the anniversary of the nation’s first federal special education law. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was signed into law on December 2, 1972.

IDEA made education available to all American children and this day honors the progress that has been made in special education. Before IDEA, many individuals with disabilities received little to no education. Schools were not required to make accommodations for children with disabilities. While some states offered special schools, the education and resources were not necessarily equal. Additionally, many parents couldn’t afford to send their children away to a special school.

The law stipulated that children with disabilities had a right to the same free education that every other child had access to. Between the ages of 3 and 21, there are 13 different areas where children may qualify under the IDEA for services. IDEA was instrumental in increasing graduation rates for students with disabilities.

IDEA resulted in many changes beyond bringing students equal education. The integration of students also helps to remove the stigma of disabilities. Another result of IDEA was the stimulation of technology for students with disabilities and for the classrooms. These technologies improved the education of all students.

NATIONAL INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS WEEK- DECEMBER 7-11

Inclusive Schools Week is an annual event sponsored by the Inclusive Schools Network (ISN) which is held each year during the first full week in December. Since its inception in 2001, Inclusive Schools Week has celebrated the progress that schools have made in providing a supportive and quality education to an increasingly diverse student population, including students who are marginalized due to disability, gender, socio-economic status, cultural heritage, language preference, and other factors.

5 Facts About Inclusive Education

1. No one-size-fits-all
   Owing to the varying nature of disabilities and preferences of students, there is no one approach to education that works for every student or even the majority of students.

2. Inclusive education promotes social cohesion
   Inclusive education forms a foundation that helps improve kids’ communication and tolerance for marginalized groups.

3. It’s about equal access
   Inclusivity is about providing access to information, opportunities, and spaces to everyone and ensuring that the access benefits everyone as well.

4. Inclusivity is built by everyone
   Everyone’s actions matter when it comes to building an inclusive society.

Date: December 16
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Eatonville School District Board Room

Join us for the SSAGE Learning Series, where we will provide valuable insights and practical strategies to support your child’s communication and social development. This session will focus on:

• The Hanen Approach: Learn how this empowering method equips parents with strategies to enhance their child's communication in everyday routines. Future training sessions will be scheduled throughout the school year.

• Special Education Programs: Discover the continuum of special education programs available within the Eatonville School District, including various services, supports, and placement options tailored to meet diverse student needs.

• Inclusive Environments: Explore how our schools foster inclusive settings where students with disabilities can learn alongside their peers. We will also discuss effective strategies that promote participation, equity, and overall success for all students.

We look forward to seeing you there! Together, we can support our students in thriving educational experiences.

More Information Regarding the Hanen Learning Series

Starting in January, Eatonville School District will offer Hanen’s More Than Words program for parents and caregivers—both within the district and across the community!

More Than Words is a hands-on parent coaching program designed to support families of young children with Autism, social communication differences, or global developmental delays. The program will be led by one of our certified speech-language pathologists trained in Hanen methods and neuro-affirming practices.

Families who join will learn:

• What motivates your child to communicate

• How to use your child’s strengths to build communication skills

• Ways to encourage longer, more meaningful interactions

• Helpful strategies for talking so your child can better understand you
  
  

If you’re interested, please come to our next S.S.A.G.E. meeting on December 16 at 6:00 PM in the District Board Room for the initial orientation. Attending the orientation does not commit you to the program.

For more information on the program please visit: https://hanen.org/programs/more-than-words#what-you-learn

This Halloween season, the Eatonville School District celebrated a special event at the District Office that brought joy and fun to our Structured Learning Center students from Eatonville and Weyerhaeuser Elementaries. Our classrooms, dedicated to developing life skills, opened their doors for a delightful Trick or Treating experience.

As students dressed in their festive costumes, they showcased the skills and independence they have been cultivating in a warm and supportive environment. The visit allowed them to practice essential social skills such as greeting others, engaging in conversations, and expressing their excitement. Each interaction was a wonderful opportunity for our students to demonstrate their abilities in a real-world setting.

The Structured Learning Center classrooms focus on equipping students with the life skills necessary for everyday success. Activities like this not only foster social integration but also reinforce the community's inclusive spirit. The joy on the students' faces as they collected treats and shared laughter with peers and staff was heartwarming.

We are proud of our students' progress and the meaningful connections they are developing within the Eatonville community. Thank you to everyone who joined in the fun and contributed to making this day a memorable experience for our students. Stay tuned for more events and opportunities that celebrate our students' achievements and promote inclusivity throughout our district!

Mrs. Anderson’s students had fantastic time crafting sugar skulls, fostering creativity and collaboration in the classroom. The vibrant colors and intricate designs allowed students to explore artistic expression while celebrating our rich cultural traditions.

Additionally, our ELA department has joined in on the fun by donning unique and creative costumes. These engaging activities not only strengthen bonds among students and staff but also create a lively atmosphere that highlights our school's commitment to inclusion and celebration of diversity.

As we count down to our December winter break, we want to take a moment to share how grateful we are for each of you. Together, we’ve built strong routines of showing up, learning, and creating a warm, welcoming school community.

The holiday season is a wonderful — and busy — time of year. Thank you for helping your child stay present and engaged right up until vacation begins on Friday, December 20, and for returning ready to learn on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Think of it as giving yourself and your child the gift of perfect attendance! Every school day matters. When students are in class, they continue learning, connecting with friends, and growing both socially and academically.

To help plan family getaways, please use the District Calendar. Your support ensures students stay on track and feel confident heading into the new year.

If your family needs any assistance, please reach out to our school office or counselor — we’re here to help.

We look forward to seeing everyone again when school resumes on January 5.

Wishing you a joyful and restful holiday season!

The Honor Society Induction Ceremony was held on November 4 at Eatonville High School, recognizing 40 students for their outstanding achievements in academics, leadership, service, and character.

These students have achieved high academic status, demonstrated excellent character, served others, and led by example. Their hard work and dedication reflect the spirit of excellence that defines Eatonville High School.

Congratulations to the 2025 Honor Society Inductees:

• Makenzie Ball
• Jameson Beckord
• Dominic Bennett Warner
• Caydence Bodnar
• Ryleigh Body
• Ayden Bratcher
• Leah Briggs
• Colston Bruun
• Zoie Carter
• Kami Chesser
• Nathan Christenson
• Daisy Clark
• Nicholas Covey-Chavez
• Sibylla Covey-Chavez
• Teagan Croppi
• Kodiak Doyle
• William Fulmer
• Tymbre Green
• Genevieve Hagen
• Lily Hays
• Holden Hetland
• Scout Horan
• Addison Johnson
• Oscar Lopez
• Autumn Marshall
• Jane Morrish
• Audrey Mullins
• Edric Rubio
• Santiago Ruvalcaba
• Mckayla Shaver
• Autumn Sherrard
• Emory Simpson
• Lane Smith
• Ava Tatro
• Madison Volk
• Charlie Wheeler
• Chloe Williams
• Lilianne Winter
• Trinity Wood
• Khloee Young

Special thanks to Dr. Tira Hancock, Honor Society Advisor, for leading the event and supporting these students in their continued pursuit of excellence.

These inductees embody the Eatonville values of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Congratulations to all for this well-deserved recognition.

The EHS Cruiser swim team made a powerful showing at the State meet last month. Our swimmers—and their families—packed the stands and brought incredible energy as the girls turned in some of their fastest swims of the season.

Annika Howard had an exceptional meet. She dropped a PR in Friday’s prelims with a 1:16.11 in the breaststroke, earning the 13th seed for finals. On Saturday, she delivered an even stronger swim, racing a season-best 1:15.15 to finish 11th in the state. She climbed two spots and cut a full second in just one day.

Coach Hancock shared high praise, noting Annika’s steady growth and determination, saying she showed tremendous mental and physical strength and peaked exactly when it mattered most.

Nicole Tomyn also shined on the big stage. In the 50 freestyle, she entered prelims ranked 21st and raced a new PR of 27.16 to finish 20th overall. In the 100 freestyle, Nicole matched her 18th-place ranking with a strong 1:00.98, earning the second-alternate position for finals.

200 Freestyle Relay

Forsman, Stumph, Howard, Tomyn

Entered ranked 22nd and matched that placement with a time of 2:00.83.

400 Freestyle Relay

Hays, Stumph, Tomyn, Howard

Came in ranked 20th and finished 19th with a 4:28.50 to close out a great season.

Coach Hancock shared that she and Coach Andrea are incredibly proud of the hard work these athletes put in all season long, and grateful for the families who supported them every step of the way.

Congratulations to Eatonville High School’s own Jacob Golding for an incredible showing at the District 3 2A Tennis Tournament!

Jacob represented the Cruisers with exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship. His matches were full of grit and heart—including an unforgettable 10-point third set tiebreaker that stretched to 18–20!

Through long and challenging matches, Jacob stayed focused and composed, finishing 9th overall and making Eatonville proud. His effort and character perfectly reflect the true Cruiser spirit both on and off the court.

For parent volunteers who plan to support multiple schools, only one volunteer application is required for district-wide approval. Please submit your application and show your driver’s license at the school where you will spend most of your time. That school will begin the process to grant you access across all schools in the district.

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 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, disability, neurodivergence, 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 employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator

• Name and/or Title: Dracy Blue, Executive Director of Student Services
• Address: 200 Lynch St. W., Eatonville, WA 98328
• Telephone Number: (360)641-1809
• Email: d.blue@eatonville.wednet.edu

Section 504/ADA Coordinator

• Name and/or Title: Dracy Blue, Executive Director of Student Services
• Address: 200 Lynch St. W., Eatonville, WA 98328
• Telephone Number: (360)641-1809
• Email: d.blue@eatonville.wednet.edu

Title IX Coordinator

• Name and/or Title: Dracy Blue, Executive Director of Student Services
• Address: 200 Lynch St. W., Eatonville, WA 98328
• Telephone Number: (360)641-1809
• Email: d.blue@eatonville.wednet.edu