Celebrating Julie Stemme, ELL Teacher at Central and Samish Elementary Schools
Julie Stemme, an ELL teacher at Central and Samish Elementary Schools, is celebrated for her positive attitude and the uplifting spirit she brings to her buildings. Recognized by her colleagues for her ability to bring a smile and spread joy, Julie perfectly exemplifies this year's theme: "Stronger Together: Building Bridges with Kindness."
Julie is passionate about her work and the people she collaborates with every day. "I am so blessed to work with the most amazing, loving, kind, brilliant, professional colleagues!" she shares. "On top of that, we have the honor of providing a safe, loving environment for all of our students and watching them grow and thrive, along with the relationships that we have built with our district families over the years. It is just a win-win situation!" Her enthusiasm and appreciation for her role create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for everyone.
Julie believes that building connections with kindness often involves sharing life's highs and lows. "I truly believe that sharing our heartbreaks, along with our joys and triumphs, brings us closer together," she explains. "All that we have experienced can help build up the next person walking through it, both personally and professionally. We are all viewing life through a constantly changing lens, and getting a chance to look through someone else's lens is priceless and highly enlightening." Her empathy and understanding help forge deeper connections with those around her.
Reflecting on this year's theme, “Stronger Together: Building Bridges with Kindness,” Julie recounts a personal experience at the beginning of the year that was emotionally challenging. "The outpouring of love, kindness, and support was phenomenal," she recalls. "It was also a chance for others to open up, sharing their struggles and pain. We all take turns needing a hand to lift us up, and we all take turns lifting others as well. You can't build a bridge alone."
Julie’s commitment to kindness, empathy, and mutual support makes a meaningful impact in her schools and helps create a culture where everyone feels valued and understood. Her dedication to building bridges with kindness inspires her colleagues and students alike to support one another and grow stronger together.
Celebrating excellence at Central Elementary! 🏆
Central Elementary School has been recognized for its exceptional efforts in Closing Gaps for English learner progress during the 2022-23 school year! This honor, part of the Washington School Recognition Program, highlights schools that are making significant strides in student growth and academic achievement.
We’re so proud of our incredible staff, students, and families for their dedication and hard work!
The Beginning Band—a talented group of sixth graders from all seven of our elementary schools, joined by a handful of seventh graders—put on an incredible first performance of the school year on Thursday!
Under the direction of Kyler Brumbaugh, Cascade Middle School's band teacher, the students played four delightful pieces:
🎼 Quarterly Report featuring the trombones and flutes
🎼 Cross Buns featuring the clarinets, trumpets, and alto saxophones
🎼 Au Claire de la Lune featuring the clarinets and brass
🎼 Merrily We Roll Along featuring the percussion and flutes
Most of these budding musicians meet during zero hour before their school day begins—a true testament to their dedication. Mr. Brumbaugh praised their extra efforts, noting that their commitment to extending their school day highlights their passion for the program.
Our amazing CTE students have collected, cleaned, and set up FREE COATS outside the Sedro-Woolley High School gym lobby. They are available this weekend (Nov. 22–25) from 3 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Monday.
Coats are replenished regularly, so check back if you don't find what you need right away!
A huge thank you to our CTE students for serving our community!
Cascade Middle School will host its annual Turkey Trot on November 27th at 9:45 a.m.
A Turkey Trot is a fun run or walk event traditionally held around Thanksgiving, often on or just before Thanksgiving Day. The term "Turkey Trot" comes from the holiday's association with turkeys.
At Cascade Middle School, the Turkey Trot is a longstanding tradition for seventh and eighth graders and school staff. Taking place the day before Thanksgiving, the students and staff run from the school's parking lot near Township Street/McGarigle Road to the intersection of McGarigle Road/Fruitdale Road and back. It’s a festive event with a school band playing at the start and finish lines. The Turkey Trot provides an opportunity for the school community to celebrate the holiday spirit.
Join Us for Pastries with the Principal! 🥐☕
Evergreen Elementary School invites you to Pastries with the Principal on Friday, December 6, from 9:30–10 a.m.!
Enjoy some treats, meet Evergreen Principal James Campbell, and connect with other families in the Evergreen community. We hope to see you there! 🦅
Join the Sedro-Woolley Fastpitch Program December 7 in the Sedro-Woolley High School cafeteria for their annual pasta feed (directly after the Sedro-Woolley Christmas Parade). Tickets will be pre-sold (or sold at the door) for $10 each, or 5 dinners for $45 family deal. Pasta dinner includes pasta, sauce of choice, salad, bread, drink and dessert.
For tickets or more information, contact coach Maddie Jones at 360-855-3043 or by email at mjones@swsd101.org.
Nominations Open for the 2025 Sedro-Woolley School District Community Recognition Awards
The Sedro-Woolley School District is accepting nominations for the annual Sedro-Woolley School District Community Recognition Awards. We'd like to invite you to nominate individuals whom you think deserve any of the esteemed awards. It is a great opportunity to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and innovation of those who have significantly impacted our community.
The nomination categories are:
- Hall of Fame — To honor SWHS students who excelled athletically, an individual who has achieved distinction as a former student-athlete.
- Hall of Fame — To honor SWHS students who excelled academically an individual who has achieved distinction as a former student.
- District-Wide Recognition — Acknowledge current exemplary efforts within the school system that goes beyond typical measures of accomplishment.
- Memorial Recognition — To honor posthumously an individual who has rendered outstanding service to the community or demonstrated loyal support for the Sedro-Woolley School District.
- Community Recognition — An individual who has rendered outstanding service to the community or demonstrated loyal support for the Sedro-Woolley School District.
The design should include:
- Sedro-Woolley, Washington.
- No current date.
- It should consist of no more than three colors.
- It can include local scenery such as background (trees, mountains, eagles, etc.).
Your drawing must be turned in by Thursday, February 20, 2025. It can be mailed to PO Box 712, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 or dropped in the mail slot on the Loggerodeo door at 727 Murdock Street (next to the Sedro-Woolley Museum).
Questions? Contact sedrowoolleyloggerodeo@frontier.com or call 360-770-8452.
The Loggerodeo consists of these events:
- Carnival
- Parades
- Fireworks
- Pie-eating contest
- Street dance
- Chainsaw carving competition and beard contest
The Loggerodeo reserves the right to use submitted designs as advertising on different media. The design may need to be modified as to the graphics. The name of the winner will be included in the program and announced at different venues.
Please note, the Loggerodeo T-shirt designs are separate from the Sedro-Woolley Rodeo.
Log Your Digital Box Tops
Many of our schools are collecting box tops... digitally! Just scan your receipt and earn money for your school!
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/
Superintendent — Dr. Miriam Miralles Mickelson
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning — 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
