District Updates

We are excited to introduce a new recognition program that celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in building bridges with kindness across our Sedro-Woolley School District. Each month, we will shine a spotlight on those who positively impact our students, colleagues and the community by fostering a supportive and compassionate environment. Congratulations to our recipients!

At Mary Purcell Elementary School, Karlie Olsen is known for creating a safe, welcoming environment for both staff and students. Nominated by her school leaders for her kindness, thoughtfulness, and consideration of others, Karlie embodies this year's theme: "Stronger Together: Building Bridges with Kindness."

For Karlie, the most rewarding aspect of her job is the genuine friendships she has built within her school and district. She finds joy in seeing her students' skills develop and hearing them apply classroom language and norms outside the classroom. "I love seeing the skills in my students develop," she shares. "It's wonderful to hear them using what they've learned beyond our classroom walls."

Karlie believes that building meaningful connections begins with being open and vulnerable. "We all have a story, and we all feel things. If we let our walls down just a little, there may be someone else on that journey to connect with," she explains. This willingness to share her authentic self fosters trust and connection among her colleagues and students, contributing to a positive and inclusive school culture.

When reflecting on this year’s theme, “Stronger Together: Building Bridges with Kindness,” Karlie sees it as a guiding principle in her daily work. "Kindness is a universal language and standard we can all connect through," she says. Her belief in the power of kindness reinforces her commitment to creating a nurturing environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Karlie's dedication to building bridges through kindness not only strengthens the bonds within her school community but also sets a powerful example for those around her. Her positive influence inspires her colleagues and students to embrace kindness as a way to connect and grow together.

🚌 Interested in becoming a bus driver? The Sedro-Woolley School District Transportation Department is offering a paid bus driver training class starting October 7! 🚍

Before the class begins, make sure to complete your Online Job Application and all related forms.

For more details and to apply, visit: SWSD Job Postings

Join us in ensuring safe and reliable transportation for our students!

Mark your calendars for October 2! Sedro-Woolley School District's Food Services Department has been hard at work sourcing fresh, local ingredients to highlight on this special day.

For Breakfast:

• 🥣 All schools will serve fruit and yogurt parfaits made with creamy vanilla yogurt from Grace Harbor Farms in Custer and locally grown blueberries and raspberries from NW Berry Coop in Everson.
• 🍓 Sedro-Woolley High School will also offer smoothies featuring local strawberries from NW Berry Coop.

For Lunch:

• 🌭 Elementary schools and Cascade Middle School will enjoy 100% beef hot dogs with franks from Three Sisters Farm on Whidbey Island.
• 🥗 Coleslaw made with fresh cabbage and carrots from Ralph's Greenhouse in Mount Vernon.
• 🥕 Rainbow carrot sticks from Ralph's Greenhouse.
• 🍎 Crisp apples from Bellewood Acres in Lynden.
• 🍐 Juicy Bartlett pears from Whitestone Mountain Orchards in Tonasket.

Sedro-Woolley High School will feature the same delicious apples, pears, and rainbow carrots.

Taste Washington Day gives our students the chance to connect with our state’s rich agricultural heritage. By learning about the journey from farm to fork, they’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the food on their plates and the hard work behind it. Let’s inspire the next generation to carry forward Washington’s agricultural legacy! 🌾👩‍🌾

#TasteWashingtonDay #FarmToFork #LocalHarvest #SWFoodServices

Cook Road will be closed to through traffic at Milepost 1.890 (Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad Crossing) from 6 p.m. next Wednesday, September 25, to 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 26.

Burlington Northern Sante Fe crews will be conducting essential repairs to the rail crossing just east of Old Highway 99 N. The road will be closed to ALL vehicles, including emergency vehicles and school buses during this time.

As the school year begins, it’s important for the community to recognize the hard work and dedication of the district’s maintenance, grounds, and custodial teams. This summer, these teams were busy across our 11 campuses, ensuring everything was in top shape for the return of students and staff.

Summer Projects: The maintenance team, comprising 4 full-time and one part-time employees, alongside 3 full-time and one part-time grounds crew members, tackled a variety of essential projects.

The team completed numerous smaller repairs and work orders across the district, covering a total area of 629,793 square feet, spanning 58 buildings and 145 acres of grounds.

Two exterior doors on Cascade Middle School’s old gym, which had become nearly unusable, were replaced, as well as a malfunctioning cafeteria door at Evergreen Elementary School.

Numerous painting projects were completed across the district, including the high school’s mat room exterior, the C Building entry railing, various high school offices and classrooms, the high school kitchen, and classrooms and kitchens at Mary Purcell Elementary and Central Elementary.

Crews replaced the flooring in the culinary arts room at Sedro-Woolley High School.

Crews also replaced the roofs of Mary Purcell Elementary's portables.

Additionally, the water tanks at Samish Elementary underwent a thorough inspection, accompanied by necessary repair work, which required the team to unearth the tanks.

Another major task involved completing the Evergreen modular project, where new wiring was run from Cascade Middle School across the field to the new building’s transformer.

The custodial team, consisting of 25 members, undertook a massive cleaning effort, refreshing all the flooring and thoroughly cleaning areas that are difficult to access during the school year. A surprise water main leak at Clear Lake Elementary also required prompt attention and repair.

As the new school year approached, the maintenance, grounds, and custodial teams collaborated closely with school staff to prepare the buildings for the arrival of students. This included moving whiteboards, desks, tables, chairs, and other furniture, as well as completing several large tasks.

One of the state requirements is the annual inspection of all water heaters, boilers, and air compressors. This year, four water heaters needed replacement, a task successfully completed by Brian Jackson and the maintenance team just as classes were starting.

The grounds team worked diligently to enhance accessibility by adding three new disabled parking spots at the high school gym and stadium.

The team also focused on preparing the school grounds for students' return, including weeding, edging, and trimming trees and bushes—a process that will continue throughout the fall.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of these teams, our schools were ready to welcome back students and staff and are also safer, cleaner and more accessible than ever. Their work is a testament to the dedication and pride they take in maintaining the facilities that serve our community.

9 a.m.–5 p.m. Deck the Den - A Building Hallways

6:30 p.m. PowderPuff - Stadium

7:30 p.m. Buff Puff to follow Powder Puff in the Gymnasium

As part of Homecoming week, students at Sedro-Woolley High School will be competing in a variety of dress-up days.

Monday, September 23, is Color Wars. Freshman should wear yellow, sophomores brown, juniors green and seniors blue.

Tuesday, September 24, students should dress up as either a BBQ Dad or a Soccer Mom.

Wednesday, September 25, students should dress up in conjunction with their specific Biomes. Seniors' dress should relate to aquatic/ocean; juniors - tropical rainforest/jungle; sophomores - savanna; and freshman - mountains.

Thursday, September 26, students should dress up with a partner that rhymes without reason. Examples include: a napper and a rapper, a DJ/PJ, Bob Ross - Girl Boss, etc.

Friday, September 27, students should dress up in all Cub Gear!

Next Tuesday, September 24 is Picture Day at State Street High School.

All schools have a one-hour late start Wednesday, September 25, for professional development.

Samish students can return any overdue Samish Elementary School library from previous school years to get a donut! Return books on Wednesday, September 25 to receive a donut at lunch on Thursday, September 26.

Does your high school student love donuts? Could they possibly be hoarding library books in their closets, under their beds, or mixed in with their own favorite novels on the family bookshelf?

Return any Sedro-Woolley High School library book checked out last year, or any Cascade Middle School library book from bygone days and get a donut in return! Bring any overdue book to the Sedro-Woolley High School library next Thursday, September 26. The magical event only lasts for the first 48 people who have cleaned their rooms to find books of yore. Start looking now! See you in the library!

5:30–7 p.m. Community Pasta Feed - SWHS Cafeteria

7 p.m. Deck the Den judging, Queen Coronation & Lip Sync - SWHS Gymnasium

Big Lake Elementary School Picture Day is Thursday, September 26.

Central Elementary School's Picture Day is September 26.

Lyman Elementary School families are invited to the monthly Wildcat Assembly on September 27 at 9:35 a.m.

Friday, September 27

9:30 a.m. Float Judging (Class floats must be at school by 9:30 a.m.)

1:55 p.m. Homecoming Pep Assembly

5:45 p.m. Homecoming Parade (Line up along 4th Street near Union High School entrance)

7 p.m. Homecoming Football Kickoff (vs. Oak Harbor High School)

As we gear up for games at Sedro-Woolley High School, we want to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Please keep the following reminders in mind:

• CMS Students: Cascade Middle School students must be accompanied by a paying adult to attend games. Admission is $5 for CMS students and $7 for adults.

• Clear Common Areas: Keep walkways free to maintain safety.
• No Substances: Alcohol, drugs, smoking, and vaping are prohibited on all school grounds, including parking lots.
• Re-Entry: Students will not be allowed to leave and re-enter the venue.
• No Bags or Backpacks: Large bags and backpacks are not allowed. Small purses for personal items are permitted but subject to search.
• No Outside Food, Beverages, or Balls: Please do not bring outside food, drinks, or balls into the game.

Thank you for helping us keep our school events safe and enjoyable for everyone!

Saturday, September 28

8–11 p.m. Homecoming Dance (Gymnasium)

$15 with ASB card - pre-purchased at ASB Office
$25 at the door

Dance Contract for Guests

Evergreen Elementary School's Picture Day is September 30.

The Woolley Wellness Center at Sedro-Woolley High School offers convenient onsite medical services for district staff, as well as students from Sedro-Woolley High School and State Street High School.

The clinic operates Monday to Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Located in the main hallway of Sedro-Woolley High School, across from the ASB office, the center is run by PeaceHealth. To schedule an appointment, call 360-856-7995.

Before your visit, please complete and return the required forms:

• Consent for Health Care Services

• SWHS Ferpa Form

• Permission to Vaccinate Form

• Registration Form

For vaccine information, visit the CDC website: CDC VIS Documents.

Fax documents to 360-856-8000.

Sedro-Woolley High School is reviewing the feasibility of its 8-period bell schedule, which has been in place since the 2016-2017 school year to help all students meet state graduation requirements. Given the time that has passed since its adoption, the district believes it is essential to re-evaluate whether the current schedule continues to meet the needs of our students.

District leaders are seeking input from families, students, and staff members at the following meetings:

October 23: Information Night from 6–7 p.m. at the Sedro-Woolley Auditorium
October 29: Information Night from 6–7 p.m. at the Sedro-Woolley Auditorium
October 30: Information Night from 6–7 p.m. via Zoom (link to be provided)
If an alternative bell schedule is approved by the school board, it will be implemented beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.

For questions or more information, please contact Brian Isakson, Assistant Superintendent, at bisakson@swsd101.org.

Schools will start one-hour late on Wednesdays for certified staff to have one hour of weekly professional development.

Exceptions are November 6, November 27 and June 11. November 6 and November 27 are early dismissal dates and there is no professional development planned for the last Wednesday of the school year.

Families will receive reminders each week via social media as well as via the school district's app: Apple Store Link or Android Link.

Please note, during any early dismissal days, both AM and PM sessions at Good Beginnings Preschool are canceled. These dates include the Wednesdays mentioned above as well as during conference weeks: Tuesday, November 5, Thursday, November 7; and Thursday, March 6. Good Beginnings runs Monday to Thursday.

If a 2-hour late start is called for because of inclement weather, the AM session of Good Beginnings Preschool is canceled.

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 exceptions will be November 6, 2024, November 27, 2024 and June 11, 2025. These are all early release days, while June 11 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.

Early Dismissal Days for All Schools
November 7 & 8
November 27
March 6 & 7
June 13 (School in session – 2 hours - see schedule below)

Early Dismissal for P-6 Only
November 5 & 6

Early Dismissal for 7-12 Only
None

Good Beginnings Preschool Non-School Days
Every Friday
November 5, 6 & 7
November 27 & 28
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
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.

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!

Every Kid Sports Pass

Apply today for the — a youth sports grant to help cover registration fees.

https://everykidsports.org/every-kid-sports-pass/

Gateway to Golf

A golf league for students ages 1st-8th grade. To request information email gateway2golf@gmail.com.

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 sign ups are in the fall.

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/

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

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.