Community Letter
December 10, 2021
Safety, Inclusion, Belonging
Hello LISD Families,
This week, we experienced a threat in our school that unfortunately has become a reality in schools across the country. As principals, we are committed to creating, nurturing, and sustaining a school community that is both physically and emotionally safe for each and every student.
Here are a few of the ways we are focusing on school safety, in addition to the information you have received from our superintendent:
Engaging in conversations with students about incidents; discussing feelings, asking questions, and keeping the door open for two-way communication
Maintaining a learning environment that focuses on classes, schoolwork, and peer relationships. We know that upholding routines will provide students comfort in uncertain times
Encouraging reporting and inspiring ally behavior to decrease bias and bullying
Keeping our eyes and ears open for changes in student behavior
Reaching out to parents/guardians in partnership when we have concerns about a student
It is important that everyone in our school community (staff, students, and families) are working together to cultivate a culture of safety, belonging, and inclusion. That is our intent, our hope, and our focus, and we welcome your input.
Our very best to you and your family,
Mary and Martha
Menu For Week Ending December 17
Let's Cook With John
Roasted Chickpeas (garnishing and snacking)
The recipe is a little tricky to write because I never measure out the ingredients. I just add dribs, dashes and dabs until it tastes right. For this recipe, the only quantity I will give you is for the chickpeas. The rest is just for your personal taste. One of the best chefs I ever worked with was fond of saying "everyone is a master of their own palette," meaning everyone knows what they like best. I think it's is a great chance for everyone to cater to their particular tastes.
Ingredients :
1-15 oz. can chickpeas, or a cup of chickpeas boiled till just tender
Smoked paprika
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Salt
Splash of honey
Oil to coat
Steps:
1. Preheat Oven to 450 Degrees
2. Combine all ingredients
3. Put on a lined sheet tray
4. Bake about 10 minutes or until crisp
5. Let cool!
ENJOY!
Secondary Second Semester
Semester 2 courses will begin on January 3, 2022 with these changes:
- Eighth grade students in NW History will take Health 8 in room 9
- Seventh grade students in Social Studies 7 will take Health 7 in room 1
- Sixth grade students in Health 6 will take Social Studies 6 in room 9
- Drama and music students will take Musical Theatre
- High school students in Creative Writing will take Film Lit in room 4
By the end of next week, all semester 2 scheduling should be completed. Jeanna may be working with individual students to update their schedules or meet graduation requirements.
Students may request to drop or change a class during the first week of the semester by filling out a Schedule Change Request form in the secondary office. Students will continue attending the class on their schedule until approval is granted and Qmlativ reflects the new schedule.
If you have any questions about your schedule, please contact Jeanna (jcarter@lopezislandschool.org) or Ronda (rberg@lopezislandschool.org).
SAP STUDENTS TAKE A VISIT TO MIDNIGHT'S FARM
David Bill and crew
Students help to secure load
Mixing organic matter with hay
MPPACT Holiday Performance
LOBO SPORTS
Middle school girls' basketball will begin on Monday, January 10. Look for more information in next week's newsletter. Our coach will be Emily Berg :-)
From the Nurse's Station
Drama Club
Work from the Woodshop
LIFE Garden Volunteer Opportunities
DECATUR FUNDRAISER
FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT, ED MURRRAY
It has been a challenging week for our schools as we have been made keenly aware of the vulnerabilities that exist in modern education. We are still working to mitigate the impact of the graffiti situation (words scratched into the paint on bathroom stalls) we discussed throughout the week. We have done our best not to let this callous disregard for the well-being of the entire school population interfere with instruction in our classrooms. Student, parent, and staff concerns are foremost in my thoughts, and I appreciate everyone who has reached out to me with questions, suggestions, and other information.
We are taking specific steps within our buildings, such as locking classroom doors, requiring sign-in and sign-out sheets for students using restrooms during class, periodically checking bathrooms throughout the day, and monitoring the hallways and multi-purpose room during passing periods and lunch. In addition, we expect law enforcement to be a more frequent guest on campus in the future. Sheriff’s Deputy Walker Vandenhazel and the county’s Juvenile officer stopped by the school to meet with me on Friday afternoon. The sheriff’s department will actively participate in safety committee issues and our upcoming strategic planning process.
I want to take a moment to commend our students and staff for staying focused on learning throughout the week. These are already challenging times without adding anything extra to our ordinary days. Of course, with only one week of school before the winter break, I encourage everyone to stay focused and safe. Those of you who have concerns about school safety, instruction, facilities management, resource management, or other issues are invited to contact me at emurray@lopezislandschool.org so you can be an active participant in our upcoming strategic planning process. We need your input and support to create the safest and best possible learning environments for Lopez and Decatur Islands children.
Thank you!
REMINDERS:
It is cold and wet outside. Please send your students to school with appropriate winter wear and even a change of clothes just in case they get wet or muddy. If you are need of any winter items for your student, please let us know. There are donations available for this.
Lopez Island School District
Ed Murray, Superintendent
Martha Martin, Secondary Principal
Mary Fordham, Elementary Principal
The Lopez Island School District 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. The following employee(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, Ed Murray – emurray@lopezislandschool.org; Title IX Coordinator, HR Specialist, Renee Koplan – rkoplan@lopezislandschool.org; Section 504, Mary Fordham – mfordham@lopezislandschool.org; OR contact by phone, 360-468-2202, OR mail to 86 School Rd, Lopez Island, WA 98261.
Email: mmartin@lopezislandschool.org
Website: lopezislandschool.org
Location: 86 School Road, Lopez Island, WA, USA
Phone: (360) 468-2202
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lopez-Island-School-District-500747673389618