SBLSD News
December 16, 2021
SBLSD Families,
Thank you for your patience and support through yet another round of changes during this pandemic. Here’s a summary of what Gov. Inslee announced at today’s 2 p.m. press conference regarding school districts.
Highlights from the press conference
Per Gov. Inslee, the statewide indoor mask mandate will be removed effective March 21.
- In school buildings
Once the statewide mask requirement lifts, barring a new requirement from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, masks will become optional in our school buildings.
Until March 21, masks will continue to be required for all students, staff, and visitors in all school district buildings. Masks will continue to be provided for those who do not have them, and students who will not wear masks will be sent home.
We are legally required to follow the governor’s directive, which currently requires masks in school buildings. Please know that local health departments still have the authority to require or recommend masks at a county level. The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District and our Board of Directors do not have local control over this matter.
- On school buses
Important note: Federal law still requires masks on buses, regardless of state mandates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expected to revisit that order mid-March.
Other COVID-19 mitigation protocols
We recognize there are likely questions about other COVID-19 requirements, such as physical distancing, contact tracing and testing. State Department of Health officials will release updated guidance for K-12 schools by the week of March 7, to help schools prepare for a transition.
Preparing for masks to become optional, we will remind students, staff and families of our policies that prohibit harassment, intimidation, or bullying based on individual choices. The District will not tolerate bullying of any kind.
We will continue to work with state and local health authorities for any potential changes, and we’ll provide updates as we have them. We remain committed to providing a safe environment for our students and staff by continuing to follow health requirements and guidelines.
Thank you for supporting our students, staff and community.
Laurie Dent, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Sumner-Bonney Lake School District
We're hosting a Virtual Hiring Fair: Saturday, Feb. 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Explore job opportunities, apply online, connect with administrators/directors, with interview opportunities provided.
We're currently hiring for:
- Teachers: Elementary, Middle, High School & Special Education
- Program Specialists
- Classified Staff: Paraprofessional, Secretary, Child Nutrition, Transportation, Maintenance
To schedule an interview, email résumé to jobs@sumnersd.org by Wednesday, Feb. 23 for consideration. Join virtual starting at 9:30 am on Feb. 26 with this link: bit.ly/SBLSDHiringFair. For more information, go to sumnersd.org/jobs.
Congratulations to our two new National Board Certified Teachers: Rachel Asklar (Sumner High School, Career and Technical Education) and Melissa Blanco (Maple Lawn Elementary, Literacy). At a Feb. 16 reception, they were honored for earning the most respected professional certificate available in K-12 education. This work included voluntary participation in a rigorous, multiyear process to demonstrate accomplished teaching. It is especially impressive that Rachel and Melissa completed the certification over the last two years during the pandemic with shifts to remote, hybrid and back to the building.
Because of the work of our board-certified teachers, our district is stronger. SBLSD continues as a National Board Accomplished District for having 20 percent or more teachers who have achieved National Board Certification.
As we continue celebrating Black History Month and Black leaders who have left their mark on U.S. history and culture, let’s continue encouraging curiosity and learning about the rich diversity, contributions, and accomplishments of Black leaders of yesterday and today.
The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and Sesame Street in Communities have curated resources for families and students that include activities, conversation starters, and books that celebrate diversity and culture and build racial literacy.
At their Feb. 16 meeting, the school board approved a one-year extension of the Parks and Recreation Program interlocal agreement with the City of Bonney Lake. This means that the City of Bonney Lake will continue to administer the Parks and Rec Program through Aug. 31, 2023. In the meantime, SBLSD will continue discussions with the City and other stakeholder groups to explore ways Parks and Rec can be a successful and viable option for students, families and our community. The District believes strongly in the benefits the program provides our students — academically, physically and emotionally.
Our School Counselors are critical first lines of support for students experiencing behavioral and mental health issues. It’s through a counselor’s ability to identify students in need that connects them to a deeper level of intervention and care with our healthcare partners.
We’re thrilled to announce a new partnership that has created the YES Sumner-Bonney Lake program in our middle and high schools. In partnership with Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Kids’ Mental Health Pierce County, YES (Youth Engagement Services) Sumner-Bonney Lake is a collaborative treatment model that provides behavioral health navigation and services to support the well-being of students ages 13 and older regardless of insurance coverage.
How YES Sumner-Bonney Lake works:
- School counselors refer students with the greatest need to SBLSD’s Behavioral and Education Support Team (BEST), which includes three licensed mental health professionals.
- The BEST clinician works with the student and their family to identify goals addressing specific behavioral health needs.
- Based on the goals, the clinician provides interventions, which may include one-on-one counseling, family sessions and/or safety/crisis planning, and intensive case management.
- Clinicians work with the student and family to develop a transitional plan and provide behavioral health navigation to ensure connection with the appropriate resources to meet the needs of the student.
To learn more about YES Sumner-Bonney Lake, contact your child’s school counselor.
Do you know a renter who needs help paying rent or water utilities? Questions about eviction? Find out about eligibility and receive help applying for federal assistance at a free, drop-in Housing Help Pop-Up event on Feb. 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. hosted by the Sumner-Bonney Lake Family Center at 1508 Willow St. Portable 705 in Sumner. If you have questions about this event, email hsrent@piercecountywa.gov.
Do you know a child who will be five years old on or before August 31? Maybe it's your neighbor, friend or even your own child. Now’s the time to enroll kindergarten students for the 2022-23 school year. The sooner you enroll, the better we can keep you informed.
Kindergarten kickoff video
To learn more about kindergarten in the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District, watch this video for an overview of kindergarten, the registration process and forms, resources, transition events and kindergarten readiness.
Registration
Enrollment into the District is now online. Visit our enrollment page for details on the three-step registration process. Hard copy registration packets are available at our schools.
For more information, go to www.sumnersd.org/kindergarten.
Registration is now open for virtual READY! for Kindergarten winter classes. This free program for parents and caregivers of children birth to age five provides tools that prepare children for kindergarten. During these virtual sessions, you’ll learn important information specific to your child’s age on how they learn, grow, and receive essential take-home tools and activities to make learning easy and fun.
Watch this one-minute video for a look at READY! classes. Families who are new to READY! must attend an orientation prior to the class sessions. Registration is required. Zoom links will be sent on the day of your class.
Session dates:
- Feb. 23
- March 1 and/or
- March 3
Time: All sessions are held from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Location: All sessions are held virtually through Zoom. Links will be emailed the day of your orientation/session.
Orientation: (for first-time READY! for Kindergarten participants):
Feb. 17: 6 - 6:30 p.m. via Zoom
Register: www.readyforkindergarten.org/sumner
More information: Email Annette Bowen at annette_bowen@sumnersd.org.
