SBLSD News
Nov. 17, 2022
Elementary fall parent/teacher conferences are taking place Nov. 16-18 and 22. On these days, elementary schools release students according to their early dismissal schedule, which varies by school. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Middle and high schools remain on their normal full-day schedule.
Note: On these early dismissal days, afternoon bus stop drop-off times will be 3.5 hours earlier than when students are currently dropped off.
Elementary early release for Nov. 16-18 and 22
- 11:40 a.m.: Crestwood, Daffodil Valley, Liberty Ridge, Maple Lawn, Victor Falls
- 11:50 a.m.: Sumner Early Learning Center
- 12:15 p.m.: Bonney Lake, Donald Eismann, Emerald Hills, Tehaleh Heights
Your child’s school has already communicated details directly with families; please contact them with questions.
A Message from SBLSD Equity Director Josh Agpalza
Last week, I had a conversation with a mentor of mine about the importance of acknowledging and honoring those who have made an impact on our lives. I want to extend the same and invite you to think about someone from either past or present who have made a positive impact in your life. How do you honor them? For myself, I think about my grandparents who were educators in the Philippines. Their love for teaching and supporting students greatly impacted many people's lives, which motivated me to follow in their footsteps. Because of their impact, I honor them by continually learning, growing, and being the best I can be as an educator.
How do you honor those who have made an impact in your life? I know that I would receive a variety of answers, but however you do it, it is no different than the practice of Land Acknowledgement.
Land Acknowledgment for non-Indigenous communities is "a powerful way of showing respect and honoring the Indigenous Peoples of the land on which we work and live." (Source)
In SBLSD, we practice Land Acknowledgements by learning the history of Indigenous communities, recognize that they have stewarded the land since time immemorial, and recognize that the Indigenous communities are still here today. In this effort, we know that it is only one small step to uphold the legacy of Indigenous communities.
Hospitals report that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is back with a vengeance and affecting many people, especially young children. While it’s easy to worry and it should be taken seriously, clinicians at Mary Bridge Children’s remind parents and caregivers that RSV is a very common childhood virus, and usually is not severe. Read this Mary Bridge blog post to learn how to prevent RSV, how it spreads, and how to alleviate RSV symptoms.
Washington state law requires that every student receive HIV/AIDs prevention education in grades 5 through 12. As the unit covers sensitive topics, state law and SBLSD board policy require that parents/guardians are provided the opportunity to preview the lessons.
The District is hosting a curriculum night for families to preview the HIV/AIDS prevention curriculum for students currently enrolled in 8th-grade Skills for Life or 9th-grade Health classes. In the spring, there will be an opportunity for families of 6th through 12th graders who will study this health-related content during second semester.
Parent Review Night
Dec. 8, 4:30-6 p.m.
SBLSD Central Office Boardroom (1202 Wood Ave. in Sumner)
Curriculum will be available for preview, providing an opportunity for parents and guardians to understand the health content for grades 8 and 9, preview teaching materials and ask questions about the resources used in the classroom.
Parents wishing to exclude their child from the state-required HIV/AIDS curriculum must preview this curriculum and sign an exclusion form. Parents of students in other grades will have the opportunity to preview curriculum in the spring.
