
SBLSD News
March 30, 2023

BLHS artists win at Regional Art Competition
Two Bonney Lake High School artists received awards at the 2023 Regional High School Art Show sponsored by the Puget Sound Educational Service District for their amazing artwork!
Caitlynn Wohlford's colored pencil and alcohol marker piece titled “The Male Gaze and Female Commodification'' was selected as a Regional Winner in the art show. As a Regional Winner, Caitlynn's entry will advance to the 50th Annual State Superintendent's High School Art Show which will be held at Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle on May 30. Caitlynn's piece was also selected to receive a scholarship from Central Washington University’s Department Chair of Art & Design!
"As part of my AP Drawing course investigation on the impact of male-dominated capitalism on the fashion industry, I chose to look into the impact it has on women, portraying this in a surrealistic and unconventional way,” Caitlynn said about her piece in her Artist Statement. “Female models are often chosen based on their looks and are exploited. This image of ‘perfection’ is marketed rather than the clothing itself, resulting in subsequent dehumanization, as depicted by inanimate Barbies in the toy vending machine. I wanted to express my discontent with such societal standards through this piece. I chose to use colored pencil and alcohol markers as they provide vibrant complementary contrast and rich saturation while still allowing for detail and a realistic finish. The near-symmetrical composition is utilized to place the Barbies at the center of attention to encompass their unwanted spotlight while surrounded by external pressures."
A BLHS senior, Caitlynn is enrolled in the Advanced Placement Studio Art Drawing course at BLHS and is president of the BLHS Art Club. Wish Caitlynn luck at the state art show!
Iris Rogel's oil painting titled “Enduring Support" was selected to receive a Pierce County Choice Award at the show! Iris is a senior currently enrolled in the Advanced Placement Studio Art Drawing course and is BLHS ASB president.
Iris describes her award-winning piece in this Artist Statement:
"This piece is a great representation of the emotional connection and bond between my dog and I; a relationship many people share with their pets. This connection is comforting and my dog has had a massive impact in supporting my mental health growing up. I wanted to portray this relationship and feeling of warmth as well as security in my painting. From the first brush stroke to the last, I exhibit an immense amount of attention to detail and focus as I work to perfectly capture my subject and synthesize ideas. My love for animals and nature has inspired the majority of my work."
The Puget Sound Educational Service District will recognize all Art Show award winners at the regional virtual ceremony that will be posted on the PSESD website on April 14.
You’re invited! Register now for Community Summit
Join community leaders and organizations on Tuesday, April 18 as we gather together at the Calvary Community Church venue for the 28th Annual Communities For Families (CFF) Community Summit! Breakout sessions and speakers will help you explore topics affecting the health and well-being of children and families in the Sumner and Bonney Lake communities.
This free event features 6 breakout sessions, community resource displays, a catered dinner, Unsung Hero award, presentations and keynote speaker, Erin Jones.
Community Summit
When: Tuesday, April 18 | 4:30 p.m.
Where: Calvary Community Church, 15116 Gary St. E. (Sumner)
Register here: bit.ly/2023CommunitySummitRegister.
Clothing drive: Donations needed
Take part in a friendly competition while supporting a great cause! The cities of Sumner and Bonney Lake are hosting a donation drive competition for new clothing for our students who might need a change of clothes during the school day. We're looking for new sweatshirts, sweatpants, shirts, underwear and socks.
Donation drop-off locations:
Sumner City Hall (1104 Maple St.)
Bonney Lake City Hall (9002 Main St. E.)
Sumner-Bonney Lake School District Central Office (1202 Wood Ave.)
Sumner-Bonney Lake Family Resource Center (1508 Willow St., Portable 705)
The city with the most donations will be revealed at the April 18 Community Summit. Let's gather our community spirit and make a difference for our students!
Mental Health First Aid Workshop: April 15
Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 6-18. This free workshop is open to teachers, parents, coaches and any adults who work with youth.
Free Workshop: Mental Health First Aid
When: April 15 | 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Where: Sumner-Bonney Lake School District, 1202 Wood Ave. in Sumner
Register here: bit.ly/40p14AH (SBLSD staff must also register through hrmPlus #4765)
Workshop topics:
How to connect youth with help
Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in youth
Common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges
How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis
Trauma, substance use and the impact of social media and bullying
This important topic of youth mental health response will be discussed at the upcoming Community Summit on April 18.
Upcoming survey asks for student, staff, parent feedback
In striving to provide the best possible education for all students, we value feedback to help us continually improve. We’ll soon be conducting a Center for Educational Effectiveness survey with staff, families, and students in grades 4 through 12.
The surveys will be sent via email to families and staff on April 11, with students taking the survey in class at a time during the two-week survey window.
The multiple choice surveys, available in multiple languages, will ask questions around the topics of support, safety, trust, environment and equity. Please watch your email for more information next month.
BLHS musical: Into the Woods
Choose among five showings in April to enjoy Bonney Lake High School’s musical theater performance of Into the Woods. The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King's Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse.
Into the Woods
Date/Time:
- April 20 and 21 at 7 p.m.
- April 22 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- April 23 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $10 students/seniors; $12 adults
Location: BLHS Performing Arts Center
Spot SBLSD princesses, bands in Daffodil Parade April 1
The 90th annual Daffodil Festival Parade is this Saturday, April 1. The parade will pass through Sumner at 2:30 p.m.
The festival is celebrating its 90th year of serving the community with this year’s theme “90 Years Around the Sound;” highlighting the history and uniqueness of the South Puget Sound community and their Festival.
In addition to various school bands and student groups participating in the parade this year, you can also spot our two Daffodil Princesses representing our district in the parade from Bonney Lake High School and Sumner High School!
Learn more about our crowned Daffodil Princesses:
Kiana Kniest (BLHS)
Princess Kiana Kniest is involved in various clubs at BLHS, including Key Club, Panther Crue, and National Honor Society. She has maintained a 4.0 grade point average while having a job and staying committed to numerous clubs. She works at the YMCA as a child watch lead and as a toddler gym teacher. Her passions include helping people and working with children. In her free time, Kiana enjoys spending time with her mom, baking, reading, and decorating for holidays and seasons. Kiana plans to continue her education at a college level to receive a bachelor of science in nursing degree to become a pediatric registered nurse.
Kiara Ramos-Carrillo (SHS)
A full International Baccalaureate student, Kiara has a 3.9 grade point average and is the vice president of the school’s Honor Society Club. She is also the co-president of the Amnesty International Club, secretary of the Band Leadership Council, and section leader of the flute section. Kiara loves to read and enjoys watching movies or TV shows with her family. She also volunteers at the children’s hospital every Sunday. After high school, Kiara plans to go to a four-year university to major in biochemistry on the pre-med pathway, with the hope to go to medical school to become an ER doctor.
BLHS, SHS dance teams compete at state
Bonney Lake and Sumner high school dance teams competed at the WIAA State Dance/Drill Championships at the Yakima Valley Sundome last weekend!
The Sumner High School Spartan Dance Team qualified and competed in the genre of Lyrical Dance. SHS Head Dance Coach Jenny Ford said: "It was an honor to have qualified for this competition, and compete with the highest ranked dance teams across the State of Washington. This is the beginning of a new level of achievement for the Sumner High School Spartan dancers!" Dance members include: Brea C., Siena W., Lucy W., Athena W., Savannah N., Kenzie F., Madi E. and Emelia Q.
The Bonney Lake Pantherettes also competed and are 1A/2A/3A Kick Champions, 3A Military Champions and placed 3rd in 3A Pom! Dance members include: Ella D., Sienna B., Nancy C., Alexa D., Chloe F., Desi H., Jaycee J., Alaina R., Sophie R., Payton S., Kaidynce T., Jade T., Beth W., Sophia W., Samra Y., and Anna Z.
Congratulations to our amazing dancers!
Spring Break reminder
You might be counting down the days, but just in case, this is your reminder that schools are closed next week for Spring Break, April 3-7. There will be no school. Enjoy your break!
View all of our 2022-23 key dates.
April meal menus
View our breakfast and lunch menus for April:
School board: Next meeting April 19; study session canceled
The public may attend School Board study sessions and meetings, which are generally held at 6 p.m. virtually and in person at the Central Office Boardroom (1202 Wood Ave). Dates, times and locations are subject to change. Agendas are published a day prior to each meeting. Note: The April 12 study session has been canceled. The next board meeting is April 19.
Public comment
The Sumner-Bonney Lake School Board recognizes the value of public comment on education issues and the importance of involving members of the public in its meetings. Here are ways to offer comments, all of which must be completed by noon the day prior to a board meeting:
- In person and virtual: About two weeks prior to a board meeting, individuals may sign up to give public comment. If you are among the first 30 people to sign up, you will receive a confirmation email with details by 2 p.m. the Tuesday prior to the board meeting.
- Written, electronic: The School Board will review all written comments from this form that are submitted by noon the day prior to the scheduled board meeting. Written comments will be included in the board minutes.