page background

Superintendent Brower's Newsletter

December 2023

Superintendent Brower's Newsletter December 2023

Eatonville School District

A Message From Your Superintendent

zoom_out_map

Dear Eatonville Students, Staff, Families and Community Members,


Purpose of Newsletter: Each month I aim to inform the community about key accomplishments, current events and upcoming news in the Eatonville School District. As I have stated before, with the support from families and community members, we will ensure that our students become well-educated, exceptional young people who will shape the future of our community, our state and even our nation. Please accept my sincerest appreciation for the support you offer me, our students and our staff members. It is truly an honor serving as superintendent of the Eatonville School District.


Our Mission and Vision: Successful organizations, teams, schools, and individuals share many attributes including focus, determination, commitment, talent and a high level of support from the community. However, unless we are goal-driven and results-oriented, no level of talent or resources will help us achieve our mission. That said, making sure that all of our students acquire the necessary knowledge and the essential skills outlined in our strategic plan is imperative to their success and to our success as a school district. Our mission is: Eatonville schools inspire lifelong learners by providing opportunities for growth and academic achievement in a respectful and caring environment. Our vision is: Together with our families and community, Eatonville schools will empower students to achieve excellence in education and future success.


Our Eatonville Team: Recently, we sent a postcard to every community member living within the boundaries of the Eatonville School District. This mailing included the mission, vision, values and pillars created by our community for our Eatonville students. It also included the essential characteristics of a graduate from our school district. We hope that all stakeholders know what our plan is and how we can work as a team to support and encourage our students along the pathway to current and future successes. Our staff members are working hard to implement our strategic plan. We will continue to share our strategic plan and results with our students, families and community members over the next five years and will measure our success by the successful implementation of our plan. Everything that we do must be about teaching, learning and student wellness. We must always ask, “How does this decision, effort, lesson, initiative, program, curriculum, etc. help our students learn?” If the initiative or activity does not contribute to the academic success of our students, then we must refocus our efforts to align with our strategic plan.


EHS Sports: Ryan Stammen signed with Queen's University in North Carolina to play Rugby on an athletic and academic scholarship. Please enjoy the pictures in this newsletter.


Soccer finished the regular season in 4th place and advanced to the district tournament. They will play in the opening round at Seton Catholic in Vancouver on May 7th.

Baseball had a great night at Cheney Stadium defeating Mt. Tahoma in front of a wonderful Eatonville crowd.


Fastpitch has qualified for the district tournament which begins on May 15th.

Tennis had wins in April over Castle Rock, Tenino, Foss and Hoquiam. Their district tournament begins May 15th at WF West High School.


Track continues to have lots of PR's as they gear up for postseason beginning May 10th with the league meet at Montesano High School.


Community Forum School Board Study Session: Please join us on May 29th, at 7pm in the EHS auditorium for another important community forum. We will be discussing specific aspects of the capitol levy that voters recently passed including playground replacements at every elementary school, a new track and field at EHS and the Green Building Act energy requirements that affect Eatonville School District. As with past community forums, your input is imperative to making decisions that affect our students, staff, families and community members.


Teacher Appreciation Week: Please join me in thanking each of our 120 amazing teachers in the Eatonville School District during National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-10. I recognize the difference they make with each and every one of our students by educating and challenging them academically while connecting with them personally. Thank you! Eatonville Strong!

Warm regards,


Jay Brower

Superintendent

Mission and Vision Statements

Link to Complete Strategic Plan

Around the District in April

zoom_out_map

EMS Archery in PE

zoom_out_map

Pizza Wednesday Club

zoom_out_map

EES and EMS were hosted at Myles Pizza for a Pizza Party

zoom_out_map

WES Preschool Painting Tulips

zoom_out_map

CCA Science work in the woods, next looking into biomimicry.

zoom_out_map

Tennis has started the 5-0 which is the best start to a season in the past six years.

zoom_out_map

EES Math Family Night

zoom_out_map

EHS Soccer Team joined our Eatonville Business Association in serving dinner to our community at the Eatonville Family Agency

zoom_out_map

Cruiser Boys played at Cheney Stadium and won 10-3

Daffodil Parade

News from the Teaching and Learning Department

Executive Director, Mrs. Sally Keeley

zoom_out_map

Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week 2024

As part of this year's Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10), we're inviting parents, families, and community members to share their thanks with our staff members.

Eatonville School District is lucky to have an amazing team of staff members both inside and outside the classroom who have our students' academic and social-emotional well-being at the heart of everything they do. We encourage you to take a few moments to send a note to a staff member who has made a difference in your life or the life of your child or family.

Thank you for helping us to celebrate and appreciate our teachers and staff!!

State SBA: Testing 1,2,3!

In May, Eatonville students in grades 3-8 and 10 are required by the state to take the Smarter Balanced (SBA), or the Washington Access to Instruction and Measurement (WA-AIM) tests in math and English Language Arts (ELA). Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 will also take the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS).


These assessments provide measures of achievement and growth toward college and career readiness benchmarks while challenging students to think critically and solve real-world problems. The SBA in math and ELA are a graduation pathway requirement.


Testing gives educators and districts information about student performance. These state assessments are like academic checkups and help our teachers and parents see how on-track students are, compared to where they need to be, in regard to grade level standards.


Building staff also realize it is important to protect time used for learning in the classroom, thus steps have been taken to minimize the impact on the regular school day.


During these testing weeks, students will still receive instruction in other subjects and participate in specialists’ classes and electives.


It’s important to make sure students are in attendance during the testing weeks, so they can get back to their typical learning schedule as soon as possible. Anyone who is absent during their school’s testing day, will need to make it up during the state-established testing window.


When do families receive results for testing?
Score reports are sent home via email in the Fall. If you do not receive a score report, please contact your school for a copy.


Can I view my child’s test?
Yes. Parents can request to review their child’s test booklet(s) starting in early September. The test booklets are sent to the student’s respective school district for review. Please visit the OSPI website for information on how to request to view your student's test.


What do these scores mean?
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has put together a one-stop shop for information on tests and scores. Visit their Web site to find out more. SBA Test Score Guide


Where can I find out more about Smarter Balanced Assessments?
Ready WA has a good overview of the assessments and how they can help students prepare for college and/or careers. The Family Guide to Understanding is a two-page flyer written in easy-to-understand language that answers key questions (what, why, who, how, and when) about Washington’s assessment programs. Information is also included about how families can support their student's success.


Please see your school's schedule for specific dates.

Promotion Events

Lion's Club Lunch Balance Donation

The school district received a generous donation of $3,700 from the Eatonville Lions Club. The Lions hosted Casino Night with a dessert table to benefit the Eatonville School District's negative meal debt. The district supported them by donating baked goods. Thank you to the staff who brought in their wonderful treats. Your donation helped support the Lions Club's mission & helped the students of ESD.

EHS Band in Florida

The EHS Band was awarded Triple Superior ratings from all three judges in their performance at a competition in Florida! NASA, Atlantic Coast, Universal Studios, and “Prom in Florida” were among some of the amazing experiences that will last a lifetime.

Bus Driver Success

EHS Award of Distinction Nomination Form

Please click here to learn more and submit your 2024 Eatonville High School Award of Distinction Nomination.


Nominations are collected throughout the year and should be mailed to the Award Committee no later than May 31 to be considered for that year.

Selections will be made in June. Inductees will be recognized at the Welcome Back Day for ESD teachers and staff in August.

24-25 Student Calendar

PDF Calendar Click Below to Download

Attention 6th-11th Grade Families - McTee Music Scholarship Opportunity

CONSIDER APPLYING FOR A McTEE LESSON SCHOLARSHIP TO PAY FOR UP TO $800 TOWARDS MUSIC LESSONS! BUT HURRY. THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MAY 3, 2024!


  1. Information: Information: McTee Lesson Scholarship 2024

  2. Application Form: Application: McTee Lesson Scholarship 2024

  3. Teacher Recommendation Form: Teacher Recommendation Form 2024

Community Day May 3, Half Day

We are pleased to announce the details of our long-held tradition of Community Day on Friday, May 3, 2024.

The program will be held at Eatonville High School Large Gym starting at 1pm. All schools will release three hours earlier than normal on a half day schedule.

There will be various vendors located in the front of the high school outdoors as well as in the commons and the small gym. We hope you join us in celebrating the 108th Annual Community Day, and we hope you enjoy the crowning of our 96th May Day Queen.

Ryan Stammen Signing Day

zoom_out_map

We are extremely proud to announce that Ryan Stammen has committed to Queens University of Charlotte where she will be playing D1 rugby on athletic and academic scholarship, while pursuing a degree in pre-med and exercise science.

Kindergarten Enrollment

May Board Meetings

Teacher Appreciation Week

Battle of the Books District Competition

District Competition: (May 14th, Starts @ 6:00)
The top three teams from each school will compete against each other in a Battle of the Books competition held at the North Hall Auditorium. We ask all participants to please check in with event volunteers in the band room 15 minutes before the competition. Families will be escorted to the auditorium to watch the competition.

Student Check in: 5:45 pm
Location: High School Auditorium

Prizes: All students who compete will receive a certificate of participation, students who make it to the district level will receive a ribbon, and the winning team will have their name engraved on the Battle of the Books plaque that will be displayed at the winning school for the whole year.

EHS Career and Education Fair

zoom_out_map

Eatonville High School, in partnership with the Eatonville Business Association, hosted a Career and Education Fair for students on Monday, April 15, 2024 in the Eatonville High School Commons. The event was an opportunity for many local businesses and several universities to connect with over 400 high school students looking for summer employment and/or career opportunities upon graduation.


The EBA is a non-profit organization that aims to promote and support local businesses in the Eatonville area. The organization has been working closely with the Eatonville School District to create a platform for businesses to showcase their job openings and for students to learn about the various career opportunities available in the area.


The Career and Education Fair was met with tremendous support from a diverse range of employers from different industries that came ready to hire. Students came armed with resumes and excellent questions for employers; some left with scheduled job interviews.


The Career and Education Fair is just one of the many initiatives that the EBA has planned to support local businesses and promote economic growth in the Eatonville area. They would like to thank the following companies and agencies for partnering in this event that helped fill the need of employers and students alike.


Featured Booths

  • Eatonville Business Association
  • South Pierce Fire and Rescue
  • Ohop Mutual Light Company
  • American Legion Mt. Tacoma Post 148
  • US Army
  • Pierce County
  • Metro Parks Tacoma
  • LRI Waste Connections
  • The Salvation Army Camp Arnold
  • ARES
  • IBEW 143
  • Lightcurve Internet (formerly Rainier Connect)
  • Worksource
  • Ohop Valley Anesthesia
  • Hampton Lumber
  • Port of Tacoma
  • Pierce College
  • Pacific Lutheran University
  • Central Washington University
  • Washington State University

Counselor Corner

As your student moves through the school year we want to ensure that you have all of the support your family needs to help it be a successful year.


Please see email addresses of our school counselors below:

Counselor Contacts

Counselor Feature Article

zoom_out_map

Mental health wellness is an important aspect of overall health and well-being for us all. Mental health refers to our emotional and social well-being, which influences how we think, feel, and behave. It impacts our ability to connect with others, make decisions, handle stress, and various other daily life aspects. You cannot take care of your body and not take care of your mind - they are one in the same, and it's essential to give it the same level of attention as we do to our physical health.


Tony Dungy, NFL football coach for 13 seasons, experienced a family tragedy and reflecting on his family relationships, he offered this advice: “You have to say, “How can I keep those relationships with my kids, keep the line of communication open? How can I help them see the worth and the value that they have?” Part of our responsibility as parents and community members is to make sure that our first priority is our relationships with those entrusted to us, so that in a time of need there is no question in that individual’s mind that they know who to turn to.


It may not be up to you to solve the problem or figure out the WHY? But accessing resources and helping the struggling individual with access to them, is a hand-up, and sometimes that’s all it takes to help them survive and thrive!


Resources

  • Mental Health Resources - Eatonville School District Home Page

https://www.eatonville.wednet.edu/resources/familysupport-mentalhealth


  • MHA. (2021). Mental health facts in America.

https://mhanational.org/MentalHealthInfo




Wednesday Late Start Dates

Free Food Boxes Available on May 31

Equestrian Success

zoom_out_map

Congratulations to our equestrians! What a terrific competition they had Easter weekend. To qualify for state they need to place in the top 3 in two (out of three meets) or be in the top 10% after meet 3. There are only have 3 meets (then state, & then regionals, which is a multi state competition). So to be state qualified by meet 2 in any event is pretty exciting.


Jaida Green pretty much dominated her performance events this weekend securing 4 state qualifiers out of her 5 individual events. And on the cusp on her 5th. Her placings:1st stockseat, 1st trail equitation, 2nd huntseat, 3rd dressage all state qualified and 4th in showmanship.


Other top 10 individual event placers are:

  • Heidi Weaver- hunt seat 7th
  • Ava Weaver- dressage 7th
  • Kalli Olson- dressage 8th, Fig 8 7th, poles 6th
  • Kaylee Bernt-dressage 9th
  • Kaylin Reitz- flags 2nd
  • Chaeley Loudin- flags 3rd
  • Emma Adams- flags 4th
  • Ella Stephen-Fig 8 5th, barrels 10th
  • Taylor Payne- poles 3rd
  • Peyton Barney- poles 7th, key hole 6th


The team rocked their Team events

Drill 6 person- 2nd and state qualified Emma Adams, Kaylee Bernt, Ava Weaver Heidi Weaver and Mckayla Rhinehart


In hand obstacle relay

  • 5th Kaylee Bernt Emma Adams Zoey
  • Shoopman Morgan Eichost
  • 9th Davy Olson Ella Stephen Bridget Laurent Kalli Olson
  • 10th Hadley Noble Jaida Green Ava Heidi


Working Pairs-

  • 10th Jaida Green Kaylee Bernt


Canadian Flags-

  • 2nd and state qualified Kaylin Reitz Hadley Noble Kalli Olson Davy Olson
  • 8th Ava Weaver Heidi Weaver Bridget Laurent Nikia King


Team Sorting-

  • 5th Kaylee Bernt Makayla Rinehart


Biwrangle-

  • 1st and state qualified Ella Stephen Peyton Barney


Team Versatility -

  • 2nd and state qualified Kaylee Bernt Hadley Noble Jaida Green Ava Weaver
  • 3rd and state qualified Davy Olson Heidi Weaver Morgan Eichost, Kalli Olson


We have 19 athletes 12 are qualified for state after the 2nd meet in either individual or team events. We have 4 sitting on the bubble of possibility with individual events.



Congratulations everyone!!! Great meet!

Spring Concerts

Community Activities

Core Value Awards

On March 29th, Officer McGuire and Chief LaLiberte presented the EPD Core Value Award to 3 deserving students at EMS during their 2nd quarter pep assembly.


The teachers and faculty provided us with a list of deserving students who have represented one, or more of the EPD core values: Professionalism, Ethics, Accountability, Compassion and Excellence. EPD then chose 1 student from each grade.


Congratulations to Autumn Sherrard, Andrew Carreon, and Claire Condon! Well done!

Food Service Appreciation Day

School Nurse Appreciation Day

Memorial Day

Blood Drive, May 15 from 8am-1:30pm

Eatonville High School Blood Drive

  • Photo ID and Appointment Required
  • Eat a hearty meal and drink fluids prior to your donation

All first donors, ages 16 and 17 need to complete a Permission Form

Post-Levy FAQ Section Added to Website

After the approval of both levies, we aim to provide updates to ensure everyone is informed about the next steps. To facilitate this, we've introduced a 'Post-Levy FAQ' section on our website.

Skills Center Summer School

The Pierce County Skills Center will be offering FREE In-Person Summer Classes for Summer 2024. Classes are open to current 8th-11th graders. EHS will provide transportation to the skills center location and back for Session I only, which will run June 24th-July 12th. Students will earn .5 semester credit for a completed class. The online application will be available Wednesday, May 1st at 5:00pm, on the Pierce County Skills Center website.


https://pcsc.bethelsd.org/summer-school


See the attached flyers for details and a list of classes per session and location. An Equivalency flyer is also attached. The following classes offer a .5 credit in Health:

Medical Careers, Pre Pharmacy, and Pre Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine.

Summer Bus Schedule

Bus Schedule, Session I only


6/24 through 7/12 (no 7/4)


Morning

EHS - depart 6:40 am

304th & Meridian (gravel lot) - depart 7:00 am

drop @PCSC 7:30 am


Afternoon

PCSC - depart 2:50 pm

drop @ 304th & Meridian (gravel lot) 3:13 pm

drop @ EHS 3:30 pm

💻 Sign-up for District Communications 📧

Have you signed up to be added to our Key Communicator email distribution list yet?

This is an opportunity to be added to the community district communication email list to receive newsletters and other district announcements. Once your email is submitted you will receive all district communications sent to the community.

Parents who have a student registered at one of our schools are already receiving these communications

May Breakfast and Lunch Menus

Do you need to add money to your child's Food Service Account?

PARENTS & GUARDIANS: We have many food service accounts with negative balances. Please bring these up to date as soon as possible. If you are struggling financially, please log into your Skyward account to fill out an application to qualify for free or reduced meals. Please call your child's office if you would like to schedule payment arrangements, are unable to access your account or would like to make a payment over the phone. We are here to help in any way we can!

Meal Prices

Office of the Superintendent

zoom_out_map

Important Information

Superintendent: Mr. Jay Brower

Executive Assistant: Mrs. Ashley Farrens

District Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Communications Department

Click the button below if you have concerns regarding your child's development.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Eatonville School District #404 will provide equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of the academic and activities program without discrimination based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged, veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.


The district will provide equal access to school facilities to the Boy Scouts of America and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society. District programs shall be free from sexual harassment. Auxiliary aids and services will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities.


Address: 200 Lynch St. W., Eatonville, WA 98328; Telephone: 360-879-1000


Title IX Coordinator, Section 504/ADA Coordinator & Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator: Cristin Blaskowitz, Executive Student Services. Email: c.blaskowitz@eatonvilleschools.org

Communications Department
Eatonville Communications is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters