Superintendent Brower Newsletter

Dear Eatonville Students, Staff, Families, and Community Members,

Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025, I hope the holiday season brought you cherished moments with loved ones and a chance to recharge. This time of year invites us to reflect on the past and dream big for the future—and I am filled with gratitude and optimism as I look back and ahead.

2024 Reflections: Gratitude and Excellence

This past year has been remarkable in so many ways. I am incredibly grateful for the time I’ve spent learning from our nearly 2,000 students. Whether visiting classrooms, attending assemblies, cheering at games, or admiring performances, I am continually amazed by their thoughtfulness, creativity, and determination. From our youngest preschooler to our graduating seniors, each student brings unique gifts to our district.

As adults, we owe it to them to provide the tools they need to thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally—so they can emerge as the leaders our world so desperately needs.

Our students’ accomplishments in 2024 showcased their dedication and talent. From record-breaking swimmers to scholar-athletes maintaining exceptional GPAs while competing, Eatonville students are raising the bar. The highlights from this fall’s athletic achievements alone are worth celebrating:

• Swim: 8 swimmers to state, 3 school records broken, and a league sportsmanship award.

• Cross Country: Grace Coonrod, a league champion, broke the school 5K record.

• Soccer: 11 wins, league honors, and a first-year coach recognized as Coach of the Season.

• Football, Volleyball, and Tennis: Countless honors, all underscoring their hard work and commitment.

These moments are a testament to the spirit and dedication of our students, families, and coaches. Congratulations, Cruisers!

Honoring Our Staff

Equally inspiring are our staff members, who work tirelessly to ensure students have the support they need to succeed. From teachers and paraeducators to bus drivers and administrators, each team member plays a crucial role in fulfilling our Eatonville Promise: Every student will be known, valued, and supported.

One of my greatest joys as superintendent has been listening to and learning from our dedicated staff. Their passion fuels our shared mission, and I am committed to supporting their efforts every step of the way.

2025: A Year of Opportunity

As we step into this new year, we have much to celebrate and even more to accomplish. January marks School Board Appreciation Month, and I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our board members for their countless hours of service and unwavering commitment to our students and community. Please join me in thanking them for their leadership.

I’m also proud of the progress we’ve made on our five-year strategic plan, shaped by the voices of nearly 1,500 students, parents, staff, and community members. This plan keeps us focused on our goals, including our Portrait of a Graduate, which ensures our students are prepared not just for graduation but for life beyond.

Finally, I want to thank our community for your steadfast support, particularly through the approval of vital levies. Your trust allows us to provide the resources our students need to succeed, and we are working hard to honor that trust every day.

Looking Ahead with Hope

As we journey through 2025, I am confident that together we can achieve great things for our students. Let us continue to pull together, staying true to our shared values and commitment to academic excellence. Thank you for being an integral part of this incredible community.

Here’s to a productive and inspiring year ahead. We are Eatonville Strong!

With gratitude and hope,

Superintendent Brower

As we welcome a new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our goals and recommit to growth and excellence. Eatonville School District is proud to embrace a district-wide initiative focusing on Academic Success, one of our core pillars in “The Summit” framework of our Strategic Plan. Academic Success means providing every student with meaningful opportunities to achieve and excel, ensuring they are equipped not just for school, but for life beyond the classroom.

In the coming months, we will continue to strengthen our commitment to fostering rigorous learning environments, offering supportive resources, and encouraging perseverance and resilience in our students. Together, as a community, we are climbing toward a future where every learner reaches their highest potential.

Thank you for partnering with us on this journey, and let’s make 2025 a year of continued growth, achievement, and success!

As the new year is here, we want to extend our warmest wishes to all families. May your holidays be filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones. We hope the New Year brings you happiness, health, and success. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in our student’s educational journey.

Your Teaching, Learning and Technology Department

The district is seeking interested participants for a new Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advisory Team. The team will explore and develop suggested guidelines, and consult on the AI Plan for the responsible use of AI applications in ESD. The focus will be on ensuring that AI technologies are used to enhance teaching and learning outcomes for students and improve operational efficiencies for staff. The advisory team will provide input to support safe and effective AI adoption. Membership can include students, parents/guardians, staff and administrators.

The committee will meet monthly beginning in February 2025 and concluding in May 2025. The meeting dates include:

• Wednesday, February 19

• Wednesday, March 19

• Wednesday, April 2

• Wednesday, May 21

Meetings will be from 5-6 p.m. at the District Office; light snacks will be served. If you are interested in participating on this team, please complete the following information participant interest survey

The district tutoring program is successfully serving 120 students from 1st grade through 12th grade. This program provides students with support in Reading and Math instruction, homework help and assignment completion, connections with staff, and support for passing classes.

A special thank you to our community partners Beverly Wilson and David Baublits for their invaluable guidance and funding that make this program possible. We are proud to name our tutoring program after the generous support of the The Joe Harned Scholarship Fund. It’s inspiring to see our students engaged and benefiting from the resources provided, leading to positive growth and achievement.

Thank you to our parents for supporting your students' participation in this outstanding opportunity.

We especially appreciate our program staff, who play a vital role in creating a nurturing environment that fosters our students' growth and success. Please take a moment to read about the successes highlighted by some of the tutoring program teaching staff.

Eatonville Elementary

At EES, the primary students are enthusiastic about attending after-school tutoring. Significant growth has been observed in reading skills, such as letter names and sounds, with a current focus on improving fluency. From October to November, all students improved their fluency scores, with many stating it is the best part of their day.

Our intermediate tutoring is dedicated to enhancing reading skills, with students demonstrating consistent growth. They are also improving their comprehension abilities by pinpointing key information in texts and in math students are mastering single-digit multiplication problems.

All program students are fostering connections with peers across grade levels during their tutoring time. ESS students leave feeling proud and confident, benefiting from a supportive environment that encourages positive learning connections. By enabling students to work at their own pace, students appreciate a supportive environment, leading to experiencing a sense of accomplishment and self-assurance.

Mrs. Northern shares, “We are really enjoying tutoring, and the kids also love it! I’m so happy for this opportunity to help these students!”

-Morgan Northern, Heidi Holland and Elizabeth Crayle

Columbia Crest Academy

Significant growth has been observed with CCA students as evidenced by the progress data. In reading, some students have increases of up to 45% growth. Each student attending the reading group has progressed through short novels, and has actively engaged with vocabulary and phonics. CCA math students, on average, have shown positive growth.

Student, Daniel Lauer, shares that he loves everything about his tutoring group. His teacher notes he has grown so much this year. He has soared, and is much more confident in class.

During each math tutoring session, instruction is designed to meet the challenges appropriate for each grade level. Some of the highlights include fun and interactive learning activities, making learning engaging and developing student interest in math.

-Amber Brandt

Weyerhaeuser Elementary

The tutoring program has led to significant growth among students, particularly 2nd graders, who are improving in phonemic awareness and gaining confidence in their reading skills. The one-on-one and small group settings are particularly beneficial for these learners, fostering a desire to read.

In a specific group of six 1st and 2nd graders, consistent practice has resulted in noticeable progress and increased confidence in reading and spelling. WES students' learning routines include letter identification, phonemic awareness drills, sound spelling practice, word mapping, and choral reading.

Meanwhile, the 3rd grade group has successfully engaged with informational texts, learning to recognize and apply text features, and has also explored Caldecott award-winning fiction, enhancing their understanding of story elements and vocabulary. Overall, the collaboration between teachers and parents is creating a positive impact on students' reading skills and confidence. We appreciate our parents' expressed gratitude for the improvements observed in their students' progress.

-Jen Olson, Heidi Piper, and Monica Alford

Eatonville Middle School

The EMS Warrior Academy tutoring program has had a number of positive benefits over a relatively short time. Academy students have seen their grades improve dramatically. Students also report feeling more prepared and confident in their classes. In addition to academic benefits, we have witnessed the creation of social bonds. Students who are in the academy are connecting on a personal level, regardless of age or social circle. It has been rewarding to see students who have no classes together, interact when they see each other before school or in passing in the hallways. Instead of walking by without notice, they check in with each other, share a smile, and a bit of conversation. The sense of connection extends to the teachers who are instructors of Warrior Academy as well. When these students see staff in the hallway, they are eager to talk to tutoring staff, and approach teachers to celebrate their successes and to navigate learning struggles. EMS Warrior Academy is contributing positively to the family culture and tradition of excellence that Eatonville students and staff hold so important.

-Carl Hehemann

The Elementary Report Card Committee is currently engaged in discussions regarding the revised draft standards for English Language Arts (ELA), Math, and Science. This process aims to ensure that the new standards will be effectively represented on future report cards to demonstrate the educational needs of our students and reflect current best practices in teaching.

As the committee examines the proposed changes, they are focusing on the clarity and effectiveness of the standards in guiding educators in their instructional practices. Future feedback from teachers and stakeholders will be requested as this team works to design the new template for reporting progress and success.

The revised standards are designed to enhance educational standards that focus on integrating media literacy, digital citizenship, and English language development. These standards aim to equip students with essential skills for navigating the digital landscape responsibly.

Stay tuned for further updates on this vital initiative that aims to support our educators and enrich the educational experience for all students.

Learning Standards project OSPI

Dear Families,

As we step into a brand-new year, the Student Services team would like to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a joyful and successful 2025. This time of year is filled with opportunities for fresh beginnings, renewed goals, and exciting possibilities.

We are honored to partner with you in supporting your child’s growth, learning, and success. Together, we can build a strong foundation that empowers every student to reach their full potential. Your insights, advocacy, and collaboration are invaluable to our shared mission, and we look forward to continuing this partnership throughout the year.

Our team remains committed to providing individualized support and ensuring your child’s unique strengths and needs are at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s working toward IEP goals, navigating transitions, or celebrating achievements, we are here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there is any way we can assist or support your family. Together, we can achieve great things!

Warm wishes for a happy and successful year,

The Student Services Team

The return to school after a long break can be challenging for students in Special Education. With the right strategies, you can help your child feel prepared, confident, and supported.

Reestablishing Routines

• Ease Back Into School Schedules: Gradually reintroduce school-day routines, including wake-up times, meals, and bedtime. Use alarms or visual timers if helpful.

• Practice Daily Activities: Encourage your child to review school tasks like packing their backpack, using communication tools, or organizing supplies.

Supporting Emotional Readiness

• Talk About the Transition: Discuss what the return to school will look like. Use visual schedules or social stories to prepare for specific activities and settings.

• Validate Their Feelings: It’s okay if your child feels nervous or uncertain. Acknowledge their emotions and offer positive reinforcement.

Reviewing Goals and Expectations

• Revisit IEP Goals: Remind your child of their goals and how the school team will support them. Frame this as a positive and exciting opportunity for growth.

• Communicate with the Team: Share any updates about your child’s needs, strengths, or new challenges with their teachers or case managers.

Making the First Week Easier

• Prepare Ahead: Pack school supplies, organize outfits, and review schedules the night before to reduce morning stress.

• Allow Extra Time: Be flexible and patient, as it may take a few days for your child to fully adjust.

• Celebrate Success: Praise your child for small wins, such as getting ready on time or completing a task at school.

Your partnership in helping your child transition smoothly is invaluable. If you have questions or need additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. Let’s make this semester a successful one together!

The new SLC program at WES has been hard at work these last couple of months!

• The SLC has been focusing on mastering math concepts such as addition, subtraction, greater than, less than, or equal to using marshmallows as manipulatives.

• In P.E., the class has been working on their dribbling skills and have worked up to shooting baskets! They have also been working on their gross motor skills through cup stacking and hula-hooping.

• The class has been exploring the library and discovering the different genres of books that the library has available.

• They have discovered iReady and have been working hard to accomplish their reading goals.

• The class has been making friends through the use of the Purposeful Play curriculum.

• The class enjoyed a field trip to GRITS Farm in October where they picked out pumpkins and watched a play.

• They have been working on their attendance and have had several perfect attendance winners!

This holiday season, students from the Structured Learning Center (SLC) at Eatonville High School embarked on an enriching and festive outing to the South Hill Mall. This event was designed to provide students with opportunities to practice essential transitional skills in a real-world environment, while also enjoying the holiday spirit.

The SLC program supports students with diverse learning needs, focusing on building independence, social interactions, and life skills. The mall visit served as an ideal setting for students to apply these skills, with activities tailored to meet individual goals.

Activities and Objectives:

1. Navigating Public Spaces: Students practiced wayfinding skills by reading maps, identifying store locations, and planning efficient routes to reach their destinations. This activity enhanced their spatial awareness and problem-solving abilities.

2. Financial Literacy: With guidance from staff, students worked on budgeting by creating shopping lists and managing their money while purchasing holiday gifts. This exercise reinforced lessons on value assessment, making transactions, and understanding receipts.

3. Social Interaction: Visiting the mall provided a valuable opportunity for students to practice communication skills, such as greeting store clerks, asking questions, and engaging in polite conversation. These interactions bolstered their confidence and interpersonal abilities.

4. Time Management: Students were responsible for adhering to a schedule, balancing time between activities like shopping, dining, and participating in holiday-themed events at the mall.

5. Sensory Experiences: For some students, exposure to the bustling mall environment was a chance to build tolerance and coping strategies for sensory-rich settings. Staff ensured support was readily available, including quiet breaks if needed.

Highlights of the Day:

• Food Court Experience: The trip included a meal at the food court, where students practiced ordering food, using utensils, and cleaning up after themselves—a key step toward developing independence.

• Gift Shopping: Many students took pride in selecting and purchasing gifts for family and friends, a meaningful way to connect with loved ones during the holidays.

This outing exemplified the SLC program’s commitment to fostering independence and preparing students for life beyond high school. By integrating practical skills into a festive and engaging setting, the experience not only supported students' growth but also created lasting memories.

Students at Eatonville Middle School have been working in a service learning group to create a garden for all students and staff to enjoy.

Students at Columbia Crest Academy have been participating in 4 lessons in the Champions curriculum under Embracing Diversity and acting with kindness.

The following are the goals of the 4 lessons:

1. Understanding the concepts of deposits that help themselves and others to feel good and withdrawals as actions that make themselves and others feel down.

2. Understanding and identifying things that act as deposits for themselves.3.

3. Determining actions that act as deposits for others.

4. Being able to express the importance of demonstrating care and kindness to others.

Eatonville Middle School students have formed a "Kindness Group" which meets weekly during Warrior TIme. The group is divided into two groups: one group is our Podcast group, working on student relations. This group interviews a student a week and then creates a podcast around that student's interests and then on their podcast it is a "guess who?" that teachers can play during their Warrior Time classes. The second group is focusing on student needs and wants around anti-bullying. The group created a series of questions on a Google Form that will be sent out to all students at the beginning of the year to identify whether students feel they are being bullied, the specific areas where students feel bullying mostly occurs, whether students feel safe at school, how comfortable they feel standing up to bullies, whether they have a trusted person or adult they can talk to, and what students feel can be done to create a kinder and more inclusive atmosphere at EMS.

Kindness Week activities at EMS led by Ms. Meysenburg and the Kindness Week committee.

Executive Director of Student Services

Dracy McCoy

200 Lynch St. W./PO Box 698

Eatonville, WA 98328

(360)641-1809

d.mccoy@eatonville.wednet.edu

Special Services Executive Assistant

Tonya Roebuck

200 Lynch St. W./PO Box 698

Eatonville, WA 98328

(360)641-1807

t.roebuck@eatonville.wednet.edu

Join us for an important Dollars for Scholars Information Night on January 30 at 6:00 PM in the EHS Library. This event is designed specifically for parents of seniors (Class of 2025) to learn about scholarship opportunities available for graduating students. Don’t miss this opportunity to get valuable insights into how your student can maximize their chances of earning scholarships for their post-high school education. We look forward to seeing you there!

As we begin a new year, let’s commit to making daily attendance a top priority. Every day spent in school helps build a stronger academic foundation, strengthens friendships, and nurtures the confidence students need to thrive. By encouraging consistent routines, celebrating strong attendance, and reaching out for support when challenges arise, we can work together to ensure each student’s success. Let’s start the year strong and make every day count!

Mark your calendar for this month's meetings as noted on the graphic below.

Your participation and input are always appreciated as we work together to support our students and community. We hope to see you there!

The meetings will be available for viewing on YouTube for those unable to attend in person. Stay informed and engaged with the future of our schools!

Looking forward to swim season? Mark your calendars! The EHS pool will officially open on January 21st. Swim lesson registration will be in-person only at the pool on January 21st at 3:00 PM. Detailed information about lessons and class schedules will be available one week prior to registration.

For questions, please email pool@eatonville.wednet.edu.

On August 28 our entire Eatonville School District staff stood together, united in learning and growth during our Professional Development Day. In our white t-shirts generously donated by TwinStar, we formed the shape of our beloved Mt. Rainier, symbolizing our collective strength and dedication to our students. We are Eatonville Strong, committed to reaching the top for our kids!

Superintendent: Mr. Jay Brower

Executive Assistant: Mrs. Cassie Froud

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

Email: communications@eatonvilleschools.org

Website: https://www.eatonville.wednet.edu
Location: 200 Lynch Street West, Eatonville, WA, USA
Phone: 360-879-1000
Facebook: facebook.com/eatonville.school.district
Twitter: @EatonvilleSD

Eatonville School District #404 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.

• Title IX Coordinator, Section 504/ADA Coordinator & Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator: Dracy McCoy, Executive Student Services. Email: d.mccoy@eatonville.wednet.edu Address: 200 Lynch St. W., Eatonville, WA 98328; Telephone: 360-879-1000
• Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
• Information about the nondiscrimination and sex-based discrimination policies and grievance procedures, and how to report a concern or complaint, linked here.