Superintendent Brower Newsletter

Superintendent Brower

Led by Tori Hazelton-Snyder, Amy Okeze Mikena Wemple

In a significant step towards fostering an inclusive educational environment, our teachers recently participated in a dynamic professional learning session focused on the importance of Inclusion and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), specifically Tier I strategies. This collaborative effort underscores the district's commitment to ensuring that every student receives the support they need to succeed.

Understanding the Importance of Inclusion

The session began with an overview of the principles of inclusion, highlighting the necessity of creating classrooms where all students, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds, feel valued and supported. Educators learned how inclusive practices not only benefit students with diverse needs but also enhance the learning experience for all. By embracing inclusion, teachers can foster a sense of belonging that encourages student engagement and motivation.

Exploring Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

The focus then shifted to MTSS, a framework designed to provide varying levels of support to students based on their individual needs. Tier I serves as the foundation of this system, emphasizing high-quality, differentiated instruction that benefits every learner in the classroom.

Teaming Up for Student Success

Recognizing that collaboration is key to successful implementation, participants engaged in team-building activities designed to strengthen their professional relationships. Teachers shared insights, and feedback on Thought Exchange regarding challenges and needs to integrate inclusive practices and MTSS strategies into their classrooms.

The commitment displayed by educators during the training reflects a collective dedication to improving student outcomes. By working together, we can aim to create a supportive environment where every student can thrive academically and socially.

Looking Ahead

As ESD continues to prioritize professional learning in inclusion and MTSS supports, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Educators are encouraged to apply the knowledge gained from this session in their classrooms, ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed.

Together, we are building a brighter future for our students, one where inclusion and support are at the heart of everything we do. Through teamwork and dedication, together we can pave the way for a more inclusive educational landscape.

Led by WES Teacher Matt Pederson

In an exciting initiative at ESD, secondary and elementary teachers are joining forces to study and implement the principles of Thinking Classrooms in mathematics. This collaboration aims to enhance instructional practices across grade levels and create a cohesive learning experience for students.

A Focus on Thinking Math Classrooms

Thinking Math Classrooms is an approach that emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and critical thinking in math education. By engaging students in active learning, this method encourages them to explore mathematical concepts deeply and work together to find solutions.

Teacher Collaboration for Enhanced Learning

The teamwork between secondary and elementary educators will allow for the sharing of ideas, strategies, and best practices. Teachers are participating in professional learning sessions where they can observe and discuss how Thinking Classrooms can be effectively integrated into their lessons, regardless of grade level.

During these sessions, educators are focusing on key elements of Thinking Math Classrooms, including:

• Collaborative Learning: Teachers are learning how to facilitate group work that encourages students to discuss their thought processes and learn from one another.

• Problem-Solving Strategies: Educators are exploring various ways to present mathematical challenges that promote critical thinking and engagement.

• Creating a Supportive Environment: The importance of fostering a classroom culture where students feel safe to take risks and express their ideas is emphasized.

Benefits for Students

By teaming up, teachers aim to provide common teaching practices for students as they progress through their education. This collaboration is designed to ensure that foundational math skills are built in elementary grades and further developed in secondary classrooms.

As educators continue to learn the Thinking Classrooms model, students can expect to experience a more dynamic and interactive approach to learning math. This initiative is set to not only improve student engagement but also enhance their understanding of mathematical concepts.

We are proud to support this collaboration, recognizing that by working together, teachers can create more effective and inclusive learning environments for all students.

As you know, November 20 was a non-school day due to the windstorm. To accommodate this, the built-in make-up day on Monday, March 10, 2025, will now be used as a school day.

The revised calendar reflecting this change is attached for your reference.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we adjust to this change.

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

EHS

• Maryann Baker: m.baker@eatonville.wednet.edu

• Kirsten Dill: k.dill@eatonville.wednet.edu

EMS

• Anisa Parks: a.parks@eatonville.wednet.edu

• Kylee Meysenburg: k.meysenburg@eatonville.wednet.edu

CCA

• Deb Noble-Perry: d.noble-perry@eatonvilleschools.org

• Kylee Meysenburg: k.meysenburg@eatonville.wednet.edu

EES

• Jana McIlraith: j.mcilraith@eatonvilleschools.org

WES

• Allysen Lindstrom: a.lindstrom@eatonville.wednet.edu

It is the Holiday Season!

While for many, this season can be one of hope, giving, abundance and togetherness, the holiday season can also be loaded with need, isolation, grief and feelings of not having enough.

Our counseling team sees an increase in office visits from students during the holiday times, and we know that family needs during this time can increase as well.

If you are either looking for ways to give back during the holidays, or if you need assistance with gifts or food for the holidays please contact the Eatonville Family Agency at 360-832-6805.

In addition to our local support, the following is an expansive list of agencies across Pierce County where you can access help or volunteer.

The holidays can be a joy-filled season, but they can also be stressful and challenging for those impacted by mental illness. Below are some suggestions you can do to help maintain your mental health during the holiday season.

• Write a gratitude list and offer thanks.

• Gratitude has been shown to improve mental health.

• Manage your time and don't try to do too much.

• Prioritizing your time and activities can help you use your time well. It's okay to say no to plans.

• Set boundaries Family dynamics can be complex.

• Acknowledge them and accept that you can only control your role. If you need to, find ways to limit your exposure.

• Exercise/Eat a balanced diet.

• Set aside time for yourself and prioritize self-care.

• Read a book, watch a movie, listen to music, take a walk outside. Catch up on sleep.

• Volunteer.

• Seek out support.

• Talk with friends, family, or a counselor.

On December 2nd, National Special Education Day commemorates the anniversary of the nation’s first federal special education law. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was signed into law on December 2, 1972.

IDEA made education available to all American children and this day honors the progress that has been made in special education. Before IDEA, many individuals with disabilities received little to no education. Schools were not required to make accommodations for children with disabilities. While some states offered special schools, the education and resources were not necessarily equal. Additionally, many parents couldn’t afford to send their children away to a special school.

The law stipulated that children with disabilities had a right to the same free education that every other child had access to. Between the ages of 3 and 21, there are 13 different areas where children may qualify under the IDEA for services. IDEA was instrumental in increasing graduation rates for students with disabilities.

IDEA resulted in many changes beyond bringing students equal education. The integration of students also helps to remove the stigma of disabilities. Another result of IDEA was the stimulation of technology for students with disabilities and for the classrooms. These technologies improved the education of all students.

Inclusive Schools Week is an annual event sponsored by the Inclusive Schools Network (ISN) which is held each year during the first full week in December. Since its inception in 2001, Inclusive Schools Week has celebrated the progress that schools have made in providing a supportive and quality education to an increasingly diverse student population, including students who are marginalized due to disability, gender, socio-economic status, cultural heritage, language preference, and other factors.

5 Facts About Inclusive Education

1. No one-size-fits-all
   Owing to the varying nature of disabilities and preferences of students, there is no one approach to education that works for every student or even the majority of students.

2. Inclusive education promotes social cohesion
   Inclusive education forms a foundation that helps improve kids’ communication and tolerance for marginalized groups.

3. It’s about equal access
   Inclusivity is about providing access to information, opportunities, and spaces to everyone and ensuring that the access benefits everyone as well.

4. Inclusivity is built by everyone
   Everyone’s actions matter when it comes to building an inclusive society.

OSPI Video-Inclusionary Practices Comprehensive Inclusive Education

Learning loss, otherwise known as regression, happens when a student loses a skill they have previously mastered. Students with disabilities are especially vulnerable to learning loss during times such as a school break.

Here are some ways to prevent learning loss:

• Attend free events and activities (libraries, museums, the zoo, etc.)

• Visit the public library

• Play educational games

• Schedule time to read

• Turn daily life routines into learning activities (cooking, shopping, etc.)

• Encourage art, music and physical activities

Eatonville Middle School SLC students work each week on transitional skills, along with 21st Century Work Skills while offering a coffee cart to middle school staff. Great work Mrs. Poulter, SLC staff and students!

The SLC class also enjoyed their time at the EMS photo scavenger hunt contest. The classroom teachers each pick a theme for their classroom/team. SLC students stated that the event was the "Best fun Friday EVER!"

Students from Eatonville Middle School (EMS) and Eatonville High School (EHS) recently joined peers from 11 other districts at the Western Washington Native American Education Consortium for a memorable day of learning and leadership development. Hosted at the Puyallup Tribal Youth Center, NAYLA offers our students an invaluable opportunity to connect, celebrate, and grow within the Native American community. We're grateful to be part of such an impactful event, building future leaders and honoring cultural heritage.

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

Mrs. McIlraith and Mrs. Parks had the incredible opportunity to attend the Youth Mental Health First Aid Winter Summit!

Look at these amazing numbers from December 2022 to October 2024:

• 4,930 youth participants trained and certified
• 270 referrals
• 200 completed trainings
• 245 adults trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)
• 31 host sites across 9 Pierce County school districts!

We're so proud to see our district contributing to this important work in youth mental health. Thank you for supporting our educators and students on this vital journey

Make a difference this holiday season by donating blood! Eatonville High School will host a community blood drive on Thursday, December 5th, from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM at 302 Mashell Ave N, Eatonville.

Appointments are required for the best experience. Sign up by scanning the QR code on the flyer or visiting BloodworksNW.org/giveblood.

What to know before you donate:

• First-time donors (ages 16 & 17) need a signed Bloodworks NW permission form.
• A photo ID is required.
• Eat a hearty meal and stay hydrated before your appointment.

Your donation could help save a life! Thank you for supporting our community. 💉

How to Enroll in Champions:

1. Visit DiscoverChampions.com and create your account.
2. Follow the step-by-step instructions to enroll your child.
3. Customize your schedule through the Family Portal.

For more information on enrollment and scheduling, check out the flyers linked below. If you need help, Champions Family Support is available Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST at 1-800-246-2154.

Did you know that missing just two days a month means a student could miss more than 10% of the school year? Each day of attendance builds strong habits and contributes to student success. Regular attendance not only supports academic achievement but also fosters connections with teachers and peers. Let’s work together to ensure students show up ready to learn and grow every day.

• Wednesday, December 11 at 7pm, Business Meeting at the District Office Boardroom

The 400 Free Relay Team was absolutely on fire at the state finals, breaking the school record with a blazing fast time of 4:12.21!

Meet the incredible relay team:

• Nicole Tomyn
• Annika Howard
• Kaylee Bernt
• Gracie Forsman

Your hard work, dedication, and teamwork paid off in a big way. We're so proud of you and this amazing accomplishment!

Assistant Board Chair, Ronda Litzenberger and Superintendent Brower presented to school boards around the state, highlighting the work of our students, staff and community members. Great work, Eatonville School Board! We are proud of you.

Four members of our Eatonville School Board and Superintendent Brower attended the annual Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) conference in Spokane. They not only acquired valuable leadership tools and skills, but also presented to board members and superintendents from districts around the state. Our own Ronda Litzenberger serves as the Chair of Small Schools Advisory Committee and emceed the Small Schools Luncheon session.

On Monday, 11/18/24, Gabriela Jacobs from Axcion joined us during lunch to host a fun and flavorful taste-testing event as we explore options for the high school vending machine!

Students sampled 8 different flavors of flavored water and carbonated beverages, giving their feedback and helping shape future vending options. We couldn’t be prouder of their politeness, enthusiasm, and willingness to participate!

The winners? The carbonated Blue Raspberry and Citrus flavors came out on top!

It was a great time, and we’re excited to plan more tasting events in the future. Cheers to keeping things refreshing at EHS!

All of our amazing district cooks came together for a culinary training session with our incredible mentor, Meredith Arseneau, at the high school kitchen. We had a blast learning and preparing new recipes that will be featured in our lunch and breakfast programs!

On the menu:

• Smoothies
• Banana muffins
• Pizza
• Ranch dressing
• Rolls

It was a day filled with learning, creativity, and, of course, delicious food! Huge thanks to Meredith for guiding us through this fun and educational experience. Here's to serving our students even more tasty and nutritious meals!

The Eatonville High School Band invites you to a festive morning filled with holiday cheer!

Saturday, December 7th

8 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Ohop Grange, 41608 Mountain Hwy E, Eatonville, WA 98328

Bring the whole family to enjoy sweet holiday tunes, a delicious breakfast, and, of course, a visit with Santa himself!

Admission is free – donations are welcomed and appreciated to support our wonderful band. Let's make this holiday season unforgettable together!

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.