Superintendent Brower Newsletter

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

As we reach the midpoint of the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made and reaffirm our key goals for the 2024-25 school year.

Focus #1: Academic Success – "Success Comes in Cans, Not Can'ts!"

We can, we will!

Our primary focus this year is implementing the Academic Success pillar of our strategic plan. While our other pillars—Preparation for Life, Community and Belonging, Health and Wellbeing, Communication and Transparency, and Fiscal Responsibility—remain essential, student growth and achievement must be our top priority.

I’m excited to report that preliminary mid-year assessment data shows significant academic growth across the district! In the Teaching and Learning section of the newsletter, you will see current results that prove promising. I want to thank our dedicated staff and supportive families for making academic success a shared mission.

Focus #2: Attendance – "When Students Attend, They Achieve!"

With our transportation challenges resolved, we are now shifting our attention to improving attendance and reducing tardiness. To achieve academic success, students must be in school.

Thank you for partnering with us to ensure that students attend each day they are well. Our incredible educators are here to support every student’s success, and we know that consistent attendance is one of the most critical factors in academic growth.

Joe Harned Student Support Tutoring Program

In my last newsletter, I shared the exciting news of a generous donation that made the Joe Harned Student Support Program possible. I’m thrilled to report that this tutoring initiative is now serving students in every Eatonville school, with each school tailoring the program to meet the specific needs of its students.

We’ve received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from parents and students alike. Just on Friday, two board members and I visited Columbia Crest Academy, where students eagerly shared how this program has helped them. If you’d like to learn more about tutoring opportunities for your child, please reach out to your local school.

Student Spotlight

Our EHS Chess Team recently competed at Mount Tahoma High School in the Pierce County Regional Chess Championships. For over half of our Cruisers, this was their first tournament—and despite strong competition, our team is advancing to the State Chess Championships for the third year in a row! Go Cruisers!

In January, Eatonville High School witnessed two record-breaking achievements by outstanding senior athletes.

Ethan Carter competed at the World Pole Vault Summit in Reno, Nevada, where he took first place in his division and shattered his own school record. Previously holding a vault record of 14'3", Ethan soared to an impressive 15'8", setting a new benchmark for Eatonville athletics.

On the basketball court, Bailey Andersen made history by becoming Eatonville High School’s all-time leading scorer for girls basketball. She broke a record that had stood since 2001, delivering a milestone moment in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.

Both Ethan and Bailey have been classmates since preschool and will be graduating together this year. Their achievements are a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and passion for their sports. Congratulations to both of them on these incredible accomplishments!

Track and Field Update

We are making swift progress on fulfilling our promise to voters who approved the Capital Projects Levy to replace the community-use field and track at Eatonville High School. While funding for a new grandstand/stadium was not included in the levy, we have been actively pursuing grants and donations to make this vision a reality.

Energy Grant Awarded

We are thrilled to announce that Eatonville School District has been awarded a $1 million Clean Energy Fund grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce! This significant funding will be used to optimize energy efficiency at Eatonville High School, helping us meet the requirements of the Clean Buildings Act and avoid costly non-compliance fines in the future. The grant will fund essential upgrades, including HVAC system optimization with air balancing and lighting enhancements. These improvements will directly benefit our students by creating healthier, more comfortable learning environments, stretching local levy dollars further, and reducing the district's electricity bills. The savings generated will allow us to reinvest in programs and resources that directly support our students.

Thank You for Your Support

It is an honor to serve as Superintendent of Eatonville Schools, and I am deeply grateful for our students, staff, families, and community members who make this district so strong. Thank you for your unwavering support.

We are Eatonville Strong!

Sincerely,
Jay Brower
Superintendent, Eatonville School District

In preparation for the 2025-2026 school year, Eatonville School District is accepting transfer request forms ONE WEEK FROM NOW beginning Monday, February 3 - Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

Please note this important dates and begin preparing your paperwork.

Click the button below for all enrollment forms and critical information about the process.

As we begin 2025, it’s important to recognize some of our accomplishments that make our district a source of pride. From academic successes to community support, our collective efforts showcase the dedication and resilience of our students, staff, and parents.. The new year brings opportunities for continued improvement and connection.

Algebra 1 for 8th Graders: Exciting Learning Ahead!

The EMS Algebra I class is thriving as students wrap up the first semester! This course is designed for those who have shown strong math skills and are eager for a challenge. It provides an opportunity to study high school-level math and get high school credit, while still in the middle school setting, allowing students to learn in a comfortable and familiar environment.

So far this year, students have been diving into exciting algebraic concepts, including:

• Sequences: Understanding patterns in numbers and how they change.

• Linear Functions: Exploring relationships that create straight lines on a graph.

• Exponential Functions: Investigating how numbers grow at an increasing rate.

• Inequalities: Learning how to compare quantities and understand ranges of values.

• Equations: Solving problems by finding the value of unknowns.

As we reach the mid-year point, we celebrate the remarkable progress our students have made. Their hard work and dedication have led to achievements in understanding complex concepts, setting the stage for continued success in the second half of the year.

This course not only challenges our students academically but also prepares them for advanced math in high school. EMS Math Teacher, Tara Young is proud to support her students' journey in math education and can't wait to see how much they will grow this year!

Spotlight on Success: Key Highlights from Our Student Growth Journey

Our staff and students in grades K-8 have reason to celebrate student continuous growth! As evidenced by the data collected from the Fall and Winter assessments. The overall trend indicates positive progress across various placement levels, demonstrating effective instructional strategies and student engagement.

In math, the number of students categorized as "On Above Grade Level" increased from 15 % in the Fall to 31% in the Winter. With student progress and growth we saw a decrease in the percentages of students below level.

In reading, the results show strong growth in the. The "Mid or Above Grade Level" students also increased, along with those in the "Early On Grade Level" category. The data reflected a strong commitment to fostering literacy skills, as evidenced by the growth in the number of students progressing towards appropriate reading levels.

Overall, the total number of students demonstrating strong growth grew from Fall to the Winter, indicating a broader engagement in both subjects. This growth underscores the importance of continuous assessment and tailored instructional approaches to support student learning in both math and reading, ensuring that all students are on a path to success.

Significant Student Growth: the median percent progress towards Typical Growth for the school, which stands at 73%, indicating overall positive advancement in student learning.

Focus on Improvement: For students who are below grade level our staff are committed to providing targeted interventions and support for these students. In class small group instruction, Title I/LAP interventions and tutoring are instructional supports provided for our students.

Celebrating Success: Recognize the growth in the number of students who moved from lower placement levels to higher ones, illustrating the effectiveness of instructional strategies and support systems in place.

Please review your child’s iReady Family Report that will be sent home with report cards

Assessment Window: February 2nd-March 21st 2025

Title III of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires states to annually assess the English language proficiency of students receiving English language development (ELD) services at school. Washington utilizes the World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) Consortium for this purpose, both their array of assessments and their ELD standards that the assessments are based in. These standards correspond to Washington's content standards across content areas, while the WIDA assessments measure English proficiency in the four domains of listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

ELP Annual Assessments

The WIDA ACCESS assessment is an annual English language proficiency assessment given online to all Multilingual Learners (MLs) who receive English language development (ELD) services. The annual assessment measures each student’s English language proficiency in the four domains of reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Results from this test determine eligibility for continued ELD services.

Multilingual Family Parent Meeting

February 11, 2025

5:30 pm

Eatonville Elementary School

This is in conjunction with the Reading & Math Family Engagement Night.

Meeting Topics:

1. Building a partnership between parents and school, sharing resources, and addressing concerns.

2. Designing of the Multilingual District Action Plan

3. Academic programs and initiatives/Upcoming events and activities.

• Does your child have a medical disorder or birth defect that interferes with their development?

• Does the child seem to have hearing or vision issues?

• Does your child have difficulty communicating with people outside the family?

• Does your child have difficulty keeping up with other children their age?

• Does your child have issues learning when they are experiencing social-emotional difficulties?

For more information and to schedule a screening, please contact:

As we move through the school year, we want to take a moment to highlight the vital role our school counselors and social workers play in fostering the academic, social, and emotional growth of every student. The collaboration between home and school is key to ensuring that all students have the tools they need to succeed. In this edition of our district newsletter, we are focusing on the resources, initiatives, and programs offered by our school counseling team.

What Does the School Counselor & Social Worker Do?

Our school counselors are here to support your child in a variety of ways, including:

• Academic Guidance: Helping students set goals, stay organized, and navigate academic challenges.

• Social-Emotional Support: Offering strategies for managing emotions, building relationships, and resolving conflicts.

• Career and College Readiness: Providing resources for career exploration, high school course planning, and college application processes.

• Crisis Intervention: Being a trusted resource in times of need, whether personal, family-related, or schoolwide.

EHS

• Maryann Barker: 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@eatonville.wednet.edu

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

EES

• Jana McIlraith: j.mcilraith@eatonville.wednet.edu

WES

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

As winter has settled in, the colder months can bring unique challenges to our mental and emotional well-being. Shorter days, colder weather, and the post-holiday lull can sometimes lead to feelings of sadness, isolation, or increased stress. As a school community, we want to remind everyone that prioritizing mental health is just as important as caring for physical health.

Here are a few tips for maintaining mental well-being during the winter season:

1. Stay Active: Even light physical activity can boost your mood and energy levels. Bundle up and try a short walk outdoors or explore indoor activities like yoga.

2. Keep a Routine: Regular sleep and meal schedules can help provide structure and stability.

3. Connect with Others: Staying socially connected is crucial. Reach out to friends or loved ones, even virtually, if meeting in person is challenging.

4. Seek Natural Light: Whenever possible, spend time outdoors during daylight hours or sit by a window to soak up natural light.

5. Practice Self-Care: Take time for yourself to read, journal, or engage in hobbies that bring you joy.

We understand that for some, the winter season can bring more significant mental health challenges, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or heightened anxiety. Please know that support is available:

• Our school counseling office is here to assist students and families in need.

• We can connect you with additional resources, community programs, or mental health professionals.

If you or your child are feeling overwhelmed, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can work to create a supportive plan.

Let’s look out for one another during these colder months and make mental health a priority for all.

At Eatonville School District, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students. Our priority is to ensure that every member of our community feels valued and supported. It is our collective responsibility to uphold these principles and our zero-tolerance policy for harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB).

Understanding HIB:
Harassment, intimidation, and bullying encompass any behaviors, whether verbal, physical, or online, that are intended to harm, demean, or intimidate others. Such actions violate our values and can have serious consequences for individuals and the community.

To address HIB effectively:

• We provide regular training and workshops for students and staff.

• Our policies are readily available and emphasize reporting and accountability.

• We maintain anonymous reporting channels for anyone witnessing or experiencing HIB.

Civility in Our Community:
Beyond preventing HIB, we emphasize the importance of civility—treating one another with respect, empathy, and kindness. Civility creates a foundation for productive communication, mutual understanding, and a positive learning environment.

What You Can Do:
We encourage students, parents, and guardians to join us in this effort by:

1. Encouraging open conversations about respect and inclusion at home.

2. Reporting any incidents of HIB to [Contact Information].

3. Modeling civil behavior in daily interactions.

Resources and Support:
Our Student Services team is here to provide support, guidance, and resources. If you or your child ever feel unsafe or need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to us at (360)641-1809 or at d.mccoy@eatonville.wednet.edu.

Together, we can create a community where every individual feels safe, valued, and respected. Thank you for partnering with us to achieve this goal.

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

Families of students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities are invited to attend DDA Paperwork Night to receive assistance with completing their Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) applications. Representatives from DDA, PC2, and Pierce County will be available to answer questions and provide guidance.

Event Details:

Tacoma Location
Hewins Early Learning Center, 12223 A St S, Tacoma, WA 98444
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Puyallup Location
Puyallup Library, 1324 S Meridian, Puyallup, WA 98371
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Families should bring a documented medical diagnosis, a current school evaluation with adaptive scores, and any questions they may have. Registration is required, and a QR code or registration link is available on the event flyer.

For those in need of an interpreter, requests must be made in advance by calling (253) 564-0707. This is a great opportunity for families to access important resources and support in navigating DDA services.

Are you expecting or have a child under three years old? The Early Head Start Home-Based Program is here to support families in Pierce County! This FREE program offers weekly home visits, parent education, leadership opportunities, and child development, health, and nutrition education. Families can also enjoy infant/toddler parent playgroups!

🔹 Interpreters available | Se habla español
🔹 Learn more: ehshomebased.psesd.org
📞 Contact: 253-778-7820 | abeckvold@psesd.org

Join us in giving your child the best start in life!

Do you know an Eatonville High School graduate who exemplifies integrity, compassion, and excellence? We are now accepting nominations for the Eatonville High School Award of Distinction! This prestigious award honors alumni who have made significant contributions in their professional careers, community service, or personal endeavors.

Award recipients will be recognized during our Welcome Back event in August 2025, celebrating their achievements and inspiring the next generation of Eatonville students.

Nominees must have graduated at least 10 years ago and demonstrated excellence in areas such as academics, professional accomplishments, humanitarian efforts, philanthropy, or personal contributions to society.

Paper applications are available at each school office, the district office, and digitally at Award of Distinction Application. Completed nominations are due by May 31, 2025.

Help us honor those who continue to make a difference—nominate an outstanding EHS graduate today!

National School Counseling Week is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the vital role our school counselors play in supporting student success. Their dedication to helping students navigate academics, social-emotional challenges, and future planning is truly invaluable.

Please join us in showing appreciation for the following outstanding counselors and social workers:

• Mrs. MacIlraith – Eatonville Elementary
• Mrs. Lindstrom – Weyerhaeuser Elementary
• Ms. Noble-Perry – Columbia Crest
• Mrs. Parks – Eatonville Middle School
• Miss Meysenburg – Eatonville Middle School
• Mrs. Dill – Eatonville High School
• Mrs. Baker – Eatonville High School

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the well-being and growth of our students. We appreciate all that you do!

We’re thrilled to announce the arrival of our brand-new school bus! This state-of-the-art bus is an insurance replacement for an older vehicle that was deemed a total loss after being involved in an accident. Fortunately, there was no out-of-pocket cost to the district for this new addition, ensuring that our students continue to travel safely and comfortably.

Even more good news—three more new buses are scheduled to be delivered before the end of the school year! These buses are funded by OSPI’s bus replacement schedule, helping us modernize our fleet at minimal cost to the district. These replacements will enhance our transportation services, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient travel for all of our students.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to invest in safe transportation for Eatonville families!

All Eatonville School District schools and the district office will be closed on Monday, February 17, in observance of Presidents Day. Regular operations will resume on Tuesday, February 18. We hope you enjoy the holiday with your family and friends!

Eatonville Dollars for Scholars scholarship applications are now open! This is a great opportunity for Eatonville High School seniors to receive financial support for their future education. There’s no minimum GPA required, and all current seniors in good standing, on track to graduate in June 2025, are encouraged to apply.

Applications are due by April 30, 2025. Don’t miss out on this chance to support your career goals!

Eatonville Dollars for Scholars is partnering with Varsity Pizza for a special scholarship fundraiser on Thursday, February 13, 2025. Join us at Varsity Pizza, located at 32619 Mountain Hwy E, Eatonville, for delicious pizza and homemade baked goods. A portion of all pizza sales will go directly toward supporting scholarships for the Eatonville High School Class of 2025. Volunteers will also be offering a variety of sweet treats for sale. Your participation helps make a difference in the future of our students. Thank you for your support, and we hope to see you there!

This Valentine’s season, we want to remind our families how important daily attendance is. Every day your child is at school, they’re learning, building friendships, and growing in new ways. Regular attendance helps set students up for long-term success, and we truly LOVE seeing them here each day! Let’s work together to make every day count.

Thank you for being part of our wonderful Eatonville School District community!

We are thrilled to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Bailey Andersen, a Senior, and Ruby Skelton, a Junior, who serve as Eatonville School District's Student School Board Representatives!

Bailey and Ruby dedicate their time and energy to attending evening school board meetings, ensuring that the voices of Eatonville School District students are heard. Their commitment, leadership, and perspectives are invaluable as they represent their peers and help shape decisions that impact our schools and community.

Thank you, Bailey and Ruby, for your dedication and for being outstanding advocates for our students. Your work truly makes a difference!

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.