BSD Staff Updates
2020-21 Issue #7: Thursday, January 21, 2021
News, Information and Updates for Bremerton School District staff.
We are pleased to welcome K-2 grade students enrolled in the Hybrid Learning pathway next week!
Our phased-in approach aligns with the revised recommendations announced by Governor Inslee and guidance from state and local health officials. The recommendations are based on data that indicates schools can successfully limit the spread of COVID-19 when they have strong health and safety protocols in place. And we do.
We have put tremendous planning and effort into our health and safety plans that meet the state’s health and safety protocols, including mask use, social distancing, and increased cleaning and ventilation. These measures will help us keep our schools safe and healthy and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
View the elementary Back-to-Buildings Family Guide or video. Read the full announcement here.
Please remember to sign-in to your buildings!
Your principal will be communicating the process for your building with you, if they haven't already.
There are TWO daily tasks staff who are working in our buildings must complete:
- Daily Health Assessment (in Skyward)
- Daily staff building check-in (varies by building).
Elementary AA/BB hybrid bus routes available District website
School Meals Information
Because of the return of K-2 Hybrid students to the classrooms, our meal program is changing.
Meal pick-up times at our schools are changing beginning January 26.
- Meals are available from 9 a.m. - 12 noon at schools through Monday, 1/25.
- Beginning Tuesday, 1/26, meals will be available from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Meal Bus Delivery: The bus delivery schedules will be remaining the same for now.
Teachers Feel free to share this graphic on your Google Teacher Site with a link to our meals page: www.BremertonSchools.org/Meals. Just "right click" the graphic to save it.
Spanish Information
- Spanish announcements/updates web page (there is a link on the home page under "2020-21/COVID-19 tab)
- Spanish information recorded message: 360-473-1002 x 2
January is School Board Appreciation Month
Board Highlights - January 14, 2021
Policy News
Policy 5281; Disciplinary Action and Discharge, was adopted on 2nd read. Staff need to review this revised Policy.
Policy 3231, Student Records, was approved for adoption. Staff who are responsible in any way for student records or fines and fees should review this policy.
Updated procedure 3510P, Associated Student Body
January is Board Appreciation Month – a big thank you to Directors Bolton, Dubos, Hurley, Perkins and Rotter!
Staff have been doing a fantastic job of preparing to bring kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade students back to school beginning Tuesday, January 26th. Dr. Leavell commended the leadership team and all staff for their collaboration and hard work.
The Board approved the academic calendar for the 2021/2022 school year. This will be posted to our website.
Other reports provided were the December 31, 2020 Budget Report, January’s Enrollment Report, and the Annual Lease Agreement Summary.
A study session was also held for the Board and administrators to get into some of the details that will support the Affirmative Action Plan, which should be approved in February. They discussed ideas and potential steps to improve diversity recruitment and working to be sure this process is welcoming to all qualified candidates from every background. The current Plan is always available on our website, in the Human Resources area.
To view any of these documents, visit our BoardDocs site at https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/wabrsd/Board.
Compiled by Ioanna Cossack, Board Secretary
Thank you Bremerton School Board Directors!
Karen Bolton, Ed.D
2021 Board Auditor
John Hurley
WIAA Representative
Jonee Dubos
2021 Board President
Alyson Rotter
WSSDA Legislative Rep.
Carolynn Perkins
2021 Board Vice President
Rodgie Oliver
Bremerton High School
District's first black board member Leroy Williams passes away
Linda Harvey (known to many as Miss Linda in her 41 years working for BSD) reached out to the the District recently to to let us know that her father Leroy Williams passed away on December 30, 2020. She was kind enough to share the following information with us about her dad.
Leroy Williams was born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1937. The Navy brought him to Bremerton in the late 1950s, and it was where he met and married his wife, Verna. Together, they raised three children. He served in the Navy for eight years.
Williams graduated from Olympic College in 1969 with an associate's degree in art. The Washington State Society of Certified Public Accountants awarded Mr. Williams the Olympic College Wall Street Journal Award and a full paid scholarship to the University of Washington.
While working full time at the Boeing Company, Williams attended the University of Washington, and he graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He earned his master's degree from the University of Puget Sound. He later returned to Olympic College where he taught accounting.
Williams was an internal audit manager for Metro Transit in Seattle. He was the finance director for Washington Gov. Gary Locke. He served on the Bremerton school board for 20 years, from 1971-1991. He was the first African-American to have served on the board and spearheaded efforts to recruit teachers and other staff from minority groups. In 1972, he was successful in getting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday recognized as a holiday in the Bremerton School District, 10 years before it became a national holiday.
Williams is a 33rd Degree Mason and a lifetime member of the NAACP. He worked on a number of projects to benefit children, education and the community. He has been recognized and received numerous awards for his contributions to education, business and social development on the local, state and national level. He has also received accolades for his work on the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Fund and the African-American Affairs Commission. He also earned the State of Washington Distinguished Citizen Award and is a member of The Olympic College Hall Of Fame.
Mr. Leroy Williams, you are indeed "That Manner of Man" that Dr. Martin Luther King envisioned.
Mr. Williams was featured in the Kitsap Sun during Black History Month 2020.
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Congratulations Alejandra Pulido - 2020 Linda Gabriel Human Rights Award Youth Recipient
Alejandra Pulido was recently named as the 2020 Linda Gabriel Human Rights Award Youth recipient by the Kitsap County Council for Human Rights.
Alejandra serves in the ASB Government at Bremerton High School, shows up as a leader for Black lives Matter rallies with a perspective of being an ally, serves as the Kitsap Advocating for Immigrant Rights and Equality (KAIRE) Youth Coordinator and actively engages in justice for international migrants and immigrants. Currently, Alejandra is brainstorming ways to address policy changes to make the lives of immigrants and migrants better.
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Shani Watkins elected to ACTE Board of Directors
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities. Learn more here.
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West Hills students send postcards to space!
Blue Origin's New Shephard rocket launched from Texas on January 14 and postcards from WHSA were onboard! The launch can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/g9oTZu2HP8U
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Character Trait of the Month for January: Honesty
Download the creativity graphics here!
It's time to stop calling SEL "soft skills"
Research shows that SEL has academic, career, and lifelong benefits. Watch this short video from Edutopia explaining the value of SEL over the lifespan (1:30 min).
Kitsap Strong accepting applications for 2-day "Relational Mentor Training"
Please share!
Kitsap Strong and XParenting are seeking interested individuals (natural supports in the lives of our youth/children) to participate in a two-day virtual training and subsequent Community of Practice (CoP).
This experience is designed to empower participants with the skills and confidence to help children cope with the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic and social isolation. We believe every person can flourish when they have the support of caring and competent adults.
Excellent candidates for this FREE training opportunity include any/all “caring adults” who have relationships with children and are natural mentors (formal or informal) - youth leaders, coaches, scout leaders, faith & activity leaders, aunties/uncles, neighbors, and grandparents.
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Washington Youth Academy featured in Evergreen Magazine
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District Cafe Updates
You can now find the link to the District Cafe on the BSD website in the "FOR STAFF" drop-down menu (top right).
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Google calendar tips & tricks
Want to learn more? Check out the video Playlist put together by Kati Carthum & Lisa Casey!
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Tech Support Website
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Kitsap County Resources: HEAL Coalition
Did you know the Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Coalition (one of the five networks of Kitsap Strong) created a webpage with an interactive map of resources for transportation, health care, food banks, clothing, free wifi, and other services? Check it out and share with others!
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Pacific Education Institute training opportunity
Attention all K-12 Formal Educators!
Join Pacific Education Institute (PEI) and our ClimeTime partners to take a deep dive into coastal hazards in Washington. Participants will learn about the Solutions Oriented Learning Storyline format, which includes: local anchoring phenomena, culturally responsive practices, NGSS three-dimensional student growth measures, and a solutions-oriented approach to adapting to climate change with opportunities to elevate student voices in their communities.
This workshop is part of a series of activities that includes three online Zoom sessions, three self-paced learning opportunities on Google Classroom, and providing feedback on the storyline as you implement it.
Synchronous Dates and Times: January 25, 27 & 28, 2021, 4 PM to 6 PM each day
Participants who attend all three online sessions and complete all associated work on Google Classroom* will receive:
- ·A $80 participation stipend
- 9 STEM Washington State Approved Clock Hours
See flyer for more information and registration link.
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Bremerton Schools and Alumni Foundation awards grants
The Bremerton Schools and Alumni Foundation has been supporting the District since 2003, providing scholarships for technical schools and colleges and universities, and funding classroom grants to provide Bremerton kids with school experiences they may not otherwise be able to afford.
Last month, The Foundation announced the recipients of their 2020-2021 grants
Wendy McPheters, BHS Choir Director
Subscription for Sight Reading Factory - a tool to enhance music sight reading
Katie Exum, NA Title/LAP Teacher
Lego Educational supplies to be used in Robotics Club, Recess, After School Activities, Introduction to preschoolers
Bryan Webb, BHS DECA Teacher
Support attendance in Area/State Conferences where students present their ideas and roleplay with business leaders
Melissa Chapman, WHS 4th Grade Teacher
Fund banners, tshirts, and swag to implement the House System.
Similar to what CH has successfully used for several years which builds character, relationships and school spirit
Ashley McNeil, WHS 1st Grade Teacher
Funds colored glow sticks and lanyards to start up West Hills’ House System. The House System supports developing student belonging, safety, self-actualization and esteem
Janice LaFountaine, CH 3rd Grade Teacher
Materials to support their garden and fund outdoor composting tumbler bin, work table/bench and plant-growing racks. Students will learn about organic gardening, life cycles, teamwork and problem-solving
Leah Witherall, CH 2nd Grade Teacher
Magnetic White Board Easel and dividers and binders – for use of supporting AVID strategies and organizational skills
Scott Wisenburg, VR 4th Grade Teacher
Individual student books with student writings, poems and reflections about “learning at home during the 2020 Covid19 Pandemic”. Students will go through the writing process before their final drafts are submitted and published into a book
Tanya Martin, CH 3rd Grade Teacher
Wagon and tools for a school garden. The project will help kids give back to the community
Congratulations to all grant recipients! Learn more about the Foundation at https://bremertonsaf.org/.
2021 Law Day Essay Contest, sponsored by the Kitsap County Bar Association!
The 2021 ABA Law Day Theme is “Advancing the Rule of Law Now.” In formulating the essay topics, an attempt has been made to make the topics timely and relevant. Six cash prizes are awarded, three each in two grade categories:
First Place – $350
Second Place – $250
Third Place – $150
Many of you receiving this email are educators. Each year we have seen a growing number of teachers who assign the Law Day Essay as a classroom assignment. The students and teachers all report an enriching educational experience. The essay topics are being sent three months prior to the due date to allow you sufficient time to incorporate the Contest into your curriculum. Additionally, many winners mention the Essay Contest in their college applications.
All essays must be received by April 16, 2021 at 4:30. Most students submit their essays by email, but snail mail is permitted.
Please direct questions to:
Tom Weaver
Kitsap Bar Association
tomweaverlaw.onmicrosoft.com
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Kitsap Credit Union offers parent and teacher resources
The Kitsap Credit Union (KCU) offers free, online financial wellness resources to help support parents, students, and individuals enhance money management skills. Financial stability and managing financial resources can be a challenge, especially amid the trials stemming from the 2020 Coronavirus challenges.
For parents and schools with younger learners, “It’s A Money Thing” offers 43 financial topics, each brief online module complete with a video, article, printable worksheet, and presentation deck.. Students can learn about earning an income, using credit, saving, borrowing, buying goods and services, the value of credit unions, and more. A set of core financial modules are also available in Spanish.
For older youth and adults, KCU’s Financial Wellness provides a series of 53 online modules that cover everything from major life transactions, financing education, saving, investing, and even planning for retirement. A unique feature of the KCU Financial Wellness program is that a user may personalize their learning by answering a few questions and the program will create a unique playlist of learning modules that address the user’s needs and interests.
KCU’s free Financial Wellness resources feature close-caption options, and the adult program is also available in Spanish at the click of a button. Visit KitsapCU.org, click the “Resource” tab and then select either resource.
Kitsap Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative serving membership of over 113,000 from branch offices in Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, and Pierce counties. Membership eligibility is open to those who live and work in Washington State. Learn more at www.KitsapCU.org.
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(Virtual) 2021 Washington State Science & Engineering Fair (WSSEF)
Grades 9 - 12 ~ March 26 & 27, 2021
Grades 1 - 8 ~ April 15 & 16, 2021
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Follow BSD on Social Media!
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Website: www.bremertonschools.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BremertonSchools/
Twitter: @BremertonSD