Sentinel Snapshot

We had a great first week of AP testing for students. It ended with our US History students having a little fun to help relax by wearing Hawaiian shirts. Next week, students who are still testing should report to the Aux Gym. We will send out messages on Parent/Student Square if that changes.

During the testing period, students are expected to attend their regular classes in the mornings or afternoons, depending on their testing schedule. It's crucial to note that the school will not be excusing student absences in the morning for afternoon tests and vice versa. This policy is in place to ensure that students continue to benefit from regular class lessons, demonstrating our commitment to their academic progress. Athletic rules regarding attendance still apply during this testing time.

For students taking the afternoon test, it's important to note the adjusted schedule. They are required to take 1st lunch first. Following this, they will wait in the commons until 11:30 and then proceed to the Aux Gym. This information is crucial for their preparation and we trust it will help them plan their day effectively.

Students need to arrive 30 minutes before the start of the test—7:30 AM for the Morning test and 11:30 AM for the Afternoon test. Students will not have access to a cell phone from when they check in to the test until the testing time is over (3 hours). Students who take the afternoon test may not make it to the bus dismissal at 2:05 and can take the later 3:15 or 5:15 busses home.

Operation ELEVATE is our school district’s newest Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) grant. DoDEA grants aim to enhance educational outcomes, reduce achievement gaps, and offer academic programs for districts with a high number of military-connected students. The district was awarded $1.5 million dollars in September of 2023 to fund literacy initiatives for the next five years.

Operation ELEVATE's primary goal is to address the challenges students face in achieving literacy growth. The plan involves implementing a sustainable system of effective classroom instruction that aligns with collective teacher efficacy conditions. Operation ELEVATE’s primary focus is on evidence-based, early literacy enhancements in K-5 classrooms. Technically, the 2023-24 school year is designated as the planning year of the grant, however our staff is already progressing toward grant goals and making a difference for students. This year, we have accomplished:

• An early literacy pilot through University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI)
• A pilot at Pioneer Middle School for Lexia PowerUp reading intervention
• 18 of our teachers are enrolled in Dyslexia Certification coursework through Pacific University
• Before and after school Literacy Labs at Cherrydale, Chloe Clark, and Saltar’s Point
• Multiple professional development opportunities for our staff
• Professional development planned for August 2024

Upcoming grant goals over the next 4 years include:

• 6-12 English/Language Arts curriculum update/adoption
• K-12 curriculum updates/adoption
• Professional development for staff
• Additional Literacy Lab opportunities for K-5 students
• Materials to implement UFLI at our primary schools

Steilacoom Historical School District is one of 19 school districts awarded last year. This is the district’s 5th DoDEA grant award and we are extremely excited for our literacy work to make a positive impact on the students we serve.

Sincerely,
Dr. Kathi Weight, Superintendent

Steilacoom High's Algebra 2 classes made clinometers to kick off their trigometry unit. The students then used the clinometers to measure angles and calculate the heights of various locations in the school.

https://donate.bloodworksnw.org/donor/schedules/sponsor_code

Code: 932B

GRAD PARTY Information:

Schedule of events

5-615 Dinner, photo ops and prizes at SHS

615-730 Transport to Seattle

8-11 Cruise in Elliot Bay with dancing, casino games and cool hang out space on the big deck

12 Return to SHS

Tickets available until May 20. Turn in permission slips at lunch on Tuesdays and Fridays or to Mrs. James. https://graduation-party-cruise.cheddarup.com

*Please note: ONLY students able to walk in graduation will be allowed to participate. We are following the SHS Admin rules on who can attend the Grad Party. Please see Mr. Brugman if you are unsure.

**Families who need assistance buying a ticket, please reach out to me or Mr. Brugman and we will take care of you. We don't want money to be the reason someone misses this epic event!

***Students with special needs or sensory issues, please reach out to me, Ms. K or Mrs. Price if your child needs accommodations to join us at the Grad Party. We have options!

Steilacoom Historical School District is proud to be featured in the April 2024 edition of Business View magazine. The district was chosen to be included in the magazine’s Leading School Districts Segment for Washington. The feature focuses on the district’s prioritization of the holistic development of its students, as well as its approach to innovation, commitment to staff, response to demographic shifts, and vision for the future.

The article can be viewed on pages 267-276 of the magazine’s online edition at

“His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy. There is vomit on his sweater already, mom’s spaghetti. He is nervous, but on the surface, he looks calm and ready. To drop bombs, but he keeps on forgetting what he wrote down, and the whole crowd goes so loud. He opens his mouth, but the words won’t come out.” The first few lyrics of Eminem’s Lose Yourself are an example of stress and anxiety. This week we are discussing the nuances of stress and anxiety and learning the difference. There will be a guest speaker from the Cohen clinic talking to the class of 2024 (12th graders only) about how to manage their stress and anxiety. All students will have the opportunity to participate in various planned activities during lunch and Advisory.

Resources:

https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

https://www.choosingtherapy.com/stress-vs-anxiety/

https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-conditions/anxiety-disorders/

It’s time to schedule your EVF appointment. Ms. Johnson is available for EVF appointments from April 29-May 17. Appointments made prior to April 29th will be asked to reschedule. Fall 2024 Registration at Pierce College begins May 20th. It’s strongly recommended that a parent/guardian attends the first initial EVF appointment. This is to promote collaboration and understanding of the Running Start program. After the first EVF appointments, parents do not need to attend future EVF appointments. Students will need to meet with Ms. Johnson three times a year to receive their EVF (prior to registration for Fall Quarter, Winter Quarter and Spring Quarter)

Prior to your Fall EVF appointment, students MUST complete the steps found in the Running Start Steps and complete the Running Start Agreement.

Come prepared knowing how many classes (if any) the student would like to take at SHS. (SHS course requests will be cleared out after this meeting). See Pierce College Course Equivalency Guide to help with your planning.

**If you are interested in Summer Quarter, you need to request your Summer EVF during your Fall EVF appointment. Class of 2026 students are eligible for up to 10 college credits during Summer Quarter.

*** If you do not have the Running Starts Steps completed, students will be asked to reschedule***

Thank you,

Ms. Johnson

rajohnson@steilacoom.k12.wa.us

Click here to see the steps for Enrolling in Running Start.

Some dates have been updated.

Families! Time is running out to order your student's yearbook!

We have less than 32 yearbooks left! This is one of the last calls to preserve your students' memories and get something they can treasure for years to come.

Use this link to order online:

https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1118366/Steilacoom-High-School/

This summer we have a partnership with PCSC for summer school. Please note, Students who attended PCSC Summer School must provided there own transportation and students are responsible for their own lunch, as SHS does not provide lunch or transportation for summer school.

Naval Horizons Essay Contest (for 9th graders and up) is open until June 10,
2024 https://www.navalhorizons.us/ Up to 5,000 winners - $200 cash prize. Exceptional essays may be highlighted on a Naval STEM web page and will be designated Naval Horizons Highest Honors. Excellent resume builder for college applications!

Naval Horizons introduces students to cutting-edge Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) topics that impact the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps – to include autonomy, oceanography, cybersecurity, undersea medicine, and more. We invite students to learn about Naval STEM challenges and our scientists and engineers through this video series. Then, we encourage students to write an essay explaining how our research and our people inspire them. This contest challenges students to picture themselves in a STEM career by designing the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps of the future.

This week in Steilly Athletics:

Visit https://steillyathletics.com/ for schedules, registration, and to purchase tickets.

Steilacoom Historical School District uses ParentSquare for school communication, primarily with email, text and app notifications. ParentSquare automatically generates an account for each parent, using their preferred email address and phone number. We encourage parents to access their accounts so they can download the mobile app and update their preferences on when and how they are notified.

Email: steilacoomhsoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us
Website: www.steilacoom.k12.wa.us
Location: 54 Sentinel Drive, Steilacoom, WA, USA
Phone: 253-983-2300
Instagram: @bigsteilly

Facebook: Steilacoom Sentinels

Daily Schedule: Bell Schedule