LISD School Newsletter
Dear LISD Families,
As many of you know, September 15 through October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. During this month, we shine the light on the cultures of Americans whose ancestors came from Spanish speaking countries. This celebration was enacted into law in 1988, and it begins on September 15 because this day is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and 18.
Here at LISD, our librarian, Dierdre, has created and introduced a beautiful display of books and cultural facts in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, and students in our secondary Spanish classes are learning about it as part of our curriculum. Here is what Mr. Torres has to say:
"In our classes, we will discuss (or will have discussed) the origins of this celebration, research influential Hispanic figures, and talk about the cultural traditions of various Hispanic countries. Additionally, our classes will have the opportunity to research important historical moments and share reflections on how Hispanic culture has influenced our current society.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a very important time to celebrate and honor the culture, history, and contributions of Hispanics in the United States. The time frame recognizes the independence of several Latin American countries and highlights the achievements of people of Hispanic descent in various fields, such as politics, art, science, and education. It is a time to appreciate the diversity of our heritage and how it has shaped the identity of the United States.
Mexicans do not celebrate 5 de mayo as most Amercians do, but we do celebrate 16 de septiembre.... Mexican Independence Day...similar to 4th of July."
As we near the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Lopez Island community is preparing for Dia de los Muertos. This year, it will be celebrated at the LCCA on November 9, and the new LISD mariachi band will be performing! We'll send more information as we get closer to the day of this important celebration, but please save the date.
Have a wonderful weekend!
All my best,
Martha
School conferences for both elementary and secondary are coming up in the last week of October.
For elementary, the conferences are the week of October 28 - November 1st. Teachers will be sending out sign ups soon. All elementary will attend half days (noon dismissal) that week.
Secondary Parent Teacher Conferences are Oct. 30 from 12:40-7:00 and Oct. 31 from 12:40-3:30. Secondary Students will be dismissed from school at noon on Oct. 30, 31, and Nov. 1. The conference time slots in Parent Square will open on Monday, October 14 at 5:00pm for parents to sign up. Each conference is 15 minutes with 5 minutes for passing.
Here is the the bell schedule for noon dismissals on October 30, 31, and November 1:
8:30-9:15 - Period 1 or 5
9:20-10:05 - Period 2 or 6
10:05-10:25 - Nutrition Break
10:25-11:10 - Period 3 or 7
11:15-noon - Period 4 or 8
Tammy Schible joined LISD last year as a paraprofessional and this year is working with special needs students.
Tammy moved to Lopez Island 21 years go with her husband and two sons. Her youngest son attended and graduated from Lopez Island school in 2007. He was on the football team, and coach Berg was his football coach. Tammy started volunteering at the school in 2012 and worked in the kindergarten classroom with Ms. Becca! Now, those students are all seniors this year. Tammy continued to volunteer at the school until 2017. She worked at Hamlet House but really missed working with young people so she came back! Tammy says, "I love working at the school. It is so great seeing all the young, smiling faces here at Lopez Island school. So please feel free to say hello. And maybe remind me what your names are because there are a lot more of you than there are of me. I am looking forward to getting to know you all better!"
Delicious dinner, guest speaker, and a fundraiser for the school's LIFE Program
Enjoy a school garden story tour and appetizers at 3:30pm, followed by a showing of the new Island Grown Film. Island foods community meal at 5pm includes special guest speaker from PNW Slow Foods honoring Barn Owl Farm and Bakery. A collaboration of the Lopez Island Locavores, LIFE School Garden, Island Grown, SJI Makers Guild, and Slow Foods. Advance tickets required as a LIFE Garden fundraiser $65. Registration and tickets: Vegetarian Dinner or Non-Vegetarian Dinner
Our PTSA supports CONNECTION! It’s a creative and dedicated group of parents who are very welcoming to new members and makes supporting our students and teachers fun! PTSA functions provide opportunities to connect with other parents and teachers. Our Pumpkin Extravaganza (see below for upcoming details!) and Talent Show are very popular and fun ways to meet and hang out with other families outside of school!
There is no wrong or right way to be involved – anything you can give, whether it’s time or money, will support your child’s potential. We invite you to JOIN or RENEW because we can do more together than apart. It only takes a few minutes! Sign up here.
Lopez Island School District
Brady Smith, Superintendent
Martha Martin, K-12 Principal
The Lopez Island School District 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. The following employee(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, and Title IX Coordinator Brady Smith, HR Specialist ; Section 504, Mary Fordham. OR contact by phone, 360-468-2202, OR mail to 86 School Rd, Lopez Island, WA 98261.