E-Community Link
April 26, 2024
District Highlights
Profile in Courage in Public Education: Gretchen Maliska
Congratulations to Gretchen Maliska for being recognized by the ESD for her courage and leadership within the region. As the Director of CTE here in the Shelton School District and Board Chair at North Thurston Public Schools, she wears the hat of a leader in two separate districts. Not only does she serve two districts, but she is also a proud mom of five boys. Our CTE program has grown and transitioned well with Gretchen at the helm. From the addition of the Freshman Academy to more work placements for students, there have been a lot of positive changes on behalf of students that Gretchen has helped put in place. Please join us in recognizing Gretchen!
New Hire Spotlight: Natalie Scott
Meet Natalie! Natalie, or Miss Scott, will be joining our teaching team in the fall. She is a recent graduate from Whitworth University where she earned her degrees in Elementary Education and Mathematics Education, with a minor in Reading.
District Information
Are you fluent in Q’anjob’al & English?
Shelton School District is looking for people who are fluent in Q’anjob’al and English. Paid hourly, as needed. If this is you, please contact Betty Uriostegui at (360) 490-1235; BUriostegui@sheltonschools.org or Krystal Moore at (360) 426-1687; KMoore@SheltonSchools.org.
Transfer Bus Update
Districts across the state are facing budget constraints. This includes the Shelton School District. One result of budget cuts will be the end of transfer buses between the elementary schools at the end of the 2023-24 school year.
Historically, the district provided bus transportation for students whose parents/guardians elected for them to attend a different elementary school through the Open Enrollment process. The transfer bus is elective and not a mandated service or, unfortunately, reimbursed by the state. Since the state does not reimburse for transfer buses, the district incurs the added cost of fuel, bus drivers, wear on the buses, and added supervision staff at each elementary.
We will be notifying families who utilize the transfer buses starting this month and into the summer. Parents/guardians must provide transportation if they elect for their student to attend a non-neighborhood school or they may elect to enroll their student(s) back in their neighborhood school. If a family chooses to re-enroll into their home school they should contact the home school prior to the close of the open enrollment window on April 19, 2024.
Budget Update
The 2024-25 school year is fast approaching and we want families to be aware of important information about the budget for next school year.
We are currently facing a downward trend where there are fewer dollars for districts. As some of you may have heard, districts across Washington State are facing heavy budget cuts leading to staffing reductions and even closing schools.
As we enter the budget planning season, we are thoughtfully approaching each decision as budgets are built to minimize any impacts on student learning. While we are lean and need to stay lean in our spending, we are not facing an involuntary reduction in force or closing schools or programs.
Your patience and support mean a lot as we face these challenges together. Thank you for being part of the SSD community.
Are you eligible for our McKinney-Vento program?
You may be eligible for services if you or your family live in any of the following situations:
- In a shelter, transitional housing, motel, vehicle, campground, or on the street
- In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations
- Temporarily doubled-up with friends or relatives because you lost your home, or cannot afford housing
- Living as an unaccompanied youth without your parent or guardian
- In the process of eviction or foreclosure
Some services offered to those in the program are Immunization assistance, Enrollment assistance, Free meal registration, School supplies/backpacks, PE uniforms, Clothing support, Hygiene supplies, School fees, Field trip or camp expenses, Laundry support, Transportation to and from the school of origin, Access to rental and utility assistance, Referrals to basic services (food, shelter, medical assistance, etc.), Bilingual support for Spanish speakers, And more!
Please contact the district’s McKinney-Vento Liaison, Amanda Gonzales, if you believe you qualify: (360) 463-4061 | AGonzales@sheltonschools.org
Text Messaging
Did you know that you could receive school notifications as text messages? This includes messages about school closures, delays, low or negative meal balances, and more! Opt-in today by texting “Y” or “Yes” to 67587.
Student & Family Resource Center
Are you in need of something? We can probably help! Our resource center has a clothing bank with clothing for all ages. All of the clothing is either new or laundered before entering the bank. A household item bank may also have what you need: bedding, small kitchen appliances, and more! The newest addition to the SFRC is the food bank and hygiene bank. If you are looking for a community connection, the SFRC can help you connect with the right resource.
Schedule an appointment to visit our resource center by contacting a family liaison:
- Bordeaux Elementary | Wendy Lankelis | (360) 426-3253 ext. 11002 | cell (360) 545-7310
- Evergreen Elementary | Lucrecia Hernandez | (360) 426-8281 ext. 12129 | cell ( 360) 463-4393
- Mt. View Elementary | Ivette Salamanca | (360) 426-8564 ext. 13017 | cell (360) 545-7136
- Olympic Middle School | Cleyri Zacarias | (360) 462-6671 ext. 14105 | cell (360) 280-3539
- Oakland Bay Jr. High | Isabel Castaneda | (360) 426-7991 ext. 15008 | cell (360) 545-2189
- Shelton High School | Veronica Lawrence | (360) 426-4471 ext. 16019 | cell (360) 968-9553
- Choice & Cedar High school | Betty Uriostegui | (360) 426-1687 ext.10541 | cell (360) 490-1235
Looking to donate to the SFRC?
It is the SFRC's goal to help every family find the information and resources available to ensure the most successful outcome from their educational experience in their respective schools. Please consider partnering with us this year, and thank you in advance for your contribution.
If you would like to help keep our food bank and clothing bank stocked, the following are our 'high-need' items: maseca, rice, beans, individually packed snack items, baby clothing, elementary-school-age sized clothing, new underwear, and black leggings in all sizes.
If you would like to donate your time to help sort clothing or make a monetary donation, please contact the director of the SFRC: Betty Uriostegui or the McKinney-Vento/Foster Care Liaison: Amanda Gonzales; (360) 463-4061.
We all prosper when students gain skills & abilities to prepare them to contribute to their communities
¡La asistencia a la escuela crea un hábito!
Federal Programs
The State & Federal Programs Department offers services and resources to eligible students to eliminate the achievement gap between student subgroups. We are committed to connecting with students, families, and the community to provide the education needed to achieve academic and personal success. The Federal Programs complaints process may be found on our website.
Get Involved
Mean Girls: The Musical, High School Version
- Fri. Apr 26th 2024, 6:30 pm
- Sat. Apr 27th 2024, 2:00 pm
- Sat. Apr 27th 2024, 6:30 pm
- Fri. May 3rd 2024, 6:30 pm
- Sat. May 4th 2024, 2:00 pm
- Sat. May 4th 2024, 6:30 pm
Tickets can be purchased:
- $8 online, on sale now
- $10 at the door
This production contains themes and content that may not be suitable for all ages. The students and staff involved in this production have engaged in extensive discussions about the complexities of these topics and their relevance to the lives of teenagers and families worldwide. These themes include:
- Social Status & Peer Pressure
- Stereotyping, Rumors & Gossip
- Teen Relationships & Identity
- Body Image & Appearance
- Bullying, Cyberbullying & Harassment
- Underaged Drinking & Substance Use
Our goal is to address these issues in a manner that promotes awareness of their prevalence and negative impacts on teens and their communities. While the show approaches these concerns with humor, our intention is to spark meaningful reflection and dialogue about their underlying causes and potential solutions. Thank you for joining us in this important conversation.
Friday, Apr 26, 2024, 06:30 PM
Shelton High School, North Shelton Springs Road, Shelton, WA, USA
Shelton School District & Community Hall of Fame Ceremony
Please join us for a night of celebration as the Shelton School District & Community Hall of Fame inducts the newest Hall of Fame members: Sheryal Balding, Brian Fairbrother, Mike Fox, Dann Gagnon, Leslie Orme, and Dick Wentz.
Shelton High School - Performing Arts Center
3737 North Shelton Springs Rd
Shelton, WA 98584
Light refreshments to follow in the A-Building lobby. Translation services will be provided.
All family and friends are welcome!
Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 05:30 PM
3737 North Shelton Springs Road, Shelton, WA, USA
Jeff Slakey with KMAS recently sat down with four of the six students who will be giving speeches on the newest inductees during the upcoming ceremony.
Cedar Showcase
The students of Cedar High School have interactive projects to inform and engage the Shelton community. Come hear podcasts, interact with literature, learn about composting, and more. Similar to a museum, tours begin in the S3 portable. We look forward to hosting you.
Thursday, May 30, 2024, 04:30 PM
937 Alpine Way, Shelton, WA, USA
Community
Shelton School District is not a sponsor of any of the events or resources under the "Community" section of the E-Community Link and assumes no responsibility for them.
WA529 Art Contest is open now!
The third annual “What is your Dream Job?” Art Contest is in full swing! With big dreams and a little creativity, your student could win $529 directly deposited into a GET or DreamAhead account. Check out the WA529 website for contest details. Inspire your student to dream about their future and enter to win today!
Ballet Northwest's COPPELIA
Students in the Shelton School District are invited to attend Ballet Northwest's production of COPPELIA at the Washington Center over Mother's Day weekend! Set in a Norwegian village, "COPPELIA" features beautiful dancing, costumes and scenery! Ballet's most famous romantic comedy tells the story of the toymaker Dr. Coppelius, his prized doll Coppelia, and the young couple in love, Franz & Swanhilda. Fun for all ages!
When:
- May 10, 7:30 p.m.
- May 11, 5:00 p.m.
- May 12, 2:00 p.m.
Where: Washington Center, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Tickets: FREE! To redeem, visit www.washingtoncenter.org/bnw and use code SSDCOPPELIA - valid in sections B & C (green & purple.) Limit up to 4 tickers.
Prevention Summit May 8th
The Mason County Substance Use Prevention Summit will take place on Wednesday, May 8th from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Squaxin Island Community Kitchen. Lunch will be provided by the tribe.
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/DaYUAbrPdQ4Wv1NQA
Teens Get Together - Get Cooking
FREE COOKING CLASSES
Thursdays I 2:30-4pm I Shelton Family YMCA
ALL ARE WELCOME! Bring a friend and head to the Yon Thursdays after school. Hope Garden Project has partnered with the Shelton Family YMCA to provided free cooking classes for all teens in the /community.
suasteguic@ssymca.net I (360) 753-6576 I SheltonFamilyYMCA.org
Good News Club at Mt. View
When: Mondays, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Where: MTV STEM Classroom
Permission forms may be found in the front office
Great Bend Center for Music
Sound Scholars is a fun, daily, online class for kids ages 3-5 that uses music to build kindergarten readiness and prosocial learning skills in English, Spanish, Mam and Q'anjob'al at no cost to participating families.
Candyland Youth Festival
- Talent Show
- Games
- Auction
- Youth Vendors
- Egg Dash (ages 1 - 101)
- Prizes
- Raffles
Saturday, Apr 20, 2024, 12:30 PM
South Mason Youth Soccer Club, East Johns Prairie Road, Shelton, WA, USA
School Board Information
School board meetings are held every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Please check the district calendar for meeting dates and locations.
Upcoming Important Dates
- 5/1: 1.5 Hour Early Release
- 515: 1.5 Hour Early Release
- 5/27: No School - Memorial Day
- 6/17: Last Day of School
Right to Translation and Interpretation Services: All parents have the right to information about their child’s education in a language they understand. We can provide an interpreter or translated documents, free of charge when you need them. For assistance, please contact: Betty Uriostegui; 360-426-1687 ext. 10541
Derecho a Servicios de Traducción e Interpretación: Todos los padres tienen derecho a la información acerca de la educación de sus hijos en el lenguaje que ellos entienden. Podemos proveer con un intérprete o documentos traducidos de manera gratuita cuando los necesite. Para ayuda, por favor comuníquese con: Betty Uriostegui; 360-426-1687 ext. 10541
Ayon ti chi ko kamik’olne ko jatnene eloq yul ko q’anej chi jala yulaq ko na’: Ka axka tu chi ko sayek maktxel chi alon ko q’anej yin janoq ab’ix bay sanail kuyuj o ma b’ay eb’ mamej o ma janoq xa tx’oq ab’ixal. Chi huj e yalon bay Betty Uriostegui ta hay junoq che yoche chi ko jatne ek toq yul junoq xa txoq tiejal. 360-426-1687 ext. 10541