BSD Staff Updates
2023-24 Issue #14: Thursday, May 23, 2024
In the month of May we take time to reflect and celebrate the important role that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) have played in our shared history, and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and achievements of AANHPI communities.
Congratulations to all of our retirees!
Below is a list of retirees for 2023-24, many of whom were honored at the retiree celebration during last week's School Board meeting (which was held in the dark due to a power outage!). We invite you to view the retiree bios, and check out photos from the event!
2023-24 Retirees
Susan Billings
Daniel Bock
Leesa Bowie
Lori Campbell
Jennifer Erickson
Sybil Franklin
Deborah Hall
Joyce Johnson
Lynn Johnson
Christine Lauerman
Wanda Liner
MaryJane Magnenat
Lance McCoy
Mary McKenzie
Danan Myers
Patrick Pearson
Laurie Rocconi
Paula Rupel
Patrick (Kelly) Sample
Elizabeth Shelton
Debora Swanson
Suzanne Wilson
Sylvan Wynn
Thank you to all who joined us for "be Bremerton!'
The cold and wet weather didn't stop the 150 volunteers who showed up to beautify Bremerton on Saturday! Special thanks to BHS NJROTC and BHS Key Club members for their help with setting-up the event and handing out t-shirts!
We invite you to view event photos at: BremertonSchools.org/BeBremerton.
You are invited to share your thoughts on a mobile device policy
We had approximately 40 students, staff and parents attend our mobile device policy forum earlier this month. We wanted to provide an opportunity for those unable to attend the meeting to share feedback. Please share your thoughts in this Google Form and feel free to share it with others!
Join us in celebrating Juneteenth!
Be a part of "Team Bremerton" in the People's March
No need to RSVP! Meet us on 5th Street near the Norm Dicks Government Center steps at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 15 and walk in solidarity with BSD staff, students, families and volunteers in the People's March. After a short program, the march winds through downtown to Evergreen Rotary Park. We encourage you to wear your favorite Bremerton School District or school gear!
Juneteenth Freedom Festival at Evergreen Rotary Park
Following the People's March, the Bremerton School District will also have a booth at the Juneteenth Freedom Festival Resource Fair at Evergreen Rotary Park from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
BSD Volunteers needed!
We are in need of a few more BSD staff members (or students!) to volunteer at our booth at the resource fair. If you are interested, please sign up here!
Introducing our new Finance Director
We are pleased to announce that Merridith Stevens has accepted the position of Director of Finance for the Bremerton School District, starting July 1.
Merridith brings 23 years of leadership experience in public school district accounting operations. The past 17 years she has been with Sumner-Bonney Lake School District. Prior to that she worked for Fife Public Schools. Additionally she spent six years as a financial analyst for the Washington State Department of Corrections.
Meredith is committed to fostering a culture of fiscal stewardship and continuous improvements with the district, as well as nurturing staff to achieve goals.
Merridith earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Detroit Mercy and has been a Washington Association of School Business Officials (WASBO) Certified School Business Official since June 2018.
She’s married with three children. When not crunching numbers, can be found cheering on kids at basketball games or traveling to visit family.
Introducing our new Assistant Director of Equity and Community Partnerships
Dr. Jennifer Hernandez has accepted the position of Assistant Director for Equity and Family/Community Partnerships for the Bremerton School District.
Dr. Hernandez is a student-centered, data-driven professional with more than 23 years of experience working in the field of bilingual education where she’s built relationships, cultivated partnerships, and advocated for equity.
Dr. Hernandez started her career in education as a K-8th grade dual language teacher for Vancouver Public Schools, where she also served as an elementary assistant principal and principal. From there she worked as the state math and literacy specialist for the State of Oregon Migrant Education and Education Service. Dr. Hernandez was then ESL assistant director for Portland Public Schools for two years prior to serving as the director of the Multilingual Educational Department in the Reynolds School District in Oregon. Most recently, Dr. Hernandez has been working as an account manager for Lexia Learning, selling edtech literacy products for science and reading.
Dr. Hernandez earned her Doctorate of Educational Leadership and her principal and program administrator certificate from Seattle University, and her Master of Education degree from Portland State University.
Dr. Hernandez has a close-knit family and is the proud mother of three adult children who all live in Vancouver, WA. In her free time she loves writing a book that she’s going to write someday, and spending time in bookstores.
Dr. Hernandez will join the Bremerton School District team on July 1.
Graduation dates & times
- Bremerton High School graduation is Friday, June 7 at 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium. More info
- Renaissance High School graduation is Friday, May 31 at 7 p.m. BHS Performing Arts Center
- West Sound Technical Skills Center senior celebrations are Friday, May 31.*
*WST celebrations closed to the community due to construction but it will be live-streamed and recorded.
Have you seen the BSD website "chat bot?"
We are testing out a "chat bot" on our websites. Check it out and be sure to give the bot feedback if it gives you incorrect/outdated information!
Coming to BSD in the Fall of 2024: ParentSquare
Graphics & Quick Links
4-day weekend ahead!
Leadership and District Office Staff Directory
Not sure who to contact at the District office? Take a look in the new Leadership and District Office Staff Directory! You can find a link to the Directory under "Quick Links" on the "For Staff" web page.
NOTE: This directory is an internal document intended for staff only. To view, you must be logged-in to your District Google account.
Kindergarten registration is now open for 2024-25!
Information and online registration is available at www.BremertonSchools.org/Kindergarten.
This graphic (English and Spanish) is available here.
B Present: Attend Today. Achieve Tomorrow.
Download graphics for use in your Google Classroom or teacher Google Site here.
First semester report cards are available in Skyward
This graphic is available here (English & Spanish). It should be linked to bremertonschools.org/ReportCards.
Staff "Shout Outs!"
Is there something great happening in your classroom or school that our families, staff and/or community should know about? Click this button above to let us know!
Bremerton School Board Meeting Highlights
May 16, 2024
Compiled by Marlaina Simmons
BOARD RECOGNITION
WASBO Executive Director Brianne King joined our board meeting to recognize outgoing Secretary/Treasurer, Cathie Seevers, CSBA, and thanked her for her service on the WASBO Board of Directors from 2021-2024 (photo, left).
As previously mentioned, we also recognized and celebrated our retirees! Those in attendance included:
· Sue Billings- recognized by Carly Takata
· Suzanne Wilson- recognized by Carly Takata
· Wanda Liner- recognized by Cathie Seevers
· Lori Campbell- recognized by Garth Steedman
· Lynn Johnson- recognized by Garth Steedman
· Leesa Bowie- recognized by Carol Bailie
· Jennifer Erickson- recognized by Sam Cameron
· Deb Hall- recognized by Jon Bell
· Joyce Johnson- recognized by Ralph Wisner
· Lance McCoy- recognized by John Fisher
· Donnie Winn- recognized by John Fisher
· Mary McKenzie- recognized by Mark Mayfield
· Liz Shelton- recognized by Teneka Morley-Short
· Debbie Swanson- recognized by Korene Calderwood
· MaryJane Magnenat- recognized by Korene Calderwood-
· Paula Rupel- recognized by Kimberly Powell
POLICY NEWS: The following three revised policies were adopted by the board:
- Policy 2004- Accountability Goals
- Policy 2411- Certificate of Educational Competency
- Policy 2340- Religious Related Activities and Practices
Four revised policies were brought to the board for a first read and were approved:
- Policy 2107- Comprehensive Early Literacy Plan
-
Policy 2104- Federal and/or State Funded Special Instructional Program
Other Business:
Principal Mark Mayfield provided a written report on Bremerton School District Alternative Learning Experiences.
For more information about these meetings and to view any of these documents, visit BoardDocs.
The next Regular Board Meeting will be June 6.
Join us in-person or online! BremertonSchools.org/SchoolBoard
Quick Links
Health & wellness resources
A pre-application request must be submitted for grants >$500.
We are hiring!
As you know, we have a number of positions open in the District, and we also need substitutes. Flyers/graphics can be downloaded here.
Bremerton School District
Email: communications@bremertonschools.org
Website: www.BremertonSchools.org
Phone: 360-473-1000
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The Bremerton 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 Garth Steedman at Garth.Steedman@BremertonSchools.org or 360.473.1031 or the Section 504 Coordinator, Mark Mayfield at 360.473.4702. Mailing address: 134 Marion Avenue North, Bremerton, WA 98312.