SBLSD News
Oct. 6, 2022
“As a track athlete, cardiovascular health is a big thing for me,” Nick said. “Knowing I'm checking under the hood and am all good to go is definitely a relief.”
The Nick of Time Foundation, in partnership with UW Center for Sports Cardiology, hosts various screenings across the region every year. Students sign up for the screening with parent or guardian permission.
Each screening consists of:
Review of health history questionnaire
EKG screening (Small patches with a mild latex free adhesive placed on the chest, legs, and arms. Electrodes are attached to the patches and the heart’s electrical activity is recorded.)
Hands-only instruction in CPR and AED training
Doctor consult and screening results review
Some participants may also have a heart sounds physical or limited echocardiogram (ultrasound) of their heart
Kennedy J., who plays soccer, and Ava D., a gymnast, are both athletes at Sumner High School who participated in the screening to look out for their health.
“I'm here today just to make sure I don't have anything wrong with my heart,” Kennedy said. “If you do have something and you don't know, then something can happen and it can be really bad.”
“It's important to keep up with your health when you're doing all these sports,” added Ava. “You have to make sure everything's good before you're able to play.”
SHS Assistant Principal Brian Scheerer said the event shows the investment of our schools and community in the health of our youth.
“When we talk district-wide about the ‘Whole Child’ - this is the ‘Whole Child.’ It's not just their intellect, but it's their health,” Scheerer said.
The event is especially important to Sumner High School Counselor David Sandberg, who only recently recovered from a heart attack he experienced at Sunset Stadium in September.
“I was out on the football field coaching pregame and just started feeling horrible,” he said. “All the signs were there - the sweating, the pale face, my left arm started hurting.”
David was rushed to the hospital and received surgery to place two stents in his arteries. Prior to Wednesday’s event, he was encouraging students to sign up.
“It's never too early. You only have one heart. Take advantage of what you got and there are resources out there to help check,” he said.
The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District last hosted a screening at Bonney Lake High School in 2014, following the loss of Madison Murphy, a volleyball athlete and 2012 graduate of Bonney Lake High School. She died of a sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 19 while attending Central Washington University.
Bill Mack, current battalion chief with East Pierce Fire & Rescue, and Jane Mack, current administrative secretary at Maple Lawn Elementary, were instrumental in bringing the Nick of Time Event to the District following the loss of Madison, as well as this year’s event.
Bill said that he hopes the event brings comfort to both parents and the community when it comes to the safety of their students.
“Parents now can rest easy knowing that their kids have been screened,” Mack said.
The screening is just one example of the SBLSD promise in action. One of our five goals is to nurture, engage and empower students by partnering with community -based organizations and local businesses to provide students and families access to a seamless network of emotional, mental health and physical wellness resources, creating a safe culture and strong partnerships. About 80 volunteers from local organizations, including East Pierce Fire & Rescue and Sumner Rotary, turned up to help at the event.
Students who plan to start college next fall can now apply for financial aid for the 2023-24 school year.
Two ways to apply:
- Most people should complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which is used by U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens to apply for both state and federal financial aid.
- The WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) is an application only for state financial aid for those who are undocumented or who do not qualify for federal aid because of their immigration status, and can be used in limited circumstances by others who cannot or choose not to file a FAFSA.
Many families assume they won’t qualify, but there’s more help available than ever before. The only way to know for sure if you’re eligible is to apply. Learn more, get support, and apply for financial aid at wsac.wa.gov/apply.
October is Disability History Month, a state-required observance for schools to conduct educational activities that provide instruction, awareness and understanding of disability history and people with disabilities.
The activities provide students with the opportunity to learn how people with disabilities have been treated throughout history, how they have been instrumental in changing history and/or how they became active participants in changing societal attitudes about their needs, desires and capabilities. Varying by school, activities can include assemblies, guest speakers, book studies, research, writing projects and more.
October is Bullying Prevention Month, which provides an opportunity for families, schools and communities to talk about the best ways to prevent bullying. Bullying can take many different forms, and can have long-term effects on students who experience, engage or even witness it.
The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, parents/guardians, volunteers, and patrons that is free from harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
Our school counselors are meeting with students regarding how to recognize, report and respond as a positive bystander or upstander. Captain Compassion, a superhero created by Committee for Children, is a comic series used at the elementary level to help empower families and students to learn how they can stand up against bullying.
For further resources and activities, visit cfchildren.org/resources.
Join our Health Services team as an LPN or RN to help support student learning by caring for the health and wellbeing of our students:
Licensed Practical Nurse: Sumner Middle School, Position #7381
Licensed Healthcare Specialist - LPN: Emerald Hills Elementary, Position #7271
Substitute Licensed Practical Nurse: Position #7237
Substitute Registered Nurse: Position #7394
Enjoy these benefits of working at SBLSD with a great culture and staff:
Work with children every day
Make a difference in your local school community
Work a great schedule (no evenings, weekends, holidays)
Enjoy winter, spring and summer breaks
Participate in professional development
Access to benefits (medical, dental, vision, retirement)
Find all of our job openings at sumnersd.org/jobs.
