Irwin News

During 7th period on Monday, students gathered in the Discovery Courtyard to celebrate the first day of school and connect with one another. New students were introduced, music played, and students and staff took time to get to know each other a little better.

Thanks to every for their flexibility as we adjust schedules for students. We've had over 250 student schedule changes that have not been fully updated in Skyward. If you receive a call for being absent, please know that changes may not been reflected in Skyward, therefore automated calls may go out unintentionally.

While students are provided regular meals throughout the day, a light snack can help bridge the gap. The Irwin office will have healthy grab and go snacks available for students during two timeframes throughout the day. Feel free to stop by the office window between:

• 1st and 2nd period
• 5th and 6th period

WSSB is phone-free all day. This means that cell phones, smartwatches, and earbuds are not to be used during the academic school day, except for staff approved activities (O&M, work based learning, etc.). Personal devices need to be stored off (or in airplane mode) and away. Research supports that schools without cell phones demonstrate improvements in focus, academic performance, social interaction, and mental health.

Later this fall, each student will be issued a secure pouch to support this practice so they can keep their devices off and on them without the distraction.

Our shared values for learners at WSSB include being:

• Kind
• Prepared
• Engaged
• Empowered

We've noticed students being excellent citizens with helping each other out, especially our new students. Starting next week, we'll announce students who were given an Empower Up for demonstrating these values. Students announced will get the opportunity to have a turn with the Empower Up machine and win various prizes that range from school-wide popcorn party to an encouraging message.

Please notify the office if your student is going to be absent. You may contact the office at:

• Email office@wssb.wa.gov or

• Call 360-947-3292

WSSB's picture day is September 9th. If you would like to order school pictures, you can find photo package options using the following link to Bell Imaging's site.

Bell Imagining Store

Be sure to check out the resources section of the Irwin School website. Some notable links are:

• Student Handbook
• Family Resources Padlet (a resource bulletin board with lots of great links and info)
• Info on Standards Based Grading
• And More!

Visit www.irwin.wssb.wa.gov to learn more and check for updates

EMPOWER VI is seeking students who are blind or low vision to join our Student Advisory Board. Members of the advisory board will meet monthly to provide input and feedback on the direction of our work, and the resources we develop, and share about their lived experiences as they prepare for adulthood.

To participate, students must be enrolled in a high school or transition program during the 2024-2025 school year and have a visual impairment. Board members will be asked to attend a one-hour virtual meeting each month. Students will be compensated for their time and can earn $15 per meeting or up to $180 per year

More information here

The Paralympics showcase the extraordinary abilities of athletes with disabilities, pushing the boundaries of human potential across a wide range of sports. Among these, goalball stands out as a unique and thrilling event designed specifically for blind athletes. In this fast-paced team sport, players rely on their hearing to track a ball with embedded bells, demonstrating incredible reflexes and spatial awareness as they attempt to score goals while defending their own net.

Check out this NPR interview on Goalball

3T Academy is an eight-month program designed to promote college preparation and success, self-advocacy development and workplace readiness. The program will provide a comprehensive, strengths-based curriculum to increase self-efficacy and confidence as student’s transition into post-secondary programs.

More details and registration info

If you are currently an active musician or singer, this is the camp for you. You will work with artists who have released music on iTunes and a music producer who can work one on one with you to coach and mentor you and give you an introduction to the music industry.

Youth participants who are interested in acting or DJ’ing can also apply to work in our musical theatre and improv acting classes. This camp is a wonderful opportunity for all performers to grow. This will also enable you to work in these industries and receive future placements to build experience and strengthen your resume.

More details and registration info