SBLSD News
Sept. 8, 2022
Remember that Mondays are late-start days for students. This means that school starts approximately 90 minutes later than other days. This also means that school bus pickup is later than usual. View this late-start conversion chart for bus times.
A late-start schedule one day a week allows teachers to participate in professional learning groups to collaboratively plan, learn and share instructional practices, which increases school performance and student achievement.
During an emergency, such as a lockdown, bus accident or potential threats to buildings, our first priority is to protect students and staff. We also recognize the importance of notifying families about these situations as soon as possible. When we share information, our goal is to ensure that it's timely and accurate. At times, we’re not at liberty to share information from law enforcement. We communicate what we can, when we can. Emergency situations, and the time and method of communication, vary widely. To help families know what to expect in certain instances, here is our communication protocol that is used only as a guide as situations may merit alternative communication actions.
Due to nighttime misuse of Sunset Stadium that has resulted in safety issues, the facility is open from dawn to dusk Monday through Friday, with all day closure on weekends. These hours for public use also apply to Panther Field at Bonney Lake High School.
We invite the community to continue to use the stadium, which will remain open for recreational use during daylight hours Monday through Friday. SBLSD schools and organizations with reserved space will receive access during their requested times.
As the safety of our schools and facilities extend beyond the school year and school day, we strive to maintain a clean, safe and secure space for everyone to enjoy.
Here’s the latest on construction progress:
- New sidewalk on Wood Avenue complete
- Sidewalks and gutters installed at parking lot driveway on Washington Street
- Coordinating landscape work
- Siding installation continues around the building
- Majority of windows installed
- Elevator finish work and power source continues
- Lighting installation continues on the first floor
Suicide Prevention Week is a time to create awareness around a leading cause of death across the country and to inspire youth to learn how they can help save lives.
The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District, like districts across the nation, is affected by the impacts of suicide and suicidal ideation.
There has never been a more important time to have honest conversations about mental health conditions and suicide, because just one conversation can change a life. It is also important to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention. There are many national and local resources to explore and share.
A new resource activated nationwide this summer is the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The Lifeline provides 24/7 free, confidential support to people in distress; prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones; and best practices for professionals. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org/chat.
Anyone in an imminent crisis can also call the Pierce County Crisis Line at 1-800-576-7764 or text the crisis line at (741741) and enter HELP or HELLO. A live professional clinician will answer.
You can help prevent suicide by using LEARN:
- LOOK for the signs: Signs include feeling hopeless or depressed, changes in personality, academic/work performance, or withdrawing from friends and activities.
- EMPATHIZE and listen: Listen with compassion, remain calm, avoid judgment and validate their feelings. Let them know that you care about them.
- ASK about suicide: Ask in a way that invites an honest response. Use any signs you’ve noticed as part of “the ask.”
- REMOVE the danger: If they say yes, ask them “Do you have a plan?” “Do you have access to those means?” Putting time and distance between a person at risk for suicide and lethal means can save lives.
- NEXT steps: Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. If the person will not agree to stay safe, do not leave them alone. Call 911.
Together, we can save lives. For more resources and information, visit sumnersd.org/suicideprevention.
The District highlights the great work and accomplishments of students throughout our schools with stories that include a range of student information. Parents and guardians may choose whether their child’s name, photos and other directory information is used in district and school publications, social media, websites, videos or by the news media.
Parents and guardians wishing to restrict student photos and information should complete this Directory Information Withholding Form and return it to your child’s school.
Please think carefully before restricting this information as your child’s name and photo cannot be included in yearbooks or be part of classroom, team or club photos. Learn more about keeping directory information private.
