
OCEAN Newsletter

April 25, 2025
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Here are the new announcements in this newsletter:
- SBAC and WCAS Testing April 28 - May 2. Please Read
- 2025 - 2026 School Year Registration
- Ocean High School Adventure to the Olympic Peninsula!
- Port Townsend to Washington, DC trip
- ASVAB - For 11th graders Graduation Pathway
- 11th and 12th grade College Field Trips
- Community Activities
SBAC and WCAS Testing April 28-May 2
The below testing schedule is for all students in grades 3-8, 10, 11.
Students in grades 3-8 and 10 will take the Smarter Balanced tests (SBAC) in Math and English Language Arts (ELA) over the next four days. Testing will take place from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM each day.
Please note that there will be no regular classes from 8:30am-10:30am, students who are not testing should arrive on campus at 10:30am. Regular classes will resume at 10:30 AM following the testing sessions. If your student is not scheduled for classes following the testing, kindly make arrangements for their pick-up once testing concludes at 10:30 AM
Testing Schedule
- Monday, April 28, 8:30-10:30 am (Math part 1)
- Tuesday, April 29, 8:30-10:30 am (Math part 2)
- Wednesday, April 30, 8:30-10:30 am (ELA part 1)
- Thursday, May 1, 8:30-10:30 am ( ELA part 2)
Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 will also take the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS).
Testing Schedule
- Friday, May 2, 8:30-10:30 (Science)
The results from these tests will give a more accurate picture of whether students are on track to be ready for college or career. For students in grade 10, passing scores on the Smarter Balanced tests can also be used as a graduation pathway.
Students will take the tests on chromebooks at school. All students will participate in these assessments during the OCEAN testing scheduled times. Any students who misses a scheduled testing session will need to come in on an additional day or may be pulled out of regular classes in order to make up any portion of testing missed.
How to help your student be ready for testing:
Ensure they get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast the day of the tests.
Encourage them to bring a water bottle and a healthy snack each day of testing.
Let students know to try their best to show what they know.
For more information about the Smarter Balanced and WCAS tests, visit: https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/testing/state-testing-overview, and click on the name of the test. Please talk to your child’s teacher if you have questions about state testing.
Thank you for your continued collaboration toward your child’s success. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to better support your child. We want your child to leave us with a solid foundation of skills and a future full of opportunities.
It's Time To Complete Registration For 2025-2026 School Year!
REGISTRATION DUE BY MAY 27
Skyward: Please log in to complete your registration for next school year. (Skyward link here) If you would like to complete the registration on paper, please visit your school office.
If using your phone, log in through your browser, not the Skyward app.
Out-of-District Students: Proof of Residence: If you live outside the PT School District boundaries (map here), please complete a choice transfer request here.
Spanish Language Forms: If you would like to complete your student's back to school registration forms in Spanish, please visit your school’s office. Thank you! Formularios en español: Si desea completar los formularios de inscripción de regreso a clases de su estudiante en español, visite la oficina de su escuela. ¡Gracias!
Please note that if you do not complete this registration, your student’s schedule and/or class placement may be delayed.
OCEAN HIGH SCHOOL ADVENTURE! May 13-15, 2025
All OCEAN high school students are invited to join us on this adventure of a lifetime! Join Koyuki, MB and CedarRoot Outdoor School staff as we travel the Olympic Peninsula experiencing hands-on science, learn primitive wilderness skills, track Cougars and soak in the beautiful Sol Duc Hot Springs. Cost = Free.
Deadline to submit paperwork to MB is May 5th:
- PT School District Release form
- Medication release form if student takes prescription or over the counter meds/vitamins
Questions? Need the paperwork? Contact MB: marmstrong@ptschools.org
PT to DC Sign Up Has Been Extended To May 1
Did you know the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History has over 145 million objects, including a T. rex skeleton and the Hope Diamond? Your child can see them in person!
The deadline to sign up for the Port Townsend to Washington, DC trip has been extended to May 1st! Still thinking about it? Now’s your chance!
There’s a meeting for all current and prospective participants and their adults on April 28th at 6:00 PM in the Blue Heron Library.
This trip is going to be Monumental! Lock in your spot before the deadline is History!
Please contact KayDee Weddle for more information! kweddle@ptschools.org
ASVAB - For 11th graders Graduation Pathway
OCEAN 11th graders will have another opportunity to take the ASVAB this Spring on May 8th.
from noon to 3:00. All OCEAN 11th graders who have not yet met a Graduation Pathway requirement will want to take advantage of this chance to take the ASVAB at OCEAN. Not sure if you have met this requirement? Talk to your school counselor, Barb Fogerson - filling in for Emily for the remainder of the school year. (email at bfogerson@ptschools.org) If you have already met the pathway requirement you do not need to take the ASVAB, but you may wish to take it for the Career Exploration information.
While many people know the ASVAB is a test used for military enlistment and classification, the ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP) is much more than a military test. The ASVAB CEP is offered to all students in 10th grade and above, regardless of their future career plans. The program helps students learn about their skills and interests, identify potential occupations, and discover all the pathways to career-field entry.
The ASVAB is different from both the ACT and the SAT. The ACT and SAT measure achievement and are primarily used for college applications. The ASVAB measures aptitude and acquired skills which can be used to help predict future academic and occupational success. ASVAB scores thus give students insight into their options and aid them in planning their next step after high school
Taking the ASVAB does not obligate you to talk to a military recruiter, or to consider military enlistment. It is free of charge.
Sign up in the OCEAN office or email Barb Fogerson (bfogerson@ptschools.org) before May 8th if you wish to be included in taking the ASVAB.
11th and 12th graders COLLEGE FIELD TRIPS
11th and 12th graders UPCOMING COLLEGE FIELD TRIPS:
Olympic College + Western Washington University May 15
Peninsula College Including Welding, Automotive, and Medical Programs May 19
Learn about local colleges in Washington, their programs (including trades), and what they have to offer you. Field trips are 100% free and paid for by the College Success Foundation. Please sign the interest form if you would like to attend a field trip. Field trip participants will get:
• Free lunch 🍕🍣🍔🥗🍩
• A 25$ gift card (Yes, seriously) 💰
Community Activities
Open Welding Day at Peninsula College!
Discover what it's like to be a welding student at Peninsula College. Thursday, May 15, student session 9 am - 12 pm, general public 12 - 3 pm. For more information contact Eorin Doherty at edoherty@pencol.edu or call 360-417-654. Website penscol.edu/welding.
Maritime Career Immersion program
The Maritime Career Immersion program supports students in identifying maritime interests and pathways and helps connect them with maritime opportunities, all while teaching industry specific and durable life skills. For young people aged 16–19, this 90 hour program is facilitated by Northwest Maritime Center (NWMC) instructors. After completion of the program, the NWMC team will support students in navigating their maritime community network in order to pursue their interests and goals. Students will receive a $1,000 stipend upon the completion of the program. School
credits are available. Program runs June - August 2025.
If you’re interested in this program, contact:
Ellie Meopham
Career Prep Programs Manager
This week at OCEAN
From Previous Newsletters
Exciting activities are taking place at Ocean and we need your help to make them possible!
We need volunteers for MoPOP on May 9 and for the 8th-Grade Dinner Dance on June 21
Who wants to go to MOPOP? If you can volunteer contact kreynolds@ptschools.org or mtipton@ptschools.org
8th Grade Dinner Dance! June 21, 6:30pm – 9:45pm
The 8th Grade Dinner Dance is an exciting event celebrating 8th grade students as they make this transitional milestone to high school as The Class of 2029!!
Event Details:
The evening will include delicious food, snacks, and dessert as well as dancing, photo ops, and a variety of activities to make a memorable night for everyone! 8th grade students registered in Port Townsend School District are welcome to join this event. Tickets are $25, but no student will be turned away.
There are two steps to sign your child up for this event. Both steps must be completed by June 6, 2025 for your child to attend. Thank you!
- Purchase Tickets and find more information at https://app.givebacks.gives/dinnerdance2025/Campaign/Details
- Register so parent volunteers can support your child during the event. - Click Here for the Required Registration Form Link
Volunteer and Donation Opportunities for the 8th Grade Dinner Dance
Event Information:
The 8th Grade Dinner Dance is planned, hosted and fund sourced by 8th grade parents. Please join the fun by volunteering and make this event awesome for all our students by helping fundraise through donations!!
Help raise funds for this awesome event by donating through this website:
- $25 Pays for a ticket for a student who otherwise would be unable to attend.
- $75 Helps provide a festive outfit for a student who otherwise couldn't afford one.
- $150 Helps pay for food, decorations, and entertainment activities for all students.
Business Sponsorships! Businesses who donate $200 will receive special recognition at the event. Please consider sponsoring the 8th Grade Dinner Dance!
Volunteer! It's fun! Email 2029redhawks@gmail.com to volunteer!
Returning Student Survey for 2025-26
It is hard to believe that it is already time to start thinking about the 2025-26 school year.
Please take the Returning OCEAN Student Survey by April 15.
Please let us know what your plans are for enrollment in the OCEAN School next year which includes both OCEAN K-12 Family Partnership and the OCEAN Online Program (grades 6-12). This information will help us plan for staffing and new enrollments. Completing this form will ensure your student has a spot in the program next year.
Mindful Self-Compassion: After School Program For Teens
Discover mindfulness through art, games, and reflections. April 23 - June 11 on Wednesdays, 1:45-3:45 pm.
Upcoming Events
- May 4 -6, Team Longboat and BRAVO team overnight field trip
- May 9, MoPOP High school field trip
- May 12, Salmon Creek field trip
- May 13-15, High school camp out
- May 18-19, Middle school bike team field trip
- May 23-26, Memorial Day Weekend - NO SCHOOL
Communications Tips
Want OCEAN K-12 Events to show up on your digital calendar?
Want to Get School Communications Via Text?
Opt in by texting “Y” or “Yes” to our district’s short code number, 67587.
About OCEAN K-12
Email: srubenstein@ptschools.org
Website: https://ocean.ptschools.org/
Location: 3939 San Juan Ave, Port Townsend, WA, USA
Phone: 360-680-5750
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oceank12
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oceank12
Non-discrimination statement
Port Townsend School District No. 50 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, immigration status, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Civil Rights Compliance, Carrie Ehrhardt, 1610 Blaine Street, (360) 680-5756, cehrhardt@ptschools.org
Coordinator Title IX Officer, Carrie Ehrhardt, 1610 Blaine Street, (360) 680-5756, cehrhardt@ptschools.org
Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Shelby Macmeekin, 1610 Blaine Street, (360) 680-5762, smacmeekin@ptschools.org
Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education for the OCR/Title IX complaints https://www.justice.gov/crt/educational-opportunities-section