LISD School Newsletter

Hello LISD Families,

We have wrapped up our first month of school, and I am filled with appreciation for our school community....students, staff, families and the community members and organizations that support us. When I moved to Lopez Island three and a half years ago, this was just the sort of collaboration I was hoping to find in a small rural island community. The school district makes it possible for us to have a multi-generational island. We are the largest employer on Lopez, our facility is used in many ways by the community, and we educate most of the children and teenagers on Lopez Island. Our district is important, necessary, and we need the support of our whole community.

One way to help is by joining The Lopez Island Parent Teacher Student Association (LIPTSA). If you're reading this and you don't have children in the school district, no problem! Community members can join too! LIPTSA is so helpful in planning fun family events, raising funds to make sure every student can get a yearbook at the end of the school year, funding small school and classroom projects, advocating for quality education at the state and local level, and facilitating other important projects and initiatives. Please consider joining LIPTSA. It's an organization focused on building a stronger school community and the membership fee is Pay-What-You-Can with a suggested amount of $15. Join here now! It's quick and easy! Membership does not carry over so if you were a member last year, please join again this year.

All my best,

Martha Martin

SAT Exam Registration Deadlines

• November 4 - register by 10/5 (or late registration by 10/24)

• December 2 - register by 11/2 (or late registration by 11/21)

Student visit to Western WA University for 10 - 12 graders

• Date is October 5. Let Jeanna Carter know ASAP if you are interested in going.

The Elementary After School Camp for K - 4th graders starts on Monday, October 2nd. The Middle School After School camp for 5th - 8th grade has already started. A few things to note:

• LIFRC will combine the two camps on days they are not fully staffed to run each camp individually.
• The Middle School Camp will be at the Lopez Library on Wednesdays. 5-8th grade campers will get on the bus and exit at the Library.
• If campers are in soccer or cheer, they can join back into the program activities afterwards. One staff member will be at the soccer field to pick campers up at 4:30.
• The program is still hiring! More info here.
• Questions for K-4: Rose@lifrc.org
• Questions for 5-8: Stece@lifrc.org

Lopez Island School District cultivates these four habits of character in all of our students: Belonging, Kindness, Ownership, and Perseverance.

In the elementary school, we zoom in on one character habit each month, and on the last Friday of the month, we have a short assembly all about that habit. This month, our character habit is BELONGING, and our assembly was today right before dismissal. We celebrated birthdays, recognized students for demonstrating the habits of character, and were entertained by Mr. B's class with a skit about belonging. Our character habit for October is Kindness!

In the secondary school, we have a character awards assembly after every term, which gives teachers an opportunity to recognize students for demonstrating the habits.

Secondary Families:

There has been a bit of confusion about the closed campus policy since forms are available to everyone on parent square. We have a closed campus policy with one exception. High School students may go off campus at lunch unless we have a form signed by a parent stating they are not to leave campus. Middle school school students may not leave at lunch unless signed out by a parent or guardian. Please call the secondary office if you have any questions.

School Picture Day for students and staff will be on October 4, 2023 in the MPR.

Online Ordering: Below is the online order form for school photo packages.Digital and print package options are available (same as last year!). The photographer, Kevin Hellriegel, has seen a big shift to online ordering but will still provide hard copy order forms for those that prefer this method.

Direct Link Photo Order Form

Event code: Lopez23

This is the final call for Free & Reduced Lunch Forms. Even if you don't think you qualify, it's important to fill one out. These help us make sure no student goes without food at school! All forms in English and Spanish can be found here. All information received regarding free & reduced eligibility is kept confidential.

Lobo Home games next week:

Soccer: Tuesday, October 3, 4:30 pm

Volleyball: Wednesday, October 4, 3:30 for JV and 5:15 for Varsity

Upon their arrival, the atmosphere in the kindergarten was electric with anticipation. The young children, with their eyes shimmering with excitement and respect, greeted the Spanish IV students warmly. This initiative served a dual purpose: it enriched the kindergarteners with multicultural narratives while also showcasing the prowess and bilingualism of the older students. The harmonious blend of the two languages and the union of different age groups illuminated the beauty of linguistic diversity and the ageless charm of storytelling. The day was a testament to the profound impact that such collaborative experiences can have on students, irrespective of their age or grade.

Students in High school art did a printmaking workshop this past week with special guest Artist Jean Behnke.

Martha and Jesse had a great visit at Decatur on Friday!

Check out all the details here.

Martha Martin, Interim Superintendent & K-12 Principal

The Lopez Island 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: Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, and Title IX Coordinator Martha Martin; HR Specialist, Beth Stanford; Section 504, Mary Fordham. OR contact by phone, 360-468-2202, OR mail to 86 School Rd, Lopez Island, WA 98261.