LISD School Newsletter
Dear LISD Families,
The superintendent search is underway! The search committee has met several times now and we will soon be posting the position. Tuesday night we facilitated focus groups, and we are so grateful for all the parents and community members who showed up to participate. We have also facilitated a focus group for LISD staff and the Decatur school, and a student focus group is scheduled. Each focus group has begun with a simple question: "In a word of phrase, please describe what you'd like to see in a Superintendent." The facilitators then record the responses and ask clarifying questions.
Once all the focus groups have happened, the search committee will gather all the input and will look for emerging patterns and trends. This information will help us create a posting that accurately represents the superintendent job on our unique island and develop a set of high quality interview questions.
We are still seeking feedback from the community. Please fill out this form if you would like to participate in the conversation.
Our search committee is meeting often and being very thoughtful and intentional about the process. Obviously, I'm thrilled that we have set the wheels in motion, and I'm also very invested in finding the right person to lead our district. We will continue to keep you updated.
I hope to see many of you next week for parent/student/teacher conferences AND the Pumpkin Extravaganza!
Have a wonderful weekend :-)
All my best,
Martha Martin
We are happy to announce that students now have access to digital media through Sora in conjunction with the Lopez Island Library. Users are able to link to the Washington Anytime Library, providing access to a multitude of eBooks (both fiction and non-fiction), audiobooks, magazines, manga and graphic novels. Materials are also available in Spanish for readers of all levels.
Access to Sora is through the user's Clever account; all students have this access. The app is very user friendly and can be downloaded to any digital device: phone, tablet, laptop, etc. Deirdre will be visiting elementary classrooms to give demonstrations on the use of Sora. If you have questions or need more information, please drop by the library during school hours. These are exciting times in the world of reading at Lopez Island School District!
Lopez Island Elementary Cheer is holding its second annual Poinsettia sale! All proceeds go towards Lopez Island Cheer program, ran by The Pack. Buying poinsettias helps fund our kids' sports, a mission we feel is extremely important to not only the students, but the island as a whole. Pick up will be mid-November. We had lots of compliments on the plants last year. ORDER HERE.
Coach Isaac Berg is excited to work with our middle school boys and will have practice every day after school. Practices are usually 90 minutes long, and the schedule may change depending on volleyball games or early dismissal. The season will go through the end of November. There is still time to sign up. Required forms can be filled out in Parent Square and a sports physical is required to participate.
Next week's practice times are as follows:
Mon 10/23 - 3:30-4:30, meet in Mr. Berg's classroom for a team meeting (there is a home volleyball game)
Tue 10/24 - 2:15-3:45
Wed 10/25 - 12:30-2
Thur 10/26 - 12:30-2
Fri 10/27 - 12:30-2
The Art of Grilled Cheese, by Ema
I turn on the stove, and wait for my pan to heat up. I slather my two pieces of sourdough bread in a layer of butter and put a blanket of cheese over the non-buttered sides. I drop my uncooked grilled cheese sandwich into my pan and wait. The aroma of browning butter sizzling makes my mouth water and also makes me hungry. 15 minutes later I lift a golden brown, crunchy, but soft in the middle grilled cheese out of the pan. The sunny yellowy orange cheese oozes over the edge of my plate like a waterfall. I was happy with my creation. It was yummy.
This week, our culinary journey took an exciting turn as we welcomed a special guest who introduced us to the art of creating "Entomatadas," a classic delight from the mountainous region of Mexico, Nevado de Toluca.
Viridiana (Viri) Clavel García, a LISD staff member and mother to students in our Heritage Spanish class, graced our kitchen with the warmth and familiarity that only a true home cook can bring. With Viri's guidance, the students embarked on a savory adventure, learning that at the heart of Entomatadas lies a humble corn tortilla. This essential component is gently fried to a golden perfection before being lovingly enfolded in a vibrant tomato sauce, the star of the dish.
But this is no ordinary sauce; it is a harmonious blend, where the robust flavors of ripe tomatoes meet the aromatic whispers of garlic, onion, and oregano. The spark of chile serrano dances through the mixture, with a pinch of salt grounding the symphony of tastes. In a culinary crescendo, the Entomatadas are gracefully finished with a final layering of elements that are as symbolic as they are flavorful. A delicate portion of refried beans, creamy and rich, is spread with care, complementing the robustness of the dish. Crucial toppings are added: a light coating of crema and a sprinkle of queso fresco. This fresh, crumbly cheese does not just add a contrasting texture and a hint of mild tanginess to the palate but also carries a profound cultural meaning. The queso fresco, gently sprinkled, signifies a poetic homage to the majestic snow-capped peaks of Nevado de Toluca. Much like the serene blankets of snow that adorn the mountain, the cheese graces the Entomatadas with a purity of flavor, a softness that balances the whole dish.
And finally, the pièce de résistance, a single fried egg, is delicately placed atop the ensemble, a profound symbol that elevates the meal from a mere dish to a narrative on a plate.
Each bite of the Entomatadas was a testament to the rich culture and familial bonds, an edible embrace filled with history and love. It was a reminder that the simplest ingredients, when combined with care and passion, transform into a meal that is both nourishing and nurturing, leaving us filled with contentment and the joy of shared discovery amongst friends and family.
School Chef John Shaw is offering knife sharpening service on Fridays. This is service is a fundraiser for the school's LIFE (Lopez Island Farm Education) program.
The cost is $10 per person +$2/in per knife. So if you bring in three knives that are 6in long it would be $46 total.
Sharpening happens on Fridays, ideally you would drop them off in the morning and then John will have them done before 3pm. Friday October 27th is already fully booked, please email jshaw@lopezislandschool.org to get the next available slot."
Lopez Island School District
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.