Superintendent Newsletter
June 2023
Happy June
Dear Eatonville Community,
Circle back to January with me. I was approached, given my history with the school district, to fill in as Interim Superintendent. Having served 13 years in the Superintendent’s Office as Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment with responsibilities for technology, grants and Highly Capable Programs plus having served as a principal for 19 years, it made some sense for me to help when asked.
It has been my honor to work for a district I care about deeply when that work centers around students. I feel we have accomplished a lot in the last five months - Safety Committee and planned training in August with Eatonville Police Department, many maintenance projects which will support our infrastructure for years to come, support for various departments by restructuring, more cameras and increased safety via a keyless entry system, new deck and swimming pool projects, connecting with students to hear their voices in some decision making, purchasing new library books and maybe a few other things. Thanks to the Board for the opportunity to be here. Thanks to the great staff with whom I have been able to reconnect. They are dedicated and do good work every day!
I have also had some great challenges centered around student health and safety, grief, employee relations, shortage of bus drivers and lack of space. We continually hear COVID, not only in the context of being ill but in the context of learning loss, not being connected and struggling with life in general. We are addressing these challenges by increasing interventions for students. We are adding resources for teachers that are targeted to the learning gaps. Our Special Education population continues to grow. We are looking at space and ways to wrap great instruction around every child.
As you scroll through this newsletter you will find many activities noted and ways students are excelling. Scholar Athletes, great readers, meaningful connections and opportunities will help to close that gap in achievement we worry about. We are redesigning interventions for next year so more students can get individualized assistance. We will continue to have bus monitors to help with some behavior issues on buses and we are adding additional people to help with the playground.
As we plan for next year, we need to address our need for new playground equipment and surfaces that are ADA compliant. We are hoping that school support groups can partner with the district as volunteers can make a huge difference when it comes to installation of structures. We continue to look for grants and ways to enhance our programs and facilities. Our website is getting updated to make it more user friendly and filled with happenings around the district. The Director of Food Service met with the Leadership Class to brainstorm ideas for a grant that could bring new and varied items to the menus. The students had amazing ideas.
The seniors are looking forward to graduation and everyone else is ready for summer. The job fair at EHS gave students an opportunity to explore some options for employment they had not considered. Ms. Powell helped with resumes, students made appointments for interviews and some were hired on the spot. A big plus was that the businesses brought tons of great prizes and gave away items for students to enjoy.
New at EES for next year will be the addition of a half time Dean of Students. Allison Meines, a current EMS teacher and administrative intern will be welcome help as that school continues to grow. We are finishing the remodel of a portable at WES so it can again be used as a classroom. CCA is doing some reorganization to accommodate their new Transitional Kindergarten. Space is at a premium in the elementary schools at this time.
We welcome a new superintendent. Jay Brower was sworn in at the School Board meeting. He officially begins on July 1. He has already been in the district for meetings centering around the Strategic Plan and spending time getting to know the staff.
Please have a safe summer.
Sincerely,
Lucy Fountain
Spring Concert Schedule
News from the Teaching and Learning Office (Sally Keeley)
Strategic Plan
Eatonville School District is beginning the work of creating a Strategic Plan for our vision for the next five years. Strategic planning is a focus on the future. It is a means in which the school district and community contribute their ideas defining priorities, making decisions, and setting goals for our school system. We would love all voices to be involved in this journey with the school district. Thank you to more than 650 staff, students, parents and community members who have completed the online survey that gets the process started. Your voice counts!!
Seven Reasons why we need strategic planning:
articulates a shared vision, mission, and values.
effectively organizes schools, staff, and time.
defines how success is measured.
helps with decision-making, responsiveness, and innovation.
increases communication and engagement.
keeps everyone in schools connected.
keeps us focused on our #1 priority- Our Students!
As the Superintendent and the School Board process the input, watch for future information.
Highly Capable Program
April and May are a busy time for referrals and testing of students for the highly capable program. More than 60 students were referred for testing. Parents of students referred will receive a letter regarding your student’s eligibility status later this week. Please check your email.
Curriculum Audit
The Teaching and Learning and Technology Departments will be conducting an informal curriculum and instruction audit. This work will include:
review of all policies and procedures related to instruction
review of professional development and establishing timelines
curriculum adoption rotation by content areas that need updating
creating a funding model
a final report/presentation for the School Board
Around the District
EHS Girls Tennis Team Playing in Stevenson
WES Wildcat Woods Clean Up
EES Art Students Present at the Board Meeting
CCA students work with Park Rangers on mountain restoration
EMS students learning outside with Mrs. Meines
EES 5th grade field trip to BizTown to learn real world skills
Battle of the Books
Our elementary school students have worked tirelessly reading 14 books to prepare for the annual Battle of the Books competition. On May 23rd the students who won their school battles gathered at Eatonville High School showcase their knowledge and compete for the title of Battle of the Books champions. The evening was a thrilling literacy event! The winning group pictured with Mrs. Tonkinson is The Highlighters. Congratulations!
EHS Student Job Fair
Eatonville Business Association (EBA) partnered with the Eatonville School Board to host their first ever Job Fair. The event took place May 22, 2023, at the Eatonville High School Commons. The Job Fair was an opportunity for 30 local businesses to connect with over 200 high school students looking for summer employment or a career opportunity upon graduation.
The EBA is a non-profit organization that aims to promote and support local businesses in the Eatonville area. The organization has been working closely with the Eatonville School District to create a platform for businesses to showcase their job openings and for students to learn about the various career opportunities available in the area.
"The very best thing about this job fair is that it was student driven. Mayor Baublits and I, spent two days in March presenting to all EHS Juniors, Seniors and Leadership classes, about the value of student voice in town and school district civic issues. It was there that senior, Matthew Moran, told us that EHS had hosted college fairs, but that was not what he or his friends needed. He needed a job fair that would help him retain a job as soon as he graduated and wanted to know why that had never been done. His idea became a reality, thanks to the outstanding community support of Eatonville Business Association, local businesses, trade unions and town and state agencies.", said Eatonville School Board Director, Ronda Litzenberger.
Becky Crocker, Eatonville Business Association President stated, “The Eatonville Business Association would like to thank the local businesses who came out to support our EHS students with their job opportunities. It was inspiring to watch students connecting and engaging with employers. Employers were taking student resumes, scheduling interviews, and even interviewing and hiring on the spot. We’d also like to thank the Eatonville School district for partnering to provide this opportunity for both local businesses and students.”
The Job Fair is just one of the many initiatives that the EBA has planned to support local businesses and promote economic growth.
Job Fair Appreciation from Cruisers
Frank Amon, 12th grade:
"The job fair was awesome! It gave us a chance to be more aware of the job opportunities around us. I was able to make a connection with a company I was interested in and it looks like it's going to lead to a job for me, probably within the next few weeks."
Cameron Barton, 12th grade:
"It was nice to be able to talk to somebody in person about certain jobs instead of just trying to look it up on the internet. I got a lot of good information!"
May 24th School Board Meeting
During the May 24th School Board Meeting, Student Representatives Dylan Norman and Hannah Kralik were recognized for their dedication by Superintendent Fountain and Board Chair Paulett Gilliaridi. The students have been school board student representatives this school year, attending meetings and reporting on behalf of the Eatonville High School student body.
Also, during the meeting was the swearing in of the next Eatonville School District Superintendent Mr. Jay Brower.
News from the Special Services Office (Cristin Blaskowitz)
The Eatonville Elementary School, Student Learning Center (SLC) program has been jam-packed these past few weeks. Along with working on their academics and SBA assessments, they have been on several community access trips related to the lessons they have been studying. In late April, students and staff went hiking down Bud Blanchard Trail to complete a scavenger hunt looking for nature items to tie their learning to the City Nature Challenge they have been reading about. Students enjoyed finding pieces of nature and then sharing their knowledge. They ended the week with a hike, a picnic lunch, and recess at Millpond Park.
In May, students have been learning about the similarities and differences of animals. To tie their learning to the real world, the SLC program went to the Point Defiance Zoo for community access. Everyone had a great time! With the heat this spring, we have been finding ways to complete work outside and stay cool during recess. Students have been practicing writing letters, numbers, and their names using sidewalk chalk. They also LOVE getting to draw. To cool off, popsicles and a water ball battle always do the trick. Smiles and laughter for all this last stretch of the school year!
Why Be In Band?
Pool Information
The pool is open to the community for lap swim, water aerobics and open swim at $4 per person. Check out the SCHEDULE and jump in! Pool questions should be directed to the manager at: a.stammen@eatonville.wednet.edu
Lifeguarding classes start SOON: May 30th to June 9th. Take this opportunity to gain skills & get qualified for a great summer job! Please see Mr. Olson if you are 15 or older and interested or email: g.olson@eatonville.wednet.edu
$3,000 Donation Toward Student Lunch Debt, Thank You Lions
The annual Eatonville Lions Club Casino night, which was held on March 18 this year, and which was done in partnership with the Eatonville Family Agency, was a huge success. Thank you to all who donated, attended, and volunteered for this event!
Because of you, Lion, Chris Wendell (and Wendy Sandor, not pictured) from the Lions Club was able to present the interim superintendent of Eatonville Schools, Lucy Fountain, with a check for $3000.00. This money will be used to pay off a significant portion of the outstanding school lunch debt for kids on the reduced-cost lunch program.
Founded in 1938, the Eatonville Lions Club has raised and donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to local charities and to the schools over the past 85 years, and our motto is, and has always been:
"We Serve".
For information about how you can help us serve the community, please e-mail the club at:
eatonvillelionsclub@gmail.com
High School Class Registration for 23-34
Great discussions about post high school plans, preparing for high school and beyond, and meeting Graduation Pathways requirements. Students are making class selections that support their future plans. There are many options:
- Advanced Placement (AP) & rigorous courses
- Career & Technical courses
- Pierce County Skill Center
- Running Start Program
- Military Service
- Apprenticeship Programs
- Technical Colleges
- 4-Year Colleges
- Community Colleges
It's so exciting to plan for the future. It's going to be a great year next year.
School Board Work Study Meeting
The School Board of Directors will hold a Work Study Meeting that is open to the public on Wednesday, June 14th at 7:00pm. The meeting will be held in the EHS Library. This meeting will not be recorded. Please plan to attend to learn more about the district's Career and Technical (CTE) courses.
June Dates to Mark on Your Calendar
Summer Camp for Kindergarten, 6th and 9th Grade Students
Eatonville School District is pleased to announce there will be a free, two-day, "Summer Learning Camp" for incoming kindergarten, sixth and ninth grade students.
- Date and Time: Monday, August 14th and Tuesday, August 15th from 9:00am-1:00pm.
- Camp information will be published to families this morning.
- Guardians have until Friday, June 9th to register their child.
- Families will use this link or may scan the QR code on the flyer to register their child for camp.
- The camp provides students the opportunity to become familiar with their new campus, meet staff, make new friends and extend their learning. While enjoying a mix of hands-on, outdoor activities students will feel part of a team and will leave excited for the 23-24 school year at their new school.
- All five school buildings will host their own camp. Please direct specific questions to building principals.
- Food service will provide sack lunches for both days.
Eatonville High School Graduation Invitation
The class of 2023 graduation will be held June 17th, at 5 p.m., at St. Martin's University - open seating, no tickets required.
Pool Information
The pool is open to the community for lap swim, water aerobics and open swim at $4 per person. Check out the SCHEDULE and jump in! Pool questions should be directed to the manager at: a.stammen@eatonville.wednet.edu
Retirement Reception
Community Day Appreciation
WES MayPole Dance
Thanks to Julie and Alyssa for organizing this event
Queen and King
High School Spring Sports Recap
5 Spring Sports, 183 Athletes, 56 Scholar Athletes
Track
23 Scholar Athletes
Girls team finished season 23-1
Boys team finished the league meet season undefeated making them League champions.
16 athletes headed to State
Fastpitch
8 Scholar Athletes
3 All League Awards
Kyleigh Backlund 1st Team
Amy Tozier Honorable Mention
Ava Twedt Honorable Mention
2 players hit their first ever high school home runs. Grace Field and Amy Tozier
Tennis
8 Scholar Athletes
6 All League Awards
Bailey Andersen 1st Team All League
Emily Suver 2nd Team All League
Tyson Cornwell 2nd Team All League
Alayna Meyer Honorable Mention
Lillian Bickford Honorable Mention
Isabel Volk Honorable Mention
Soccer
11 Scholar Athletes
11-4 on the season
1 game away from the state playoffs
6 All League Awards
Riley Rockey 1st Team All League Forward
Trentten Cressman 1st Team All League Defender
Nathaniel Goode 2nd Team All League Goalie
Kevin Tomyn 2nd Team All League Forward
Victor Pena Moreno Honorable Mention
Josiah Goode Honorable Mention
NEW State Champion from EHS
Senior Brooke Blocker is the first individual State Champion in any sport from Eatonville HS since 2015 after winning the 1A Girls Javelin on May 27 at the State Track Meet in Yakima.
In one newsletter Brooke goes from Queen of Community Day to 1A State Champion Javelin thrower.
Additional Students Who Placed at State:
- Kyle Cox, 4th Shot Put, 8th Discus
- Tristan Lewis, 6th Discus
- Logan Taylor, 8th High Jump
- Ky Nation, 8th 100 meters
- Hannah Hanson, 8th 100 meter
Congratulations to all, GO CRUISERS!
Eatonville Needs Bus Drivers! Recruitment Incentive!
We are pleased to announce we are offering a new incentive for new bus drivers:
- New applicants who come to the District already holding a CDL with all required school bus endorsements who are recommended for a bus driver position are eligible for a one-time $3,000 salary bonus, once their hire is approved by the school board.
- The $3,000 salary bonus will apply only to drivers who would not need to go through a driver training program in Eatonville.
- New applicants who come to the District, complete the District’s CDL training program, and are recommended for a bus driver position, are eligible for a one-time $2,500 salary bonus, once their hire is approved by the school board.
What is Juneteenth?
Other Special Ways to Celebrate the Month of June
23-24 Preschool Enrollment
Will your child be 3 years old by August 31st, 2023? If so, please register for Preschool to secure your child's placement as space is limited. Once we reach our capacity registration will close for next school year.
June Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Kindergarten Enrollment Open
Mattress Fundraiser
Click the button below if you have concerns regarding your child's development.
Important Information
Superintendent: Mrs. Lucy Fountain
Executive Assistant: Mrs. Ashley Farrens
District Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Interim Superintendent, Lucy Fountain
Email: communications@eatonvilleschools.org
Website: https://www.eatonville.wednet.edu
Location: 200 Lynch Street West, Eatonville, WA, USA
Phone: 360-879-1000
Facebook: facebook.com/eatonville.school.district
Twitter: @EatonvilleSD
Non-Discrimination Statement
Eatonville School District #404 will provide equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of the academic and activities program without discrimination based on race, religion, creed, color, 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 will provide equal access to school facilities 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. District programs shall be free from sexual harassment. Auxiliary aids and services will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities.
Address: 200 Lynch St. W., Eatonville, WA 98328; Telephone: 360-879-1000
Title IX Coordinator, Section 504/ADA Coordinator & Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator: Cristin Blaskowitz, Executive Student Services. Email: c.blaskowitz@eatonvilleschools.org