
SBLSD News
June 1, 2023

Teaching Academy celebrates students in pursuit of careers in education
More than 30 students from both Sumner and Bonney Lake high schools were celebrated on Wednesday for completing Teaching Academy this year and earning their badges.
Teaching Academy is a CTE class offered to students who are interested in entering the field of education. In the one-year course, students learn the techniques of teaching, how to create lesson plans, learn about instruction, and apply those skills out in the field as part of an internship. The class is open to students in grades 10-12.
Students in Teaching Academy also take a state-required paraprofessional test that can automatically guarantee them an interview if they apply for a para position with SBLSD. Further, students who complete Teaching Academy and graduate from college with a teaching degree will also be guaranteed an interview for a teacher position with our District.
Congratulations to the following students:
SHS students showcase talents, diversity at Celebrate Yourself assembly
by Josh Agpalza, Director of Equity
Sumner High School recently hosted its highly anticipated 2nd Annual Celebrate Yourself assembly, and it was an extraordinary event that truly embraced the spirit of diversity. The assembly provided an enriching platform for students to learn about different cultures and appreciate the beauty of our diverse community.
The audience was captivated by a myriad of cultural dance performances and soul-stirring songs presented by the Asian American Pacific Islanders Club and Latino Club. The stage lit up with vibrant fashion shows by the Black Student Union and GSA, showcasing the uniqueness and creativity of our students. The atmosphere was electrifying as talented individuals took to the stage for spoken word poetry and a heart-pounding punk rock performance. The Robotics Club also showcased their engineering talent building 10 vehicles that held over 50+ flags from countries located in the continent of Africa as part of the Parade of Nations ceremony. The drumline showcased their exceptional skills, filling the gymnasium with rhythmic beats.The choir surprised everyone with a flash mob that had the entire assembly singing along.
And as the assembly drew to a close, the Taualuga Dance brought a perfect finale, captivating the audience with its grace and cultural significance of Samoa. The 2nd Annual Celebrate Yourself assembly at Sumner High School was a resounding success, leaving everyone with a deep appreciation for diversity and the strength it brings to our community in SBLSD.
BLHS culinary students compete for the Top Chef prize
Bonney Lake High School culinary students participated in the final round of the annual Top Chef competition last week. Students have a week and a half to plan, prepare and execute a two-course meal, judged by professionals in the industry. Each team has one seafood theme ingredient.
Out of 29 students and nine teams, one team came out on top to take the Top Chef title. See below for the winning entree and dessert — it’ll make you hungry!
Sumner High Phase 1 video highlights much-needed, larger space
We shared photo highlights from the May 17 Sumner High School Phase 1 ribbon cutting and open house event a couple of weeks ago. Now, enjoy this video that offers a more detailed look inside the new 86,000-square-foot expansion. You’ll hear a common theme touting space as a key feature of the highly-anticipated new building. Of course there’s much more to it. Check out this fact sheet that outlines other features, along with information about the full build-out of the Sumner High School Master Plan that will connect everything together.
Free lunch for children this summer at Daffodil Valley
The District is offering free hot lunch for all children 18 years and younger throughout the summer at Daffodil Valley Elementary. The lunches must be enjoyed inside the school building.
Details:
June 26 - Aug. 17, Monday through Thursday*
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Daffodil Valley Elementary (1509 Valley Ave., in Sumner)
*No meal service July 3-4 due to the Independence Day Holiday.
For more information, call the District’s Child Nutrition Services at (253) 891-6450 or visit sumnersd.org/summermeals.
Recognizing Pride Month in June
by Joshua Agpalza, Director of Equity
June is a month when communities worldwide come together to celebrate Pride Month — a time dedicated to recognizing and embracing the 2SLGBTQ+ community. This annual commemoration is not only a jubilant display of acceptance and solidarity, but also an opportunity to reflect on the historical struggles and triumphs of the 2SLGBTQ+ movement.
The roots of Pride Month trace back to the Stonewall Riots that occurred in New York City in June 1969, commemorating the incident that initiated the modern gay rights movement in the United States. During those pivotal nights, members of the LGBT community, tired of enduring systemic discrimination and harassment, courageously stood up against the raid of the Stonewall Inn. This uprising marked a turning point, igniting a powerful movement that advocated for equal rights and justice for all.
Pride Month is a time to encourage open conversations, empathy, and a celebration of our differences. By promoting inclusivity, we create a safe and welcoming environment where every student feels valued and empowered to be their authentic selves.
During this month, let us take the time to educate ourselves and our children, challenging stereotypes, and expanding our knowledge of the diverse identities and experiences within the 2SLGBTQ+ community. By embracing the principles of equality and fairness, we pave the way for a brighter future, where love, acceptance, and understanding triumph over prejudice and discrimination.
A plan, progress and affirmed commitment to equity
Like every year, June is here before we know it. It’s a month of honors, celebrations and graduations, plus a look back on progress, growth and action.
In September, we formally launched a new strategic plan called Future Ready. While you can read all 32 pages of the plan, we like sharing the snackable two-page version and fun video, which highlight SBLSD’s Promise Statement, Commitment to Equity, and Portrait of a Graduate. These aspects of the plan came to life in many ways throughout the year.
The message below, jointly authored by key district leaders, gives more detail about our accomplishments and path related to our commitment to equity that promotes a district culture of fair and inclusive practices, where each student receives equitable access to the opportunities, resources and support to succeed and thrive.
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As leaders in this district, we are proud to see the remarkable progress made toward achieving our district promise where every student, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, religion, income level, or any other aspect of their identity feels known, valued, and supported. We are unified in our belief that hate does not belong in our school district and that a culture of belonging creates a space where every student feels accepted for who they are.
Achieving our vision of true inclusivity and belonging takes constant reflection and conversation. It requires more than just good intentions or words on paper. It calls for action, persistence, and perseverance. In addition to the stories and examples included in this newsletter, here are several notable actions we’ve taken as a district:
Educating Staff and Students: We offer ongoing professional development opportunities for staff on responding to bias, working with multilingual learners, and culturally responsive teaching. Next year we’re excited to launch restorative practices, a structure that seeks to build safer learning communities through constructive conflict resolution.
Amplifying Student Voice: We actively encourage and support student-led organizations, clubs, and groups that foster inclusivity and provide a platform for student voice. Students are members of district-level committees and provide input on curriculum choices. We utilize mechanisms like surveys and open forums to gather student insight. Next year we are bringing back student advisory boards that allow for open dialogue among students, administrators, and educators.
Family and Community Engagement: We work diligently to foster strong partnerships with families and the broader community by inviting families to participate in discussions, workshops, and events that promote acceptance, safety, and belonging. We are collaborating with community organizations and leaders to provide additional support and resources. We appreciate the strong partnership with the Equity Advisory Council for taking a deep dive into four areas of focus: Discipline, Community Celebrations, Curriculum, and Hiring Practices.
Adoption of Policy: Policies and procedures are reviewed on a continual basis to ensure they help direct our steadfast commitment to success for all students. Just recently the SBSLD board adopted the updated Procedure 3211 Gender Inclusive Schools to accompany Policy 3211. We uphold Policy and Procedure No. 3211, which aligns with state law and prohibits discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. This updated procedure describes the work we have already been doing in our district to support all students. To confront issues of racism, the district policy committee is currently in the process of drafting a first-ever anti-racist policy. We look forward to a completed draft in the near future.
Mental Health Awareness: We have increased access to comprehensive counseling and mental health services for students. In addition to school counselors, we have access to three social workers and partner with several outside agencies in our local area. We will continue to find ways to address the unique needs of diverse populations and foster an environment where seeking support is encouraged and stigma-free.
Physical Environment: Our number one job is to educate students and help them feel safe when they’re at school. In close partnership with our local emergency departments, we regularly assess and address any potential hazards or safety concerns within school facilities. We continue to implement and add appropriate security measures like safety vestibules, additional campus safety officers, and access control to help students feel secure and protected while on campus.
We acknowledge that while we have made strides in fostering a welcoming community, there is still much more to accomplish. We ask you to join us in this work by volunteering, attending an event, joining a committee, or simply uplifting and inspiring others who remain dedicated to this work. Together, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate community, one where everyone can thrive and contribute their unique talents and perspectives.
Warmest Regards,
Erin Markquart, SBLSD Board President
Dr. Laurie Dent, Superintendent
Josh Agpalza, Director of Equity
Now hiring bus drivers
June meal menus
June meal menus are available to view on our website. See what’s for breakfast and lunch at sumnersd.org/menus or at the links below:
June 14 board meeting link, comment signup
The June school board study session is canceled. The public is invited to attend the June 14 school board meeting at 6 p.m. virtually or in person at the Central Office, 1202 Wood Ave. The agenda will be published a day prior to the meeting.
Board meeting: June 14
Virtual: Meeting link (passcode: 975780)
Sign up for in-person or virtual comments (Deadline to sign up: Noon, June 13)
- Submit written comments electronically (School board reviews online submissions by noon the day prior to board meetings. These are not read aloud at the meeting, but are included in meeting minutes.)