LISD School Newsletter

It's a time of change for LISD, and while we welcome new folks, new energy, and new perspectives, we are going to miss some folks who are leaving LISD in December. Our K-12 school counselor, Jeanna Carter, is retiring this month after over 25 years with our district. Jeanna was so welcoming and helpful to me when I came to Lopez at the very beginning of pandemic remote school. I'll always appreciate her warmth and empathy as well as her deep understanding of WA graduation requirements, restorative justice, and the important role of character education in schools. Melissa Montalvo-Chavez has been a paraeducator with LISD since 2022. She works with students who have special needs and has also been an interpreter for us. Melissa is truly a team player and a wonderful colleague. Will Sanford, our beloved School Nurse, and Malia Sanford, Special Services Coordinator, have both been with the district since 2022. They have each been such a delight to work with and great at their jobs. The city of Portland is so lucky because that's the next stop for this wonderful family, and we miss them already.

As folks move on to other jobs, cities, and opportunities, we get to welcome new colleagues to our team. As you already know, we have hired a new superintendent, Brady Smith. I'm also happy to share the news that we have a new K-12 counselor, Robb Ellis, who will begin work with LISD in January. They are both already asking great questions and preparing to jump in with both feet. Please see their short biographies and photos below. Welcome Brady and Robb!

I hope you all have a fun and relaxing winter break. If you are heading off island over the break, I hope you travel safely. If you are hosting folks on Lopez, I hope your visitors are appreciative and helpful guests who compliment your cooking!

All my best,

Martha

For the past 18 years, Brady Smith has led four different public high schools in New York City as Principal (including serving as founding Principal in partnership with Outward Bound of a new small school in the Bronx) and is excited to return to the Pacific Northwest. A native Seattleite, Brady earned his Masters in the Art of Teaching (MAT) at Lewis and Clark College and taught for seven years in Portland, Oregon before heading east where he earned his School Leader certification at CUNY. He relocated to the family cabin here on Lopez Island in August and is excited to use his skills and experience with budget management, strengthening school systems and structures, and inclusive leadership approaches to serve the community as the LISD Superintendent.

Robb Ellis, born and raised in Salem, Oregon, has a deep affection for the Pacific Northwest, particularly the coastal regions such as the Oregon Coast and the islands of Washington and Canada. With a career working with youth spanning over two decades, Robb has devoted himself to assisting students in various capacities. Seventeen years of his professional experience have been dedicated to roles in school counseling or related positions. In addition to his counseling roles, he boasts over twenty years of coaching experience in high school athletics in the sports of wrestling, football, and track. Robb is passionate about guiding students through the transition into adulthood and helping them discover their life paths. He has guided many students from all types of backgrounds into a variety of professions.

Students built Sea Perch ROV's (remote operated vehicles) in marine biology class. Students used 4 Sea Perch kits where they built frames from pvc, did all the wiring and soldering of control boards and motors, and waterproofed the motors. They modified them so they were neutrally buoyant in the pool. They played a competitive game at the pool today where they used them to pick up rings on the bottom of the Islander pool and floating easter eggs. In the future we want to fasten a waterproof camera on one and take it under the Islander dock.

The kindergartners planted their class tree this week with help from Sara Jones. The tree is an Illinois Everbearing Mulberry, donated by Dingdong’s Garden. The class of 2036 will take care of and visit their special tree throughout their time at school and beyond.

Chimera held its annual raffle to raise money for school art program and art supplies and they raised $2975.44! We are so grateful to Chimera Gallery and students who helped sell raffle tickets! Thank you all!

Develop a lifelong love of reading in your family through Prime Time Family Reading! This upcoming LIFRC program is FREE, and features engaging family-based reading and discussion strategies proven to increase creativity, critical thinking, and academic success. Dinner provided each night, and siblings are welcome! Hosted with bilingual Spanish-English staff and held at the Family Resource Center.

• Preschool Program (Ages 3-4): 6 Wednesdays from February 28th - April 3rd. 4:15PM – 5:45PM.
• Elementary Program (Kindergarten – 4th Grade): 6 Tuesdays from February 27th – April 2nd: 5:15PM – 6:45PM

Sign up HERE: https://forms.gle/QAW6kkELQZSA2KmZ9

¡Desarrolle un amor por la lectura para toda la vida en su familia a través de Prime Time Family Reading! Los programas de Prime Time son GRATUITOS y cuentan con atractivas estrategias de lectura y discusión basadas en la familia que han demostrado aumentar la creatividad, el pensamiento crítico y el éxito académico. Se proporciona cena en todos los encuentros, ¡y los hermanos son bienvenidos! Organizado con personal bilingüe español-inglés y llevado a cabo en el Family Resource Center.

• Preescolar (de 3-4 años): 6 Miércoles. el 28 de febrero - 3 de abril. 4:15PM – 5:45PM.
• Primaria (Kindergarten - 4th): 6 Martes. 27 de febrero - 2 de abril. 5:15PM - 6:45PM

¡Regístrese HOY!: https://forms.gle/QAW6kkELQZSA2KmZ9

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.