![page background](https://s.smore.com/u/backgrounds/custom_bg-5e71346a29da9c09a175dde2-81e14c5fee45.jpg)
BSD Staff Updates
2021-22 Issue #10: Wednesday, February 9, 2022
![BSD Staff Updates 2021-22 Issue #10: Wednesday, February 9, 2022](https://s.smore.com/u/thumbs/ac3b/thumb-551aca3afd57bf654d68839245cfe695.png)
Reminder: We want to hear from you!
We invite you to take the District’s Strategic Priorities Diagnostic survey. We hope that data from this survey helps us along a pathway that supports a more aware and proactive school district and environment.
Your participation is entirely voluntary. The survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete and is completely anonymous.
The survey is open through tomorrow (Wednesday, March 16).
Thank you, Washington State Legislature!
The Washington State legislature passed a capital construction budget that includes $10.9 million for West Sound Technical Skills Center modernization! This funds a grant for the Bremerton School District to complete design & begin construction of a new CTE facility at West Sound Technical Skills Center in Bremerton.
Bremerton Schools & Alumni Foundation grant applications now being accepted
Bremerton Schools & Alumni Foundation grants program funds projects and materials that enhance the education of Bremerton public school students. There is $7,500 available for 2022-2023 classroom grants. In the past, the Foundation Board has limited grants to $500 per application. This year the Board will consider all applications as long as the amount does not exceed the $7,500 that is available. Think big (OK Bigger) and think collective.
Download the application below.
Deadline for applications is Monday, April 25th, 2022.
Highlights from March 3, 2022
POLICY NEWS – for Staff Review
There were no revised or new policies or procedures brought to the Board.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Board Recognition – Max Karler
Washington Music Educators Assn. (WMEA), Region #14 President Keira Merwine attended the meeting to honor Bremerton High School’s Director of Instrumental Music Max Karler. Mr. Karler was selected by Olympic Region music educators to be recognized as a 2022 WMEA Regional Outstanding Music Educator. Dr. Leavell and the Board congratulated him on this honor and thanked him for his dedication and support of his students and the arts. Mr. Karler also serves as the district’s K-12 Music Coordinator.
Be Bremerton will happen on May 14th. This day of service for many staff, students and families has not been held since 2019 due to the pandemic. The Armed Forces Day Parade will also return this year on May 21st.
In honor of over 325 classified employees in our District, the Board is proud to proclaim March 14-18th as Education Support Professionals Week. We know all of the schools will do their part in helping to recognize these staff. The District and the Board acknowledge the significant role classified employees play in the educational process.
In 2019, BSD completed a comprehensive facilities assessment which demonstrated several mechanical, electrical, and plumbing improvements needed in many buildings. With the recent pandemic, improving indoor air quality and flow has become increasingly important. The Board approved contract award in the amount of $370,000 plus tax to TEC Construction, Inc. to begin HVAC work at Bremerton High, Crownhill, East Bremerton Community Gym, and View Ridge.
As a part of the Consent Agenda, the Board had to approve Superintendent Leavell’s resignation as he recently accepted the position of Superintendent with the Olympic Educational Services District. With this pending vacancy, the Board discussed its options. By unanimous vote, they chose to “engage in a search process to hire an interim superintendent for the 2022-23 school year to begin July 1, 2022.” This will give the Board necessary time to create and execute key elements of a sound search plan.
To view any of these documents, you may also visit https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/wabrsd/Board.nsf/Public#.
BHS students celebrate Black History Month
Students in BHS's Black Student Union created this Black History Month Celebration Virtual Assembly last month. Great job, students!
Thank you education support professionals!
In honor of Education Support Professionals Week, we'd like to introduce you to some of our NEW classified staff in the District!
(Our apologies for the varied photo sizing. We are having some technical difficulties and cannot get the photos to resize to be the same size!)
Amy Adamski - Armin Jahr Elementary Office Coordinator
Before she started working in our school community, Amy worked admin for a mechanical contractor. She enjoys being outdoors, reading and trying new restaurants.
Amy’s “Why” for working in education is: “Absolutely the kids- building relationships with them and helping them be excited for school.”
Larissa Eldredge - Bremerton High School Transition Paraeducator
Her previous jobs were a 911 operator, Health Occupations Lab Tech (Butte Community College) and Paramedic. Much of her spare time is spent with her lucky little Chihuahua.
Larissa’s “Why” for working in education is: “I have always enjoyed sharing knowledge, and being an advocate.”
Susan Fenwick - Special Servicess Office Coordinator
Prior to working as part of the BSD Family, Susan was an office manager for Peninsula McDonald's Restaurants. She is willing to help/volunteer and learn more about working with the District. She enjoys spending time in nature with her family or on her motorcycle.
Susan’s “Why” for working in education is: “I want to have a meaningful job where I can make a difference in my community”
Michaele Stoll - Bremerton High School Athletics and Activities Secretary
Michaele spent 30+ years in the medical-legal field working for a pathology/laboratory practice in Bremerton and at the Medical Examiner’s office in Tacoma. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the movies, kayaking, traveling, as well as spending time with her family and friends. She may be new to the District as an employee, but she is not new to the District. Michaele is a proud BHS Class of 1982 graduate. She is excited to be back in the Bremerton School District and part of the BHS family again.
Michaele’s “Why” for working in education is: “Desire to contribute to the youth in our community and help make their high school experience a positive one.” Go Knights!
Nils Thompson - Bremerton High School Library Paraeducator
Before joining the high school, Nils facilitated direct care for adults with developmental disabilities. In addition to working at the high school, he also works as a child-care provider for military children with special needs, and occasionally as a bartender for Kitsap Bartending Services (the Bustender!). In his spare time, he keeps busy in a multitude of ways, caring for houseplants, playing video games, reading books, cooking, baking, hiking and running.
Nil’s “Why” for working in education is: “I enjoy being part of a team who goes to work in order to help people, so that I don't have to think about how much money we're making but how many people were helped to the best of our abilities.”
The Kindness Project: refer a staff member or student to receive a "kindness card"
The Kindness Project consists of a group of volunteers who write encouraging notes to students, families and staff. More more information.
2022-23 Academic Calendar now available!
2022-23 Academic Calendars (English and Spanish) are posted on the District website at www.BremertonSchools.org/Calendar.
New bonuses for certificated guest teachers
The Bremerton School District, in an effort to increase the number of certificated substitutes, recently enacted the following incentives for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year. This information is available on our website at www.BremertonSchools.org/GuestTeachers. If you have any questions, please reach out to Leesa Bowie: leesa.bowie@bremertonschool.org.
Please help us spread the word.
Gaggle Teletherapy: confidential, free online therapy
Learn more at www.BremertonSchools.org/Gaggle. Resources for staff wanting to refer students can be found in this shared folder.
Teachers: Please consider adding a Gaggle Teletherapy graphic to your Google Classroom and Google Site. Please link to www.BremertonSchools.org/Gaggle or https://www.bremertonschools.org/Page/8609.
New! Free online tutoring for grades 3-12!
We are pleased to offer free online tutoring through TutorMe for all Bremerton School District students in grades 3-12. Students can access TutorMe through Clever.
More information is available on the District's Family Technology Support website.
PCHS Clinic at Mountain View Middle School
The clinic serves Bremerton School District students (preschool - 12th grade) and staff. Learn more at www.BremertonSchools.org/Clinic.
Looking for COVID information?
Secondary teachers: Please share with students!
Grants for Washington State K-12 Public School Teachers!
Applications are now being accepted for the “Ellison Education Grants”. Grants are intended for K-12 public school teachers in Washington State. The Ellison foundation has awarded 66 grants and $288,000 to Washington State teachers the past five years. The Ellison Foundation will award grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 in the spring of 2022 (for use during the 2022-2023 school year).
Applications must be submitted by March 26th, 2022.
To learn more about the “Ellison Education Grants” please visit:
Kitsap County Resources: HEAL Coalition
Did you know the Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Coalition (one of the five networks of Kitsap Strong) created a webpage with an interactive map of resources for transportation, health care, food banks, clothing, free wifi, and other services? Check it out (and share!)