

LISD School Newsletter

A Note from Martha...
Greetings LISD Families!
Thanks to all the elementary parents who attended Open House on Wednesday. It was wonderful to see some familiar faces and meet new folks. I hope you enjoyed the chance to chat with your child's teacher, check out the classroom, and find out more about how the first few weeks of school have been going.
Next Friday, September 29, marks mid-term 1 for secondary students. School just started and we are already halfway through the first term! Secondary parents, please read the section below on how mid-term grades impact sports eligibility.
We have been administering the i-Ready test in ELA and math to students in both elementary and secondary. Last year, we didn't require high school students who already passed the SBAC to take the i-Ready, but we are trying to gather consistent data on how students are scoring on this standards based interim assessment. Even though the SBAC (given in the spring) is a graduation requirement for high school, the i-Ready (given three times a year) gives us more useful data on student achievement in reading and math that help us make decisions about instruction. Testing does take time and students (and teachers) do not necessarily enjoy it, but the data is very important to help us improve the learning experience for our students.
I hope you all have a really lovely weekend!
All my best,
Martha Martin
SAT Testing Dates - Advance Registration Required
SAT Test dates on Lopez are Saturday November 4 and Saturday December 2. Students must register on line by the deadlines listed below. Any questions can be directed to Isaac Berg who is the LISD test coordinator for the College Board.
- November 4 - register by 10/5 (or late registration by 10/24)
- December 2 - register by 11/2 (or late registration by 11/21)
School COVID Communications
The school will notify families if the school has an outbreak, defined as: multiple COVID cases from positive tests comprising 20% of students, teachers, and staff within a specified core group (eg. classroom, extracurricular activity, cohort group, etc.) within a 7 day period.
After School Programs Available for K-8
There is still room in both the elementary and middle school after school program managed by the Lopez Island Family Resource Center! This is a FREE program and there are fun activities for students of all ages.
The Elementary After School program will start on Monday, October 2nd. The Middle School Program has started and meets at the school every day except Wednesday. On Wednesdays the group goes to the Lopez Public Library - students can take the bus there.
The After School program is also hiring - it's a fun job! More info here.
Superintendent Search Process / PROCESO DE BÚSQUEDA DE SUPERINTENDENTE
The Lopez Island School Board is seeking one Parent Volunteer from our school community to participate in the Superintendent Search process. The Search Committee will be formed at our Regular Board Meeting Sept 27. For more information please reach out to Martha Martin - mmartin@lopezislandschool.org or Board Chair, Kelli Carrier - kcarrier@lopezislandschool.org.
La Junta Escolar de Lopez Island está buscando un padre voluntario de nuestra comunidad escolar para participar en el proceso de búsqueda de superintendente. El Comité de Búsqueda se formará en nuestra reunión ordinaria de la Junta el 27 de septiembre. Para obtener más información, comunÃquese con Martha Martin. mmartin@lopezislandschool.org o la presidenta de la junta, Kelli Carrier - kcarrier@lopezislandschool.org."
Western Washington University Visit - Lunch Included
Who: Students in Grades 10-12
When: October 5
What: Field trip
Where: Western Washington University
Interested in learning more about what our neighboring college offers for life after high school? Sign up for this full day field trip and enjoy a tasty lunch in the Ridgeway Dining Commons as part of the day. For more information contact Jeanna Carter at 360-468-2219 extension 2123 or jcarter@lopezislandschool.org
Secondary Mid-term 1: September 29
Friday, September 29 is mid-term 1 for secondary students. Teachers will have all grades up to date on the following Tuesday, October 3. This is always a great time to check-in on academic performance, study habits, and time management. For student athletes, we check grades at every mid-term and term to determine eligibility, including online classes.
Students in both middle school and high school must have a grade of C- or higher in every class in order to be eligible to play sports. If a student athlete has a D or F for a mid term or term 1 grade, they can practice with the team, but they cannot participate in competition, travel with the team, or be released from school early for a game until the grade is a C or higher.
A D or F grade at the end of semester 1 (December 22) or semester 2 (June 14) means the student cannot participate in competition for six weeks the following semester. These rules are included in the student handbook on our school website.
New LISD Employees
Please help us welcome three new LISD staff members. Ali Nicol and Erin Saunders are part time para-educators, and Viridiana Clavel Garcia is our elementary custodian. We are delighted to have all three of these amazing women joining the LISD team. They are doing important work that we truly appreciate!
Alternate Graduation Pathway for Students
The ASVAB is another Graduation Pathway option for our students. It stands for Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery and is a separate exam. It does NOT require students to serve in the military or even speak with a recruiter. We will be offering the ASVAB again this year in November, March and May.
Food Service Update - GOOD NEWS!
PLEASE SUBMIT Free & Reduced Lunch Forms. These help us make sure no student goes without food at school! All forms in English and Spanish can be found here. All information received regarding free & reduced eligibility is kept confidential.
Lopez Sports - Home Games on September 27
Both Soccer and Volleyball have home games on Wednesday, September 27. Come cheer on our Lobos!
Volleyball: Wednesday, September 27, 3:00 pm
Soccer: Wednesday, September 27, 2:30 pm
All Families Can Be Part of the Lopez Island PTSA
Time to join to the Lopez Island Parent-Teacher-Student Association! Our Lobo community is stronger when we work together through the PTSA to support our students and teachers. The PTSA raises funds that directly support our teachers and students in a variety of ways. The PTSA also hosts fun family events like the Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza, Talent Show, and Field Day. Membership has its perks too - a special member bonus is coming your way in November!
If you were a member last year, you still need to sign up for membership this year. Everyone can be a member - student, parent, teacher, or staff! Help us meet our goal of 100 members this year!
Membership is only $15 and free or reduced memberships are available.
Click here to join online!
Students Developing Cultural Appreciation Through Food
This week in Heritage Spanish Culinary class, our students delved deep into the rich history and evolution of the corn tortilla, an emblematic staple in Latin American cuisine. The students were introduced to the intricate techniques involved in crafting authentic corn tortillas. They not only mastered the traditional preparation process but also ventured into creating "Huaraches."
A Huarache, inspired by the shape of the indigenous sandals of the same name, is an elongated tortilla that serves as a delicious canvas for a variety of toppings. Our students meticulously layered refried beans and savory chorizo on these tortillas. This was further adorned with crisp lettuce, aromatic cilantro, and finely diced onions that added a refreshing crunch. Creamy slices of avocado provided a contrasting softness, while a generous sprinkle of queso blanco added a salty yet cheesy depth. The dish was completed with a delicate drizzling of crema, elevating its flavor profile and adding a touch of richness. Through this hands-on experience, students not only acquired a new culinary skill but also deepened their appreciation for the cultural significance of traditional Hispanic dishes.
School Meals the Week of Sept 25
Mark Your Calendars: School Picture Day is October 4
School picture day is Wednesday, October 4. The photographer, Kevin Hellriegel, will offer the same quality photos and great service. Order forms will be sent home before picture day. We hope that all students and staff will get their photos taken for ID cards and the yearbook, even if they are not purchasing photos.
We Are Hiring!
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.