Fall 2021
Table of Contents Washington State Department of Health 3 4 8
10 Migrant Program: Summer Enrichment Care-A-Van 11 Work-based Learning Experiences
A Note from Our Superintendent New to the NWESD New NW Washington STEM Director
12-13 Ellison Grant Recipients
Washington State Department of Health
Care-A-Van Background
HEALTH IN MOTION 8 0 0 - 5 2 5 - 0 1 2 7 • W W W. D O H . W A . G O HEALTH IN MOTION
2 5 - 0 1 2 7 • W W W. D O H . W A . G O
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is launching a new mobile vaccination effort across Washington state. We will work closely with community partners and local health jurisdictions to increase access to vaccine for priority communities.
Background Site Prioritization
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is launching a new mobile vaccination effort across The Care-A-Van serves communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Requests will work closely with that cover multiple priority areas below Washington will be givenstate. higherWe priority: community partners and local health jurisdictions to WashingtonState State Departmentof ofHealth Health Washington Department increase access to vaccine for priority communities. • Counties with higher vaccine gaps by race/ethnicity. HEALTH IN MOTION
8 0 0 - 5 2 5 - 0 1 2 7 • W W W. D O H . W A . G O
HEALTH IN MOTION
HEALTH IN MOTION
- 0 1 2 7 • W W W. D O H . W A . G O
8 0 0 - 5 2 5 - 0 1 2 7 • W W W. D O H . W A . G O
HEALTH IN MOTION
5 2 5 - 0 1 2 7 • W W W. D O H . W A . G O
Care-A-Van Care-A-Van
• Communities with a high rank on the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) for COVID-19. • Sectors with recent outbreaks. •Site Communities overrepresented in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Prioritization • Demographic groups with lower vaccination rates compared to other groups. Care-A-Van serves communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Requests •TheGroups not represented or underrepresented in current DOH data systems that have thatlikely cover multiple priority areas below will be given higher priority: experienced COVID-19 health disparities and vaccine inequities. • Geographic locations that have not had a visit from the DOH Care-A-Van. • Counties with higher vaccine gaps by race/ethnicity. • Communities with a high rank on the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) for COVID-19. • Sectors with recent outbreaks. • Communities overrepresented COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. for more Interested in bringing the Care-A-Vaninto your community? Visit doh.wa.gov/careavan Background • Demographic groups with lower vaccination rates compared to other groups. information. Background • Groups not represented or underrepresented in current DOHDepartment data systems have The Washington State of that Health (DOH) is Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is likely experienced COVID-19 health The disparities and vaccine inequities. launching a new mobile vaccination effort across newthe mobile vaccination effort across • Geographic locations that have notlaunching had a visitafrom DOH Washington state. We willCare-A-Van. work closely with Washington state. We will work closely with community partners and local health jurisdictions to community partners and local health jurisdictions to increase access to vaccine for priority communities. increase access to vaccine for priority communities. Interested in bringing the Care-A-Van to your community? Visit doh.wa.gov/careavan for more information. To request this document in another format, 1-800-525-0127. Deaf or hard of hearing Interested in bringing the Care-A-Van tocallyour community? HEALTH IN MOTION
8 0 0 - 5 2 5 - 0 1 2 7 • W W W. D O H . W A . G O
HEALTH IN MOTION
2 5 - 0 1 2 7 • W W W. D O H . W A . G O
HEALTH IN MOTION
HEALTH IN MOTION
8 0 0 - 5 2 5 - 0 1 2 7 • W W W. D O H . W A . G O
HEALTH IN MOTION 8 0 0 - 5 2 5 - 0 1 2 7 • W W W. D O H . W A . G O
HEALTH IN MOTION 0 0 - 5 2 5 - 0 1 2 7 • W W W. D O H . W A . G O
8 0 0 - 5 2 5 - 0 1 2 7 • W W W. D O H . W A . G O
Site Prioritization customers, please call 711 (Washington Relay) or email civil.rights@doh.wa.gov. Learn more >> doh.wa.gov/careavan Site Prioritization HEALTH IN MOTION
HEALTH IN MOTION
The Care-A-Van serves communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Requests The Care-A-Van serves communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Requests that cover multiple will be given higher priority: 2 | Education Connection, Fall 2021priority areas below nwesd.org | (360) 299-4000 that cover multiple priority areas below will be given higher priority: 8 0 0 - 5 2 5 - 0 1 2 7 • W W W. D O H . W A . G O
HEALTH IN MOTION 8 0 0 - 5 2 5 - 0 1 2 7 • W W W. D O H . W A . G O
HEALTH IN MOTION
0 - 5 2 5 - 0 1 2 7 • W W W. D O H . W A . G O
8 0 0 - 5 2 5 - 0 1 2 7 • W W W. D O H . W A . G O
A Note from Our Superintendent Larry Francois, Anacortes During the last couple months of the 2020-21 school year, I could begin to feel a welcomed easing of the continual stressors and tensions school leaders have faced since the start of the pandemic. Students were back in school, new routines were emerging, the public health situation was improving, and many were looking towards a positive end to the school year, a well-needed summer rejuvenation, and a return to more normal school operations in the fall. Unfortunately, for many across our region those brighter days were short-lived. The emergence of organized opposition to continued mask mandates, accusations of indoctrinating students in something called Critical Race Theory (CRT), and more recently the public health setbacks resulting from the Delta variant and required staff vaccinations have combined to place school leaders in the crosshairs of a pandemic-fueled culture war they didn’t start and don’t control. Opposition to mask and vaccination mandates seem to center primarily around assertions of personal liberty and perceptions of government overreach. For district leaders, their priorities are protecting student and staff safety and being responsible stewards of the public’s resources. Whether an individual board member or superintendent believes mask and vaccination mandates are legally valid or medically necessary, when a district’s legal counsel, insurance carrier, and state regulatory agency all advise adherence to these policies, responsible school leaders can’t ignore such directions. Doing so could leave the district exposed to potential liability claims, forfeited insurance coverage, and loss of state funding. The fiduciary obligation of board members and superintendents does not allow them to take such a risk when the potential consequences of those actions may be borne by the district’s taxpayers. And let’s not forget that the purpose of masks and vaccinations is to protect students and staff from contracting and spreading a virus that has already killed 625,000 Americans and counting. Similarly, CRT has become another flash point of controversy between school leaders and some vocal community opponents. I am not a CRT expert, but I’ve learned enough over recent months to believe that labeling all district equity initiatives as CRT is misguided. From my learning, CRT is the stuff of graduate level academia unfamiliar to the vast majority of K-12 educators. In my experience, districts’ equity work is much less lofty and driven by local circumstances, particularly a district’s data about which students are persistently not experiencing success and opportunity. If a district knows that some group of students (e.g. poverty, special needs, native language, race, homeless) persistently achieve at a lower level than their peers, I believe that educators and district leaders feel a moral obligation to ask why that is and to take steps to narrow those gaps. Further, I believe the taxpaying public should expect that of their schools. That is the equity work I’m familiar with, not indoctrination of students as the oppressed or oppressors or guilty or victimized by the circumstances of their birth.
Let’s stay laser focused on the kids who need us now more than ever.
I share these thoughts because I am deeply empathetic to the pressures and criticisms directed at district leaders in recent months. We have so much important work before us as we continue to emerge from the disruptions of a global pandemic that has touched the life of every student, staff member, family, and community across our region, state, nation, and world. Talking over and around each other about mask and vaccination mandates districts don’t control and a supposedly divisive racial indoctrination curriculum districts don’t teach seem like unhelpful sideshows to the priorities of recovery, reconnection, and renewal we should all share. Let’s stay laser focused on the kids who need us now more than ever. Larry Francois NWESD Superintendent
nwesd.org | (360) 299-4000
Education Connection, Fall 2021 | 3
New to the NWESD Katie Groth joins the NWESD as a Behavior Support Specialist. In this new position, Katie will be responsible for providing training, support, and developing collaborative relationships with district counselors, teachers, psychologists, and administrators with the intended outcome of increasing the Multi-Tiered System of Support for students.
Katie Groth
Katie comes to the NWESD with over 15 years of high-level administrative and K-12 experience, as well as serving as Adjunct Professor for the M.Ed. Program at Saint Mary’s University for 10 years.
The proud mother of two sons, Katie’s eldest will be a senior at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and her youngest will be pursuing his American Sign Language (ASL) certification. Katie notes that both of her children had IEPs, (one dyslexia and one Asperger’s) and both have persevered and are doing well at college. A true Minnesota sports enthusiast, Katie played hockey in college and enjoys working out, as well as hunting, fishing, and skiing. Contact: kgroth@nwesd.org Behavior Support Specialist
Melissa Hartmann is the new NWESD COVID-19 Screening & Testing Coordinator, a position created in each of Washington’s nine Educational Service Districts, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Health Commons project also known as Learn to Return (see next page).
Melissa Hartmann
COVID-19 Screening & Testing Coordinator
In this role, Melissa will assist NWESD districts with COVID-19 screening and testing needs with a focus on keeping students in school and addressing any gaps in screening and testing capabilities with the goal of minimizing the spread of COVID-19 and helping districts follow DOH guidelines. Most recently Melissa coordinated the outreach and roll-out of the Maryland health department’s mass vaccination sites. Melissa holds a master’s degree in Public Health and is a National Board-Certified Public Health Professional.
After more than a decade away from the region, Melissa looks forward to living in what she calls, “the most beautiful place in the USA.” When not working or outside, you can find Melissa listening to audio books or podcasts while creating different knitted or crocheted items. Contact: mhartmann@nwesd.org Jenny Veltri has been hired as the NWESD STEM Administrator, which includes the roles of Director of the NW Washington STEM Network and co-lead for the Career Connect Washington NW Regional Network. She will be working in tandem with other regional networks statewide to support STEM initiatives and Career Connected Learning programs in the region by creating learning opportunities and partnering with school districts, colleges, community organizations, and industry. Jenny has spent the past 18 years working in education in project management, career readiness, recruitment, and retention. Most recently serving as the Associate Dean of Instruction at Skagit Valley College, she was the lead on two Career Jenny Veltri Launch Endorsement applications, collaborated on a successful Career Connect WA NWESD STEM Administrator Intermediary grant, and secured $480,000 in Career Launch FTE funding. Other highlights include serving as the Director of SVC’s Title III Strengthening Institutions federal grant activities and working as a Program Manager for the Montana Department of Labor and Industry in the Jobs for Montana’s Graduates program, where she trained faculty on curriculum targeting middle and high school students to develop career plans, mentorship, and soft skills. In her free moments Jenny enjoys spending time with family and friends. Having grown up in a desert climate, she’s amazed by the rich flora and fauna of the Pacific Northwest and can be found exploring with her husband Brock and children Michael (9) and Caroline (7). Contact: jveltri@nwesd.org 4 | Education Connection, Fall 2021
nwesd.org | (360) 299-4000
Learn to Return is your free and easy solution for school-based testing and vaccination events for the upcoming school year. Our goal is to maximize student and staff time for in-person learning and extracurricular activities this fall. Through a combination of safety measures, including COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, Washington schools can minimize transmission of the disease and help Washington communities get back to full-time, in-person learning with confidence.
Dynamic Duo Find out why vaccines & testing are two key components of a successful return to in-person learning this fall.
Enroll in L2R
Benefits of enrolling with L2R Free, low-barrier access to innovative testing technologies vetted by the Department of Health One-on-one strategic support & technical assistance from an L2R Program Manager
Over 150 Washington school districts are enrolled in L2R. We have the solutions to your operational concerns like insurance billing, program costs, staff time, testing logistics, and more. Speak with an L2R Program Manager today!
Funding to reimburse staff time or even hire new personnel
Get Vaccinated
Translation services for key campaigns and messages Up-to-date guidance & communication resources for school communities Our no-cost streamlined enrollment process allows districts to launch testing programs in 1 to 3 weeks. Learn more about L2R and how to enroll today.
It will be necessary to use masks, social distancing, vaccination, and testing – all the tools in our playbook – to assure our families, communities, and staff members that we are doing everything possible to mitigate the spread of COVID and reduce the number of cases. The last thing we want to start reporting as school communities is that we’re having outbreaks in the first four weeks back.”
Harland Warrior
Assistant Principal & Athletic Director at Hazen High School
L2R districts can take the lead in supporting vaccine uptake in their communities. Our program managers help you connect the dots, mobilize stakeholders, and host a successful vaccination event for your school community. Connect with an L2R Program Manager today to start organizing a vaccination event.
Contact Us If you’d like to learn more, contact us at schools@healthcommonsproject.org or visit the contact page on the Learn to Return website.
learntoreturn.org nwesd.org | (360) 299-4000
Education Connection, Fall 2021 | 5
Sarah Manus, a Language Arts Teacher at Evergreen Middle School in the Everett School District, was named the 2022 Regional Teacher of the Year by the Northwest Educational Service District 189 (NWESD). Ms. Manus was selected from a competitive group of fifteen teacher nominees from across the NWESD Region. Currently serving as an English Language Arts Teacher at Evergreen Middle School in Everett, Ms. Manus is described as an effective instructor and innovative leader who is student-focused and exemplifies all criteria for the Teacher of the Year award. In her application, Ms. Manus noted, “Teaching is an opportunity to show my students I respect them as whole people. I trust them enough to invite complex issues into the classroom. It is their job to do the thinking; it is my job to invite the question, to let them exercise their autonomy. This shows what I believe about teaching: it is an active effort toward social justice. It is political–not partisan–because it is democratic. It should explore the context and encourage deliberation. It should hinge on student voice and give every learner the chance to choose their words.” The Regional Teacher of the Year program recognizes educators for their excellence in teaching while giving them a platform to advocate for educational issues of particular interest to them. Through the NWESD, the regional award winners have an opportunity to offer professional learning at the NWESD and may be invited as trainers or speakers in regional school districts. As a regional Teacher of the Year recipient, Ms. Manus will compete against the eight regional finalists from Educational Service Districts across Washington State for the title of 2022 State Teacher of the Year. The Washington Teacher of the Year program is organized by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). 6 | Education Connection, Fall 2021
nwesd.org | (360) 299-4000
“Sarah leads not only by example but also through her advocacy and leadership. An instructional leader beyond her years of experience, Sarah quickly found her leadership role within our school. She artfully guides her peers toward intentional backward design with individual student needs in mind.” – Michelle Waddel, Evergreen Middle School Principal Everett School District
This summer, Tammy Oommen, a Paraeducator at LaVenture Middle School in the Mount Vernon School District was selected as the 2021 NWESD Classified Employee of the Year. Tammy Oommen has worked in the field of education for over 27 years. As a paraeducator to middle school students, Mrs. Oommen promotes cultural diversity within the student body and is an active community member outside of the classroom as well, serving as co-president of the classified employees union and volunteering at a local theater for young adults and the local food bank. The Classified School Employee of the Year program recognizes excellence in the work of public-school employees, including paraprofessionals, secretaries, custodians, food service workers, and others. Anyone may nominate a classified public school employee for this award, which is overseen by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). All completed nominations are sent to the regional coordinator at each Educational Service District (ESD); the regional winner is selected by committee. Mrs. Oommen is one of nine regional winners who will go on to compete for the State Classified School Employee of the Year award. After advancing on to the statewide competition, regional finalists will be recognized by OSPI at an annual award ceremony in Olympia (date TBD), where OSPI will announce their selection of the State Classified School Employee of the Year.
“We are very pleased for Tammy to receive this recognition. Based on all the great things we hear from her school; it is no surprise that she was selected. Tammy’s good character, work ethic, and kind demeanor set a great example for our classified employees and all staff. She is a role model for all of us.” – Ismael Vivanco, Superintendent, Mount Vernon School District
For more information on these awards, contact OSPI Recognition Coordinator, Hilary Seidel, at 360-725-6117.
nwesd.org | (360) 299-4000
Education Connection, Fall 2021 | 7
NW Washington STEM Network Jennifer Veltri named as director of the NW STEM Network “I am so excited to be working in support of the NW Washington STEM Network, the Career Connect Washington Regional Coordinating Network, and the Northwest Educational Service District 189 to bring together stakeholders to advance STEM educational programming and provide critical education and economic opportunities for students in our region,” Veltri said. “The foundation that the Network has built over the past five years is incredibly strong. We have tremendous momentum to create even more opportunities, make additional connections, and leverage resources to achieve our goal of providing every child access to lucrative and rewarding STEM careers.”
“The foundation that the Network has built over the past five years is incredibly strong. We have tremendous momentum to create even more opportunities, make additional connections, and leverage resources to achieve our goal of providing every child access to lucrative and rewarding STEM careers.” -Jennifer Veltri STEM Network Administrator
The NW Washington STEM Network is a catalyst for STEM education in Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties and is a part of Washington STEM. The Network provides resources and a collaborative environment for the community to work together to prepare future generations for economic success and connect them with STEM career opportunities in the region. To support this role the Network’s backbone agency is the Northwest Educational Service District 189 (NWESD), which supports all K-12 school districts in those counties. Veltri, a Mount Vernon resident, served for the past two years as the Associate Dean of Instruction at Skagit Valley College. In this position, she was responsible for increasing the quality of instructional programs through securing needed resources and developing strategies to improve program performance measures toward student achievement and equity. At Skagit Valley College she also had the opportunity to work with the NW Washington STEM Network on a variety of projects including as the author of two Career Launch Endorsement applications and as a collaborator on a successful Career Connect WA Intermediary grant. She also authored a grant to secure $480,000 in Career Launch funding to grow enrollment in SVC’s Marine Maintenance Technology program over the next five years. “Jenny’s passion for education, equity in access, familiarity with the region and the partnerships involved, and sincere appreciation and excitement about STEM pathways make her the perfect choice to be the director of the NW Washington STEM Network,” said Larry Francois, Superintendent, NWESD. “She brings to this position years of successful experience with project management, facilitating regional collaboration among organizations, and significant knowledge of Career Connected Learning programming.” “It is amazing how our Network has grown and evolved over the past five years and speaks to the relevance of our work and desire for businesses, educators, and the community to work together to accomplish program goals and leverage each other’s resources,” said Michelle Judson, who has served as the Network director since its founding. “I’m really proud of what we have accomplished, but we have so much more to do to fully engage communities throughout Northwest Washington.
“According to a recent Washington STEM analysis, if all of the approximately 4,000 graduating high school seniors in the NW Washington STEM region (Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom Counties) received a post-secondary certificate, this year we still would only be able to fill 50% of the living wage jobs here in our region. But, sadly, the data today shows that only 50% of our students are getting a post-secondary certificate. We need to work harder and smarter to create solutions and partnerships to prepare our students for high-demand jobs that contribute to the vitality of our families, communities, and local economies.” Judson said. “Jenny will do a tremendous job of taking the organization to the next level.” 8 | Education Connection, Fall 2021
nwesd.org | (360) 299-4000
“I am so appreciative of the amazing work that the NW Washington STEM Network and community partners have accomplished over the last five years,” added Veltri. “Moving forward, the goal will be to continue growing this work and also expand our focus on equity as there are important voices and faces missing. I look forward to working within the community to remove barriers and ensure all of our children have access to these amazing career pathways.” Judson plans to stay involved in STEM education and Career Connected Learning after 35 years in business and education, but now is looking forward to some kayaking trips, family time, and enjoying Northwest Washington. The NW STEM Network provides the resources and a collaborative environment for our community to work together to prepare future generations for economic success and connect them with STEM career opportunities in our region. The NW Washington STEM Network began as the Skagit STEM Network, formed in 2015. The current Skagit STEM Network continues under our organizational umbrella. To grow capacity, NW Washington STEM is fostering the creation of new partners, such as the Whatcom STEM! This new structure will also help to build an even stronger partnership with local and regional organizations whose missions are aligned with ours, such as FuturesNW, who help prepare students from high school through their transition into their college or training programs.
“It is amazing how our Network has grown and evolved over the past five years and speaks to the relevance of our work and desire for businesses, educators, and the community to work together to accomplish program goals and leverage each other’s resources.” -Michelle Judson Outgoing NW STEM Network Director
For more information, please visit NW Washington STEM washingtonstem.org/network/ skagit-stem-network pictured L-R: Michelle Judson and Jennifer Veltri photo credit: Bethany Hackbarth
nwesd.org | (360) 299-4000
Washington STEM washingtonstem.org
Education Connection, Fall 2021 | 9
Migrant Education Program Whatcom County Summer Enrichment In 2019, the NWESD’s Migrant Education Program (MEP) coordinators piloted a summer enrichment program to help fill the summer education gap for migrant students living in two of the largest farmworker housing facilities in western Washington. This year, given the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic, the team was happy to return with in-person programming for over 40 youth from ages 5-13 in northern Whatcom county for three weeks in June. The program served migrant as well as year-round residents living in the Maberry camps. For our MEP team, this project is not only a labor of love but a powerful strategy for responding to unmet needs. Because migrant students in these camps leave home before summer school starts, but after our region’s districts have completed summer school enrollment, this camp assures that our students have access to the highest quality summer learning and engagement opportunities. This summer, our coordinators partnered with Vamos Outdoors Project and the Whatcom County Library System children’s and multicultural librarians to co-construct a program that includes literacy development, outdoor- and project-based learning—and weekly field trips! As well as Common Threads for some delicious and nutritious meals! As you can imagine, their days have been full of smiles and heart-melting moments. The MEP team looks forward to continuing to grow this project for years to come. This program was made possible with support from OSPI’s Title I Part C Migrant Education Program.
10 | Education Connection, Fall 2021
nwesd.org | (360) 299-4000
Student Opportunity Work-based Learning Experiences
Do you remember where you were and what you were doing the year after graduating from high school? Were you working a full-time or part-time job? Attending college? Perhaps both? These days, for many graduating seniors with Individual Education Plans (IEPs), the year following high school looks much different. Every year, the Center for Change and Transition Services compiles survey data from school districts within the Northwest Educational Service District 189 (NWESD) region. The 2019 data shows that 25.2% of graduates with IEPs surveyed one year after leaving high school, were not engaged in any type of employment or higher education. Those students were not moving forward to build needed academic and/or vocational skills that could help them achieve their goals. Surveying post high school work engagement and/or higher education helps us assess how we can meet student needs in the upcoming school year. This summer, in partnership with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), the NWESD placed twentyfive students (with IEPs) from 12 school districts, in paid, work-based, learning experiences throughout our region. Many thanks to the nine participating companies who provided student opportunities: • • • • • • • • •
Ace Hardware of Anacortes and Friday Harbor Bayshore Office Products Express Employment Professionals of Bellingham-Mount Vernon-Everett Nichols Brother Boat Builders Skookum Contract Services on Naval Air Station Whidbey Everett Ship Repair Swinomish Resort Lithtex NW Printing Solutions Concrete School District
All businesses listed partnered with the NWESD to employ students for 40-120 hours. Seven of the students were even offered permanent employment. With the success of the summer program and the participation of local businesses, the NWESD looks forward to continuing this work during the coming school year. Enthusiasm is spreading and more businesses, organizations, and school districts from Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, Island, and Snohomish counties (such as Napa Auto Parts of Skagit and Habitat for Humanity of Island County to name a few) have joined the effort to give students after school opportunities to learn and grow via paid work-based learning experiences during this school year. There are many moving parts to make this work a reality and none of it would be possible without the partnerships of the school districts. School partners are the glue that holds the effort together. From discussing opportunities with students to referring and helping students with the necessary paperwork to apply. This last summer, support staff, teachers, and administrators all came together for the betterment of the students to provide something that will be a shining experience for the students who participated for years to come. Through our partnership with schools, businesses, and students, the NWESD is seeking to affect change so all students can explore opportunities that await them. They say it is darkest before dawn and right now we should all start to put on our collective sunglasses because this year looks like it’s going to be bright!
nwesd.org | (360) 299-4000
Education Connection, Fall 2021 | 11
2021 Ellison Grant Recipients Four NWESD Schools were named as 2021 recipients of Ellison Education Grants. This year the foundation funded 15 grants worth $75,000. Eric Adam – La Conner Elementary – La Conner School District Project Title: “Expanding Technology Scope to 3D” Eric Adam is part of a three-member technology leadership team at La Conner School District. About three years ago, the team began a conversation focused on applied technology for students. They knew that if they could make the connection and teach how technology can help to solve real-world problems, it would help students to understand and embrace innovative technology. Eric collaborated with Marcus Knowles, who is currently a science teacher in the Anacortes School District, and together they landed on a laser cutter engraver to help students learn, create, and do 3D problem-solving. Eric said, “By creating custom items or digital artwork, understanding the design cycle, and design thinking, students can work through a concept and produce solutions. Students can then test them, design, test, refine and cycle through that process. The district purchased a laser engraver on Amazon, but found we couldn’t do as much with it as we had hoped.” Then, last year, Eric received an email about the Ellison Foundation grant opportunity and thought it was time to make the technology upgrade a reality for the students. He worked closely with his team and the district business office to apply for the grant. With grant funding, the district was able to purchase and upgrade the “Boss Laser LS-1416” engraver and the supplies to support it. Starting this fall, Eric plans to introduce K-5 students to 3D design solutions. Students will use the laser cutting and engraving machine as a tool to transform the technology lab allowing students to solve 3D dimensional problems. Eric feels this equipment could bring a lot of opportunities for the district, like partnering with the PTA to create items for fundraisers. The district is open to connecting with community partners and is in need of supply donations such as plexiglass and plywood for student projects and practice. Rachel Harrington – Haller Middle School – Arlington School District Project Title: “Outdoor Classroom” Rachel Harrington is a 6th grade science teacher in the Arlington School District. She serves as a liaison for the Space Foundation and helps to bridge the gap between NASA’s space technology and classroom teaching and on occasion she serves as the district’s Science TOSA. Last year, Rachel was inspired to apply for funding for an outdoor classroom by two elementary teachers in her district, Cory Timm and Wes Klein who did a similar outdoor classroom. Rachel said, “Because when you change your environment, it does something for the soul and brain. Imagine all the things that will open up to students when we are outside under the sky and sun.” Rachel feels that the outdoor classroom space will help to increase student engagement for the entire school and hopes all 700 students and 40 teachers will take advantage of the outdoor teaching and learning space. The Ellison Foundation funded Rachel’s proposal for an outdoor classroom. Physical space and engagement are two areas of concern in education, especially since the pandemic. Haller Middle School will create an open-air space on school grounds to support outdoor science learning. Especially for science, there is no better environment than the outdoors to learn. Being able to break the routine and structure of a classroom opens a myriad of possibilities. Construction will begin this spring on an outdoor classroom.
12 | Education Connection, Fall 2021
nwesd.org | (360) 299-4000
Jane Thom – Monte Cristo Elementary – Granite Falls School District Project Title: “Ignite the Learning” Jane Thom is a special education teacher in the Granite Falls School District. Part of her job involves working with high needs developmental pre-school students including those who are deaf and blind. Jane knew she was going to be an educator from the age of five years old and she holds two M.Ed. degrees in education and a deaf teaching certification. Last year, when COVID forced our schools into remote learning, Jane and a newly hired preschool teacher worked together to create social-emotional Zoom sessions for their students. They created weekly circle Zooms with themed packets for families to follow along at home. They Zoomed with students four days a week, but Jane said, “It’s really hard to capture a 3–4-year-olds attention via Zoom. And it is extra hard to collect data over Zoom, especially when you are looking at the student’s feet, belly buttons, or dogs.” Jane noted that although it was challenging the students did make satisfactory progress. Then Jane heard about the “Ignites” app by Hatch https://www.hatchearlylearning.com/technology/ignite-byhatch. The app captures anything the kids do on the platform and those activities get logged into a database and the results can be tracked to assess a student’s progress. Jane spent a lot of time researching the application. When Melanie Freeman, Granite Falls School District Communications lead, sent the Ellison grant opportunity, Jane knew she had to apply. With the grant funding Jane plans to purchase 20 tablets that swipe (which is beneficial for fine motor skills) with the Ignites app by the start of the school year. Christina Jones & Team – Pinewood Elementary Project Title: “Intermediate Reward Phonics Program” Fourth grade teachers at Pinewood Elementary in the Marysville School District are a tight knit group. This team is unique and special, they listen to each other, honor each other as professionals, and they are invested in the success of their students. When educators Christina Jones, Brian Schultz, Paige Elwell, Jason Ballew (technology teacher), and Paige Liukko began to realize that the phonetics program at their school was not robust enough, they teamed up for what they called a “Phonetics Intervention.” The teaching team learned that 49% of current 3rd grade students at Pinewood were one to two grade levels behind on their school reading based on the February 2021 “I-Ready” assessments. Students need stronger foundational skills, especially to read unknown vocabulary words. Learning to read is a two-part process of foundational skills and comprehension skills. The grant application process was led by Christa Jones and once they secured the funding, they were able to purchase a curriculum, Rewards, that would help students decode multisyllabic words designed specifically for 4th and 5th grade students. The team hopes that this new program will help students to decode the words they are reading, freeing up their mental space to be able to think about what they are reading. The team is optimistic that by diligently tracking the student data, they will be able to learn and grow their knowledge base and better support student learning for years to come.
nwesd.org | (360) 299-4000
Education Connection, Fall 2021 | 13
During the 2020/21 school year, 28 schools across the state participated in the AESD Accreditation initial/renewal process and were officially approved for accreditation for a six-year period. An additional 41 schools successfully completed third-year reviews, detailing the progress made in implementing recommendations made during their initial accreditation presentation. Initial/Renewal • Everett Public Schools – Cascade High School, Everett High School, and Sequoia were approved for renewal accreditation • Marysville School District – Marysville Getchell High School, Marysville Pilchuck High School, Legacy High School, and Heritage High School were approved for initial accreditation Third-Year Review • Arlington Public Schools – Weston High School • Blaine School District – Blaine High School • Burlington-Edison School District – Burlington-Edison High School • Darrington School District – Darrington High School • Everett Public Schools – Henry M. Jackson High School • Lummi Nation School K-12 – Lummi Nation School • Meridian School District – Meridian High School • Oak Harbor Public Schools – Oak Harbor High School
District Service: Special Education Consortium The NWESD Special Programs and Services Department is excited to announce a NEW service available to districts: our Special Education Consortium allows districts access to a certified behavior specialist on a flexible, as-needed basis. Learn more >> https://bit.ly/3uxzEse 14 | Education Connection, Fall 2021
nwesd.org | (360) 299-4000
:
Cindy Garrison at cgarrison@nwesd.org or call (360) 299-4057
Cory Duskin, District 6
Power of Providers
Sue Phillips, District 8 Edmonds, Mukilteo
Learn more >> CovidVaccineWA.org nwesd.org | (360) 299-4000
Education Connection, Fall 2021 | 15
Online Learning for Educators
For the most current classes or to register visit >>
pdenroller.org/nwesd/catalog
Stay in touch!
Send an email to: communications@nwesd.org to request email updates and subscribe to our Ed Talks blog.