SWHS Girls Volleyball & Cross

Country teams qualified for State & earned a Certificate of Distinguished Academics from WIAA for Team GPA between 3.0-3.49

SWHS Boys Tennis &

Cheerleaders earned a Certificate of Outstanding Academics from WIAA for team GPA 3.5-4.0

7th and 8th grade students participated in a bridge building competition as part of their elective engineering class

SWES MLK Assembly is January 12th at 1:30pm

SWES-CADA Anti-Bullying Talks are Feb 5th-9th

SWES Random Acts of Kindness Week Feb 5th-9th

Highlights

District Expenditures

Dear South Whidbey Community, January, 2018 Our school district has been making school unity a priority. Thank you so much to everyone who helped us kick off this effort by participating in Unity Day at the park on Friday, October 27th. This work will never be finished! Helping students to develop social and emotional skills along with academic achievement is our mission. Teachers and staff work everyday with students in an effort to model behavior, encourage growth and provide rigorous instruction. For example, teachers will be engaging in mindfulness training with Charlene Ray to learn skills to help students regarding anxiety. The week of December 11th, the movie Angst was shown daily. The movie is a documentary that discusses adolescent anxiety in our world today. The movie was shown to all staff, students in grades 7-12, at the school board meeting, the Clyde Theatre and the District Office for members of the public. All showings were free of charge.

This effort to understand adolescent brain development and the changes that take place will continue through an open book study on Brainstorm by Dan Siegel. Dr. Bess Windecker-Nelson will facilitate the book group which will meet monthly January through May on the following dates from 6-8pm in the South Whidbey Elementary School Board Room on the third Thursday of the month: January 18th, February 15th, March 15th, April 19th and May 17th. The book study is open to all who

work with adolescents, either through parenting, teaching, mentoring, coaching, and leading. Although we will be working continuously through the chapters, each gathering will have an independent focus so that attendance in previous meetings is not required in order to participate in the conversations. Copies are available on loan through Sno-Isle Library and the SWHS Library. You may also buy a digital or print copy on Amazon. I hope you find this newsletter informative. Our district also has an online presence at www.sw.wednet.edu and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/southwhidbeyschooldistrict. You can sign up for alerts via text by contacting your school secretary to make sure your cell phone number is added to your child’s profile. Thank you for all of your support and Happy New Year. Sincerely, Jo Moccia Email me at jmoccia@sw.wednet.edu

Visit our website: www.sw.wednet.edu

SWSD Non-Profit Organization 5520 Maxwelton Rd US Postage PAID

Langley, WA 98260 PERMIT #9

LANGLEY, WA.

ECRWSS Postal Customer

The South Whidbey School Board meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Elementary School in the Community Room.

Next Meetings:

January 10, 2018 Workshop/Retreat January 24, 2018 Business Meeting

Linda Racicot

Board Chair, District No. 3 360-221-1740

Shawn Nowlin

Board Vice Chair, At Large Rep 360-202-3548

Julie Hadden

Legislative Rep, At-Large Rep 360-321-4803

Damian Greene

WIAA Rep , District No. 1 360-341-4954

Andrea Downs

Policy Rep, District No. 2 360-701-1179

Erin Brewer Student Rep

Board of Directors

Who to Call

District Office 360-221-6100

Newsletter: Kristy Macarro

Special Services 360-221-6808– Ext. 2206

South Whidbey Elementary Grades K-4

360-221-4600

South Whidbey Middle Grades 5-8 & South Whidbey Academy Grads K-6

360-221-5100

South Whidbey High School Grades 9-12 360-221-4300

South Whidbey Academy 7-12

360-221-6808 x5136

Transportation 360-221-5209

District Enrollment History

Vision: Every student is a successful independent learner, empowered for life in the global society of the 21st

century.

Mission Statement: In partnership with our community, we are deeply committed to provide our students with the best edu-

cational experience, preparing them to become capable, creative, caring and responsible citizens. educational experience, preparing them to become capable, creative, caring, and responsible citizens.

Goals: 1) By 2020, 100% of our graduates will leave the District career, college and culturally ready.

2) Use a uniform evaluation system for ALL staff. All employee efforts should be focused upon demon-strating and promoting student outcomes directly related to Career and College and Cultural readiness,

as demonstrated by the use of 21st Century Skills.

Year Average FTE Change from previous Year

2010-2011 1602 (35.3)

2011-2012 1508 (93.8)

2012-2013 1463 (44.7)

2013-2014 1418 (45.2)

2014-2015 1399 (18.7)

2015-2016 1339 (60.2)

2016-2017 1320 (19.1)

District Information

Demographics

Enrollment (October 2016)

October 2016 Student Count 1,395

May 2017 Student Count 1,387

Female 50.6%

Male 49.4%

Ethnicity

American Indian/Alaskan Native 0.9%

Asian 2.4%

Native Hawaiian/ Other

Pacific Islander 0.4%

Black/African American 1.1%

Hispanic/Latino of any race 6.2%

White 85%

Two or More Races 3.9%

Special Programs (May 2017)

Free or Reduced-Price Meals 26.9%

Special Education 13.9%

Transitional Bilingual 0.4%

Migrant Students 0.0%

Section 504 3.6%

Unexcused Absence Rate 0.9%

4-yr. Cohort Graduation Rate 81.0% (2016) 5-yr. Cohort Graduation Rate (2015) 79.9%

Foster Care 1.2%

Teacher Information (2016-2017)

Classroom Teachers 79

Average Years of Teacher Experience 20.3

Teachers with at least a Master’s Degree 73.4%

Total number of teachers who teach core academic classes

% of classes taught by teachers meeting ESEA — Highly Quali-fied definition

Smarter Balanced Assessment Results 2015-16

Note: The South Whidbey School District participated in the Smarter Balanced Field Test in 2016-2017. Any data shown for 2016-2017 in reading, writing, and math in grades 3-8 only reflect students tested on the MSP. At the district level, the data reported here may reflect results for only some of the schools in the dis-trict.

Grade Level SBA ELA SBA Math

3rd Grade 56.4% 45.8%

4th Grade 53.1% 47.9%

5th Grade 47.2% 33.6%

6th Grade 58.7% 42.9%

7th Grade 53.9% 34.5%

8th Grade 55.2% 33.6%

11th Grade 75.8% 25.6%

Grade Level MSP Science

5th Grade 57.7%

8th Grade 63.8%

Grade Level * EOC Biology

10th Grade 73.5%

Demographics (K-5)

Enrollment (October 2016)

Student Count—October 2016 540

Student Count—May 2016 550

Female 51.3%

Male 48.7%

Ethnicity

American Indian/Alaskan Native 1.1%

Asian 0.7%

Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander

0.7%

Black/African American 0.9%

Hispanic/Latino of any race 7.6%

White 84.3%

Two or More Races 4.6%

Special Programs (May 2017)

Free or Reduced Meals 34.5%

Special Education 15.5%

Transitional Bilingual 0.0%

Section 504 2.0%

Unexcused Absence Rate 0.4%

Foster Care 1.8%

South Whidbey Elementary School

Orcas

South Whidbey Elementary School’s configuration has changed to serve students in grades K-4. We have a number of high quality and exciting programs to offer our students. In addition to the K-4 students we also share programs for the 5th and 6th grade students from our newly configured South Whidbey Middle School. We have expanded our music program to include K-6 students and increased our music position from part time to full-time. In addition to music, we have added a K-6 art specialist to our program to help round out our program offerings. As part of our school improvement activities staff at the elementary continue to meet weekly in their grade level teams to review state standards, develop assessments, and adjust teaching strategies to meet student needs. As part of this process K-2 teachers and our reading specialists have developed new strategies and adopted a new set of intervention materials to meet student needs. We have also expanded our partnerships with families through reading and dinner nights. Parents attend evening activities to get ideas and

strategies on how to reinforce reading at home. Our training nights have been a great success and we appreciate our partnership with parents. The elementary school continues to focus on helping students become the leaders, thinkers and dreamers of the future. As we have adjusted our leadership programs, we have added 3rd grade students to our mediator program. Students have been excited about being part of the mediator program and helping their fellow students be respectful, responsible, safe and kind. Through our partnerships with the school farm and outdoor classroom our students continue to experience hands on science in the field. Coordinators and volunteers have developed science lessons based on our national science standards to ensure the experiences are connected to the classroom. We are very thankful for the many volunteers in both programs that take the extra time and effort to ensure the

activities created are meaningful, engaging, and most of all fun experiences for students. We are very thankful to SWEPTA for their continued efforts on behalf of the elementary school. We are especially appreciative for their fundraising efforts to support field trips for every classroom and managing our art docent program. Jeff Cravy, Principal

Email me at jcravy@sw.wednet.edu

www.sw.wednet.edu/elem

Grade Level SBA ELA SBA Math MSP Science

4th Grade 53.1% 47.9%

5th Grade 47.2% 33.6% 57.7%

3rd Grade 56.4% 45.8%

2016-17 Results

South Whidbey Middle School is a new model that now incorporates grades 5 through 8 and is housed at two sites in our district. We have over 400 students that are part of defining a new culture for our middle school on the south part of the island. We have academic programs that focus on academic skills that students need to be high school ready and beyond. Students also benefit from programs outside of the school walls that extend learning opportunities. Students receive daily instruction that align with our Common Core State Standards with intentional accommodations for each student’s individual needs.

The transition from Langley Middle School to South Whidbey Middle School is still in its first year and is in constant evolution. We are currently addressing school climate and culture, academic rigor, and the benefits of incorporating

community involvement. The staff believes that students need support from all influential people in their lives and it takes a shared community vision to help them grow. Our vision is much like the transition of the schools and is evolving in this first year. We believe our priority, and our fundamental belief concerns school culture.

We have instituted a schedule that is incorporating and intervention piece for students who need extra support in an academic field. This coming semester, it will look different in that each grade level team is identifying common needs and ways to address them for our students. This can look different at each grade level. Whether it is a grade level reading program or a homeroom where teachers are progress monitoring students to help with academic needs in a specific class, we are working to support our students as we settle into this transition. Like most new things, it takes time and commitment from staff and community. We appreciate the voices and patience from community as we continue to mold this opportunity of a new model into something everyone can be proud of.

We openly invite and strongly encourage parents and guardians to be actively involved in their children’s education through volunteerism with PTSA and by supporting individual students as they perform in their activities in and outside of school. The presence of adults provides enormous value to promoting student success. I invite you to learn more about our school and to become involved by contacting us at 360- 221- 5100 or by visiting www.sw.wednet.edu. We look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, James Swanson. Principal

South Whidbey Middle School Grades 5-8

Demographics for Grades 6-8

Enrollment (October 2016)

Student Count Grades 6-8 318

Student Count Grades 6-8 (5/2017) 322

Female 50.6%

Male 49.4%

Ethnicity

American Indian/Alaskan Native 0.6%

Asian 4.4%

Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander 0.3%

Black/African American 0.3%

Hispanic/Latino of any race 6.6%

White 82.7%

Two or More Races 5.0%

Special Programs (May 2017)

Free or Reduced Meals 26.7%

Special Education 13.4%

Transitional Bilingual 0.9%

Foster Care <10

Section 504 4.7%

Unexcused Absence Rate (2016-17)

1.6% C

ougars

2016-17 SBA/MSP Results

Grade Level ELA Math Science

6th Grade 58.7% 42.9%

7th Grade 53.9% 31.5%

8th Grade 55.2% 33.6% 63.8%

South Whidbey High School is an innovative comprehensive high school that uses a four period block schedule. We offer a wide variety of academic classes, electives and stu-dent activities including clubs and athletics. Our goal is that 100% of our graduates are college and career ready. We offer many different types of learning options, including Advance Placement cours-es, Honors courses, Tech Prep college credit, College in the High School, Project Lead The Way (Engineering) and various online and independent study options. South Whidbey High School has been named a top Academic Achieving school by the State of Washington and received Honor Roll distinction from our Advanced Placement scores. Our students consistently demonstrate high test scores on the Scholastic Assessment Test (S.A.T.), the American College Test (A.C.T.) and state tests such as the End of Course (E.O.C.) exam and the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (S.B.A.C.). Also, our generous community supports our Technology Levy, which we use to im-plement up to date technology for our students and staff to help better prepare our curriculum and improve instruction.

Thank you to all! Please come and be a part of South Whidbey High School. For more information about our school, please visit our website at www.sw.wednet.edu/swhs, call us at (360) 221-4300, or email me at jpatton@sw.wednet.edu. Go Big Blue! John Patton, Principal

South Whidbey High School Grades 9-12 Demographics

Enrollment (October 2016)

Student Count 453

Student Count (5/2017) 442

Female 50.6%

Male 49.4%

Ethnicity

American Indian/Alaskan Native 1.1%

Asian 3.5%

Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander 0.0%

Black/African American 2.2%

Hispanic/Latino of any race 4.6%

White 86.3%

Two or More Races 2.2%

Special Programs (May 2017)

Free or Reduced Meals 16.3%

Special Education 12.4%

Transitional Bilingual 0.5%

Foster Care <10

Section 504 3.8%

4-Yr Cohort Grad Rate (2015) 86.3%

5-Yr Cohort Grad Rate (2014) 84.4%

Falcon

s 2016-2017 Smarter Balanced Assessment

Grade Level SBA Math SBA ELA

11th Grade 25.6% 75.8%

Grade Level EOC Biology

10th Grade 73.5%

Welcome to South Whidbey Academy (SWA),

Alternative Programs in Education. SWA is divided into two programs: Grades K-6 on the SWES South Campus and Grades 7-12 on the SWHS

Campus.

South Whidbey Academy K-6 grade is a Choice Program that offers language arts, social studies, science, math and the arts which are integrated into our

school community experiences. In our multi-grade level classes, students work together on activities that foster peer teaching and learning among students. We create responsive curriculum based on the range of learners and use technology

platforms to individualize instruction and learning concepts. We have monthly community celebrations through which students and teachers recognize talents, interests and skills within our community. We

are involved in the school garden program and the specialist classes (such as art, music

and P.E.) on a weekly basis. Families appreciate the SWAK-6 Choice

Program for it's multi-age classrooms, the school’s sense of community and

the looping classroom teachers.

Highlights from our Fall program have been the K-2 study of fruits and plants with a focus on apples and their different varieties and making apple cider at school. 3-6 grade students did a study of Lewis and Clark and created and performed a play about a day in the life of the Lewis and Clark

expedition. Both groups of students learned about the brain and how we can learn and grow our brain’s ability to learn. I encourage you to call, email or pay us a visit!www.sw.wednet.edu/swa SWA K-6 contact James Swanson jswanson@sw.wednet.edu

The mission of the South Whidbey Academy’s 7th – 12th grade program is to encourage and enable our students to be ready and capable to meet the challenges of life in school and beyond. We offer a high school and middle school program with common goals that include: development of a more supportive classroom environment

reducing the student / teacher ratioenhanced school / parent communication creating opportunities to meet students where

they are at regarding their educational needs. In addition to SWA classes, SWA students also participate in courses in the regular high school and middle school programs. This blended model helps prepare our students for the rigor and responsibility of school and life success. The middle school SWA program is a transition time to explore options that work best for individual students. Our SWA Director, Charlie Davies, provides oversight on student progress, supports communication between staff and parents and serves as a key advocate for students related to all school matters. SWA also has a dedicated administrative assistant who supports the

program and students needs and serves as an important presence within the program.

SWA has a variety of important community partnerships, such as with the Readiness to Learn Foundation and a variety of Island County Departments and programs. These partnership provide critical support for our students’ social emotional, and post school needs.

SWA also participates in a variety of community based learning experiences, including participation in the “No Child Left Inside” program in partnership with our local state parks, multiple culturally based field trips, Sno Isle Skills Center, ASB representation in the larger school and worked based learning experiences. All of these opportunities help connect our students with the school and larger community and enable them to see the difference their contributions and engagement truly make. SWA students have actively engaged in the school district’s focus on building unity, equity and enhancing respect for diversity.

We believe that success is showing up, trying hard and communicating effectively. Our team of committed teachers and partners support our students in these approaches on a consistent and ongoing basis.

As we continue to innovate, build and expand our programs, we invite community members, students and staff to contribute to and engage in this exciting learning venture. Thank you for your ongoing support on behalf of our SWA students and staff!

SWA 7-12 contact Charlie Davies: cdavies@sw.wednet.edu

South Whidbey Academy Demographics for Grades 9-12

Enrollment (October 2016)

Student Count 80

Student Count (5/2017) 72

Female 51.0%

Male 49.0%

Ethnicity

American Indian/Alaskan Native 1.0%

Asian 0.0%

Black/African American 0.0%

Asian/Pacific Islander 0.0%

Hispanic/Latino of any race 9.0%

White 87.0%

Two or More Races 4.0%

Special Programs (May 2017)

Free or Reduced Meals 48.0%

Special Education 6.0%

Transitional Bilingual 0.0%

Foster Care <10

Section 504 7.0%

4-Yr Cohort Grad Rate (Class of 2016) 50.0%

5-Yr Cohort Grad Rate (Class of 2016) 61.8%

2016-17 SBA/MSP/EOC Results

Grade Level ELA Math Biology Science

11th Grade Suppressed Suppressed

10th Grade Suppressed

In accordance with WAC 392-172A-0240, the South Whidbey School District conducts child find activities calculated to reach all students with a suspected disability who may be in need of special education and related services or a Section 504 Plan. Any student residing within the school district boundaries whether or not they are enrolled in the public school system, shall be located, identified and evaluated consistent with WAC 392-172A-04005 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Any person can refer a student for an evaluation for Special Education or a Section 504 Plan. Parents, guardians, and school staff should refer a student for an evaluation if they know or suspect that, due to a disability, the student needs special education or related aids or services to participate in or benefit from a district’s education program.

Child find activities are calculated to reach students who are homeless, wards of the state, highly mobile students with disabilities, such as homeless and migrant students and students who are suspected of being a student with a disability and in need of special education or a Section 504 Plan, even though they are advancing from grade to grade.

If you suspect your child has a disability and would like more information, please contact the Special Education office at 360-221-6100 or contact your child’s school principal.

For children age birth to 3, please contact Toddler Learning Center at 360-221-679-1039.

SPECIAL SERVICES AND 504 PLANS

The South Whidbey Community Center (SWCC) is taking form out of the Langley Middle School facility. This summer, staff and volunteers worked with our facilities team to close and move the classrooms out of the building. Meanwhile, Gail LaVassar, from the Family Resource Center, took on the project of creating a community center out of the historical landmark. The process began through a survey to the community asking what they would like to see out of a community center.

The vision: to create a connected community center that honors diversity, respects history, and offers activities responsive to local evolving needs and talents. The goals: 1. Preserve our historic facility; 2. Embrace diversity; 3. Provide a safe, inclusive, welcoming place for all community members; 4. Support student learning through skill-building extracurricular activities; 5. Offer educational and learning opportunities for all ages; 6. Provide a central location for people to organize together, gather and have fun. Initial Phase Priorities: 1. Survey the community for interests and engagement; 2. Negotiate and work with City of Langley to expand zoning ordinances; 3. Create a sustainable financial model; 4. Attract businesses, organizations, and individuals who can offer programming and activities; 5. respond to community interests and needs; 6 .Implement diverse and affordable programs for the community through partnerships among tenants, local nonprofits, philanthropists, volunteers, and entrepreneurs.

Proposals have been and are still being received. Tours have been given. Discussions with potential tenants have been ongoing. Our first temporary tenants contracted in September, 2017: Jason Hallman (artist) and Lara and Andres Ortiz (CrossFit). They had to deal with the issues of an old building becoming a new rental - keys, lights, Wi-Fi etc. The Readiness to Learn Foundation agreed to being the welcome factor and presence in the building. In September, the School Board approved the lease template and logo for the SWCC. The SWCC is quickly filling in. We welcomed CrossFit, the Backyard, Wild Crow Pies, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Homeless Coalition, Skagit Valley College, Living Design

Foundation, Artists Jason Hallman, James Tennison, and Kim Tinuvial. We are working with many other artists and groups that hope to move in soon. SWCC development required some changes. Island County Historical Society decided to remain in the old District Office building next door to the SWCC. Eventually, we hope to be adding historical displays in the hallways. The historical graduation pictures are going back up on the walls. The Holiday House brought a warm Christmas presence to the SWCC. On January 10, 2018, the School Board will hold a workshop to discuss the current and upcoming developments of the SWCC. If you have any questions, please contact Gail LaVassar at glavassar@sw.wednet.edu.

The South Whidbey School District #206 does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, marital status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Affirmative Action/Title IX/ RCW 28A.640 /RCW 28A.642 compliance officer, Dan Poolman, dpoolman@sw.wednet.edu, or Section 504/ADA coordinator, Dr. Jeff Fankhauser, jfankhauser@sw.wednet.edu, 5520 Maxwelton Road, Langley, WA 98260, 360-221-6100

The sustaining support of the South Whidbey school community, South Whidbey Schools Foundation, Chartwells, Goosefoot, students, families, farm and teaching

teams, plus numerous donors and volunteers are the heart of our garden farm programs. See more at https://whidbeyschoolgardens.wordpress.com/