Lake Schools
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Students perform strongly in annual assessments (pg. 1)
New science curriculum meets changing standards, emphasizes engineering and technology (pg. 2)
Construction update (pg. 3-4)
FALL2019
#LSSDFIRST
Last spring, Lake Stevens School District’s (LSSD) third- through eighth-graders
and 10th-graders took the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) in English Language Arts and math. Fifth-, eighth- and 11th-graders also took the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science. Lake Stevens School District’s students once again outperformed their peers statewide in all assessed categories. Our students also led other Snohomish County school districts in the majority of tested areas.
“Our students continue to perform exceedingly well each year, and I am extremely proud of our students and our staff members,” said Dr. Amy Beth Cook, Superintendent of Lake Stevens School District. “While assessments
are just one of the ways in which we measure student achievement, these results help us to understand which students need additional interventions and support. While there are many things to be excited about, we still have
work to do to close the achievement gaps we see in some sub-groups.”
Students perform strongly in annual assessments
Lake SchoolsSUPERINTENDENT Amy Beth Cook, Ed.D.
EDITOR DESIGN Jayme Taylor Jonathan Sulzbach
BOARD OF DIRECTORSMari Taylor, President John Boerger, Vice President Paul Lund, Legislative Representative Kevin PlemelDavid Iseminger
LAKE STEVENS SCHOOL DISTRICT 12309 22nd St NE Lake Stevens, WA 98258 (425) 335-1500www.lkstevens.wednet.edu
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Smarter Balanced Assessment in English Language Arts and Math
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Lake Stevens School District students outperformed their peers statewide in English Language Arts and math.
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“Our studentscontinue to perform exceedinglywell each year”
Dr. Amy Beth Cook, Superintendent
In our district, we focus as heavily, if not more so, on frequent, formative, classroom-based assessments that help guide instruction. Information gained from SBA results and other district and classroom-based assessments and activities help our educators plan and guide instruction. District administrators use the information to plan professional learning for teachers and to help identify, promote, and support successful programs, effective curriculum and instructional strategies. All LSSD schools consistently and routinely use student data to develop systems of support for all students. Staff members are continuing to learn about Multi-Tiered Systems of Support to provide interventions to strengthen students’ social, emotional and academic achievement. District staff members are also continuing to learn about poverty and how it affects student learning. The district has two full-time Family Engagement and Student Success Specialists who help families navigate the school system and identify resources to better support students.
Parents and guardians should have received their child(ren)’s assessment scores earlier this fall. Washington State’s Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction has a helpful resource page that has many handouts that provide expanded information for families about state testing and learning standards:
www.k12.wa.us/student-success/testing/state-testing-overview/assessment-resources
Elementary Science CurriculumStudents in kindergarten through fifth-grade are learning science using the Amplify Science curriculum. An Elementary Science Curriculum Review Team (ESCRT), comprised of K-5 classroom teachers, a special education teacher, librarian, instructional coaches, a principal, the Director of Professional Learning, and the Executive Director of Teaching & Learning/Assessment piloted two science curricula before recommending Amplify Science to the Curriculum Commission. Amplify Science blends hands-on investigations, literacy-rich activities, and interactive digital tools to empower students to think, read, write, and argue like real scientists and engineers.
“This is the first curriculum I’ve seen to meet the WSSLS standards,” said Sara Seiber, a teacher at Skyline Elementary School. “Kids are engaged, and the curriculum integrates reading and writing in powerful ways. I’m really excited to see our scientific thinkers when they’ve had the same curriculum from kindergarten through eighth-grade!”
Units are grade-level specific and range from “Sunlight and Weather” in kindergarten to “Ecosystem Restoration” in fifth-grade. Students learn through the use of science kits, print materials, digital tools and specialized assessments.
Students in Robin Burn’s science class at North Lake Middle School use Chromebooks and Amplify Science to study the geology on the planet Mars. Using images captured by the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft, students can change elevation views to explore mountains, canyons, craters and more.
New science curriculum meets changing standards, emphasizes engineering and technology
The Washington Science and Learning Standards (WSSLS), formerly known as the Next Generation Science Standards, were
approved by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2013. The new standards were designed to help students become literate in science, while also strengthening their skills in reading, writing and math. The standards provide consistent science education through all grades, with an emphasis on engineering and technology.The adoption of the new statewide standards meant it was also time to refresh the district’s science curriculum to ensure alignment. After a comprehensive curriculum review and piloting process, the Board of Directors approved the adoption of the district’s new K-12 science curriculum at its June 12, 2019 meeting.
Secondary Science CurriculumGrades 6-8Middle school students in grades six through eight are learning science using Integrated Amplify Science. The curriculum consists of scholarly articles, digital learning tools, hands-on investigations and activities, and investigative notebooks for students.
In order to best meet the needs of all students—and to meet the WSSLS—a variety of science curriculums are
used in grades 9-12 based on the course type.
“The secondary science team spent four years understanding the shift to the new standards and preparing for the task of recognizing the very best available resources for our learners,” said Holly Urness, Instructional Coach for Secondary Science.
“Having K-8 align and build through Amplify Science will lay a solid foundation for students and prepare
them for high school and opportunities beyond. The high school program will equip students who want to be career-
ready as well as those who seek opportunities in elite college-level programs.”
Grade 9: Physical ScienceThe ninth-grade curriculum is still being developed, and will be reviewed by the Curriculum Commission this winter.
Grade 10: Conceptual Chemistry and Physics Tenth-graders are using the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt curriculum.
Grade 11: BiologyEleventh-graders are using the Pearson curriculum.
Advanced Placement and Science ElectivesMarine Biology: McGraw HillAP Environmental Science: CengageAP Biology: PearsonAP Physics: Bedford, Freeman and Worth
A Secondary Science Leadership Team, comprised of 6-12 classroom teachers, special education teachers, a bilingual educator, instructional coaches, and the Executive Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning met for more than a year to review and pilot curriculum, and to make a recommendation to the Curriculum Commission.
Families canlearn more about
Amplify Science at:www.amplify.com/
amplify-science-family-resource-intro
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As part of the new Amplify Science curriculum, elementary students are learning about topics like the Phases of Water. Here, students in Tanya Reed’s class at Sunnycrest Elementary School discuss water molecules, water vapor and condensation.
Lake Stevens High School Modernization and Expansion
Phase One construction, which began in June 2018, is being finalized. Staff members and
students will begin using the new teaching and learning spaces by Winter Break. Phase One construction is substantially complete, however, a great deal of work has to happen before a space is ready for classroom instruction. This includes cleaning, establishing network and phone connections, installing wifi access points and classroom technology, moving in furniture and equipment, and allowing teachers time to ready their classrooms.
Phase One includes a new three-story academic building for science and general education classrooms and the Learning Commons (library and student support center); a new athletic building, including a new gymnasium and swimming pool support spaces (reception, office and locker rooms). These spaces are connected by a student hub with easy access to administration, attendance, counseling, cafeteria, the business office and the COVE (the student store).
Lake Stevens School District PoolConstruction to modernize the swimming pool began in April 2019. This includes replacement of pool mechanical systems (water and air treatment and circulation) for improved air quality, guest comfort and operability of the facility; resurfacing and retiling the pool liner; cleaning and sealing the pool deck; expanded seating; and additional storage.
As the pool space was being modernized, moisture damage was discovered in the walls of the pool facility and in the roof of the mechanical room. Affected drywall and insulation were removed and the walls are being sealed and protected to prevent continued moisture intrusion. The roof and structural supports over the mechanical room were completely replaced. When the drywall was removed, cracking was found in some of the block walls. The building was evaluated by a structural engineer, and the cracks were determined to be aesthetic. The building was found to be structurally sound. The project’s roof replacement included seismic upgrades to bring the building into compliance with current seismic code.
While this important work was being evaluated, inspected and completed, other planned construction activities were suspended. This caused a nearly five-week delay in our timeline. As such, the pool space will not open at the same time as the rest of the athletic wing. At this time, the pool is expected to open for high school classes and high school athletics in January 2020. Recreational programming, including swimming lessons, should resume in February 2020.
Future PhasesRenovation of the 400 building for special education and Career and Technical Education will begin in December. Design of the next phase is underway and construction will begin in July 2020. This work includes renovating the existing main gymnasium to house a new facility for band and choir as well as a new weight room for
Construction updateModernization and expansion of Lake Stevens High School includes a new three-story academic building for science and general education classrooms and the Learning Commons; a new athletic building, including a new gymnasium and swimming pool support spaces. These spaces are connected by a student hub with easy access to administration, attendance, counseling, cafeteria, the business office and the COVE. These new spaces will open by Winter Break for student use.
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This artistic rendering shows what the new Hillcrest West will look like when complete. The former Early Learning Center is being converted into classrooms, additional restrooms, a second cafeteria and health room, and collaboration spaces for teaching and learning. These new spaces will help serve students in our district’s largest elementary school.
Work to modernize the Lake Stevens School District Pool began in April 2019. This includes replacement of pool mechanical systems for improved air quality; resurfacing and retiling the pool liner; cleaning and sealing the pool deck; expanded seating; and additional storage. The pool will open in early 2020.
athletics; upgrading security, communications, fire alarm and heating/ventilation controls throughout the campus; modernizing parts of the 100, 200, 300 and 500 buildings; and modernize existing bathrooms throughout the campus. More information will be shared as plans are finalized. Hillcrest West RenovationThe former Early Learning Center, which was adjacent to Hillcrest Elementary School, is being converted into Hillcrest West. This space includes classrooms, restrooms, an additional cafeteria and health room, and collaboration spaces for teaching and learning. Hillcrest has the highest elementary student enrollment, and this additional space is necessary to best-serve students. Students and staff will begin using these new spaces by January 2020.
ARTIS TC O NC EPT O NLY
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Lake Stevens School District, and eight of its schools, received special grants from
Snohomish County to support continued work around Trauma-Informed Practices, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Social Emotional Learning (SEL).
The grants include professional learning opportunities from specialized consultants who, at the district level, will collaborate with the District MTSS team to strengthen the great work that is already happening across the district. The District MTSS
team was formed in the 2017-18 school year, and is made up of district and school administrators, teachers and classified staff members from across the district.
At the building level, these specialized consultants will work with data teams and staff members at Lake Stevens High School, Cavelero Mid High School, Lake Stevens Middle School, North Lake Middle School, Glenwood Elementary School, Highland Elementary School, Mt. Pilchuck Elementary School and Sunnycrest Elementary School. The consultants will support schools in taking the next steps in MTSS, with a specific focus on social and emotional learning. The implementation of these practices will vary across schools, based on their building’s MTSS implementation plan.
The four remaining schools, Hillcrest, Skyline, Stevens Creek Elementary Schools and the Early Learning Center; and HomeLink, the parent partnership program, made thoughtful decisions in choosing not to apply for the grants. However, staff members in these buildings will continue to be engaged in professional learning that aligns with our district-wide MTSS plan. Their professional learning will be parallel to the schools that received the grants.
The grant will also support staff training in the use of Panorama, a universal screeningtool that will help monitor student progress
in developing social-emotional skills.
“This is important work that we have been doing for quite some time,” said Dr. Amy Beth Cook, Superintendent of Lake Stevens School District. “These grants, and subsequent professional learning opportunities will help us dive deeper into our work, and to examine our student data to determine what is working well, and where we can improve. We’re so excited for this opportunity to better serve our students.”
District administrators have received extensive training on developing an understanding of SEL. Additionally, certificated staff members at buildings participated in professional learning focused on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and Trauma Informed Practices. Many classified staff members also participated in training opportunities at the end of the 2018-19 school year.
The outcome of this work will result in a decreased need for student discipline; increased attendance; increased academic instruction time that is more focused and less disrupted; and positive growth of a culture that is safe and nurturing for students.
Lake Stevens School District and several schools received special grants from Snohomish County to support efforts to reach all students. Here, administrators and counselors from Lake Stevens Middle School meet with consultants from Continua Consulting to review the school’s progress and to create an implementation plan.
Grants help boost efforts to provide targeted support to all students
What is MTSS?MTSS is the way our staff members support students by delivering a range of interventions based on levels of need. Learn more at www.k12.wa.us/multi-tiered-system-supports-mtss.
What is SEL?SEL is the process through which people understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. Learn more about SEL at casel.org.
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Senior citizens are invited to participate in Lake Stevens School District’s Golden Viking Program. The program
is a partnership opportunity for seniors living in Lake Stevens School District’s boundaries to participate in high school athletic events and high school drama productions at no charge.
The Golden Viking Card admits one senior citizen (65 years of age and older) to regular season high school sporting events and drama productions where admission is charged.
Golden Viking applications are available on the district website, at all schools and at the Educational Service Center, 12309 22nd St NE, or by calling 425-335-1500.
You are invited to join in the amazing experiences that young people bring to our community through education and activity!
REMEMBER TO VOTE BY NOV. 5
Ballots will be mailed to registered Snohomish County voters on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Ballots must be
postmarked no later than midnight Nov. 5, 2019. Lake Stevens’ 24-hour secure ballot drop box is located at 1800 Main Street near the boat launch. (Ballots must be in the box by 8 p.m. on Nov. 5.)
If you’re not a registered voter, or if you need to update your registration, you can visit the Snohomish County Auditor’s Office through Monday, Oct. 28 to still be eligible to vote in the General Election.
For more information, contact the Snohomish County Elections Office at 425-388-3444.
The 2019-20 school year is off to a wonderful start! I’m so proud of our students and our staff members, and am excited to tell
you about our continued work to support teaching and learning.
One way our student achievement is measured is by on-time graduation rates and state assessment scores. Last spring our students took state assessments in English Language Arts, math and science. Our students once again outperformed their peers statewide in all assessed categories. I invite you to learn more about their progress by reading the article on the first page of this publication.
These results are a reflection of work on the part of our Board of Directors, administration, the entire staff of Lake Stevens School District, and our outstanding students. While state assessments are just one of the many ways we assess students, I am grateful to see that the majority of our students are making progress. We have a strong plan and tools in place to support our students who need additional interventions.
Later this month elementary and secondary principals will present the progress of their school’s 2018-19 School Improvement Plans to our Board of Directors. They will also discuss the goals and strategies included in their 2019-20 plans. These plans mirror our district Foundation for Excellence and directly focus on the work happening in each of our buildings in our five goal areas:
• Excellence in Teaching & Learning• Technology Empowered• Thoughtful Transitions• Engaged Community• Facilities Improvement
The modernization and expansion of Lake Stevens High School is progressing, and we are very eager to welcome students, staff members and the community into the new learning spaces. Once staff members and students are settled, we will have a celebratory event to allow families, community members and alumni to explore the new campus. Please stay tuned for more information! Work is also continuing at Hillcrest West. This is the former Early Learning Center. The space is being converted into elementary classrooms, restrooms, an additional cafeteria and health room, and collaboration spaces for teaching and learning. Hillcrest has the highest elementary student enrollment, and this additional space is necessary to best-serve students. You can learn more about this work on pages three and four of this publication.
If you’re not already connected to our schools, I invite you to visit and volunteer. Any time you can give to our students is valuable. Whether you read to a child, help prepare classroom materials, chaperone a field trip, or lead an activity, you are contributing to our students’ academic achievement. Visit our website to get started. Information is available under “Community” and “Volunteering.”
Thank you for your continued support of our students and schools!
Warm regards,
Amy Beth Cook, Ed.D.Superintendent
K-7 Parent Conference Week
Parent teacher conferences for kindergarten through seventh-grade are Monday, Oct. 21 to Friday Oct. 25.
During this week, elementary school and middle school students will be released 2.5 hours early each day. There will be no preschool. On Friday, Oct. 25, Cavelero
Mid High School students and Lake Stevens High School students will be released 2.5 hours early.
Message from Your Superintendent
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Golden Viking Cardoffers free admissionfor senior citizens
Lake Stevens School District12309 22nd St NELake Stevens, WA 98258www.lkstevens.wednet.edu | (425) 335-1500
NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAIDLAKE STEVENS, WA
PERMIT NO. 39
ECRWSSCurrent Resident
In accordance with RCW 49.60, the Lake Stevens School District does not discriminate in employment and schools. The Lake Stevens School District provides Equal Educational and Employment Opportunity without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, handicap/disability, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, creed, religion, age, veteran or military status, use of a trained dog to guide or service animal by a person with a disability, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and designated youth groups. The district complies with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations to include, but not limited to, Title IX, Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, RCW 49.60 “The Law Against Discrimination,” and RCW 28A.640 “Sex Equity,” and covers, but is not limited to, all district programs, courses, activities, including extracurricular activities, services, access to facilities, etc. Inquiries regarding compliance procedures should be directed to
Lake Stevens School District, 12309 22nd St. NE, Lake Stevens, WA 98258, Attention: Title IX and Civil Rights Officer, John Balmer, (425) 335-1500, [email protected] or ADA Compliance Officer and Section 504 Compliance Officer, Miriam Tencate, (425) 335-1500, [email protected].
The free LSSD mobile appprovides easy access to news,calendars, notifications, lunchmenus and more. Search “Lake Stevens School District” on theApp Store or Google Play.
Join us for the 33rd Annual Dickens Fair on Dec. 7
You’re invited to the Lake Stevens School District’s 33rd Annual Dickens
Fair on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cavelero Mid High School,
8220 24th St SE in Lake Stevens.
More than 150 vendors will sell their handcrafted wares while children from the community sing and perform. Admission to the fair is a non-perishable food item or monetary donation to the Lake Stevens Food Bank.
All proceeds from the fair support the district’s volunteer and employee recognition programs. For more
information, call 425-335-1668.
Stay informedabout what’shappening inour schools!
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OCTOBER
18 Friday Lake Stevens High School Homecoming Football Game
21-25 Monday to Friday K-7 Parent Conferences, 2.5 hour early release, no preschool
25Friday 2.5 hour early release for Cavelero Mid High School and Lake Stevens High School
NOVEMBER
11 Monday No school, Veterans Day
27 Wednesday 2.5 hour early release
28 Thursday No school, Thanksgiving Day
29 Friday No school, Thanksgiving holiday
DECEMBER
23-3 Monday, Dec. 23 to Friday, Jan. 3No school, Winter Break
JANUARY
20 MondayNo school, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
27 MondayNo school, staff professional learning day
IMPORTANT DATES
