Fall 2017 - Lake Schools - Lake Stevens School District

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Jan 8, 2018 - PERMIT NO. 39. The replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy helps fund extracurricular activ
Lake Schools www.lkstevens.wednet.edu

Fall 2017

Lake Stevens School District to place two replacement levies on February ballot

Join us for the 31st annual Dickens Fair on Dec. 2 You’re invited to the Lake Stevens School District’s 31st annual Dickens Fair on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cavelero Mid High School, 8220 24th St SE in Lake Stevens. More than 130 vendors will sell their handcrafted wares while children from the community sing and perform. Admission to the fair is a can of food or monetary donation to the Lake Stevens Food Bank. All proceeds from the fair support the district’s volunteer program. There will once again be a customer shuttle, provided by the Lake Stevens Kiwanis Club, to and from Cavelero from Lake Stevens Middle School. The shuttle will run every 15 minutes from both locations. Monetary donations will be accepted to support the Kiwanis Club. For more information, call 425335-1668.

The replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy helps fund extracurricular activities, athletics and more.

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n Nov. 8, the Lake Stevens School District Board of Directors unanimously approved a resolution to place two replacement levies on the Feb. 13, 2018 ballot. Lake Stevens

Schools will be closed Monday, Dec. 25 through Friday, Jan. 5 for Winter Break. Friday, Dec. 22 is an 85-minute early release for all schools.

Lake Stevens School District 12309 22nd St NE Lake Stevens, WA 98258 www.lkstevens.wednet.edu

in 2018. The replacement levies will provide funding for schools through 2022. These are not new taxes. > Continued as LEVIES on page 2

Construction updates Early Learning Center he new Early Learning Center (ELC), which is part of the P-5 Campus off of Lake Drive and Soper Hill Road, will welcome students on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. The ELC which serves three- and fouryear-olds in the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program and the Developmental Preschool Program, was slated to open with the start of this school year. Inclement weather and a change in one of the major subcontractors significantly contributed to the construction delays.

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ELC staff members will host an open house for families and students prior to Winter Break. A community-wide event and ribbon cutting will take place in early 2018. Stay tuned!

Winter Break is Dec. 25 to Jan. 5

School District will have a replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy and a replacement Capital Technology Levy. The current levies, which voters approved in 2014, expire

Stevens Creek Elementary School Stevens Creek Elementary School will welcome students in the fall of 2018, but the building will be complete in spring of 2018. This will allow the building to be used for events and activities prior to the 2018-19 school year. The 82,000 sq. ft. building will feature classroom

The new Early Learning Center features an indoor play area where students can be physically active regardless of the weather outside. The design of the new school features elements from nature found on the P-5 campus.

wings on two floors, a separate gym and cafeteria and a new Learning Commons with unique spaces for 21st century learning.

Principal of Stevens Creek. “We have some wonderful surprises ahead for our new students, but I can’t possibly let them out quite yet!”

“We have been busy planning for a school where students are excited to come each day, where their minds will be engaged and pushed to the limits, and where families feel welcome and part of an amazing community,” said Matt Pewitt,

Lake Stevens High School Schematic design of the modernized and expanded high school is nearly complete. During this phase, the architect works to define the general

ECRWSS Postal Customer

> Continued as CONSTRUCTION on page 2

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID LAKE STEVENS, WA PERMIT NO. 39

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Lake Schools Fall 2017

Levies (continued) Replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy The replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy helps fund the following:

“We are asking our community to replace our local levy so we can continue to provide quality programs led by staff members who support the learning needs of all of our students,” said Cook.

• School safety and security • Student transportation • Early learning programs • Special education programs • Professional learning • Substitute personnel • Supplies and materials • Extracurricular activities and athletics • Community education programs • Pool operations

If approved by voters, the Educational Programs & Operations Levy will be up to $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. This will generate approximately:

$9.55M IN 2019 AT $1.50

$10.98M IN 2020 AT $1.50

$12.63M IN 2021 AT $1.50

decision to increase the amount of funding the state provides to schools and to reduce the amount of local taxes school districts can request and collect. This property tax shift changes how school districts receive funding, but does not change why local levies are needed.

$14.52M IN 2022 AT $1.50

For a property owner with an assessed value of $350,000, this equals approximately $525 annually, or $43.75 a month. As more people move into the Lake Stevens School District boundary, more property owners contribute to the total levy amount. The $1.50 per $1,000 levy rate will generate more funds to support our growing number of students. This means that each property owner will likely pay less.

“Our Board of Directors was very intentional in selecting a levy amount that was less than what our community is currently paying,” said Dr. Amy Beth Cook, Superintendent of Lake Stevens School District. “Our levy rates have been consistently stable or have decreased over time. We work very hard to be fiscally prudent and we appreciate our community’s longstanding history of supporting its schools.” Changes to state school levy funding In July 2017 the Washington State Legislature made a

“The state’s new funding model is a step in the right direction, but it’s still a work in progress. The property tax shift came with restrictions that reduce local control of funds. The programs and services we currently offer are not being fully funded by the state.” Replacement Capital Technology Levy The replacement Technology Levy will provide funding for: • Classroom technology to maintain 1:1 devices for students in grades 2-12 • Replacement of classroom technology • Professional learning • Technical support • Infrastructure upgrades, including network, bandwidth and phones • Innovative technology

The replacement Technology Levy is a capital levy and falls under different guidelines than the Educational Programs & Operations Levy. If approved by voters, the Technology Levy will average $0.29 per $1,000 of assessed property value. This will generate $8 million over four years.

$2M

IN 2019 AT .33¢

$2M

IN 2020 AT .30¢

availability and cost of suggested materials.

scope of the project, including scale and relationship between buildings. The Board of Directors, district and high school administrators and high school staff members and students reviewed rough sketches that were created based on numerous engagement activities (see box). This feedback will be used as the project moves into design development.

The high school project includes modernizing and expanding buildings and constructing new learning spaces for general education, special education, music and athletics. Improvements will be made to the swimming pool and campus security. Heating, ventilation, roofing and electrical systems will be replaced. Improvements will also be made to bus loading areas and parking throughout the campus.

The district has a General Contractor/ Construction Manager (GC/ CM) from Cornerstone General Contractors, Inc. who is working with Dykeman Architecture on design and development of a construction phasing plan. Using a GC/CM on complicated construction projects—like building a new high school in phases while students are on campus—allows the general contractor to participate as an adviser during the design process. This improves communication between the two parties because the general contractor acts as a construction manager and provides input on the

$2M

IN 2022 AT .25¢

For a property owner with an assessed value of $350,000, this equals approximately $102 annually, or $8.46 a month. As more people move into the Lake Stevens School District boundary, more property owners contribute to the total levy amount. This means that each property owner will likely pay less.

Construction (continued)

$2M

IN 2021 AT .27¢

Infrastructure improvements The track was replaced this summer at Lake Stevens High School. Replacement of the middle school tracks will begin once school is finished in June 2018. The bleachers in the main gymnasium at Lake Stevens Middle School were replaced. Kindergarten Classrooms Thanks to a K-3 Class Size Reduction Grant from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, two new kindergarten classrooms are being added to each of our six elementary schools. Design of the new

How are tax amounts determined for property owners? Each property owner pays a different amount of taxes because the assessed value for each property is different. Lake Stevens School District can only collect the amount approved by voters—no matter how much assessed values increase. As more people move into the Lake Stevens School District boundary, more property owners contribute to the total levy amount. This means that each property owner will likely pay less. Resources and more information Dr. Cook and members of her administrative team are in the process of scheduling informational meetings with local civic, parent and community groups. A schedule of these meetings will be available on the school district website later this month. Additional information about the levies will also be available on the district website, at the district office and at all schools in early December. www.lkstevens.wednet.edu Where and how to vote Registered voters will receive their ballots in the mail around Friday, Jan. 26. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day—Tuesday, Feb. 13 at midnight. They may also be dropped off at the 24-hour secure ballot drop box on 1800 Main Street near the boat launch. Senior citizen and disabled persons exemptions Senior citizens and disabled persons may qualify for a tax exemption. More information about tax relief programs is available on the Snohomish County Assessor’s website, http://assessor.snoco.org or by calling 425-388-3433.

classrooms will align with the current look and feel of each existing school. Classrooms will be complete in early 2018 at Highland, Hillcrest,

WE ASKED

YOU ANSWERED!

Feedback from students, staff, parents and our community has been an essential part of the planning and design process for the modernization and expansion of Lake Stevens High School. There have been numerous engagement opportunities, including: • DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE: A Design Advisory Committee (DAC), made up of representatives from each of the many programs, departments, groups and organizations that work in and use our facilities, met throughout the 2016-17 school year to help set the vision and educational specifications for the modernization and expansion of the high school. The DAC also included three students. • SURVEY: Students, staff, parents and the community participated in

Mt.iPilchuck and Sunnycrest Elementary Schools. Construction will begin at Glenwood and Skyline Elementary Schools next summer. a survey where they were asked to prioritize what they wanted to see in the modernized and expanded high school. • VIKING VISIONING WEEK: Parents and community members participated in a forum to share feedback on what’s working well in the current Lake Stevens High School facility and what changes should be considered. Our architects sought the same feedback from middle school, mid high and high school students in a variety of activities. Students made lists and drew pictures that highlighted what they want to see in the high school. • DEPARTMENTAL MEETINGS: Teachers, support staff, coaches and advisors met in small groups with the architects to provide more detail about their programmatic needs.

Lake Schools Fall 2017

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Love of engineering brings innovative learning to Glenwood fifth-graders

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he summer months remain a busy time for teachers as they work to prepare for the coming school year. Last summer was a whirlwind for Kymm Faubus, a fifth-grade teacher and ASB advisor at Glenwood Elementary School. Faubus was one of 10 teachers in the state selected to participate in the Institute for Systems Biology and the University of Washington’s K12 Engineering Scholars Program.

best, invent the rest” approach that is benefitting all fifth-graders. Students in Faubus’ class are currently working in teams on an engineering challenge where they design a handheld machine that uses wind power to lift pennies. This includes defining a problem, conducting research, weighing objectives, defining team roles, collecting data and forming conclusions. They are building prototypes out of paper plates and straws that are tested with fans. Final designs will be created on a 3D printer—Faubus purchased two printers with a stipend from her participation in the program. In total, Faubus received a $2,000 stipend to purchase makerspace equipment for her classroom and $6,000 for her time and participation. In addition to the printers, Faubus purchased tools and supplies for future engineering projects.

The intensive six-week program is designed to provide fourth- through eighth-grade teachers with the knowledge and resources to inspire engineering ability, interest and aspiration in their students. The cohort of teachers continue to meet monthly to collaborate and share best practices. “Engineering and the sciences are essential skills for children,” said Faubus. “Fifth-graders are sponges and the engineering process really resonates with them because it builds their abilities in collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity.” Faubus’ passion for science and engineering is palpable. After seeing her work with her students, it’s hard to believe that she’s only been teaching for five years. She got her start as a travel agent before staying home to raise her three boys. Her spark for education became a flame after serving as a science docent in her children’s classrooms for more than 10 years in Monroe School District. She was also an art docent and a long-time PTA board member. Her sons’ former teachers encouraged

Kymm Faubus, a fifth-grade teacher at Glenwood Elementary School, was one of 10 teachers in the state selected to participate in the Institute for Systems Biology and the University of Washington’s K12 Engineering Scholars Program. her to pursue a career in education. A A single parent, Faubus worked in retail while putting herself through school full-time. She earned her associate’s degree from Everett Community College, a bachelor’s degree in Education from Western Washington University and a master’s in Education from Concordia University. “Getting students excited about learning and helping them discover the world is

the absolute best part of teaching,” said Faubus. “I enjoy teaching fifth-grade because I get to teach all of the subjects while preparing my students for middle school. They are maturing, but are still young enough to find awe in their learning.” Faubus collaborates with her fellow fifth-grade teachers to bring back the skills she’s learned as part of the program. She utilizes a “steal from the

“My students are completely engaged in this process, because it’s fun and allows them the freedom to use trial and error to perfect their designs. At one point I had to make them stop testing their prototypes so they would have adequate time to complete the rest of the challenge.” In addition to a love of teaching and being a mom, Faubus is an avid traveler. She sets a goal to visit one new place each year. Past adventures include Italy, London, Scotland and Belize. To learn more about the K12 Engineering Scholars Program visit www.engr.washington.edu.

Mental health resources for students and families Adolescence can be a socially and emotionally difficult time for students. Maintaining good mental health is an essential skill during this time. There are many support systems in place for students in Lake Stevens School District.

is always available! Do you need emotional support? Everyone is welcome to talk about it. Trained crisis counselors will listen, without judgement, and help you feel cared about and safe. Don’t wait to speak to someone! You are welcome to talk about anything you need help with or that is troubling you. The earlier the better—there is no need to wait for things to “get worse” before seeking help. 24-HOUR CARE CRISIS LINE: 800-584-3578 or 425-258-4357 ONLINE CRISIS CHAT: www.imhurting.org

Mental Health Support Services Each secondary school—Lake Stevens Middle School, North Lake Middle School, Cavelero and LSHS—is staffed with a Student Mental Health Support Specialist. These employees are mental health counselors who work with students in groups and one-on-one. They can also help parents and guardians identify community resources and learn new ways to cope with student mental health struggles. Lake Stevens Middle School Hannah Herkert, MA, LMHCA, Student Mental Health Support Specialist Office: 425-335-1544 ext. 1680 North Lake Middle School Ashli Ordona, Student Mental Health Support Specialist Office: 425-335-1530 ext. 1679 Cavelero Mid High School Emily Dean, Student Mental Health Support Specialist 425-335-1630 ext. 3711 Lake Stevens High School Jennifer Hudson, MA, LMHC, CMHS, Student Mental Health Support Specialist Office: 425-335-1515 ext. 3735 Elementary school students receive mental health support from school counselors and psychologists who can assist parents and guardians in identifying community resources.

A list of local mental health providers is available under “Parent & Students” and “Student Assistance Program” on the district website. Student Assistance Program Cavelero Mid High School and Lake Stevens High School (LSHS) have Student Assistance Programs (SAP) made up of a team of school staff members, including: counselors, administrators, nurses, intervention specialists, psychologists and mental health support specialists. Anyone can ask for help. You can also make an anonymous referral for a friend or family member who goes to school at Cavelero or LSHS. Students can also self-refer. More information is available under “Parent & Students” and “Student Assistance Program” on the district website. Intervention Specialist Cavelero and LSHS students have the opportunity to receive confidential services from Steve Pitkin, Intervention Specialist. Mr. Pitkin provides individual and group sessions, screenings and community referrals. He specializes in substance abuse-related topics and works with students on issues connected to substance abuse. Mr. Pitkin is a member of the SAP team. Lake Stevens High School & Cavelero MHS Steven Pitkin, Substance Abuse Prevention/ Intervention Specialist Office: 425-335-1571 ext. 2244

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Lake Schools Fall 2017

Dear Community Members,

Programs and Operations Levy, and the second is a replacement of the four year Capital Technology Levy. Detailed information about these measures, and how they support our students, is available on the front page of this newsletter.

Message from Your Superintendent

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uring this time of Thanksgiving I want to start by thanking you. I am honored to be your superintendent and to serve in such a kind and caring community. Our community is unique in its collaborative and thoughtful support of its schools and citizens. Our reputation for excellence would be impossible without your generous and consistent support. I am also extremely appreciative of our talented, capable and dedicated employees who work tirelessly to support the children in our district. Lastly, I’m continually grateful to our students—they give us a daily reminder of what is important and why we are here.

As a district, we are continuing our learning and understanding of poverty and how we can work to make our schools more equitable for all of our students. Now through January, staff members from each school are participating in a poverty simulation during their Friday professional learning time. This tool was created as a way to help people understand the realities of poverty. During the simulation, participants take on the role of an individual living in a low-income family. They have the task of providing basic necessities and shelter on a limited budget while interacting with various agencies and organizations.

In an effort to communicate the facts about the levies, I will be giving presentations to our staff members and our parent, civic and community groups to provide information and answer questions. I encourage you to attend one of these presentations to learn more. A schedule of these presentations will be shared on our district website in December, along with detailed information about the two measures. 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. Each school has a volunteer coordinator who can match your interests and skills to a specific classroom or project. Many schools have volunteer opportunities that can be completed after school hours. More information is available under the “Community” tab on our district website. To give you another opportunity to learn more about our district, I would like to invite you to attend the upcoming community tour of our new Early Learning Center (ELC) and North Lake Middle School (NLMS) on:

In October elementary and secondary principals presented the progress of their school’s 2016-17 School Improvement Plans (SIPs) to our Board of Directors. They also discussed the goals and strategies included in their 2017-18 SIPs. 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

We will start at the Educational Service Center, 12309 22nd St NE, (ESC) at 9:15 a.m. and then board a school bus to visit the ELC and NLMS. We will return to the ESC by 1 p.m. To RSVP, please email [email protected] or call 425-335-1502. The tour gives community members the opportunity to visit schools while they are in session seeing teaching and learning in action and to meet school staff. We will host another community tour this spring. As always, I welcome any questions you have about our schools. Please feel free to contact me at 425-335-1500.

Facilities Improvements

Warm regards,

I appreciate the planning, analyzing of data and reflection that went into the creation and implementation of these plans.

FEB. 13

Thursday, Jan. 25 from 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m

Amy Beth Cook, Ed.D. Superintendent

Feb. 13 marks an important day for our district. The school board has placed two replacement levy elections on the ballot for your consideration—one is a replacement of the four year Educational

Child Find—Special Education services in Lake Stevens School District

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he Lake Stevens School District is interested in locating, evaluating and identifying students from birth to age 21 who are suspected of having a disability for the purpose of determining whether they are in need of special education and related services. This extends to students residing in the district whether or not they are enrolled in the public school system. This also includes highly mobile children (such as migrant or homeless students) who are suspected of having a disability and in need of special education, even though they are advancing from grade to grade.

A student eligible for special education means a student who has been evaluated and determined to need special education because of having a disability in one of the eligibility categories, and who, because of the disability and adverse educational impact, has unique needs that cannot be addressed exclusively through education in general education classes with or without individual accommodations, and needs specially designed instruction.

or health impairment, intellectual disability, an emotional behavioral disability, autism, traumatic brain injury, deafblindness, multiple disabilities, a specific learning disability or for students, three through eight, a developmental delay. For more information, visit the school district website and click on “Departments” and “Special Services” or call 425-335-1660.

The eligibility categories are hearing, vision, speech, language, orthopedic

SUPERINTENDENT Amy Beth Cook, Ed.D. EDITOR Jayme Taylor

12309 22nd St NE • Lake Stevens, WA 98258 425-335-1500 www.lkstevens.wednet.edu

BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Iseminger, President John Boerger, Vice President Paul Lund, Legislative Representative Mari Taylor Kevin Plemel

In accordance with RCW49.60, 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 Officer, Ken Collins, or ADA Compliance Officer and Section 504 Compliance Officer, Miriam Tencate, 425-335-1500.