september / october 2016 log
TRANSCRIPT
A Publication of the Darrington School District Sept./Oct. 2016 Volume XII Issue 1
the Non Profit Organization
US Postage Paid
Permit #13
Darrington, WA 98241
To:
Current Resident
Darrington WA 98241
Arlington WA 98223
LOGLOG
SUPERINTENDENT– ATHLETIC DIRECTOR DR. BUCK MARSH
Welcome to the 2016-17 school year! As we get off to a strong start, here are a few things I am especially excited about in
Darrington Schools:
Band: last year’s instrumental music class has grown into 2 bands this fall—a first year band and an advanced band. Both
sound great and will be ready to perform at assemblies, concerts, and athletic contests.
Food Services: with grant funding, we replaced our freezer, refrigerator, and steamer, and are working with area partners
to bring fresh foods to our schools.
Volleyball and Football are both off to strong starts this season, and MS Volleyball is now underway. I am proud of the spirit
and determination our student-athletes show on the court and in the classroom.
Academics: state test results increased on average about 10% this year. College in the High School offerings in English,
Math and Computer Science. Our English and Mathematics will provide students more options to become college and
career ready.
Last year our PE department brought back archery instruction just ahead of NFAA Nationals. This year our students will
continue archery and learn the rules of the road with our bicycle curriculum.
Darrington boasts one of the best STEM programs in our state, regardless of school size. We are proud of the addition of
engineering and Microsoft computer science courses, along with Glacier Peak Institute classes of outdoor education
opportunities our district is known for.
As we continue the new school year, I encourage you to stay engaged in our community schools. Please call or email with
questions or for more information. Follow your child's progress on Skyward, which now has a useful smartphone app. Our
Facebook and Twitter feeds are the best source for current information. Together we will make this a great year for Darring-
ton youth!
Sincerely,
Dr. Buck Marsh
Superintendent and Athletic Director
Monday, October 24th
Pre/K-12 Picture Retakes
Log Editors Dianne Green, [email protected]
Valerie Smith, [email protected]
Sept./Oct. 2016 www.dsd.k12.wa.us/
I would like to welcome the new staff to Darrington Elementary School: Eileen Jones, Kath-
leen Ruddles, Roxanne Sappingfield , Sheya Sanchez, Sami Kissinger and Kendra Brown.
While we continue to focus on students improving their skills in reading, writing and math,
we are not forgetting the other areas that are important for student achievement. This
year we are fortunate to not only have music for our students, but also instruction in art.
We are also continuing with the PAX Good Behavior Game in our classrooms and school. It
is a proven best practice for decreasing discipline problems (spleems) while increasing stu-
dent learning, and even reducing drug and alcohol use, aggression and other delinquent be-
haviors later in life. PAX is a Latin word that means people have productivity and peace
and they are happy and healthy. This is definitely something we want in our school and com-
munity.
We are continuing with the tradition of RAD Assemblies once a month. At these assemblies
we recognize positive character traits, like honesty, hard-work, initiative and perseverance,
in our students. At least once a year, each student is recognized with a certificate and
medal. This year the bus drivers have asked to give out Bus Awards to recognize safe bus
behavior and improved behavior on the bus.
Family Involvement is a key component to our school success. Research has proven that in-
volved families increase the academic success of children. We are collaborating again this
year with the North Counties Family Services, Kids Place Early Learning Center and the Sno-
Isle Library to provide a variety of family activities. We hope that the family learning op-
portunities will meet the needs of our families. Please keep an eye out for flyers for our
upcoming Family Engagement Nights. Hoping to meet the needs of individual’s schedules,
several dates have been set for our Annual Title I Meeting: October 13th at 8:30 am, Octo-
ber October 19th at 6:00 and October 20th at 3:30.
We are pleased to continue our collaboration with Sno-Isle Library programs, Stillaguamish
Tribe Natural Resources, WSU Extension and NCFS. This year we will continue our profes-
sional development on complex trauma through CLEAR and look forward to providing more
information to families and community members. Informative meetings have been planned
this year at various locations and times in our community. Please see additional article for
location and times.
To provide a safe environment, we must require background checks on all adults interacting
with students. Please make sure to complete the Washington State Patrol Background
Check at least five (5) days prior to volunteering at the school. Again, this procedure is not
to hinder family members or community members from volunteering and being an active
member in our school, but to ensure the safety of all of our children. Thank you for under-
standing. If you would like to volunteer in a classroom, or offer your support in a specific
area, please contact Kendra Brown, AmeriCorps, at the elementary office.
As reported by OSPI on our District and School Report Card, our scores have improved this
year. We are continuing to align our instruction to the Common Core State Standards
(CCSS) and increase student engagement in the classroom. As you may or may not know
Math and English Language Arts assessments are taken on the computer. Students, starting
in 3rd grade, are expected to read and compose their answers using the computer and key-
board. In order to assist our students in demonstrating their knowledge we are providing
more instructional time using the technology. Keyboarding automaticity and comfort com-
posing on the computer are important skills for students to have acquired so during
Continued on page 3….
ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL, TRACY FRANKE
O
Darrington School District
Contact Information District Office
1065 Fir Street
PO Box 27
Phone 360.436.1323
Fax 360.436.2045
Superintendent/Athletic Director
Buck Marsh
360.436.1323
High School
1085 Fir Street
Phone 360.436.1140
Fax 360.436.1089
Principal/Special Programs Dir.
Rachel Quarterman
Elementary/Middle
1075 Fir Street
Phone 360.436.1313
Fax 360.436.0592
Principal
Tracy Franke
Instructional Support Services
Valerie Smith
Phone 360.436.2150 or
360.436.1140 ext. 251 Fax 360.436.2130 or 360.436-1089
Counseling Brett Galbraith—HS
360.436.1140 x 254
Megan Lucas—Elementary
360.436.1140 x 153
CCS Family Counselors
Sara Jones (T) 436.1140
Carrie Basher (F) 436-1140
Darla Telschow (T) 436-1313
Food Services
Terry O’Connell
360.436.1313 x 132
Transportation
Toni Kernaghan 360.436.1518
Maintenance
Demi Ramilo
360.436.1313 x 131
Grounds
Kurt Helling
360.436.1313 x 131
T H E L O G P A G E 2
T H E L O G P A G E 3
Sept./Oct. 2016 www.dsd.k12.wa.us/
Continued from previous page….
assessments they can concentrate on the questions and answers, not how to type them out.
Thank you for your continued support of our programs and students. I look forward to working with students, staff and the
community to improve students’ academic and social/emotional growth. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have
questions about our programs.
Tracy Franke, Principal Darrington Elementary PreK-8, [email protected]
Trail Tuesday
The first grade classes have begun their Trail Tuesday adven-
tures. On their first trip out, they learned how to move like
different animals, observe natural and man-made sounds
around them, and found a "Sit Spot" where they will meet at
the beginning of each future Trail Tuesday. If you would like
to volunteer to help with future outings, please contact Mrs.
Ross or Mrs. Duncan for more information.
Kindergarten begins the year with a
fun Forest Friday outing to the
Rockport State Park to see the “Big
Tree”.
Elementary Upcoming Events
Tuesday, Oct. 11 Kindergarten field trip to Cascadian Farm
Wednesday, Oct. 12 Early Release Wednesday
Thursday, Oct. 13 CLEAR Family Orientation, 8:00
Thursday, Oct. 13 Title Meeting, 8:30
Wednesday, Oct. 19 Early Release – Conferences
Wednesday, Oct. 19 Title Meeting, 6:00
Thursday, Oct. 20 Early Release - Conferences
Thursday, Oct. 20 Title Meeting, 3:30
Friday, Oct. 21 Early Release
Monday, Oct. 24 Picture Retakes
Wednesday, Oct. 26 Preschool Pumpkin Carving, 5:30—6:30
Friday, Oct. 28 RAD Assembly, 1:50
Tuesday, Nov. 1 End of 1st Quarter
Wednesday, Nov. 2 Early Release – Teacher Work Afternoon
T H E L O G P A G E 4
Sept./Oct. 2016 www.dsd.k12.wa.us/
MUSIC/Band Year long class
Lots of excitement and enthusiasm is making quite a buzz in the music room. Kinder-
garten-5th grade are each seen twice-a- week for a total of 96 minutes of music
instruction per week. Students will grow as musicians as they sing, dance, and play
instruments such as World Drums, Xylophones, hand percussion and even some steel
pans for a more unique sound. Recorders and Ukulele’s will also be used along with a
curriculum called Game Plan. We will start selling recorders in a few weeks so watch
for the announcement to come.
As you know, we ended last year with 17 students, with all but 5 as beginners. This
year, we have a strong 16 and as usually happens, band begins to feel more like a
family. This is evidenced in their relationships and the cohesive sound. I look for-
ward to watching these students grow as they find their niche in music. But the most
exciting news is the first year Band. TWENTY-FIVE students make up our beginner
band. 25! I never expected this many but I am thrilled at their commitment and
tenacity. It’s a hard road to get past the hump of figuring out how to put an instru-
ment together to making sound to playing the same note at the same time to actually
playing a melody. I look forward to the “playing together” part. While we’re not
there yet, we are really really close. I see a Pep Band in the future and this is excit-
ing news for the community.
Thank you to the NW Music Foundation, the Arlington Rotary, and the Children’s
Music Foundation for recent grants to help our program expand with quality instru-
ments and curriculums. It’s a lot of fun for the students to come to the music room
with so many resources to use.
Special Guest, Sowah Mensah!
The music department had a special guest come Oc-
tober 3-7, to teach. His name is Sowah Mensah. He
is a Master Drummer from Ghana. He taught about
his culture as well as the music and drumming from
Ghana. He met with every class and prepared the
students for a in-school concert, open to all to join.
This concert was held Friday, Oct. 7 from 1:30-2:30
in the elementary gym. The students were excited to
raise their level of musicianship in this challenging
genre of music. In addition to the drumming and
singing portion, Sowah agreed to teach a cultural
dance to a group of people aged 5th grade on up
through adult. This was an excellent opportunity to
let loose and experience African dance at its best.
The only requirement was to attend 3 practices:
Tuesday, 10/4 from 3-4pm; Wednesday, 10/5 from
12-1pm and Thursday,10/6 from 3-4pm and then per-
form on Friday at the concert. Please contact Mrs.
Goheen at the school for this unique opportunity.
Alan Pickard
Chair
Home 360.436.1800
Jennifer West
Vice-Chair
Cell 425.290.2021
Dana Meis
Home 360.436.1498
Erin Green, Director
360.941.3303
Joe Perrault, Director
Darrington School District Board of Directors The Board of Directors meet at 6:30 PM, the 4th Tuesday of each
month in the White Horse Conference Room. (portable by cafeteria)
The Darrington Logger Football team, lead by Head Coach Buck Marsh and Asst. Coach Cory Ross, enjoy a night of football at the UW Husky Football game on Friday, September 30th at Husky Stadium!
The team were guests of the UW Football team.
Final Score:
T H E L O G P A G E 5
Sept./Oct. 2016 www.dsd.k12.wa.us/
The 2016-2017 school year is off to an amazing start. I am not sure where the month of Septem-
ber went, but here we are in the month of October. There are so many wonderful happenings
right now with spirit week and homecoming on the horizon. I am amazed at all the hard work
staff and students put into these events! It truly is a community effort and one that I am proud
to be a part of.
I am proud to report, thanks to the outstanding staff at Darrington High School, that freshman
orientation was a great start for those joining the high school this year. Our leadership stu-
dents and staff did a wonderful job making the day meaningful. Thank you Mrs. Linne Hay-
wood and Mrs. Linn Brooks!
Natalie Turner and Jen Moore with CLEAR are back again this year and will continue to work
with Darrington students. Their trainings and family night will help students recognize how to
be learning ready. The High School has instituted a RESET room this year for students. This
space allows students to de-escalate and cool down prior to re-entering the classroom.
Staff continues to work with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and
Northwest Educational Service District (NWESD) focusing on instruction and the Common
Core State Standards (CCSS) to increase student growth. In addition, the High School has be-
gun to look at Positive Behavior Interventions Systems and how they can support our overall
school and classroom culture.
A huge thank you to Ms. Armony who has taken on Alternative Learning (ALE) enrolling stu-
dents in enrichment and credit retrieval courses for the month of September. This is a huge un-
dertaking and she has worked tirelessly to support our students and alternative education op-
tions.
Reminder that all students arriving throughout the day need to check in with Judy Pater in the
High School Office. All students who drive need to have their vehicle registration on file. Sen-
iors please make sure that Off-Campus Applications are also turned into the High School Office.
Please make sure that you or your student(s) are utilizing Skyward to ac-
cess the most current information regarding your child’s classes. Fall
Conferences are approaching quickly and are scheduled for Wednesday
and Thursday October 19th and 20th. I look forward to seeing everyone
there.
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, RACHEL QUARTERMAN
Upcoming HS Events and Happenings………..
Tuesday, 10/11: Healthy Youth Survey
Friday, 10/14 : Homecoming Football Game and Royalty Presented at half time
Saturday, 10/15: Fall Homecoming Dance
Wednesday and Thursday, 10/19 and 10/20: Conferences
10/19-10/21-Early Release Days
Thursday, 10/20: Teen Retail Shopping event for those that qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch
(applications are available in the HS office.)
Monday, 10/24: Picture Retakes
Wednesday, 10/26: Next advisory day (Sno-Isle Skill Center students to remain at DHS on advisory days)
T H E L O G P A G E 6
Sept./Oct. 2016 www.dsd.k12.wa.us/
Darrington School District Report Card for 15-16 YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW
Parents of children attending Title I, Part A schools have the right to re-quest and receive information about the qualifications of the educators who teach students core subjects—reading, English language arts and mathematics. The same applies to paraprofessionals who provide in-struction to students. At a minimum, the information given to you must explain these three es-sential components of an educator’s qualifications. Whether the student’s teacher–
Has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.
Is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state qualification or
Licensing criteria have been waived.
Is teaching in the field of disci-pline of the certification of the teacher.
Professional Qualifications of Teach-ers Our state is developing new paraprofessional standards that will become effective for the 2017–18 school year. In the meantime, dis-tricts will follow the requirements under ESEA for school year 2016–17. Paraprofessionals must work under the supervision of a certified teacher. In schools that operate a school wide program, all paraprofes-sionals must have special qualifica-tions. Schools that operate a Title I, Part A program must have a high school diploma or GED and complet-ed the following:
Completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education; or
Obtained an associate’s or high-er degree; or
Meet a high standard of quality either through a) the ETS ParaPro Assessment; b) a paraeducator apprenticeship program approved by Washing-ton State; or c) portfolio program
T H E L O G P A G E 7
Sept./Oct. 2016 www.dsd.k12.wa.us/
NOTIFICATIONS
Pesticide Notification
The District complies with all legal requirements for record keeping regarding the application of pesticides to school grounds or school facilities and such records are available on re-
quest. At least 48 hours before the application of a pesticide to school facilities or school grounds, the District shall notify parents and staff of the planned application by posting a notice in a promi-
nent place in the building and grounds. Following the application of a pesticide to school facilities or grounds, a sign shall be posted at the location of the application. The notice shall state the product
name; date, time and specific location of the application; the pest for which the application was made; and a contact name and telephone number. The notice shall remain posted for 24 hours, or
longer if required by the label of the pesticide.
If students are not scheduled to be on campus, 48- hour notification is not required.
Your Child’s Picture
Throughout the school year, we like to take pictures of our students participating in various school activities. Often, we publish these pictures as a means of sharing what goes on in our
schools with the community. Such publications include, but are not limited to, the Darrington School District newsletter, our website, local newspapers. If you wish that your student not be photo-
graphed and included in these publications, please call your child’s school office and complete the necessary paperwork for our file.
Regulation of Dangerous Weapons On School Premises Policy
It is a violation of district policy and state law for any student to carry firearms or dangerous weapons (including but not limited to guns, knives, air guns, numchukkas, throwing stars,
sling shots, sand clubs, or metal knuckles) on school premises, school-provided transportation, or areas of other facilities being used exclusively for school activities (RCW 9.41.250).
A violation will result in:
1. Notification of the student’s parents or guardians.
2. Notification of the appropriate law enforcement agency.
3. Disciplinary action including a one (1) year expulsion* for a violation involving a firearm.
*The superintendent may modify the one-year expulsion on a case-by-case basis.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
As a requirement of FERPA, educational agencies must, at a minimum, inform parents/eligible students of the following rights:
1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student (age 18 years) believes are inaccurate or misleading.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
4. The right to file a complaint with the US Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
5. The right to a description of who is considered to be a school official and what is considered to be a legitimate educational interest so that information may be shared with that person.
Directory Information
Directory information is defined as information not generally considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. This information may include, but is not limited to:
Name, address, published (not unlisted) telephone number, and electronic mail address
Date and place of birth Photographs—in classrooms and at school functions
Participation in officially recognized activities and sports Field of study
Weight and height of athletes Enrollment status (full-, part-time, undergraduate, graduate)
Degrees and awards received Dates of attendance
Most recent previous school attended Grade level
Directory information cannot include student identification numbers or Social Security numbers. Parents or eligible students (age 18 years) have the right to refuse the disclosure of any
or all information on the students that is included in the directory. The schools use discretion in releasing any directory information. However, parents or eligible students (age 18 years) have the right
to refuse the disclosure of any or all directory information. If you wish to make this request, please call your child’s school for more information. Your request to “opt out” must be in writing and on
file at your child’s school.
Public Notice on Truancy
According to Washington State Code as stated in Darrington School District Policy, all “parents of any child eight years of age and under eighteen years of age shall cause such child to
attend school, and such child shall have the responsibility to and therefore shall attend for the full time when such school may be in session unless the child is enrolled in an approved private school,
an educational center as provided in chapter 28A.205 RCW, or is receiving home-based instruction. Parents of any child six or seven years old, who have enrolled the child in school, shall cause the
child to attend school for the full time when such school may be in session, unless the child is formally withdrawn from enrollment by the parents.” The superintendent may grant exceptions under
certain specified conditions. According to the statute as stated in policy, “any law enforcement officer authorized to make arrests can take a truant child into custody without a warrant and must then
deliver the child to the parent or to the school.”
Nondiscrimination Policy
The Darrington School District complies with all state and federal rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including language), sex,
sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, creed, religion, age, veteran or military status, disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
This holds true for all district employment and for all students who are interested in participation in educational programs and/or extracurricular activities. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or
grievance procedures may be directed to the school district coordinator for Title IX/Chapter RCW 28A.640, Ms. Rachel Quarterman, and Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying Mrs. Linne Haywood,
360-436-1140, Section 504/ADA Mr. Brett Galbraith, 360-436-1140 or at Darrington School District, P.O. Box 27, Darrington, WA 98241.
Combat Bullying
At Darrington we believe in working together with parents to combat bullying. We know this problem isn’t confined to school grounds. Bullying at school affects and is affected by what
happens at home between siblings, what happens in the neighborhood, and what happens when kids go online. We must work together to take immediate action, whether a child bullies, is a victim of
bullying, or is a witness to bullying. Here are ten actions you can take to help counter bullying at school.
1. Talk with and listen to your kids - everyday. If your children feel comfortable talking to you before they’re involved in a bullying event, they’re more likely to talk to you after.
2. Spend time at school and recess. Sixty-seven percent of bullying happens when adults are not present. You can make a real difference by volunteering on campus.
3. Be a good example of kindness and leadership. Any time you speak to another person in a mean or abusive way, you’re teaching your child that bullying is ok.
4. Learn the signs. Learn to recognize possible signs of being victimized, and if you suspect that a child might be bullied, talk directly to your child about the situation.
5. Create healthy anti-bullying habits early. As early as kindergarten, it will help to role play what to do (and what not to do) in bullying situations with your child.
6. Help your child’s school address bullying effectively. Whether your children have been bullied or not, you should learn about what their school is doing to address bullying.
7. Establish household rules about bullying. Your children need to know your expectations of how they treat others and how others treat them.
8. Teach your child how to be a good witness. Although it’s never a child’s responsibility to put himself or herself in danger, kids can often effectively diffuse a bullying situation.
9. Teach your child about cyber-bullying. Cyber-bullying is as harmful as physical violence and must not be tolerated.
10. Spread the word that bullying should NOT be “a normal part of childhood.” All forms of bullying are harmful to the perpetrator, the victim, and to witnesses.
District & Building Family Involvement Policies are available on the website and at the school.
http://www.dsd.k12.wa.us/
T H E L O G P A G E 8
Sept./Oct. 2016 www.dsd.k12.wa.us/
Becca
The Becca Bill in accordance with RCW 28A.225—Washington State Compulsory School Attendance and Admission Law.
The School Process:
The Becca Bill is intended to stop truancy before it becomes a problem. The law requires schools to take the following actions:
One or Two Unexcused Absences
After each unexcused absence the school is required to contact the parents by phone or letter. After two contacts, the school
must schedule a conference with the parent and student to discuss solutions to the truancy problem.
Five Unexcused Absences
If a student has five unexcused absences in a 30-day period, the school may file a petition with the Snohomish County Juvenile
Court, asking the court to order the student to attend school.
Seven and Ten Unexcused Absences
The school is required to file a petition with juvenile court if the student has seven unexcused absences in a 30-day period or ten
unexcused absences in a school year.
School policy gives parents 3 days to excuse an unexcused absence.
In addition to the process listed above, if a child has 5 or more excused absences in a month, a doctor’s note is required. We are
also tracking tardies and encourage students to arrive to school on time. When a student has a high number of tardies, we become
concerned about their progress at school. Attendance patterns place your child at a much higher risk of school failure. As well, tar-
diness to school can be one of those "small" issues that compounds over time into a much larger issue and may ultimately have a neg-
ative impact on your student. A student coming into class late draws attention from other students. This can lead to embarrass-
ment, self-consciousness, and comments from other students. Being late to school causes a student to miss opening tasks such as
daily announcements, lunch counts, and daily reviews. Many times the class has already started an assignment and a student arriving
late has less time to complete the assignment. The teacher must take instructional time to repeat directions or re-teach content.
These are activities that are difficult to make up and often put a student behind the performance of other classmates.
2015-2016 School Meal Costs
Breakfast Pre K-12 $1.75
Lunch Pre K-6 $2.75
Lunch 7-12 $3.00
Breakfast Adults/Guests $2.25
Lunch Adults/Guests $4.00
Breakfast Free & Reduced $0.00
Lunch Reduced Pre/K-12 .40
Milk Student .65
Milk Adult .75
Menus are subject to change
without notice. Questions?
Call the Food Service Office
at 360-436-1313 ext.132.
Online deposits can be made
through your family access
account.
Online applications can be
filled out through family ac-
cess accounts. Paper applica-
tions will still be accepted
and are available in school
offices or the cafeteria.
One application per family.
Welcoming the new staff at
DHS
PJ Wieferich, Para Pro
Josh Roberts-History and For-
eign Language
Sheya Sanchez-Art Teacher
Lisa Wright, Para Pro
Judy Pater, Receptionist and
Attendance Clerk
T H E L O G P A G E 9
Sept./Oct. 2016 www.dsd.k12.wa.us/
Have you ever wondered if your child is speaking and reaching developmental milestones? Do you have any concerns about development?
Please call and sign up for an early childhood screening!
Darrington School District
*FREE* EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENING Special Programs Building
Thursday, October 20, 2016 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Screenings Conducted by: We screen for: Certified Teacher Social Licensed Speech Language Pathologist Speech Licensed Occupational Therapist/COTA Fine and Gross Motor Skills School Psychologist Language Registered Nurse Vision and Hearing
Self-Help Behavior
Register by calling Darrington School District Special Programs Department at 360-436-2150 or by dropping in at the special programs building on Thursday, October 20, 2016
For more information or registration please call 360-436-2150 Drop-ins are welcome!
WAC 392-172A-02040 Child Find. (1) The school district shall conduct child find activities calculated to reach all students with a suspected disability for the purpose
of locating, evaluating and identifying students who are in need of special education and related services, regardless of the severity of their disability.
Darrington Elementary ECEAP
Preschool
Now enrolling for the 2016-2017
pre-school year.
The program is held two-days per week
Monday/Thursday or
Tuesday/Friday,
7:45 – 2:45 Room 3
Breakfast, lunch and
a snack are provided
Lead Teacher, Suzy Monteith
Assistant Teacher, Dayna Wood
Call Geneen Cabe, Family Support Specialist at
360.333.1813
Family and Student Skyward Access
We encourage you to use Family Access on the Darrington
School District Website: http://www.dsd.k12.wa.us/.
Information available on the website includes students
grades, assignments, attendance, lunch balances, demo-
graphic information, and schedules. Contact Dianne
Green at the elementary K-8 or Valerie Smith at the high
school to activate your access or for help with any of the
features.
High school families may request attendance notifica-
tions or weekly progress reports be emailed to you. This
option is available for you to choose in your
family access.
We would like to invite you to try out the Skyward Mobile App for smartphones and tablets. You can download it from your app
store. To activate it you need your Skyward login and password. You
are then directed to enter in a pin number which you will need to re-
member when you go in each time. This will give you the ability see
lunch balances or middle school missing assignments and grades. If you
do not have your login information , you may contact Dianne Green , at
the elementary school office, 436-1313 or Val Smith, at the high school
office, 436-1140.
T H E L O G
Sept./Oct. 2016 www.dsd.k12.wa.us/
T H E L O G P A G E 1 0
Children’s Transition
Initiative:
DPICC/NCFS
Mentoring Program A primary compo-
nent of DPICC and NCFS is to provide quality matches with
children and adults -- matches that broaden a child's scope
of possibilities as well as increasing opportunities in educa-
tion, recreation, and appropriate associations; bonding with
adult mentors, family, and peers; and recognizing the child's
accomplishments and 'being,' i.e., holidays (if celebrated by
family), passing a class, participating in sports or other ac-
tivities, etc.
Our program is relatively unique in that we at-
tempt to match a younger child (primary grades) with an
older child (middle/high school) and an adult. In this man-
ner, the younger child has a champion in the older child
while in school (the Darrington School District is on one
campus), and both the younger child and older child have an
adult in their lives who provides an additional positive role
model or asset. Additionally, we believe that children
'thrive' when/if parents/families are involved; thus, we
provide a community monthly dinner/gathering with infor-
mation available re: resources (Energy Assistance, educa-
tional scholarships, school supplies, etc.), inviting all men-
tors, mentees, and the mentees' families as well as other
community members to participate.
This program decreases isolation and increases
community pro-social bonding. If you are interested in being a Mentor or know of a child that would benefit from the program, please contact Marree at [email protected] or 360-436-0308
My goodness, what does one say about an employee
leaving after 30 years of service that does them jus-
tice? Margarita Gillette served many a child, staff
member and community member meals with heartfelt
dedication. She has been a constant in the midst of
many staff changes in the kitchen department over
the years.
Margarita has enjoyed being in the school setting al-
lowing her the ability to be close to her children and
their friends as they passed through the grades. Her
kids grew up and then she was able to welcome her grandchildren and
their friends into the school.
We wish her well as she begins another chapter in her life. She will be
doing what she loves most, spending time with her husband and family.
Thank you Margarita, you will be missed!
Family and Community CLEAR Events
Thursday, October 13th Morning Meet and Greet Parent Activity-Orientation to CLEAR &
Brain Lesson at 8am Elementary School Library with light refreshments (coffee, juice, fruit)
Wednesday, November 9th 3:00 at the MARC (New Resource Center building) Families and
children – Regulation Strategies
Thursday, December 15th 6:00 pm Families and Children - Routines and Rituals along with
musical performances
Jan 12th 3:00-Elementary School Library for Families and children
Newly established Arlington and Darrington Youth Councils
kick off with a joint meeting……... (Arlington, WA) – On September 22, fourteen youth from Arlington and Darrington will
meet in Oso at Rhodes River Ranch to be inspired on how to represent the youth in their
communities.
Developing a Youth Council in Arlington and Darrington is Strategy 3.1 of the Arlington-
Darrington Community Revitalization Plan, America’s Best Communities.
Jana Ferris, Associate Professor, WSU Extension Youth and Family County Director,
will facilitate the first initial meeting. The teens will be engaged in activities that de-
velop teamwork, working towards a common goal, and establishment of a committee
structure.
Next month on October 23, the youth councils will again join together for a retreat at
Camp Killoqua, where they will continue to work on teamwork, collectively work through a
visioning activity, and emerge from the retreat with a plan of action for the upcoming
year.
One critical component of community and workforce development is supporting the
youth of today to become the leaders of tomorrow. Smaller rural communities frequent-
ly lose their young people as they move out of the area to pursue higher education and
entry-level careers, resulting in a “brain drain” of talent needed to sustain a vibrant
local economy. This strategy establishes youth councils in both Arlington and Darrington
that will focus on issues of interest to youth leaders by integrating young people into
the political process and equipping them with the skills and resources to address these
problems. The objective is to encourage young people to make meaningful contributions
to their respective communities and the region as a whole through the creation of au-
tonomous youth councils in Arlington and Darrington. Ultimately, the intent is to give
them a sense of investment and a bond that will promote the Stillaguamish Valley as a
place where they can grow professionally in the future.
T H E L O G P A G E 1 1
Sept./Oct. 2016 www.dsd.k12.wa.us/
The Darrington School District’s policy on tobac-
co prohibits tobacco use by students or adults on
campus during school or after hours at extra-
curricular activities and events.
Free -
Addiction Awareness Education Workshop
Open to parents and community members held
the last Tuesday of every school month from
3:30-4:30pm in Room 203 at the High School
Topics covered --Substance Use Disorders, ef-
fective communication, community resources, and
recognizing behavioral and physical symptoms of
use.
Questions? Please contact Prevention Interven-
tion Specialist: Sherry Nachlinger (360) 436-
1140 x203
Small Works
Roster
Darrington School District is accepting applications for
its 2016-2017 small works roster. Contractors who are
registered on the small works roster may have the oppor-
tunity to bid on various jobs that arise in the district in
2016-2017.
Contractors may be added to the roster by completing an
online application at www.mrscrosters.org
Recently 7th & 8th grade families re-
ceived a letter regarding College Bound
Scholarship Washington. If you would
like more information regarding this
opportunity you may go to
http://www.wsac.wa.gov/college-bound.
The College Bound Scholarship was es-
tablished by the Legislature in 2007.
The purpose of the program is to provide
state funded financial aid to low-income students who may not consider
college a possibility because of the cost. Eligibility for the scholarship is a
two part process. First, students whose families are income-eligible must
submit a complete application during grade 7 or 8, and no later than June 30
of their eighth grade year. Second, students must complete the scholarship
pledge requirements and meet income-eligibility guidelines as determined by
colleges using data from the student’s FAFSA or WASFA in their senior
year of high school.
The scholarship covers tuition (at comparable public colleges), some fees,
and a small book allowance.
Three quarters of the students who signed up for the College Bound Schol-
arship by the end of their eighth grade year in 2010 graduated from high
school in 2014. In comparison, the 2014 four-year graduation rate for low-
income students who were eligible for the program but didn’t sign up was 62
percent.
Since the program’s inception, almost 241,000 students have applied.
Note: Foster youth in grades 7 through 12, up to age 21, who have not gradu-
ated from high school, are automatically enrolled. They are considered to have
a complete application for the College Bound Scholarship via a data exchange
between the Washington Student Achievement Council and the Department of
Social and Health Services (DSHS).
SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS
NEEDED
Darrington School District is
excited to have you join it’s
team. All training is provided by the district.
Our performance based training program on aver-
age takes 4—6 weeks to complete. With our
hands on training in the school bus you will receive
all the tools needed to pass the skills test and
receive a class B CDL, as well as become a safe
and responsible school bus driver. Please contact
Shannan McMahon @ 360.436.1518.
T H E L O G P A G E 1 2
Feb.-Mar. ‘14 www.dsd.k12.wa.us/
Apr./May ‘14 www.dsd.k12.wa.us/
T H E L O G P A G E 1 2
Sept./Oct. 2016 www.dsd.k12.wa.us/
Darrington School District Welcomes New Staff
Roxane Sappingfield I have always enjoyed watching children learn and grow.
When my own children were young I went back to school to
become a teacher. I worked for the Bethel school district
for ten years teaching 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades.
I started working on a graduate degree and moved north
where I worked for the Ferndale, Sedro-Woolley, and In-
dex School Districts. Then I received a Special Education
endorsement and was hired by the Marysville School Dis-
trict where I worked for nine years.
I decided to take a break from teaching and tried selling
real estate. However, I found that I missed working with
kids! A year ago my husband and I moved to a little place
in the country between Arlington and Oso. I love country
living and had a big garden last summer. I had lots of fun
canning vegetable and fruits.
I am very excited about working here in Darrington. Not
only is the area beautiful and full of wonder, I am finding
that the people are too. I love teaching third grade and am
enjoying the Darrington community. Darrington is a very
special place.
Hello, my name is Dani Statia and
I am new to the transportation
department. My family and I re-
cently moved from the Carna-
tion/Duvall area where I drove
professionally with the local school
district for the last few years.
After visiting Darrington, I could-
n’t get over how beautiful this
area is. The people were so
friendly and welcoming—I
was sold on moving here!
My name is Kathy Slate, and as some of you know, I am the
new school nurse for the Darrington school district. Barb
Cheyney retired last year after many years as the school
nurse for the Darrington school district. I graduated from
Skagit Valley College in 2014. I was hired on at Skagit
Regional Clinics in July 2014, and still hold a per diem posi-
tion in Urgent Care at Skagit Regional Clinics.
I have two children in the Darrington school district, a son
in elementary school and a daughter in middle school. I
have lived in Darrington since 1998 and am excited to be
working for the Darrington School District. I am looking
forward to getting to know the children and families in the
community.
I started nursing school at Lewis Clark State College in
Lewiston Idaho in 1996. I put my dream of becoming a
nurse on hold when I moved to Darrington in 1998 and went
to work at a dental office in Everett for six years before
becoming a stay-at-home mom for 5 years. I fulfilled my
dream of earning my nursing degree in 2014 and am excited
for my future in the nursing field and eventually furthering
my education in nursing.
Kendra Brown
Hello, my name is Kendra Brown and I am a new staff
member this year. I graduated from Western Washing-
ton University on June 11th, 2016 with my Bachelor of
Arts in Education. My major is Exceptionality and Disa-
bility; this is a new major through the Special Education
department at Woodring College of Education at West-
ern and I was the first student to graduate with this
major. I decided to become an employee of the Darring-
ton School District because I attended school here from
the time I was in preschool until I graduated from high
school. I always thought I would work in a bigger school
district but, I decided to come back to my hometown and
work because I love how small of a community we are.
Also, I love this opportunity to work with some of my
previous teachers and coaches I had when I was younger.
I will be working as an instructional aid through the
AmeriCorps program in the Elementary. School.
Hi everyone my name is Sami Kissinger and I am a new
IA for DSD. My husband and I relocated to Newhalem
two years ago because he received a job with SCL, he is
an Operator at the three dams there. As for me, I re-
cently graduated from WSU in 2015 and have spent the
past few years working as family support and teaching
preschool. During my internship at a Preschool in
Longview, WA it occurred to me that I enjoyed and
wanted a career working with kids. This has led me to
job searching for positions within the neighboring school
districts and I came across this wonderful opportunity
at Darrington School District, and I am so thankful to
be part of DSD staff! That's a little about me, Have a
great day!
My Name is Sheya Sanchez. I am so excited to be teaching art for Dar-
rington School District this year. I have lived in Washington my entire
life and love the outdoors. I received my teaching degree from Central
Washington University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts
Teaching K-12.
I first began teaching at the Museum of Northwest Art as the director
of an after school art program. I later taught art and was
a substitute teacher for the Concrete school district for the last six
years. I am lucky to be teaching a subject that I love to all of the stu-
dents at Darrington.
Kathleen Ruddles
Greetings Darrington
families! I’m the new
fourth grade teacher at
Darrington Elementary.
I’m so excited to be here,
and am loving every mi-
nute I get to spend with
the students. A few quick
things about me: I’m a
brand new graduate in
Education from Eastern
Washington University, in
Spokane. Originally, I’m
from the Tri-Cities.
That’s where I graduated
high school, and met my
husband, Kris. We have a
cat, who is spoiled rotten.
My favorite colors are
pink and green, my favor-
ite food is pasta
(especially from Olive
Garden!), and my hobbies
include art, and reading.
Everyone I’ve met here
has been so kind and wel-
coming. Thank you, Dar-
rington, for entrusting me
with this truly special
privilege.
My name is Josh Roberts. I grew up here in Darrington and
graduated in the class of 2003. I attended Washington State
University, GO COUGS!, where I earned my B.A. in History
and studied German. I received my masters in history and
secondary education from Western Washington University,
where I also studied Latin. I enjoy hiking, making music, and
travelling. I am so happy to be living and teaching in Darring-
ton again.
We also are happy to welcome Anna Arnold-Grindy, School
Psychologist and Kelly Siebecke, SLPA.
Lisa Wright, a Darrington graduate has
been with the district as a volleyball
coach for a bit and we now welcome her
as a para-educator in the high school.
Her Darrington roots and communication
skills with our youth will be an asset.