Information on the MSP and federal funding

A number of stories have recently appeared in local media regarding the number of students in our district who have refused taking this year's MSP (Measurements of Student Progress). Some community members have contacted us concerned about the effect this could have on the district's federal funding.

The district receives federal Title I funds based on the free and reduced lunch population in our district/schools. MSP student participation rates and student scores do NOT impact the amount of federal Title I funds our district receives.

Under the federal No Child Left Behind, which measures targets for student achievement on federal assessments such as the MSP, a small portion of Title I funds are set aside to support district improvement. The district has been in this stage of improvement since the 2009-2010 school year. In this step, we continue to have the ability to make decisions and prioritize as a district. Like Snohomish, many other districts in our state are in this step of improvement.

Please feel free to contact district Communications Director Kristin Foley at communications@sno.wednet.edu with any additional questions.

WASA to recognize two for contributions to district

On May 17, the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) – Sno-Isle Region 109 will recognize two local individuals for their unique contributions to the Snohomish School District. John Turner, former Chief of the Snohomish Police Department, is nominated for the WASA Community Leadership Award. Tami Caraballo, Glacier Peak High School teacher, is a nominee for the WASA Student Achievement Leadership Award. We are thankful for both of their contributions to our district and community! Their nominations are below:

WASA Community Leadership Award Nominee - John Turner

Snohomish School District is honored by the opportunity to recognize John Turner as a valued member of our community. For 41 years, John has been in law enforcement and he retired last December after serving for five years as the Chief of the Snohomish Police Department. Chief Turner clearly valued his partnership with our schools and was committed to our youth. John’s work was highlighted by his involvement with at-risk kids, gangs, bullying and drugs. Under his leadership, our community created a non-profit Snohomish Police Foundation. The foundation’s mission to support the programs and activities of the Snohomish Police has included slogans such as: “Not in our Town,”“Operation Smack” and “Bring Daisy (the drug dog) Back.” John’s continued work with this important organization is a perfect example of his lifelong path of leadership and service to our community. The entire Snohomish School District family is in deep gratitude to Chief Turner and we are thrilled to nominate him for the Community Leadership Award.

WASA Student Achievement Leadership Award Nominee - Tami Caraballo

It is our pleasure to nominate Tami Caraballo for the Student Achievement Leadership Award. Tami has been a teacher in Snohomish School District for 22 years. Many years ago, she created and designed a forensic science class at the high school. Students fought to get into the cutting-edge class dubbed “CSI Snohomish.” Fast forward to today. Tami leads our high-school biotechnology program with the following mission: prepare students to lead extraordinary lives. Her connection with Fred Hutchinson allows classes to conduct real research in preparation for pathways in the biotech industry and higher education. Most recently, Tami spent spring break in Kenya pursuing a global partnership of youth, teachers and scientists. Linked through web-based technology they will continue collaboration on the role of STEM to alleviate issues of global health concern. Eager to share the experiences with her classes and to Skype with the students in Africa, Tami had to wait a few extra days to do so; as she also brought back her own global health concern from Kenya – campylobacteria – and spent some time in the emergency room upon her return. It is a privilege to recognize the visionary work Tami is realizing for Snohomish School District. She truly is “preparing students to lead extraordinary lives.”

Night of the Arts events to showcase student artwork

The Snohomish community will soon have two great opportunities to enjoy a variety of artwork - and more. Both Glacier Peak and Snohomish High Schools will host Night of the Arts benefits in May. Families, students and community members are welcome to attend. Glacier Peak High School’s Night of the Arts will be held Thursday, May 10, while Snohomish High School’s is Thursday, May 17. Both events are 5-8 p.m.

These annual events are geared to raise community awareness, understanding, and enthusiasm toward art. Artwork from area students grades K-12 will be on display, and both schools are actively recruiting area artists to provide their work for display or sale, or to demonstrate their techniques in person.

Both evenings will include performances, demonstrations, festivities and other entertainment. Painting, pottery, music, dance, video and multimedia will be represented.

Admission is $5 for adults. Students and children are free. Benefits will support next year’s Night of the Arts. Refreshments will be available. A free sneak peek preview of the art shows will be held 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. the day of the event.

Students required to have up-to-date immunization forms on file at school

The amended School Immunization Law requires that up-to-date completed Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) forms be present at school for every student. The CIS form must show proof of: (a) full immunization; (b) initiation of a schedule of immunization; or (c) a certificate of exemption.

Charts that note the minimum vaccines required for attendance in the school year 2012-2013, according to the State of Washington WAC 246-100-166, and required forms can be found by clicking below:

Please note that the month, day, and year are required documentation of all vaccines. If you have any questions and/or require assistance, please call your child’s school and ask to speak with your school nurse.

Important 2012-2013 student calendar dates announced

Note - Due to school closures from the January 2012 snow, the last day of school for the 2011-2012 school year has moved to Friday, June 22.

Below are some important holidays and non-student days regarding the 2012-2013 student calendar. Please note that these dates are tentative as the final student calendar is pending any potential legislative action and negotiations with the Snohomish Education Association. The final student calendar will be released as soon as it is available.

Tuesday, September 4 - First day of school
Monday, November 12 - Veterans Day (observed)
Wednesday, November 21 - Half-Day Early Release
Thursday, November 22 through Friday, November 23 - Thanksgiving Break
Wednesday, December 19 - Half-Day Early Release
Thursday, December 20 through Tuesday, January 1 - Winter Break and New Year's Day
Monday, January 21 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Friday, February 15 through Monday, February 18 - Mid-Winter Break and Presidents Day
Monday, April 1 through Friday, April 5 - Spring Break
Monday, May 27 - Memorial Day

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Our Mission: The Snohomish School District, in its commitment to excellence, places the success of each student at the center of all decisions and actions. Partnerships and strong academic programs ensure competent, responsible, lifelong learners.

Special thanks to Snohomish community member Todd Elvig for providing the photos in the banner above.

Snohomish School District #201 complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender or disability.