Dear Colleagues,
As we go into the winter break, I'm sure you have heard that the Governor's budget was released last week. It is important for you to know that this preliminary budget is not the final word on this matter. While it is true that additional reductions in state funding are all but certain, we will know more in the spring when the various state budget proposals are reconciled. As we did last year, we will continue to keep you informed as we learn more.
We do know that our replacement programs and operations levy will be on the February 9, 2010 ballot. This levy represents about 18% of our operations funding, or nearly one out of every five dollars in our general fund. Sylvia, Mike, and I have been to every building to talk with you about the levy, and a Voter Information Guide will be mailed to all district households (and provided to each of you) just after Winter Break. Community members look to you for information about our schools and how they run, so it is important that you understand the levy. Please contact me (x7280) or Mike Sullivan (x 7240) if you have questions.
I hope you have a fantastic winter break and are able to spend time with those you love.
Happy holidays!
Bill
The Snohomish Education Foundation (SEF) held its annual auction November 14 and raised an incredible $79,058. Of this amount, $21,150 was raised specifically for classroom grants.
Each year, the SEF awards thousands of dollars in grants and scholarships to benefit our students. Last spring over $26,700 in grants to teachers and $67,600 in scholarships were distributed. The Foundation most recently contributed $50,000 in seed money to establish the district’s new biotechnology program which began in September.
The deadline for this year’s classroom grant applications has been extended to December 31. For more information and a grant application, see http://snohomisheducationfoundation.org/page2040.asp.
The district continues to benefit from the current competitive marketplace. There were 15 bids received for the Riverview Elementary construction project, and 13 bids received for the Machias project. Even with the addition of alternates such as 100 KW Solar panels, sod for the playfields, an automatic door locking system, and upgraded carpet, both schools are currently under budget.
Sodexo, the company which provides meals at all our district schools, has recognized the district for 25 years of continuous partnership. Ann Spencer of Sodexo presented the award to the school board at regular meeting on December 9.
On November 29, four people, including Snohomish locals Brad and Mellissa Agerup, passed away after being hit by an intoxicated driver. Brad and Melissa left behind two daughters. Sarah is an SHS graduate attending community college and Katie is a current GPHS student. Brad served on the first Citizens Facilities Committee for the district. To ensure the Agerup girls receive the higher education their parents felt was so important, an educational fund has been established at US Bank. Contributions to the “Sarah and Katie Agerup Education Fund” can be made at any US Bank branch.
December 23 - 7:30am to 12:00pm
December 24 - 28, CLOSED
December 29 - 7:30am to 5:00pm
December 30 to January 1, CLOSED
Much as we love them, the holidays can bring a lot of stress into our lives. Here are 10 tips to help you enjoy the holiday season.
1. Plan ahead. Make a list of the celebrations, events and gift giving you've planned and create a timeline to pace yourself and accomplish the goals.
2. Do something different. Have some activities stopped being fun? Find something new to do that makes you smile.
3. Share the load. Have a family meeting and get volunteers to help. If something doesn’t get done, let it go.
4. Be realistic. Do you think family life should look like a Hallmark ad or "It's a Wonderful Life"? Set realistic expectations ... remember that all families have their own quirks.
5. Take time for yourself. Take at least 30-minutes for yourself to relax, regroup, and reflect on what you are grateful for each day.
6. Remember to breathe. Slow down for a couple of minutes and take deep breaths. Try a relaxing breath exercise recommended by Andrew Weil, MD: First exhale completely through your mouth. Inhale to the count of four through your nose and hold for the count of seven. Then exhale completely through your mouth to the count of eight. Repeat.
7. Shop online. You'll save time, use less energy, conserve gas, and can compare prices easily. They will even wrap and ship.
8. Simplify wrapping. With so many quick and simple packaging alternatives available these days, wrapping can be easier. Get your gifts wrapped at your favorite department store, hire your best friend's baby sitter to do the job, or use bags and tissue.
9. Exercise. Even a five minute walk around the block can help relieve stress. Fifteen minutes is even better, and a full workout will do wonders. Go ahead, you deserve it!
10. Pick your time to stop. Set a deadline, like 3 p.m. on the day before your family’s big celebration, when you say, "That’s it. I’ve done all I can. I'm done. Good job." Then, sing a carol, have a mug of cocoa and enjoy the holidays!
Babies!
Congratulations to first-time Grandma, Janet Towns (CMS). Janet’s daughter, Carina Joss (SHS ’02) and husband, SPC John Joss III, welcomed their daughter, Aurelia Violet on November 3, 2009. John is currently working at the army base in Fort Benning, Georgia.
Kudos!
Becky Crawford (EM) is proud to announce the Naval graduation of her son, Spencer Crawford (SHS ’02). He was top of his class, receiving special honors, from the Navy EOD, Explosive Ordinance Disposal, or better known as the Navy Bomb Squad in Florida. He will be stationed in San Diego starting in March 2010.
The CMS Kitchen has been nominated for a Snohomish County Best Food Places award. Randy Durant from the Snohomish County Health Department made the nomination. Winners will be announced in January. Way to go, CMS kitchen crew!
Congratulations to Emerson’s third grade teachers, Ed Kowalski, Dana Oppelt, Kim Moritz, Elaisa Navarro and Colleen DeLorenzo, who have led their students in creating cancer care kits for children battling this disease. Over 100 kits will be given to the Ronald McDonald House. Thanks, Emerson kids!
Congratulations to Karen Ren (RV) who was recognized as the School “Star of the Week” by 101.5 STAR Radio. Karen, who has been a Para-Professional at RV for 25 years, was nominated for this award by Penny Livingston (RV). Karen was interviewed by 101.5 STAR Radio and will receive $100 cash, a plaque and a Q’doba $30 gift card. Her interview will eventually be posted to the Public School Employees website: http://www.pseclassified.org/press_display.php?id=1058