Welcome to the new school year! It is so exciting to think of all the bright and shining faces we’ll see tomorrow! With “Sno News” going electronic, we are changing the layout to make it easier to read, email, and produce. Let us know what you think of the new layout by sending an email to J.Marie at communications@sno.wednet.edu.
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Welcome, colleagues, to the 2009-2010 school year in Snohomish!
Last year was a tough year with the economic downturn and resulting financial problems for the state legislature. The impact to schools across the state was significant. In our district, funding cuts forced us to make reductions in the amount of $5 million for this coming year.
I can tell you that even though it appears that the state is no longer in a financial freefall, we are approaching this year very cautiously. The economic news certainly isn’t as bad as it was last spring, but it is not yet clear when the state’s financial condition will truly turn around.
This year may feel different for many of you. Some of you are coming back to work in buildings and departments that have different and sometimes fewer people in them … and sometimes in different locations. Despite this, I know that we are all committed to providing the very best educational opportunities possible for all our students.
In the course of this year, however difficult it may at times be, we must remember that our greatest resource is always each other. Thank you for your dedication and for the great work you do with our kids. Let’s make this a truly excellent year!
Capital Projects Updates: As you know, we are making tremendous progress with our capital projects. In the last few months, the old Machias and Riverview buildings have been razed and we are gearing up for construction to begin this winter. The two schools have moved into the Maple Avenue Campus (aka the Freshman Campus), which they will share while their respective schools are under construction. A great deal of work has gone into making this campus welcoming and suitable for younger students, and the staffs from both schools have worked together this summer to make the transition as seamless as possible for our students and families.
PPP moved out of the former Freshman Campus and into the Parkway Campus over the summer. At the same time, teams are making excellent progress toward the expansion and construction of Valley View Middle School and the expansion of Centennial Middle School. Planning is also well underway toward the construction of a new Aquatic Center.
Construction work is most evident at the Snohomish High School campus, where the new auxiliary gym is growing before our eyes and Building A is a shell of its former self as it undergoes major renovation. The new kitchen and locker rooms are ready for students to come back and all the school offices have moved to Building B.
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Please do not move your telephones in the classrooms. Classroom telephones are configured for 911 purposes to specific jacks in each classroom. If you move a telephone, then 911 cannot tell where a phone call was made from. It can take hours to audit and correct this situation, so we need your help. Thanks!
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September is a super-busy time for school employees, but you can take steps to stay healthy!
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There will be one more benefit open house available for you to get information, ask questions, and fill out the necessary forms to enroll this year. Payroll staff will be available to answer your questions about Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, Tax Sheltered Annuity, Deferred Compensation, Salary Insurance, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance, Cancer Insurance and/or direct deposit.
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www.sno.wednet.edu is getting a new, more user-friendly facelift. Menus are more intuitive and you’ll love the new search feature. The banner photo was contributed by local photographer, Todd Elvig, and includes several recognizable Snohomish faces. Look for new banner photos to rotate in through the year.
We are also venturing into the world of online social networking. Parents and community members can follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SnoSchools. Or they can receive updates on Facebook by logging in at www.facebook.com and searching for “Snohomish School District.” You can sign up, too!
We need your news! Social networking is most effective if new messages are added at least every couple of days. So please send us interesting things kids are doing in class, upcoming events that have community appeal, student/staff kudos, etc. Email: communications@sno.wednet.edu.
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Emma Schmidt (SHS ’04), daughter of Fran Schmidt (CMS) and husband Mike, graduated from Seattle University in June. While attending SU, she was also an ROTC cadet and has been commissioned into the US Air force as a 2nd Lieutenant. Emma reported to active duty in August at Keelser AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi to begin training as an Air Traffic Control Officer. Congrats, Emma!
The Totem Falls family grew last June! Congratulations to Kami Liliequist (TF) and husband, Robert, on the birth of their son, Brendan Colin (8lbs. 5 oz) on June 16th. On the very next day, Amelia was born to Rachel Hansen (TF) and husband, Landon. Congratulations to these families!
Teresa Hurley (RV) and husband Terry are thrilled about their first grandson, Carson Michael Maechler, born August 2, to parents Amber (Hurley) Maechler (SHS ’98) and Michael Maechler (SHS ’98). Baby Carson is a healthy and beautiful, 8 lbs., 14 oz boy and according to Grandma Teresa, “he’s perfect and amazing!”
Congratulations to Kinga Thomas (SHS) and husband Tyler (SHS ’99) on the birth of beautiful Savanna Noel (6 lbs. 4 oz.), born on August 5th.
Ann Carter (RSC) and husband Terry (SHS ’73) are proud grandparents of three new grandchildren this summer. Twin boys Tyson Charles and Preston James were born to their son Jeff Myers and his wife Cherish on June 19th. Daughter Kelly Strine and husband Gabe welcomed daughter Abigail Laurel Josephine on August 4th.
Jim Hawkins (VV) is proud to announce he is grandpa! Roman Wilson was born August 21st weighing in at 8lbs. 10oz.