Eatonville School District superintendent report

Dear staff, parents, guardians and community members —

As we approach the holiday season, I cannot help but be so very thankful. I want to take this opportunity to personally thank our students, staff, families and community members for their support and/or service to Eatonville Public Schools. Each staff member has an important and valuable role in our district. Their commitment, contributions and collaboration are actions that make us better together.

We are also thankful that students are engaged in learning, extracurricular activities and athletic events with the support of families and the community.

Eatonville School District is thankful for every student, family, staff member and community partner that makes Eatonville a great place to be. Thank you for your resilience, patience and grace, and thank you for your continued support as we navigate another amazing school year. We all belong here, and we can accomplish so much together.

Native American Month

Last month was Native American Heritage Month. It is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions and histories of Native Americans and to acknowledge their significant contributions to our world.

Want to learn more? Check out these links:

·      Governor Inslee: Native American Heritage Month and Day Proclamation (at nwpb.org).

·      OSPI Native Education (at www.k12.wa.us).

Veterans Day

In honor of Veterans Day, students and staff around the district participated in a variety of activities to honor those who have served and those who continue to serve our country. They also shared photos of family members who have served and sharing history.

Leading collective efficacy

Instructional teacher leaders and administrators are focusing on learning and leading collective efficacy in schools. Collective efficacy refers to the shared belief that through their collective action, educators can influence student outcomes and increase achievement for all students (Donohoo 2017).

So what is “Collective Teacher Efficacy” anyway? It really boils down to this: As a team, we believe in each other and that what we’re doing is going to have a positive effect on students. This could relate to grade level teams, content area teams, and even entire schools across a span of grade levels.

A big shout out to our K-12 instructional leaders:

·      Jane Hatzinger, WES

·      Josh Heersink, EES

·      Christian Tonkinson, EES

·      Susie Maida, WES

·      Rita Adams, EMS

·      Allison Meines, EMS

·      Mike Moeller, EHS

·      Rachael Hight, CCA

·      Heidi Holland, EES

Mentor program

We are thankful for Sheelah Ridgway and Matt Pederson’s work with our mentors and mentees. They are currently leading and coordinating mentoring with our new staff.

Leaders of the Year

Starting this year, we will recognize several staff members and community members of the year including:

·      Classified Staff Member of the Year

·      Teacher of the Year

·      Administrator of the Year

·      Volunteer of the Year

·      Community Partner of the Year

Be on the lookout for more information to be released as we launch this new program.

Inclement weather plan

As published earlier, during the Oct. 26 School Board of Directors Meeting, a resolution for inclement weather/snow make-up days to be held in-person was approved by the Board.

Visit smore.com/udj9w2 to read our “Inclement Weather Newsletter” with additional information regarding school start times for two-hour delays, signing up for alerts and much more.

Have a safe, relaxing, and joyful winter break.

Respectfully,

Mrs. Sally Keeley, acting Superintendent