Anacortes School District Meet Cole Murray Page 3

WWW.ASD103.ORGnacortes Pride APRIL 2017 District breaks ground on new AHS!

School board members, including student representatives, joined Mayor Laurie Gere and Superintendent Mark Wenzel on February 28 for the new high school groundbreaking. The group includes Anja Shjarback, Whitney Hogge, Marilyn Hanesworth, Erin Rieger, Bobbilyn Hogge, Laurie Gere, Mark Wenzel, Bill Shaw, Karl Yost, Michael Mantell and Sabrina Poor. Students celebrate plans for new school, construction crews start work

cheer rose to the sky from song, as students stood shoulder retention systems for stormwater, “We’re right on schedule,” said process. City engineering and the 750 Anacortes High School to shoulder singing about their in addition to lines for gas, water, Shuman. “But we’re glad to move fire department also showed great students assembled in the beloved alma mater. As they filed fire and sewer. Structural steel into the drier months.” cooperation in supporting us to Astands next to the high school. The out, they talked excitedly about will follow in June, as the building move forward.” date: February 28, 2017. The occa- the school design and the future rises from the ground. The steel sion: The beginning of a new era. of AHS. will be provided by City partnership At the new high school ground- Iron Works in Oak Harbor. The District project manager Marc Next steps breaking, superintendent Mark project will use 560 tons. Estvold applauds the partnership The school board plans to take Wenzel encouraged students to Getting started “It will be a huge advantage to with the city for helping to keep action on a contract for general reflect on the “incredible commu- Within a few days, a crew from have the steel locally sourced,” things moving forward. contractor FORMA construction nity investment,” to express grati- Faber Construction in Lynden was said building site superintendent “Don Measamer and the plan- later this month, accepting bids tude to district residents, and to on site moving dirt. Initial work Brad Shuman of FORMA con- ning department have been great for key scopes of work. The class- live up to the promise of the new included creating a pond to man- struction. “We bid the package to work with,” said Estvold. room wing is scheduled to be school. Principal Jon Ronngren age water from the construction early to make sure we could get “They’ve been extremely respon- complete by September 2018. The expressed his enthusiasm for the project. Next they created a foot- the material on time. We expect sive to any questions we’ve had final phase of the project includes project in saying: “If the new Rice print – shaping the site to accom- a smooth transition to that phase in regards to city zoning or code the Career & Technical Education Field is any indication, we will modate the new classroom wing. of work.” issues. They also worked with wing, auditorium, gym and music soon occupy one of the finest high The next phase calls for digging While the weather has been us in advance to facilitate our rooms. It is scheduled to be under schools in the state.” footings and utilities – set to begin unusually wet, it hasn’t delayed submittal for a building permit construction from summer 2018 to The band played the school in May. This includes three large the project. which really helped expedite the spring 2019.

Anacortes∙Pride Anacortes School District • 2200 M Avenue • Anacortes, WA 98221 Helping others (360) 293-1200 • www.asd.org Mark Wenzel: Editor • Treva King: Writer Peter Kuhnlein: Photographer (ACME Creative) Torhil Ramsay: Content support • Sue Misao: Design School Board: Bobbilyn Hogge, president ([email protected]) Erin Rieger, vice-president • Karl Yost • Dr. Bill Shaw • Marilyn Hanesworth The Anacortes School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its program or activities. ASD complies with all federal and Washington State rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, families with children, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, age, Vietnam-era status, or disabled veteran status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a disabled person. Applications from all groups are encouraged. ASD is a drug, alcohol, and tobacco-free workplace. ASD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Contact the district office at (360) 293-1210 with inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures.

AHS students John Mackinnon and Jake Jensen rescued 88-year-old George Howard last Non-profit org. month while practicing at Swinomish Golf Links. Howard was looking for golf balls along the Anacortes∙Pride U.S. Postage PAID brush when he got stuck in the mud and blackberry bushes. He remained there for more than Anacortes, WA six hours during snow and cold temperatures. The students heard someone calling for help Anacortes School District Permit No. 28 and ran a long way before seeing Howard on his knees. They stayed with him until emergency 2200 M Ave., Anacortes, WA 98221 crews arrived. At the hospital, Howard told the students that he probably would have died ECRWSS within the next few minutes had they not found him. 360-293-1200; www.asd103.org Postal Customer APRIL 2017 2 ANACORTES PRIDE • WWW.ASD103.ORG Anacortes Pride extraordinary swim coaches special helpers! Other stellar volunteers include Steve and Kelly Switzer, ​Krista Navarro, Tom Sweeney, or the past seven years, we have had sons on the AHS Ronda Dupea, Cynthia Lisa and Sam Fain. They listen Fswim and dive team. We want to recognize the amaz- to children read, offer praise and give our classroom a ing coaches, Leslie Mix and Ruth Masters. Coach Mix warm and loving feeling. has been voted “Coach of the Year” by her peers countless Kris Roney, Fidalgo teacher times. With Coach Masters’ assistance, she has led the Se- Shout ahawks to state every single year. Our sons will remember their experiences with swim the rest of their lives and so music support will we! She was able to inspire them to work hard and big shout out to volunteers Debra Hall, Sally DeFehr to always do their best. They learned both to win and to and Barbara Schnable! Each week, these wonderful accept disappointment gracefully and to always support Acommunity members come to my classroom to help my their teammates. Not only did she make them athletes, outs Fidalgo fourth grade students with their recorder. I ap- she made them better young men. Our community is preciate all you do for my musicians! lucky to have such an outstanding pair of coaches. Tina Franulovich-Martin, teacher Dianne Norton, parent talented duo robotics success would like to send a shout out to Christy and Jon he robotics team is achieving amazing results, includ- Fischer for all of their amazing volunteer efforts. Christy ing their ranking so far this season among the very Iis the Island View PTA vice-president and is in the school Tbest teams in the Pacific Northwest. A host of individuals daily working on various events and fundraisers. She also support the program. First is Joe Furin, the AHS director shares her incredible design talent by creating flyers and of Career and Technical Education. In addition to his social media posts to get the word out about events. Jon, teaching and leadership roles, Joe leads the merry group her husband, is a volunteer coach for soccer and basket- of adult volunteers and students. Second is Tonda Smit, ball and has a very inspiring, positive nature. His teams who has been a key organizer/supporter of the team for are happy, confident and show great sportsmanship. a number of years. Along with these two individuals are Laura Moroney, parent a host of adult mentors. Anacortes is fortunate to have people willing to volunteer so much of their own time, math mindset skills, and experience to ensure students succeed in this competitive global program. at Tonnemaker and other Island Mark Jenkins, parent View teachers did a wonderful job Pwith Math Night last month. I loved auction chair the excitement in the air and the pride the kids had in being able to teach eather Hernandez, Fidalgo Elementary PTA auction us what they have been learning in Hchair, deserves a shout out. She spearheaded a very a fun and different way. Ms. Tonne- successful and fun event for our community. maker talks to us not just about what Pat Tonnemaker Shelley Balanko, parent our child does right and wrong; she AMS counselor Shawn Flynn worked closely with Mark Lione speaks about attitude and how ac- parent communication of Anacortes Noon Rotary to organize an opportunity for complishments include having multiple strategies when hitney kindergarten teacher Kelsey Swapp is a eighth graders to explore careers by visiting work locations trying to figure out problems. By commending them for great communicator. She actively reached out to throughout Anacortes. their efforts, not giving up, and trying different ways Wour family to help us support our son in his learning, to when things get hard, she helps them enjoy the learning encourage him and to keep him on track. I feel like it was process and turns them into lifelong learners. a pivotal point for my son, and for us as parents, in his community careers Darene Follett, parent schooling and will always appreciate her communication ’d like to give a shout out to AMS counselor Shawn and dedication. unique and memorable Flynn and noon Rotary member Mark Lione for their Sara Hembree, parent Iroles in creating a career exploration opportunity for ’d like to send a huge shout out to two Mount Erie nearly 120 eighth grade students. This program provides Iparents for their interest, commitment and support. selfless tutor our students an insight to future careers and a chance to Sherean Rogouski has started a lunchtime chess club for artha Harper has been tutoring our daughter in see community professionals in action. third and sixth graders on Tuesday. Kids love it! Melissa math this year and has selflessly given time to help Patrick Harrington, AMS principal Martinez is teaching an introductory Spanish language Mher learn. She has become a confidante for her also. Our program every Tuesday morning before school. Students daughter says, “She knows she is not that great at math, positive influence are learning how to say shapes, colors, and everyday but she likes it anyway.” That is an amazing statement to objects. It’s programs like these that provide unique and come from a girl that has had to work so hard at home hank you Jean Lungren and all memorable learning opportunities for students. and at school to catch up. Tthe counselors for promoting the Peter Donaldson, principal Michelle Damrill, parent concepts of self-actualization and good personal decision-making in our stu- cap sante high school dents. They will definitely benefit from pta support your talented insights as they grow ’d like to celebrate Cap Sante High, both for their amantha Rocky, Island View’s PTA president, goes into young adults. Mrs. Lungren, your Ipartnership with A Simple Gesture and for their suc- above and beyond helping staff and PTA members. years of expertise are solidly apparent. Jean Lungren cess with students. A Simple Gesture volunteers bring SSam spends countless hours at school and is always a We are lucky to have you. in non-perishable and perishable food for students. As a pleasure to be around. Thank you, Sam, for all of your Kris Pelletier, parent result, teacher Jennifer Alatorre says staff have witnessed hard work and dedication to Island View. “significant changes in behavior, well-being, and emotion- Melissa Conte, parent and former PTA president respect runs deep al stability with students this year.” She shared how it’s much easier for students to be productive and successful patience and dedication hen you spend a few short minutes in Lara Knowles when they aren’t hungry. Wkindergarten class at Mt. Erie, you are overwhelmed In addition, students are earning a record number of cred- racy Catlin at Mt. Erie Elementary with the respect that she has created in that room. The its. This year, to date, there is a 47 percent increase over last Tis one of those teachers you will students are polite and considerate of each other. They year in credits earned. There is also a 33 percent increase in remember long after your child has compliment their classmates constantly. She is making an attendance over last year. Well done, Cap Sante High School! moved on from her class. Her endless impact on how this group of kids treats other human be- Becky Motherwell, retired teacher patience and dedication in ensuring ings, and it is wonderfully refreshing. every child succeeds showcases her Meredith McIlmoyle, parent love for teaching. She is enthusiastic radiant smile and engaging, hardworking and de- Tracy Catlin amazing women he district’s teaching and learning department has voted to helping each student excel. been blessed by the recent addition of Carrie King, She passed her love for education oann Curran and Donna Horigan are amazing class- Tassistant extraordinaire! Carrie is a consummate profes- to my daughter this year and instilled an excitement Jroom volunteers. They help multiple days per week sional who continually seeks to provide parents, students, about learning she didn’t previously possess. We are so and stay all day! They help with reading, writing, math, teachers, coaches, and administrators with top-notch sup- thankful for her! prep work, leveling books and correcting student work. port. Her radiant smile and can-do attitude inspire us all Kelly Wheeler, parent In fact, I’ve been singing their praises so much that other to do our very best to ensure success at Anacortes School teachers are stealing their time and getting help from District. Stop by the district office anytime, and Carrie will second generation them for their classrooms! Our class would not be mak- serve you a piping hot cup of hospitality, a satisfying plate ing the amazing progress they are making without these of answered questions and a delectable dessert of grati- y daughter is in Linda Ricksen’s third grade class at tude. Carrie King – one more reason Anacortes School MMt. Erie and struggling a bit with anxiety in math. District is simply the best! Ms. Ricksen meets with her every Tuesday and Thursday Michelle Murray, instructional coach morning for one-on-one sessions. I really appreciate Ms. Ricksen’s willingness to take extra time to help students when they need it. I was lucky enough to have her as my priceless gem sixth grade teacher back in 1999 and am so thankful that onique Starkovich is a priceless gem at Mt Erie. my daughter has a chance to learn from her as well! She is a calming presence when you first walk into Tris Vail, parent Mschool. New parents can be assured that Monique will help guide you. Monique is a wealth of knowledge and kind soul knows what is going on at and around Mt Erie at any e would like to recognize our bus driver, Sheri time of the day. Like a gem, she is cherished by many. Carrie Worra, parent Solwold, for the phenomenal job she does! She is Wone special lady and makes her riders feel the same! She goes the extra mile for our kids. We can always count on 6-8 transition them being greeted with a smiling face in the morning big thank you to ALL the staff working so hard on the and as they exit in the afternoon. She drives them safely incoming sixth grade transition to AMS next year! We and provides wonderful care to our most precious cargo. Aanticipate a positive experience for our students and great She has a generous heart and we are so thankful our kids benefits for our district. Thank you for your comprehen- ride her bus! Fidalgo first grade teacher Kris Roney sent a shout out to all sive planning and thoughtful care for our kids. Al & Shelly Geist, parents her classroom volunteers, including Donna Horigan. Brian and Alexis Gentry, parents 3

APRIL 2017 Anacortes Pride ANACORTES PRIDE • WWW.ASD103.ORG 3

n almost every way, Cole said his father. “It’s been good Murray is a typical 15-year- for us, as parents, to learn along old freshman. He loves to with Cole.” Iplay video games and watch Cole Murray Life at AHS movies. His favorite class is Spanish. He doesn’t always get High school life has been good along perfectly with his parents. for Cole. He says most people And yet, Cole Murray is also AN ANACORTES BOY’S LIFE are nice to him and will help him unique. when he falls. He loved the first Most people will notice Cole’s day of school, walking through differences before even meeting a cheering crowd of upperclass- him. He has trouble staying bal- men. anced, so walking is difficult. His “It made me feel welcome and muscle tone is “high”, meaning good,” he said. some muscles are continuously What does Cole want his contracted. This rigidity, or stiff- teachers and classmates to know ness, is referred to as spasticity. about him and his CP? Cole has cerebral palsy. “I just want them to know I’m Born at 29 weeks, Cole was an nice and kind. And I want them extremely sick baby and spent to be kind and gentle,” he said. the first four months of his life His parents echo the senti- in the hospital at the University ment. They want him to have of Washington. He had a near- positive experiences, to feel wor- death cardio pulmonary arrest thy and to feel the importance of that resulted in 12 minutes of being part of a community. And resuscitation efforts when he was they’re proud of his breakout a month old. moments and growth. Recently, But it wasn’t until he missed he has overcome his discomfort gross motor skill benchmarks with loud noises and can now that he was diagnosed with cheer alongside his classmates at cerebral palsy (CP), a neurologi- pep rallies. cal condition resulting from brain “We hope that Cole is known injury prior to, during or imme- as a kind and helpful person… diately after birth. that people will see him as a regular guy. We have many of the Impacts of CP AHS student Cole Murray enjoys a walk in the Anacortes Community Forest Lands with his father, Nate, and mother, Donna. same hopes for him that other Because CP is caused by parents have for their kids,” said brain injury, there is no cure. In Donna Murray. on shoes and socks or buttoning their exceptional experience at addition, it will not progress, balanced on a chair or keeping Sometimes, this means push- my shirt,” he said. “I also have to Whitney with Principal Kevin although spasticity and pain can his feet on the ground while at ing Cole out of his comfort box. go on the right side of the stairs, Schwartz and kindergarten grow over one’s lifetime. CP var- his desk. It’s exhausting, says his They realize they need to be one step at a time. Sometimes ies from person to person; muscle mother. teachers Holly Dietrich and intentional about encouraging people bump me, or my dog tone can be low, with limbs hav- Another result of the brain Roxanna Moser got them off to him to try new things, to work on Piper pulls too hard, and I lose ing no rigidity; or it can be high, injury that causes CP is delayed a great start in Cole’s education. having real friendships. my balance and fall.” as in Cole’s case. People with CP speech and thought processes. “We knew everything was Donna Murray says she’s Nate Murray, Cole’s father, can suffer from speech delays, Life skills teacher Kyle Wendling going to be okay. It was like this never seen herself as someone says hiking in the forestlands has hearing or vision impairment and says that staying focused is extended family,” said Donna with a platform, but with March been great practice for balance. sometimes are even confined to Cole’s biggest challenge in class Murray. as Cerebral Palsy Awareness As for his strengths, foreign a wheelchair if their muscles are but that when he is focused, District physical therapist Month, she thought it would be languages and giving speeches too rigid or soft. there’s no stopping him. Linda Lewis proved invaluable a perfect time for people to get to top the list. An auditory learner, Cole’s mother Donna said she Wendling also enjoys Cole’s throughout Cole’s early years know Cole and to learn about CP. Cole memorizes things quickly; spent those four months at UW demeanor. at Fidalgo and then at Island As high school life progresses, he can also improvise. Combine just praying he would live. “He is a super sweet kid. View. Nate Murray says she Nate and Donna are coming to this with his lack of nervous- “Every parent of a special Honestly, Cole’s one of the nicest helped them navigate Cole’s terms with the unknown future. ness, and the result is a top-rated needs child goes through a kids I know, and his classmates unique needs from an objective Or rather, with a future that has speaker. Cole recently received mourning period. That was a would agree. He gets along with perspective, which was key. certain knowns. a drama department award for challenge for us, to allow our- everyone. They just love him,” “She went above and beyond. “There’s always been the idea effort and accomplishment. selves to give in to that grief and said Wendling. “When he inter- She eased our concerns and that he’ll probably live with us One of Cole’s favorite hobbies loss of certain expectations,” she acts with the general education fears before we even knew we forever, but the realization is is playing with Google translate. said. “But we’re so blessed. Cole students, they’re kind to him had them,” he said. hitting closer to home as he gets He has watched Cars and Star was a very easy child growing as well. Most of the kids in our A “circle of advocates” joined older,” Donna said. “It’s hard to Wars in both French and Spanish, up. He’s so accepting and ami- district are very open and accept- Linda Lewis in supporting talk about future plans with other and will always choose to watch able.” ing. We’re winning as far as that’s Cole’s success, including life friends because they don’t have movies in a foreign language, if Living with CP has its chal- concerned.” skills teacher Teresa Lewis and the same issues.” possible. lenges. Cole admits it’s hard to Motor skills and balance all the para-educators. Cole, however, knows exactly focus on tasks in class. Much District support “They all knew his unique what he wants to do: travel and of this is due to the fact that he Motor skills and balance are strengths and challenges and study foreign languages. His top spends a great deal of attention both a challenge and a focus of Nate and Donna Murray give worked with us to keep the destinations: Norway, Denmark, and energy on things that most Cole’s education. credit to the district for helping incentives and consequences Sweden, Netherlands, Iceland people take for granted: staying “Sometimes I struggle putting Cole along the way. They say consistent at home and school,” and Germany… to name a few. What do we mean by ‘critical thinking’? ne of the big ideas skepticism and suspicion as they approach thesis and how to support it. They read the • AHS ninth graders recently debated that keeps emerg- spoken remarks. book, Fox, and had to take a position on topics such as: “Single-gender classrooms Oing in our district • Critical thinkers are active, not pas- whether the character Magpie was a good improve student learning,” or “Social me- strategic planning sive. They ask questions and analyze. They friend or not. In debating the topic, they dia does more harm than good.” Students process is the desire to consciously apply tactics and strategies to collaborate with classmates to find evi- selected their topic, researched, wrote promote critical think- uncover meaning or assure their under- dence in the text to support their stance. cases and argued pro and con. Librar- ing. As we think about standing. This leads to future work in social studies ian Dana John helped them access the the kind of students • Critical thinkers do not take an ego- where they write about and debate a library’s databases and other reputable we want to help shape tistical view of the world. They are open topic of their choice related to Westward sources. for the future, every- to new ideas and perspectives. They are Expansion. In 10th grade, students wrote an ar- Dr. Mark Wenzel one agrees that they willing to challenge their beliefs and inves- “Our curriculum spirals in a way that gumentative paper in which they posed Superintendent should be effective tigate competing evidence. everything builds on everything else their subject as a question to allow them critical thinkers. A strength of our Washington state from grade to grade,” said instructional to change their minds if the evidence led Critical thinking is standards is an explicit focus on critical coach Michelle Murray. “They’re making them there. Topics included funding for also listed as a major 21st Century work- thinking. In science, students learn to pose big connections, analyzing more deeply, National Endowment of the Arts, teacher force skill – along with creativity, collabo- questions, analyze and interpret data, and thinking about their own beliefs and how pay, and the quality of food provided to ration and communication – in a host of engage in argument from evidence. In they can support them.” school lunch programs. Students used recent research studies. math, students master conceptual under- • Eighth grade science students en- a guide to determine the credibility of But what exactly do we mean by critical standing and computational skills, justify gaged in a “bottle flipping” lab where sources. Teacher Ruth Masters noted: thinking? their thinking, and show multiple ways of they had to design their own experiment “Our discussions about resources are solving a problem. to determine how to manipulate a bottle completely different than what I’ve seen Socratic method to land as many times as possible on 10 with previous students. Some students The intellectual roots go back 2,500 Classroom examples tries or within a minute. In doing so, they had to change their topics altogether years to Socrates and his focus on justify- And in English Language Arts, students could adjust independent variables such because the research they found was all ing thinking through probing questions. relate one’s own point of view to that of as adding water or using syrup in the opinion or contained non-empirical data His Socratic method was intended to dis- the author of a text; distinguish claims that bottle. Students collected data, created such as biased polls.” cover the underlying premises of student are supported by evidence from claims data tables and presented their claim, I’m excited about our focus on critical beliefs including assumptions, reason and that are not; and evaluate multiple sources evidence and reasoning. thinking. As we imagine the workplace evidence. of information to address a question or “Ten years ago, we would have given and civic roles we aspire for our students Professor Dan Kurland identifies critical solve a problem. them a ‘cookie-cutter’ lab with all the in the future, their ability to think deeply thinking through dispositions. He writes: Three classroom examples show critical data pre-arranged,” said teacher Lindi about information and formulate evi- • Critical thinkers are by nature skepti- thinking in action. Kudlacek. “Now they must do the think- dence-based arguments will serve them cal. They approach texts with the same • Fourth graders learned how to write a ing by designing their own experiment.” well throughout their lives. APRIL 2017 4 ANACORTES PRIDE • WWW.ASD103.ORG Anacortes Pride IN BRIEF PARENT ENGAGEMENT District opens field to general public Partnering with school leads to success The new Rice Field will be open to the public dad counts aloud and sorts starting April 10 from 6 floating toys by color while to 7:30 am on weekday bathing his two-year-old mornings, from 7 to 10 Ason. While reading a story to her pm on weekday evenings, eight-year-old, a mom stops to and on Sundays from ask what her daughter thinks will noon to 6 pm. Community happen next. On the drive home members will be able to after their son’s high school band use both the track and concert, parents ask: What do you field during the morning feel was your strongest song? and Sunday hours. Dur- Do you need help studying your ing the weekday evening Spanish flashcards tonight? hours, use will be lim- What do these scenarios have ited to the track because in common? All of these parents of rentals on the field. are ensuring their child will Outside of those times, succeed both academically and the field will be used for socially-emotionally. school programs and rentals. Thoughtful engagement “It was a priority for What are seemingly simple the school board and parenting tasks, turn out to be administration to open up crucial acts of engagement. The the field to the commu- research is clear: parent engage- nity as a resource,” said ment matters. board president Bobbilyn As DePaul University professor Fidalgo elementary mom Joann Curran works with her kids after school at the kitchen table. With her are Hogge. “Local residents Eva Patrikakou notes: “Children supported the bond to Aubree, sixth grade, Kayden, fourth grade, and Levi, first grade. Curran reads individually with her children whose families are more involved each night, but likes doing math as a family so they can ‘tackle it all together.’ build it, and we want to display higher levels of achieve- make sure this facility is ment than children whose families enjoyed by all.” are less involved.” The district has hired While this may seem obvious, take advantage of a child’s natural consequences. in their learning,” said Ronngren. a part-time stadium it’s often not exactly clear what curiosity. It’s a preschooler’s job Once parents get involved at He lists these additional ben- manager to help facilitate engagement looks like. It looks to pretend and play. What’s hap- home by engaging in conversa- efits of engaged parenting: rentals and serve as a different at different ages. pening at home, from birth to age tions about school work, setting • Students have higher self-es- liaison for the public. No Nicole Mortimer, the district’s five, she says, is more indicative of routines for reading or studying teem, more self-discipline, higher dogs will be allowed in early learning coordinator, says it future success in school than any and having high expectations, aspirations for post-secondary the facility. Other rules for starts at birth when parents interact other factor, including preschool. growth starts to occur. endeavors facility use will be posted and make their baby feel safe and A 2004 research study found • Students make better transi- at the entrance. nurtured. Reading to infants teach- Elementary connections that parent engagement remains tions and are less likely to drop The board also recently es vocal and facial recognition, the Once children enter elementary relevant through high school and out of school, consistently com- approved a rental fee rhythm of sound and language, school, staying engaged can be can be correlated to post-second- plete homework, projects, etc. schedule with lower rates and vocabulary development. more challenging, especially if ary attainment. Again, this may • Students have better atten- and priority access given Parents are often shocked to hear you don’t know exactly what seem obvious. Students who have dance to local groups. The fees that a preschool child who is read that means. District mental health parent support will probably do What should parents do to stay will help offset utilities to 20 minutes a day is exposed to therapist Claudia Mason says better. But it’s the kind of support engaged? Across all ages, some and maintenance costs. 1.8 million words a year, whereas without parent involvement, she that matters. things remain constant. a child who is read to less than a couldn’t help her students. Read to – or with – students Senior College minute a day is only exposed to “For me, parental engagement High expectations as they grow older. Spend time seeks volunteer 8,000 words annually. is the core. I can’t move any stu- Anacortes High School princi- (without technology) with your “Linguistically poor preschool- dent forward behaviorally or on pal Jon Ronngren, who was a high student. Talk to your student The Anacortes Senior ers will struggle, performing no- a social-emotional level without school counselor for 15 years prior about learning, homework, and College, after a decade tably lower in reading by first parent involvement. Their moti- to his nine years in administration, what happened at school today. of successful growth, grade than their peers, and that vation is key,” said Mason. sees the link day in and day out. Stay in communication with requires an assistant for gap will grow exponentially as But what does it look like? Cer- When parents have high expecta- teachers. And keep in touch with the current curriculum they continue through school,” tainly reading to children and at- tions, students’ clear perception other parents. director, Dr. Michael said Mortimer. tending school events have their of these expectations leads to If time permits, get involved Newbrough. This position It’s not just about reading, place. But it’s also about parents more time spent on homework with the school’s PTSA and attend involves facilitating the though. Parents of babies and finding incentives for their chil- and studying, which translates to school events. But if not, making creation of new courses, toddlers can be engaged daily by dren to do well in school. In her higher achievement. connections at home is just as im- recruiting instructors, singing, rhyming, counting and sessions, Mason helps parents “No matter what the back- portant. Let your children know and assembling class most importantly, pretending. learn to set boundaries and to ground, students achieve more regularly that you have high schedules. ASC’s six-week Mortimer encourages parents to have the courage to parent with when their parents are invested hopes and confidence in them. sessions meet three times a year: fall, winter and spring. All board mem- bers, staff and instructors are volunteers. For further Long-time employees bring talents to project information, email: info@ seniorcollege.org wo new additions to the high school specifications. construction team bring a wealth of “Bob has such a rich history in our district Parenting class expertise and decades of district experi- and is well-known for his attention to detail. A parenting class will Tence. Bob Knorr is serving as logistics coor- We’re excited for him to take on all the be offered at Whitney dinator for the project, and Marty Yates is the logistical details with staff and community,” School this spring, in on-site district representative working with said Wenzel. partnership with Island general contractor, FORMA Construction. The day-to-day construction decisions will Hospital. Parents will Knorr’s 44 years as a teacher and principal be supported by maintenance supervisor learn how to build a are now allowing him to bridge a deep-run- Marty Yates, who is in his 27th year with the positive relationship with ning legacy of community commitment to district. The new role as an on-site repre- your child, understand education. He was a new teacher during the sentative requires Yates to interface with your child’s behavior 1976 construction of the current high school FORMA and the subcontractors on construc- better, and communicate building. As part of the original planning tion issues, whether it be around design, expectations for desired team, he helped design the band and choir change orders or value engineering. behavior. The target audi- rooms and Brodniak Hall. Yates works directly with the architect and ence is parents of children “Opening a new school is an opportunity the mechanical and electrical engineers to aged 3 to 6. for an instructional beginning, but it’s also field questions and ensure everything goes The presenter is Pat Ca- creating a future for our schools based on the well. He walks the site daily and attends all vit, a social worker with hard work of those who came before. It’s ex- meetings, bringing a hands-on tradesperson a long history of working citing to be a part of both worlds,” said Knorr. perspective. His goal is to make sure the with children and fami- As logistics coordinator, he is charged district gets the most for its money. lies. Dates are May 11, with ensuring smooth transitions, particular- One recent example is Yates’ successful 18, and 25 from 6:15-7:45 ly during the 2018-19 school year when the attempt to ensure that lighting equipment pm. On-site childcare is final phase of the project will require moving could be sourced locally. It’s this kind of provided. Cost is $10 per Career and Technical Education, music, knowledge that Wenzel appreciates. participant with scholar- drama and PE programs for a year. “He knows so much about all our ships available. Register Knorr is working closely with project systems, where everything is, and what by calling 360-299-4204, manager Marc Estvold, superintendent questions to ask. He adds great value to email communityed@ Mark Wenzel and principal Jon Ronngren the project,” said Wenzel. “I’m thrilled to islandhospital.org, or go to find relocation and storage solutions Bob Knorr and Marty Yates have taken on lead- have both Bob and Marty on board. To have ership roles with the high school construction to: www. islandhospital. within the community. He will also oversee people with such outstanding track records project. They will help with coordinating logis- org/classes the purchasing of furniture, fixtures and in these roles is really going to help us equipment (FF&E) as included in the design tics and day-to-day support of the project. deliver an amazing new school.” APRIL 2017 Anacortes Pride ANACORTES PRIDE • WWW.ASD103.ORG 5 New elementary math curriculum offers ‘deeper learning’ he district’s new elementary was able to intervene and have math program, Engage NY, the student go back to prior work ushers in a new era of stan- from a previous lesson. Tdards-based, online materials. The Angie Miller, who teaches first rigorous program and supporting grade at Mt. Erie, likes how the materials were created by teachers curriculum pushes students to through a project funded by the think flexibly about math. state of New York. They published “There are many different strat- the materials as an “Open Educa- egies that students can use to tional Resource” – the core content approach mathematical problem is free online. solving: using concrete tools, The materials came to the dis- pictures, mathematical models, trict via teachers who started mental math thinking and written using it in classrooms to enhance equations,” she said. their lessons. In 2014, then-math coach Jennie Parent friendliness Beltramini shared the materials with interested teachers. The ma- Stanage says the alignment of terials had earned a top ranking Engage NY is a win for parents, from EdReports, a national non- as well. profit that evaluates the quality of “Students will have gotten the K-12 instructional materials and same format, the vocab, the daily their alignment to state learning practice, from kindergarten on, so standards. parents will start to learn the same “Engage NY was one of only terms,” he said. “They can be two curricula in the nation rec- more supportive when they have ognized as actually being aligned a broader and deeper understand- to new math standards,” said ing of where their student is.” Beltramini. Parents also have access to a Mt. Erie first grade students Arreah Erickson, Ellie Helmreich and Richie Serrano use hands-on tools in math class to Teacher interest turned into an free online resource called Zearn. help them understand core concepts. The district recently adopted a new math program called Engage New York, This technology component al- official field test, which led to a which aligns well with the Washington state math standards and helps teachers personalize learning. committee recommendation to lows parents to view lessons make it the adopted curriculum which are tightly aligned to the for Anacortes schools. The board textbook lessons. Stanage and Riccardi are excited approved the recommendation New math vs. old math daily practice is necessary. ing about math more, says Ric- in January. about how this curriculum is help- Beltramini says it’s important “You need to understand the cardi. ing different groups of learners. to dispel the myth of old math math conceptually. And you “It’s more intentional,” she said. “The consistency will really ‘Nimble’ materials vs. new math. Math is math. need to get efficient, fluent and “Once my kids get the abstract help struggling students, as well Because the materials are on- What’s new is the emphasis on accurate using your conceptual part, it’s easier to build new con- as English language learners,” line, the publishers are really understanding and reasoning, as understanding.” cepts onto their understanding. said Stanage. “In the past, when- nimble with revisions, says Bel- opposed to simply learning the Then their fluency in explaining ever you started math at a new tramini. It’s easy for teachers to algorithm or formula. Breaking it down the numbers increases. They just grade level, these kids would have get stronger.” give feedback to Engage NY and It’s not about teaching kids Kindergarten teacher Julie Ric- to start completely over, and that get timely updates or edits to the many different ways to do math cardi appreciates the daily, three- achievement gap only grows from lessons. and forcing them to use all of part lessons. Previously, she says A variety of approaches year to year.” The organization of the materi- them. It’s about getting them to she didn’t always intentionally At Mt. Erie, the curriculum is Riccardi says it’s been great for als, with new concepts carefully understand the concept by using address all three components ev- helping fourth grade teacher Luke her higher level kids because they tied to prior knowledge, will ul- different methods which helps ery day. At the kindergarten level, Stanage with both differentiation can continue to move forward, timately support deeper student them make sense of the numbers this means going from concrete to and intervention. Recently stu- whereas before, they would pla- learning. and ideas, she said. pictorial to abstract. dents were working on decom- teau. “The learning progressions will State standards require a bal- For example, students learn- posing a fraction into unit parts, Both teachers look forward to help with consistency from year ance of conceptual understanding, ing the problem 3+4=7 first draw a fourth grade standard. When future professional development. to year, especially with strug- procedural skill/fluency, and ap- seven dots and count them. Then a student missed a step in ¾= Simonsen says plans are under- gling students,” said Beltramini. plication. Engage NY addresses they circle the parts, three dots ¼+¼+¼, Stanage was able to pull way to develop strong support “Students will come to know the all three on a daily level. and four dots. They can then draw the student into a separate group for teachers. vocabulary and build on previous District teaching and learning a picture and finally, they write and use the materials to teach the “At the end of the day, it’s all concepts. They’ll be able to go director Cindy Simonsen says this a story: three bears were in the concept differently. about improving the ways stu- deeper and do more because of the is key. Much like learning a for- woods, and four more bears came. Likewise, another student had a dents learn math,” she said. “En- building blocks already in place.” eign language or reading music, The curriculum gets kids talk- complete disconnect, and Stanage gage NY will definitely help us.”

A classroom teacher’s journey with technology

By Suzy Boyes Learning curve to grow as a teacher. It has also led my students to be more independent and in Mt. Erie third grade teacher During that first year the learning control of their learning. If you had sug- curve was steep for us. However, we gested the ways students would be using were not alone. Mary Elizabeth Pearson, If learning is an act of exploration, then devices to me a year ago, I would not technology equips the explorer for the jour- the ASD technology coach, was by our have believed it. ney of a lifetime. – Anonymous side. For me, this was critical. If I had a thought about how I might use the devices, she helped me find a Reading and math ntegrating technology in the class- program that would do what I had imag- One such example is in reading; when room is not a destination, it is a ined. If I was apprehensive about how students record themselves reading their journey. to teach technology infused lessons, she book. In listening to themselves read, IIn teaching, as in life, the most memo- coached me through it. If I had difficul- students realize what others hear when rable journeys are the ones fraught with ties with the hardware, the technology they read. I have witnessed students difficulties, introspection, arguments staff quickly showed up to solve those rereading a passage and trying vari- and bumpy roads. However, the most road bumps. ous techniques until they “sound like a important part is who you share your When I questioned the usefulness of teacher.” journey with. It is the support along the computers, someone showed me how Another example is in math. Recently way that impacts you the most. This has my students could benefit from this tool. a student was absent for two weeks. That been my journey with technology in the The time spent with teachers, and our student was able to do their math as- classroom. coach, thinking about how we could signments using a program that mirrors As a third grade teacher our grade lev- integrate technology was encouraging. what is being taught in the classroom. el was the first in the district to receive As colleagues, we started to use these They returned to class caught up and our one-on-one student devices (com- opportunities to share specific ways we ready to participate. puters) in fall 2015. I was overwhelmed were using the devices to support stu- I have not abandoned pen and paper. and apprehensive about how this would dent learning. Without this support and However, now my students and I stop work with eight and nine-year-olds. positive encouragement, I would have and choose which tool would be best I was even more apprehensive about gotten out of the car at the first stop. used in our current project. how I would adapt to and learn about Suzy Boyes has taught at Mt. Erie Elementary This journey is an interesting one. I integrating technology into the everyday for 24 years. am thankful for the bumps and for the workings of the classroom. Students as experts smooth stretches. Integrating technology I viewed the journey as somewhat The most important aspect of integrat- into the classroom is a natural move for unnecessary. Did third grade students ing technology into my everyday teach- the answers, but they are busy helping students who do not have knowledge of even need a device? So, like the teenager ing has been the students. In each class a their neighbor and those around them a world without computers. Although, made to join in the family trip, I slowly few students seem to fill the role of tech with any computer difficulties. for me it is new territory, and I still have got into the car. experts. These experts may not have all Integrating technology has caused me a lot to learn and explore. APRIL 2017 6 ANACORTES PRIDE • WWW.ASD103.ORG Anacortes Pride •••••••••••••••••••••••••• In the spotlight •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Making art Mt. Erie leadership students Kendyl Flynn, Kaya Fountain, Jensen Stacey, Bren- nan McKinnon, Reese Morgenthaler and Madelyn Kuhnlein (not pictured) worked with local artist Janice Veal to complete a school mural that was started by an Americorps volunteer 17 years ago. ‘The students had a lot of fun, and Janice was so kind to come to our school every Thursday over several weeks to work with them,’ said Robotics success counselor Stacey Este- The robotics team won a major tournament in Mt. Vernon last month and is ranked third in nson. ‘Brennan came the Pacific Northwest out of 155 teams. They have their sights set on the national champi- up with the idea. Now onship in Houston later this month with 400 teams. Pictured are team program manager he and the others will Elisabeth Jenkins, adviser Val Boyce, adviser Joe Furin, safety captain Kathryn Coryell, fabri- leave a special legacy cator (and mascot) Billie Buttram, and subsystem leader and lead scout Noah Hieb. at our school.’

Double champion AHS junior Addi Garner won two state titles last month: ‘Poetry Out Loud’ and oratory winner at the state Speech and Debate tournament. As Poetry Out Loud champ, she heads to Washington, D.C. in April High school musical to compete Senior Ellie Harrison manipulates her puppet, Kate, while singing nationally. in the high school’s recent production of Avenue Q.

Taking a dip Island View third grader Nicole Coffey Commemorating the occasion enjoys time at the pool last month. As Mayor Laurie Gere addressed students at the AHS groundbreak- part of a partnership between Fidalgo ing on February 28. ‘I believe the most important thing we can A quest to find the dragon Pool and the district, students in the life do as a community is to provide incredible learning opportuni- Eighth grader Chloe Taggart and seventh grader Gabe Burnett devise a plan skills program participated in six lessons ties for our youth,” she said, heralding the beginning of the new to lead the dwarves on an adventure in the middle school play, The Hobbit. to improve swimming skills. high school construction.

Students take the lead with Island View ‘Math Night’ here’s no such thing as a graders. All the student-led tasks were ways. Missteps along the way get it,” she said. “math person” – anyone “It was so great to see the smil- designed to show parents that add even more to the discussions. The goal of the night was to can do math. Mistakes are ing faces and the pride the kids making mistakes in math makes At Hailey Petrin’s station, par- engage parents in rich math to Tnot only okay, they are impor- displayed as they taught their you better – and that math ability ents and siblings played a card allow them to experience how tant. Math encourages creativi- parents and siblings math games is not genetic or inherent. game of War using fractions, their kids are learning. Principal ty; there are many ways to solve and strategies,” said Biederman. Number talks, for example, negative numbers and decimals. Brian Hanrahan says he’s very a problem. Math is fun. After a pizza dinner served by allow students a few minutes of The sixth grader said that when proud of his students and staff These four points were the Island View staff, students and individual time to come up with parents made mistakes, which who worked hard and accom- focus of Island View’s second families rotated through orga- as many ways to solve a problem they did more frequently than plished exactly what they set annual math night on February nized math tasks: student-led as they can. Then through class their student counterparts, she out to do. 23. Organizers Abigail Bieder- activities and games in the the- discussion, students learn how got to explain why one number “The feedback says it all,” man and Heather Shainin were atre; teacher-led demonstrations different people approach and was bigger than the other. he said. “The biggest reflection thrilled with the turnout: nearly on number talk in the library; see numbers differently and how “The best part of the night from parents was how impera- 300 people. The event targeted and student-led computer-based numbers can be broken down was teaching our parents what tive it is to teach kids that they families of third through sixth activities in the foyer. and reconfigured in a variety of we’re learning and having them can do math.” APRIL 2017 Anacortes Pride ANACORTES PRIDE • WWW.ASD103.ORG 7 Club allows students to develop business acumen ATHLETE ou’re the manager of a world. I’ve really learned about successful convention time management and problem center, and there’s a large solving.” SPOTLIGHT Yconference in town. It’s just been The presentation, which brought to your attention that the team rehearsed only once, Name: Halley Geist one of your employees double- included an explanation of their Class: Junior booked half of the conference entire thought process: why they Sport: Track rooms. What do you do? chose certain colors, why phone and Field Now imagine that you have cases and not mousepads, and Years in 15 minutes to problem solve and how these choices hit the target track: I’ve plan a seven-minute presenta- while being fiscally wise. been running tion to a panel of judges where Verbarendse’s favorite part of my whole life. you’ll explain how you’d handle FBLA is the competitive aspect – Events: 200, the above situation and keep the solving a problem under a time Halley Geist 4x400 and customers happy. constraint and persuading an high jump Hospitality management is audience to care about a product. PR: 5’2” high jump only one of 15 events for which But the club is so much more. Goal for the season: To hit members of Future Business “You learn how to use your 5’4” Leaders of America, or FBLA, creativity, how professional attire Athlete I most look up to: qualified regionally. They will is important. You learn public Alex Felix compete at the state competition AHS seniors Andrea Spurling and Maetja Verbarendse joined teammate Eric speaking skills and most of all, Most challenging class at in Spokane April 17-21. Olsen in winning first place in “publication design” category at the regional you learn confidence,” she said. AHS: Pre-calculus FBLA advisor Matt Wallis competition of Future Business Leaders of America. They will compete at the Wallis says students form Favorite food: Any kind of state competition April 19-22 in Spokane. says the club is partly about friendships, both on the AHS pasta competing in a broad spectrum team and with students from Other interest: Painting of business events, but it’s not on their side as they could had to work sporadically and other schools. They are exposed also about visiting successful only meet once a month due to sometimes just throw things to opportunities they may not Name: Nick Yarusso companies and colleges. This their busy schedules. together,” she said. “But that’s otherwise have, like visiting Class: Junior year the club toured the Bill and “We were really crunched. We often real life in the design college campuses or presenting Sport: Soccer Melinda Gates Foundation and their own creations to a panel of Years playing the University of Washington. adults. soccer: 10 Previous trips have included “There’s real life applications Position: Cen- Starbucks headquarters, Amazon FBLA Regional Results when these kids are improvis- ter back and and Microsoft. ing and making decisions on left back Seniors Maetja Verbarendse Graphic Design, 1st place: Help Desk, 4th place: the spot,” he says. “FBLA really Goals for and Andrea Spurling hope their Andrea Spurling, Lexie Ru- Cody Moehl creates well-rounded students. Nick Yarusso the season: first place regional publication dolph, Maetja Verbarendse It opens their world. And the Do well in design will earn them top honors Emerging Business Issues, leadership component is huge. districts and at the state level. Teammate Eric Publication Design, 1st 4th place: Haley Treichel These kids are getting scholar- qualify for state Olsen is unable to attend the place: Maetja Verbarendse, ships and having success beyond Favorite pro team/player: competition. Eric Olsen, Andrea Spurling Business Communication, high school.” 4th place: Lexie Rudolph Chelsea and Barcelona/ In January, the team received Sports and Entertainment The club could not possibly do David Luis the event prompt: Design a Management 2nd place: Hospitality Management, all it does without funding. This Other interest: Playing guitar promotional package for a TV Sabrina Poor, Cooper Huntley 5th place: Maejta Verbarendse, year it received a $2,500 Tesoro Top three songs on my play- show or film. The three buckled Sabrina Poor grant that helped to defray the list: Baby Blue, The Beach and down, divided, and conquered, Healthcare Administra- costs of hotels and transporta- Insomniac Olympics with Olsen creating the idea for tion, 2nd place: Elizabeth Business Calculations, tion, competition fees and mem- Currently reading: Treasure the show and shooting the pho- Harrison; 5th place: Andrea 5th place: Maetja Verbarendse bership dues, for which Wallis Island by Robert Louis Spurling tos, Verbarendse making all the Digital Video Production, and the students are incredibly Stevenson promotional materials, includ- Cyber Security, 3rd place: 5th place: Eric Olsen grateful. ing mugs, t-shirts, phone cases, Cooper Huntley Members pay $10 to join, Name: Aubrey Costanza newspaper ads and posters, and although the actual cost is $28. Public Speaking II, 5th place: Class: Senior Spurling using Illustrator and Securities Investments, Sabrina Poor Additionally, proceeds from the 3rd place: Cooper Huntley Sport: Softball Photoshop to do fine editing. school store, the Hawk Stop, Years playing Among other things, they Journalism, 6th place: help fund the club. There is also Impromptu Speaking, 3rd softball: 14 had to take into account color Juliann Conrardy a community service component place: Elizabeth Harrison Position: scheme, cost savings and a target to the club; this year members Catcher audience. Spurling says time was helped clean up Cap Sante. PR: High school record Aubrey for highest Costanza number of triples (11) and for most assists by a catcher (27) in a season PLAYERS, COACH HONORED Goals for the season: Increase my batting average and have the team qualify for state What I’ve learned from playing softball: How to be a leader Favorite food: All Mexican food Post-graduation plans: Play softball for Wenatchee Valley College and study elementary education Name: Ryan Campbell Class: Senior Sport: Base- ball National recognition Years playing baseball: All Anacortes High School four in high teacher Leslie Mix recently school Position: earned recognition as the Ryan Center field, 2016 Coach of the Year for Campbell left field and boys swim and dive from the pitcher Goals for the season: Lead National Federation of State the league in stolen bases, be High School Associations. league champs, go to state Playing baseball has taught Mix, who coaches both me: Patience and delayed boys and girls, was an all- gratification Athletic awards American swimmer in high Favorite class: AP chemistry Favorite pro team: Mariners AHS sophomore Gabby Ronngren, senior Jesse Keltner and junior school and college. About Ski resort or sunny island Nathan Mathes received awards last month for their success in ath- 17,000 high schools belong getaway: Sunny island get- letics. Ronngren and Keltner were named all-Northwest Conference away to associations affiliated with Post-graduation plans: Still first team, with Keltner also selected as Skagit Valley Boys’ Basketball NFHS, and they select one deciding on a school, but Player of the Year. Mathes was named Skagit Valley Boys’ Swimmer of coach per sport from across hopefully I’ll play ball and go into the engineering field the Year and all-Northwest Conference first team. the nation. APRIL 2017 8 ANACORTES PRIDE • WWW.ASD103.ORG Anacortes Pride IN BRIEF Middle schoolers learn important skills in leadership s the fourth period bell day of school. Strategic planning rings, students shuffle into Crane is excited about WEB Twenty-eight students, Chris Crane’s leadership because it will give more stu- staff and community mem- Aclass at Anacortes Middle School. dents, and different students, the bers serve on the district’s They immediately gather into same kinds of leadership skills strategic planning commit- groups and begin sharing one and responsibilities offered in the tee to work with the school nugget they each learned from a leadership class. board and superintendent in recent leadership training with “WEB leaders will be checking developing a new, five-year Superintendent Mark Wenzel and in with their groups throughout strategic plan. The group, Duane Knapp, a member of the the year, so it’s going to strengthen which started meeting in Anacortes Chamber of Commerce. the culture of the building,” said February, will wrap up its After the sharing, they get to Crane. work this month. Superinten- work. One committee sets off to Before those students arrive in dent Mark Wenzel facilitates empty recycling bins from class- the fall, they’ll have a chance to ex- the group. rooms throughout the school. An- plore the middle school this spring The steering committee has other pair of students heads to the during orientation. Leadership reviewed research, examined office to update the digital reader students are busy planning the day surveys and studied current board. A group of three huddle to make the fifth and sixth graders district data in supporting around a table in the back, creating feel welcome and at ease. Leaders the school board to develop a poster for the wrestling team. will give tours, answer questions a mission, vision and belief When they finish, they take it to the and accompany the fifth and sixth statements. The work has quality control committee, which graders to lunch. been iterative, with the com- checks it for positive messaging AMS eighth graders Hayden Long and Drew Hays plan a middle school In addition to planning dances mittee sending the board and appropriateness. Then, once, assembly in leadership class. The students plan all aspects of the and recognition assemblies, the ideas, and the board sending they find the correct blue tape, they assembly, from music and special guests to equipment set-up and com- biggest project of the year is the the committee draft work to are off to hang the poster. petitions between students and staff. beloved Hawk-a-thon, which will review. take place later this spring. The re- “We feel very fortunate cipient of this year’s fundraiser has Five questions that develops throughout a semes- and how to plan. You really learn to have such a dedicated not yet been voted on by the class. ter. The kids gain a sense of volun- about managing time and plan- group helping us with this,” The class of 35 students is a Money raised by previous Hawk- teerism and selflessness they’ve ning. What you do affects the said board president Bob- beehive of activity. This is Crane’s a-thons has gone to purchase never experienced before,” he said. whole school, whether you do it bilyn Hogge. “They’ve been fifth year teaching the class, a wheelchairs for the disabled in Students practically apply their well or not,” he said. fully committed. Their ideas group of students essentially in third world countries and toward learning on a daily basis. When a Activity coordinator Alyssa Jen- and inspiration have really charge of everything that goes on service animal programs. shaped the emerging plan.” in the building with the exception committee asked about the pos- sen adds that the class has helped The steering committee of classroom instruction. Each se- sibility of a bouncy house for a ease her fear of public speaking. includes: Mark Lione, Abigail mester, students are driven by five dance, it was up to the whole class She has learned not only how to A sample of Ross, Amy Hong, Brian essential questions as they learn to figure out the logistics: finding a take on responsibility but how to leadership class Gentry, Carrie Worra, Chris problem-solving, critical thinking company that was affordable and delegate it as well. Hunter, Chris Crane, Daran- and communication skills: could deliver on time, checking the Both officers urge students to responsibilities nie Waham, Ashley Ayers, budget and signing the contract. sign up for the class. Felix Bray, Fionnuala Gross, • What is a leader? After every big event, students • Crossing guard Grace Hill, Jason King, John • What type of community evaluate each other on workload, Looking ahead • Campus beauty would you like to create? attitude and cooperation. Swain, Libby Digweed, Mark to 6-8 middle school • Social media-posting Ermi, Matt Irving, Michelle • How can you make a positive “They really learn how their difference in our community? actions, or lack thereof, can affect The leadership class structure Instagram announcements Murray, Josh Johnson, Nicole • Mortimer, Pat Tonnemaker, • How can our mission best others,” said Crane. for next year, when the school adds Wednesday morning Rebecca Bateman, Robert guide our activities? sixth grade, is still in the works, greetings Marshall, Ruth Masters, • What will be our legacy? Time management said Crane. For certain is the desire • Recognition assemblies: Sarah Davies, Tim Schmidt, How will students remember to broaden the leadership base. academics, sports, clubs their years at AMS? and planning With the arrival of 400 new stu- Victoria Frost and Keiko Mc- • Home games promotion Cracken. ASB President Cade McOmber dents to the building next fall (sixth • Lunch time music and “We have different back- This class directly sets the cul- says his favorite part of the class and seventh graders), the middle activities grounds and experiences but ture of the school, says Crane. is seeing how all the hard work school will implement a program we all care so much about the Students learn to think outside and planning pays off at the end called WEB, Where Everyone Be- • Recycling program of a project. longs. Eighth grade students will future of our schools,” said themselves and how they can • Dances positively affect other kids in the “The team building that we be paired with small groups of committee member Jason • Hawk-a-thon fundraiser King. “I am very excited to school. do has taught us how to work sixth or seventh graders and will see how our planning efforts “It’s great to see the maturity together, how to trust each other support them from the very first impact the growth and devel- opment of our district over the next five years.” As part of their work, the steering committee and raig Bartlett (AHS ‘74) is with Pee-Wee Herman. I got to board have developed belief an animator who created ALUMNI PROFILE know executives Hey Arnold! statements for Anacortes the popular , through work I did on CDinosaur Train and Ready Jet Go! In and later pitched Arnold to School District. They are: Hey We believe that each 2002, he wrote and produced them. Arnold! The Movie. Hey child has tremendous po- A new film, Arnold! The Jungle Movie tential and is worthy of our comes out So it all happened just like best effort. We provide a safe later this year. that? environment where students In 2005 Bartlett made a mul- No, not just like that. As my can thrive and know they are timedia simulator attraction for brother-in-law valued. NASA’s Kennedy Space Cen- (creator of ) says: We believe that qual- ter in Cape Canaveral, Florida, ‘You do 10 years of crappy Shuttle Launch Experi- ity instruction is essential to called the jobs before you get to the good ence student success. We deliver . In the course of the three- stuff.’ I agree with that. year project, Bartlett interviewed educational experiences that What’s one creative aspect challenge, empower, build 26 astronauts to gather their experiences from launch to orbit. of the work recently that you character, and foster a love of enjoy? learning. He visited AHS in February as We believe in power- the keynote speaker for Career I got to sing the title song for ful, positive relationships Day. the opening credits of my show – among and between . I never thought How was it to come back to I’d be a featured singer on a students, staff, families, and AHS alum Craig Bartlett works as an animator in . In 2015, he community. visit Anacortes from L.A.? show, but I came up with a song I It was great. I love it here. I try was nominated for an Emmy Award for writing the show ‘Dinosaur Train.’ liked, and it all came together. We believe in being He recently visited his alma mater. bold: Innovation matters and to get back at least once a year. we all learn from taking risks. My sister Debbie lives here, and I When does Hey Arnold! The We believe in hope. We love going to Bowman’s Bay and the air that anything’s possible. young, I thought I might be a Jungle Movie come out? strive to build school cultures walking around Deception Pass. People can reinvent themselves. painter and have a little studio This Thanksgiving. It will be where students are fully en- where I did landscapes. Guy An- a two-hour made-for-television How has Anacortes changed What do you remember of derson was a well known local movie. gaged in the present, excited since you were in high school? high school? for the future, and committed painter back then, and I thought to helping others. I’m impressed with how it’s I took really hard classes and I might be like him. Now I have What’s your advice for Ana- We believe in opportu- developed – with the downtown did all the plays. Performing arts two shows running in L.A. with cortes students? nity. All students deserve and waterfront. It’s become more was a big part of my life. I was 15 people working on each show. Learn how to present yourself a dynamic, well-rounded entrepreneurial. That didn’t exist the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz. I to people. Public speaking and education that builds a foun- when I was in high school. was also Snoopy in Charlie Brown. How did you get into the social skills really help. I work in dation for what they choose My parents and teachers encour- world? a super collaborative industry, so What’s your take on life in to do in life and who they aged me to write. After graduating from Ever- getting along with others is key. L.A.? become. green State College, I went to In 99 percent of the cases where I really like it. It’s overcrowded Looking back, how do you Portland and got a job working we’re hiring someone, the indi- The district plans to hold reflect on your career? community meetings this but it has gorgeous beaches. for , an animator vidual is not so amazing that we spring to get feedback on the Culturally, people come from all I didn’t see this coming. I who did Claymation. I ended up couldn’t go with someone else. emerging plan. over the world to make television didn’t know this animation going to Los Angeles and went The ability to work with people is and movies. There’s a feeling in world existed. When I was to work on Pee-wee’s Playhouse what makes the difference.