Superintendent Mike Hanson sent an update Thursday afternoon to staff and families. In case you missed it, here is his message:

Dear Tahoma families,

I know that all of you -- and particularly those of you with students in preschool through grade 2 -- have been waiting for an update about when we’ll begin hybrid/in-person learning so that you can prepare.

Current COVID-19 rates are the highest we have seen. As we head into another holiday break, we want to be prepared for possible increases to COVID-19 rates. We anticipate that the state Department of Health may change the Decision Tree, the document that helps guide school district reopening decisions, to make it more flexible. We plan to re-evaluate, using the most accurate information available when we return in January. We will continue to collaborate with Public Health -- Seattle & King County to determine when it makes sense to bring back PK-2. At that point, we will provide an opportunity for families to share their preference between in-person (hybrid) learning and remote learning. We will also resurvey staff about their intentions.

I also want to let you know about an exciting possibility that we are investigating. Tahoma is one of 11 districts in the state being considered for inclusion in a COVID-19 testing pilot project that is being led by the Institute for Disease Modeling, the Health Commons Project, the Gates Foundation, the Department of Health and other partners. Essentially, it would provide optional local testing for Tahoma students and staff, and eventually for community members as well. Research shows that if communities can continue good mask-wearing, social distancing and handwashing, and add increased testing, the spread of COVID-19 can be reduced. We are still determining whether this program is a good fit for Tahoma and will share further details if we move forward.

Thank you for the continued support, grace and understanding that you have shown our teachers and staff as we work together to serve your students.

In partnership,

Mike Hanson

Superintendent

The global pandemic that prompted Tahoma School District students to move from in-person to remote learning as a way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 has also affected the district’s finances.

Tahoma has committed nearly $2 million to COVID-related expenditures since March, and revenue is down about $6.4 million, with another $4.4 million in state Transportation dollars that is not guaranteed because most students are not being transported to school. In a public meeting Monday evening, Assistant Superintendent and Director of Finance Lori Cloud shared information about five ways that COVID-19 has impacted Tahoma’s bottom line.

“When we (say) ‘bottom line,’ we’re talking about how has COVID impacted Tahoma’s financial statements,” Cloud said. The presentation was the first in a series about district finances, with the next session scheduled for March. A recording of the virtual meeting is available here.

“The state revenue -- there’s lots of questions that are up in the air right now,” Superintendent Mike Hanson said. “We’re also hopeful, and I think our board is, as well.”

Cloud began the live audio meeting with a refresher on the district’s annual budget process, which is based on Board Policy 1005 and Board Policy 6000. Each year the process begins when staff and School Board members consider projections for enrollment and revenue, as well as needs and expenditures as they relate to the district’s goals and targets.

The five areas of impact include:

At the next Tahoma Together finance meeting in March, Cloud will have additional information about enrollment projections and legislative updates. By the June meeting, a draft of the budget will be available. The School Board continues its review of the budget throughout summer, and adopts a finished document in August each year.

Tahoma community members, we need your help.

The School Board is starting a new round of 5-year goal-setting for our district, and wants to hear the thoughts of students, family members, taxpayers, staff, business owners and other stakeholders in our community as a starting point.

The first step in the process began this week, with a survey of all community stakeholders. Those who participate will be asked to prioritize the four areas they believe are most important for student success and the four areas in greatest need of improvement in Tahoma. The survey will be live through Dec. 18.

Step two will be to invite our community to a “Goals 2025 Café,” which is planned for February.

“I’m so excited,” School Board President Tami Henkel said. “This is the beginning of a beautiful thing that is going to be created collaboratively with our community.”

Students in grades 5-12, guardians and district employees are all receiving a copy of the survey directly via email, from the address TahomaUpdates@tahomasd.us (please check your junk/spam folder if you don't see the email).

If you didn’t receive the survey directly via email, click here to participate.

Shadow Lake Elementary P.E. teacher Sarena Nau spent some of her summer vacation thinking about how best to help her students succeed in a remote learning model.

“I was contemplating how to approach P.E. in a meaningful way this year without actually being with my students in the gym. I kept coming back to what the ultimate goal of P.E. is -- for students to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence for a lifetime of physical activity,” Nau said. “A virtual race seemed like a great avenue for kids to experience physical activity that is free and accessible -- exercising outdoors by walking or running -- and really is a lifetime fitness activity.”

Acknowledging that most people have faced a lot of challenges since March, she said she hoped to help Tiger students and their families find some silver linings. So, she planned the Shadow Lake Virtual Race for the weekend of Nov. 13-16. Each participant was invited to choose a 5K or 1.5 miles as their target distance, and to run or walk. Because the students and staff couldn’t meet to run together, families selected their own course. Students were asked to walk or run with a parent, guardian or responsible sibling.

“Many kids are home and with their families now more than usual, and with fewer scheduled activities. My hope was that kids could train towards this when possible with their families as one of the activities on their P.E. choice board,” Nau said. “This was an opportunity for students and families to encourage each other towards a goal, and maybe discover along the way an activity they loved, or that they felt so much better physically and mentally after exercise.”

Optional parts of the event included recording race times, wearing Shadow Lake spirit wear, and creating a personalized race bib.

After finishing, students received a certificate for a job well done, and Nau shared a “You did it!” Google presentation celebrating all the finishers. Some students also had their picture on “Tiger TV,” the school’s video announcements program.

Although Nau has participated in many in-person races through the years after discovering a love of running through Tahoma’s cross country and track programs years ago, she had never organized a virtual race before. She reached out to some people who have had experience to research, and then came up with the plan that she thought would work best for Tiger students and families.

“Overall, I felt like it went really well,” Nau said. “I was delighted to see how many families decided to participate, and definitely want to keep new challenges coming for the kids to work towards.”

Principal Scott Mitchell, whose family participated in the virtual race, congratulated his students and Shadow Lake families. “Awesome work, Tigers, and thank you (Sarena Nau) for this wonderful event. It’s a great day to be a Tiger!”

Teachers and student leaders in the WEB program at Maple View Middle School aren’t letting the remote learning model stand in the way of creating connections among students. The acronym WEB stands for “Where Everyone Belongs,” a program that helps welcome students who are new to the school to make them feel more comfortable and improve their first year. Maple View and Summit Trail middle schools introduced the program several years ago.

“We believe that every child can be a leader at school, and this is another venue to help kids get involved and improve their community,” Summit Trail Principal Sean Cassidy said, at the time.

Summit Trail’s WEB leaders this year have been focused on training eighth-grade WEB Leaders and helping them communicate directly with their sixth grade students via email, adviser Katrina Alegado said. “We are excited about the possibility of future virtual meetings with the eighth grade leaders and sixth grade students around the end of the semester.”

During a recent MVMS virtual WEB meeting, eighth graders in the program chatted with younger students about a variety of topics, including what they do and don’t like about remote learning so far, funny videos, and other get-to-know-you topics.

“Our WEB leaders had a great day yesterday with the sixth graders. This was our first remote event,” Principal Bill Weis said. “It was a tremendous success.”

Some of the student mentors shared stories about when they were in sixth grade, and some groups introduced their pets on screen and played games such as “Kahoot.” Others offered ideas for keeping track of assignments and class materials. “The best way to stay organized is your own way to stay organized,” one student shared.

Teacher Malena Heineman, who helps lead the WEB program, said Maple View has about 40 eighth graders serving as active WEB leaders. They work in teams of two or three with groups of sixth grade students. About 300 of the school’s 354 total sixth-graders have participated, whether in live meets, chats or other activities.

“It’s been a challenging but exciting endeavor,” Heineman said. The remote setting seemed to make some students feel shy at first, but by the end more students were participating and talking.

“Several leaders reported that sixth-graders told them how much they liked connecting ‘just for fun,’ with peers, and not as school work or ‘for a teacher.’ They asked when they could meet again, and planned to encourage their friends to join, too,” Heineman added. “In our follow-up meeting, it was obvious that the leaders felt rewarded for their investment. They were so pleased that they made the sixth-graders feel included, and mentioned how it made them remember being a sixth grader, too.”

Although it has been difficult to rethink the structure of WEB in a remote setting, the program’s advisers and student leaders decided to focus on helping students navigate the unique challenges of online school and make sure they know there is still a social network in place with peers they can rely on for help and support, she said.

One of the biggest successes has been how the eighth-grade leaders have stepped up to make the program happen with creativity, innovation and friendliness, Heineman said. “In August, when we (adults) had truly no clue about what to do, they showed up with energy and ideas, and started the ball rolling. When we saw how enthusiastic they were, we knew we had to make this happen somehow! Every time we have encountered an obstacle, they are ready with ideas and solutions. They are so positive and adaptable; this program is only successful because of their energy!”

Parents of Maple View sixth-graders are encouraged to ask their students about WEB. Some have not yet joined the Google Classroom that they received an invitation for, perhaps because they missed the email invitation. If any MVMS sixth-grader is interested in participating but can’t find the instructions, they may email Heineman at mheinema@tahomasd.us to get connected. “It is a fun way to take a break from regular activities, meet new people, and create meaningful connections at school.”

Tahoma High School recently celebrated 25 students of the quarter, in a virtual ceremony. Students were nominated for first-quarter honors by teachers and staff members from a variety of departments.

Awardees included Brady Hogg, performing arts; Neri Ayala, social studies; Liam Baker, social studies; Emily Grant, alternative education; Reanna Ocampo, alternative education; Taylor Brown, leadership; Blake Wilson, visual arts; Olivia Atwood, math; Ji’Mya Miller, math; Aaron Cole, visual arts; Emily Brestle, world language; Gabe Erickson, performing arts; Carver Howell, special education; Vincent Fasano, special education; Stone Bowman, CTE; Carson Mazza, ELA; Sylvia Spillane, ELA; Gage Nelson, world language; Ella Bouker, world language; Braeden McCurdy, health and fitness; Jay Houston, health and fitness; Alana Brock, science; Hayden Uren, science; Allison Clark, CTE; Charlotte Hartman, leadership.

In each case, the nominating staff member shared a bit about why they selected the standout student. Those compliments were shared as part of the ceremony.

THS Associate Principal Judy Beliveau, who helped organize the event, said it was heart-warming and a great chance for staff members to connect with students and families. One teacher who had the chance to attend said that they spent the time congratulating students in the chat, and that the event seemed to make students feel noticed and loved.

Inspectors with the Washington State Patrol arrived unannounced at the Tahoma School District Transportation Department this week, for a surprise inspection. Tahoma Transportation received 100 percent on the review.

“The buses looked outstanding, and the mechanics are doing a good job here,” one of the inspecting troopers said.

The WSP conducts two inspections of every school district annually. In the summer, the full fleet and all support vehicles that transport students are thoroughly checked in a planned inspection. Partway through the school year, inspectors arrive unannounced and examine a random selection representing 25 percent of the vehicles. On Wednesday, they checked 22 Tahoma buses, including those that are currently transporting some students to buildings for special services.

Tahoma’s team of mechanics includes George Roessler, Carl Roxstrom, Gregory Guest and Ramona Letko. Supervisor of Operations Sean Kelly congratulated the team and the entire Transportation Department.

Beginning Monday, the names of 10 Tahoma High School students will be drawn at random each day through Dec. 18 to receive a special prize in the school’s “Winter Wishes” gift program. All students are eligible. Drawings will be done according to grade level, with a different class being drawn each day except for Fridays, when there will be a grand prize drawing among all students.

Dean of Students Ben Todd said the program is intended to promote a sense of community among students while having fun and spreading some seasonal cheer. Prizes, such as grocery gift cards, were donated by community merchants. The lucky winners will receive their prize from a member of the high school’s administrative team, delivered in person.

The City of Maple Valley hosted its first virtual tree lighting on Facebook Live on Thursday, to kick off the season. Plans included lighting the holiday tree at Four Corners, some holiday music and a special guest. Due to COVID-19, the public was not invited to join the lighting in person this year.

On Dec. 18, 19 and 20, the community is invited to enjoy “Hometown Holidays Wilderness Lights Drive” at the Lake Wilderness Park parking lots for free. The event is drive-through only, and will include between 25 and 30 lighted displays.

Community members are invited to participate by providing a display or as a sponsor for the event. The deadline to participate is Dec. 15. Further details are available here.

Santa and the Jerry Woods Holiday Fire Engine Food Drive are coming to town -- this year, in a drive-through event in Maple Valley, Covington and Kent.

The Maple Valley event will be from 6-8:30 p.m. at Tahoma High School (west side) on Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19.

Donations of food (or monetary donations) from the THS location will benefit the Maple Valley Food Bank and Emergency Services. Monetary donations can be made by texting "SANTA" to 269-89 or by visiting bit.ly/holidayenginecampaign

For more information, check out the Jerry Woods Facebook page, or their website at www.holidayengine.org.

Registration for students who will attend kindergarten in the 2021-2022 school year is open now, in an online format.

To enroll their student, parents/guardians are asked to go to the Tahoma website to complete the necessary documentation by Jan. 31, 2021. This will ensure that you are notified of kindergarten transition activities and events being planned by your child’s school. After enrolling your child, you will also receive monthly the Tahoma Kindergarten Readiness Newsletter delivered to your email.

For more information about kindergarten, click here. If you do not have a child who will attend kindergarten next year, but know of a family in the Tahoma School District that does have an incoming kindergarten student, please share this information.

If you are unsure which elementary building your child will attend, click here to enter your address in our online map. Or, for assistance, call the Transportation Department at 425-413-3220.

Families with children who are ages 2-5 may also want to consider participating in our READY! For Kindergarten parent workshops. More information is available below.

"READY! for Kindergarten" is an optional program designed to help parents and caregivers prepare their child or children ages 2-5 for a happy and successful school experience.

This year, the three self-paced online courses will be all online. Parents and guardians who participate will receive fun, interactive toys and materials, and learn how to use them to help their child meet age-appropriate targets in these areas: language and literacy, math and reasoning, social and emotional.

Workshops are offered in these age groups: ages 2-3; ages 3-4; ages 4-5.

Scholarships are available, sponsored by the Maple Valley Rotary.

For details, visit http://bit.ly/TSDreadyForKindergarten

Or, to sign up, visit https://bit.ly/TSDreadyForKregistration

In many communities, it is unusual for a city council and a school board to meet regularly with one another and state legislators, but not in Tahoma. On Nov. 16, the Maple Valley City Council and Tahoma School Board had a joint meeting via Zoom, and were joined by Washington state legislators from the 5th District, Sen. Mark Mullet, Rep. Bill Ramos and Rep. Lisa Callan.

City of Maple Valley, WA - Government City Council members and School Board directors took turns presenting positions, and asking the legislators for assistance with issues and projects.

School Board Director Pete Miller, who is the board’s legislative liaison, emphasized ongoing needs for basic education funding with added flexibility to allow districts to cover COVID-related expenditures.

Mullet asked what the Legislature could do to assist with the district’s efforts to return to in-person school. Superintendent Mike Hanson responded, sharing that the biggest impediment is maintaining social distancing in the buildings. Miller also emphasized that maintaining funding for transportation “is absolutely essential.”

Other legislative priorities that the board members shared focused on fully funding Special Education and maintaining the Local Effort Assistance (LEA) funding.

City Manager Laura Philpot thanked the legislators for their help with a number of issues, including federal CARES Act funding, which the city has been able to allocate to small businesses (more than $500,000), the Maple Valley Food Bank & Emergency Services, Vine Maple Place, and the Greater Maple Valley Community Center. City Council members asked the legislators to consider funding for projects such as widening Highway 18 from Issaquah-Hobart Road to the Raging River; and support for projects to improve State Route 169 within city limits and also from Maple Valley city limits to Jones Road.

Meals are being served curbside, free to Tahoma students and any children 18 and younger, via a USDA program, at Lake Wilderness Elementary and Tahoma High School. For times and other details, click here.

To check out what's on the menu, click here.