In this update:
Emergency remote learning update
Principal hiring process proceeds for LWES, SLES
Tahoma Elementary recognized for success
School Board Director shares Special Education update
Updates from the School Board
District kudos
News briefs
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Editor's note: We suspended publication of Tahoma Matters during the past six weeks, because we were communicating so frequently with families as the COVID-19 situation changed and developed. Now that our needs have returned to a somewhat more normal pace, we are bringing back the eNewsletter. Any parent or guardian who isn't receiving Tahoma Matters and would like to, may email Wendy Castleman at
wcastlem@tahomasd.us
for assistance. The newsletters are also posted
on our website
.
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Emergency remote learning update
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Today marks the end of the second week of remote learning for Tahoma students, teachers and staff. We have received both formal and informal feedback from students and families, and are working to adjust our remote learning system to find the best fit possible under current circumstances for students, families and staff.
As a staff, we would like to thank students and families for letting us know what is working and what isn’t so that we can continue to improve in the coming weeks.
Tahoma is following guidance from the state Superintendent of Public Instruction in its remote learning program. OSPI recommends that maximum student online learning follow these time guidelines:
- Pre–K: 30 minutes
- Grades K–1: 45 minutes
- Grades 2–3: 60 minutes
- Grades 4–5: 90 minutes
- Grades 6–8: 20 minutes per class (2.5 hours maximum per day)
- Grades 9–12: 30 minutes per class (3 hours maximum per day)
Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Dawn Wakeley said that she would classify this as “emergency remote learning” because it is not a preferred model, but rather a system created in response to the closure of school buildings. Even in the short amount of time that teachers, staff and students have been engaging, there have been some very bright moments such as virtual field trips. We’ll share more about those next week. But we acknowledge that we have areas for improvement as well.
To help us shape our work and lessons with students and families at the center, we are gathering feedback in several ways:
1. “Tiny pulse” check-ins weekly sent to families from the email address “Tahoma Updates.” These began two weeks ago, and are designed as very quick (about two questions) surveys, to give us a broad sampling. In last week’s survey, we asked about the amount of learning and work overall in week 1 (April 13-17). Here is a brief look at the results:
- Elementary parents: 32 percent said there was too little work; 62 percent said the amount of work was about right; 6 percent said the amount was too much.
- Middle school parents: 58 percent said there was too little work; 40 percent said the amount was about right; 2 percent said the amount was too much. In students, 14 percent said there was too little work; 73 percent said the amount was about right; 12 percent said the amount was too much. *Note: The middle schools intentionally rolled out a schedule with only one subject per day. Next week marks an increase to two subject areas per day (except Friday, which will have health/fitness and electives). Principals emailed a letter home to families with details.
- High school parents: 25 percent said there was too little work; 61 percent said the amount was about right; 14 percent said the amount was too much. In students, 3 percent said there was too little work; 42 percent said the amount of work was about right; 56 percent said the amount was too much.
2. Focus group meetings with students, parents and staff members, designed to gather more specific feedback at the elementary, middle and high school levels. We’ll use suggestions, questions and comments to guide adjustments and improvements in coming weeks.
The focus group meetings are conducted using video conferencing. Participants are grouped according to grade level (elementary, middle, or high school) and respond to questions about remote learning. This week’s high school group meeting included more than a half dozen students, who offered their observations and concerns about remote learning. Among issues they raised are: Can class assignments be more evenly spread out, to allow time for completion? Can teachers produce more videos that explain assignments? Can there be more visual learning tools, such as graphs and charts? Is there a way to increase chat time among teachers and students?
Elementary parents said that their students crave connection with their teachers and fellow students. They also emphasized the need for continued options for differentiation, asked whether there could be more assignments that don’t call for screen time, and suggested more consistency among buildings. Middle school students and parents in the focus group asked for increased structure in lessons; for paras to be included in classes if possible; and for the provision of extension activities that are engaging and move learning forward.
Wakeley thanked the students and parents participating in the focus groups, and said there is incredible value in hearing their thoughts. “We cherish the ability to be able to have stakeholder voice,” Wakeley said. “Our intent is very much to get better as we go.”
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While students (and families) have begun adapting to the emergency remote learning, teachers and staff have also put in many hours to learn how to use the new platforms, as well as adapting trainings to virtual formats. Above, Paraeducators from Lake Wilderness Elementary School give a "thumbs up" during a recent virtual meeting for part of an online course about Safe Learning Environments, a Fundamental Course of Study class that was adapted to the Google Classroom platform so that the training could still occur. Glacier Park Dean of Students Kyle Hood and Reading Specialist Natalie Stumpges worked together to adapt the training, and elementary school deans at each building facilitated debriefing sessions like this one for LWES paras, explained Jennifer McPherson, dean of students at LWES.
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Principal hiring process proceeds for LW, SL
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The hiring process is proceeding for principals of Lake Wilderness Elementary and Shadow Lake Elementary. More than 30 candidates applied for each position. Human Resources Director Mark Koch said that the pool for each position included high-quality applicants.
A team conducted interviews this week for Lake Wilderness; the team included administrators, teachers, staff members and parents. After a full day of interviews, the group had a long discussion and selected a candidate to recommend to the School Board.
A similar process is occurring for the Shadow Lake position.
We will share more details with families and staff as soon as the School Board makes a decision about each of the two positions.
Current LWES Principal Dr. Audrey Meyers is leaving her position to focus on providing support for students and staff in social and emotional health, which is an area of special interest to her. It will also meet a need to bring more focus to her own family. Former Shadow Lake principal Mike Hanson was selected by the School Board as the incoming superintendent. Since that decision, Shadow Lake has been led by Interim Principal Scott Mitchell, who had previously been dean of students.
At the end of March, the district announced that the School Board approved hiring Bill Weis as the next principal at Maple View Middle School, after the retirement of Andy McGrath in June.
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Tahoma Elementary School recognized for success
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Tahoma Elementary School is being celebrated by the State Board of Education during its School Recognition Week April 27-May 1. Each of the 391 school buildings selected for recognition was highlighted for a specific category; for TES, the accomplishment is in the area of growth for students who qualify for free and reduced price meals.
“The TES staff has worked for two and a half years to at once tend to all the things required in building a brand new school community while also not being anything but a step ahead of providing a rich academic experience for our students,” Principal Jerry Gaston said. “Our singular priority goal focus has been to accelerate the academic and social-emotional growth of the students we serve. We have fulfilled this by being deeply committed to being innovators and to collaborating.”
“We have together acknowledged that the heart of our work is to intensely know and focus on every student as an individual,” Gaston continued. “This has helped us to provide just what each student uniquely needs, as is reflected in our staff receiving this recognition.”
The recognition program is based on state level and local information, and is intended to highlight positive systems changes in schools around the state.
"Washington schools are inspiring. With these awards we recognize the outstanding efforts of our schools and their positive impact on students,” Washington State Board of Education Chair Peter Maier said in a press release. “The State Board, OSPI, and the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee are excited to celebrate the diverse educational communities that support Washington’s ever-changing K-12 student population. Thank you to our state's schools and educators for your dedication to students!”
The program was designed by the State Board of Education, along with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee. The state Legislature also acknowledges next week as Washington School Recognition Week.
“We are so proud of the staff at our historic school, and their dedication to ensuring growth for all of our students,” said Mike Hanson, incoming superintendent. “Mr. Gaston and the team model a true understanding of focusing on our students' needs and working tirelessly to make sure they are being met. Thank you to all the Cubs!”
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School Board Director shares Special Education update
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Tahoma School Board Director Pete Miller shares a glimpse of how Tahoma teachers, administrators and staff are working to provide Special Education services in new ways through hard work and collaboration with families during the closure of school buildings. The script is available in the description of the video on
our YouTube page
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School Board holds first virtual meeting
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Topics: budget, technology purchases, annual audit, more
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We shared this update in an email to families and staff, but are including it here in case you missed it.
The first remote School Board meeting in Tahoma School District history focused mostly on issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including grading for students engaged in the district’s remote learning programs and initial thoughts about budget impacts.
On April 14, the School Board conducted its meeting via Zoom, the audio-video meeting system that has become ubiquitous as organizations and individuals find new ways to communicate during the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order by Gov. Jay Inslee. As part of the “Stay Home” order, Gov. Inslee issued temporary orders to suspend portions of the state Open Public Meetings Act to allow remote meetings that are focused on regular business and COVID-19 issues.
The public is invited to listen in on remote meetings and can submit public comment in advance of the meeting. Meeting schedules and agendas are posted on
the school district website under Our District/School Board/BoardDocs.
Here are some meeting highlights:
Budget: The School Board reviewed information from Assistant Superintendent Lori Cloud about enrollment and assessed valuation estimates. Looking at next school year and beyond, revenue is expected to decrease, due to potential reductions in state education spending and less local levy income as economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic dampen property value growth. Levy collection amounts are affected by the total assessed valuation of taxable property within the school district. The current estimated growth rate is 4 percent, which is less than half of what was projected when voters approved the four-year Educational Programs and Operations Levy and Technology Levy last February. Enrollment is also expected to grow at a slower rate than originally projected, based on estimates from the district’s demographer.
The School Board and district administrators will continue to review information as the budget is assembled over the next four months, with final adoption taking place in late July or August.
Technology purchases: The School Board approved additional technology purchases totaling $843,650 to meet immediate needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The district is using general fund money to buy:
- Laptop computers to replace devices for teachers that are over five years old.
- External monitors, keyboards and mouse controls for teachers. These items are especially needed for remote learning activities.
- Licenses for Seesaw and Screencastify programs for remote learning.
- Replacement of the district’s data center servers, storage and switches.
- Renewal of the internet content filter.
- Purchase of internet hotspots for students to improve connectivity.
- Additional security software.
Annual audit: Incoming Superintendent Mike Hanson told the board that the State Auditor has completed the district’s annual audit. Auditors met with district officials and informed them that the district is in full compliance and that there are no findings or errors. The full audit report is being finalized and will be posted on the district’s website when it becomes available.
The Board’s next virtual meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 28. Details will be posted on
Board Docs.
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Good PLANeT Foods donates to lunch program
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At far right, GOOD PLANeT Foods CEO David Israel, and second from right, Account Manager Jordan Bradley, delivered a donation of their product to Tahoma Nutrition Services staff on Tuesday.
This week, GOOD PLANeT Foods donated 45 cases of American and cheddar plant-based cheese slices to the Tahoma School District. The cheese slices are being used as part of the free meals that the district serves.
Each weekday, Tahoma’s Nutrition Services Department makes about 450 meals, which are served at Lake Wilderness Elementary and Tahoma High School. Bus drivers also deliver meals on selected routes throughout the district.
While Bellevue-based GOOD PLANeT has been donating product to food banks and other charities, the idea for the donation to the district came from GOOD PLANeT Account Manager Jordan Bradley, who is the son of Tahoma custodian Carol Bradley. The 45-case donation will help feed children for five to six days, said Mary Nowak, Director of Nutrition Services for Tahoma.
Bradley and GOOD PLANeT CEO David Israel delivered the donation on Tuesday.
“It’s been our goal to help the community as best we can. Our goal as a company is to do good -- good for the planet and good for people. These are tough times. We’re happy to be a part of this and make people’s day a bit better,” Israel said.
District officials said they greatly appreciate the company’s generous donation to the children of the Tahoma community.
For the duration of the school closure, Tahoma will serve free meals to any child age 18 and younger from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Lake Wilderness Elementary, and from noon to 1 p.m. at Tahoma High School Monday through Friday. More information is available on the school district website at
www.tahomasd.us.
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School supplies available for students who need them
The district has purchased and compiled school supplies for students to help families in need during their at-home schooling. Beginning Monday, April 20, the packs of supplies will be available at Lake Wilderness Elementary and Tahoma High School for families to pick up during the currently scheduled free meal service times (from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at LWES; and from noon to 1 p.m. at THS).
Each location will have supplies for all grade levels: K-2, 3-5, middle school and high school. These supplies are intended to support families that do not have school supplies to use at home; or are financially unable to purchase supplies. The supplies include items such as composition books, pencils, pencil sharpeners, colored pencils, and more.
April recognizes military children
The Department of Defense’s Military Community and Family Policy designates April as the “Month of the Military Child,” to recognize the role that children of members of the military play in the armed forces community.
A member of the Tahoma community reached out to the district several months ago to ask about observing this month with some type of event. While we aren’t together in school buildings currently, you can still show your support for military children by wearing purple. You could also write a message of support to any military families you know.
Thank you to the Tahoma community members who serve in the military; and, this month in particular, thank you to their children -- our students -- who help support them.
Capital projects moving forward
Construction projects that had been planned for summer are moving forward, said Lori Cloud, Assistant Superintendent and Director of Finance and Operations.
At Tahoma Elementary School, work on the septic system and electrical system are underway.
At Lake Wilderness Elementary, Rock Creek Elementary and Glacier Park Elementary, two portables will be installed at each location.
These projects are being paid for out of the district’s Capital Projects Fund.
Round Table meets remotely
The district’s PTA/PTO Round Table group met online this week for the first time since school buildings closed in mid-March. Round Table is an organization that includes representatives from each PTA and PTO throughout the district. The group meets about once per month during the school year, and is currently led by co-presidents Denise Wagner and Laura Meyers.
Interim Superintendent Mike Maryanski started the group nearly 30 years ago during his initial years as superintendent because he wanted a regular opportunity to hear from parent representatives, as well as to answer their questions and provide updates about current projects or topics.
Each group provided an update about how they are doing during the closure of buildings, upcoming elections for next year’s board members in each parent-teacher group, and more. To get connected with the PTA or PTO at your student’s school:
Grading update
In case you missed our message earlier this week, here is the update we sent to families and staff via email: Only a few days after Tahoma School District announced grading standards for the remainder of the school year, the state Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has issued new grading requirements for the entire state.
The new state standards are based on doing “no harm” to student grades. High school students will have opportunities to improve their grades, based on their March 17 grade status. Teachers will assign grades based on student work. Teachers also have the option to give students an “incomplete” instead of a letter grade. Students getting an “incomplete” would have opportunities to re-engage through summer school (depending upon programs offered), independent study or other means as agreed upon by the district, the student and family. No failing grades are allowed.
For grades kindergarten-8, students will be expected to “demonstrate effort and success in learning standards established by their teachers,” according to OSPI. All students will move to the next grade level for the 2020-2021 school year, unless a student’s parents and teacher agree to have the student repeat the grade.
Tahoma will reconvene a committee that developed grading standards and adapt to the new state requirements. Details on grading will be announced soon. Regardless of the final grading format, students are expected to continue participating and carrying out assignments in the remote learning program. Teachers and principals are available to provide support and discuss any challenges students and families are experiencing.
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The Tahoma School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
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Title IX Officer
Director of Human Resources
25720 Maple Valley Highway
Maple Valley, WA 98038
425-413-3400
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ADA Coordinator
Director of Human Resources
25720 Maple Valley Highway
Maple Valley, WA 98038
425-413-3400
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Section 504 Coordinator
Director of Special Services
25720 Maple Valley Highway
Maple Valley, WA 98038
425-413-3400
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25720 Maple Valley-Black Diamond Rd. S.E., Maple Valley, WA 98038
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