In this issue:
Virtual field trips offer "out of this world" fun for students
District message regarding abuse investigation
Board approves hiring of new LW principal
School Board Director shares remote learning update
Work continues to plan year-end recognition
District kudos
News briefs
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Virtual field trips offer "out of this world" fun for students
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Editor’s note: Today we’re sharing about virtual field trips that one team of teachers have worked together to create. While the district is providing emergency remote learning, “field trips” like the ones in this article are a creative way to engage students while also building skills in targeted areas such as using details to improve their writing; or to practice fractions. Our Teaching and Learning Department is working hard to provide an equitable experience for students across the district, but there’s also room for innovation and trying new things.
In the past few weeks, fourth-graders from Lake Wilderness Elementary have toured a chocolate factory, a “makerspace” and even the depths of outer space on a trip to Mars. Of course, the Wildcats were able to take each of those trips virtually from their own homes, as one part of their online learning.
“Our fourth grade team has done a knock-out job of collaborating to provide a weekly ‘experience’ for our kids,” teacher Callie Nordell said. “Each week of lessons has an underlying theme, and we each take responsibility for creating various lessons which are then shared to all of our students.”
Last week’s theme was chocolate.
On Monday, students read an article about chocolate and learned about the history of the Hershey Company. Teacher Jan Clemsen created a lesson that helped students practice visualizing to aid their comprehension of text. “The feedback on that lesson was rich! Kids said they LOVED the way Mrs. Clemsen suggested they stop and jot at various points in the article,” Nordell said.
On Tuesday, Clemsen cooked up another lesson to pair with the chocolate theme.
“In that experience, our students were encouraged to think of their five senses and use sensory language to enhance their writing. Each child picked a food and wrote a sensory rich riddle – making others try and guess their food,” Nordell added. “The riddles were creative and the overall experience was an excellent micro-lesson on a skill that we don’t often focus on enough – using sensory language in writing.”
For Wednesday’s lesson, teacher Christel Winkey served up some “ooey, gooey math lessons,” Nordell wrote. Winkey provided students with two days’ worth of chocolate-themed lessons focusing on skills in fractions.
On Friday, students were ready for their virtual field trip, hosted by Nordell via video clips embedded in their Google Classroom assignment. The learning target was to practice the skills of being a self-directed learner by asking “I wonder” questions about chocolate and the candy-making process. The field trip whisked students away (via 8 Google Slides, of course) to Hershey’s Chocolate Factory to learn how Hershey’s Bars and Kisses are made.
“They also learned that the Mars Candy Company originated locally, in Tacoma! This was one of the kids’ favorite things to learn,” Nordell said. “They had no idea such famous chocolate was so close to home! I figured I could get them even closer to home so I also introduced them to Seattle Chocolate.”
At that stop, students learned how a graphic designer combined his love for design, the Seahawks and chocolate to design the Sea Salt Truffle bar label for Seattle Chocolate.
Students complete one page of a virtual field trip log for each “trip” they take.
The team is also providing one intentional social emotional lesson each week along the same theme. “Kids really seem to love those,” Nordell said. “Not only do I think kids like having a series of cohesive lessons each week, I think they like seeing all of the teachers in their lessons and are starting to fully grasp just how goofy we all can be! We, of course, love this model because it lightens the workload for each of us individually and allows us to be far more creative in our lesson planning. The individual experiences are targeted, meaningful, and super engaging! … We are so thankful for each other, always, but especially now. Playing on our individual strengths is really allowing us to do so much more for our students!"
Two weeks ago, the teachers used a theme of robots, and students read tales about robots, wrote short stories about the robots they wished they could have at home to help out with chores, then attended a virtual field trip through Discovery Education to Stanley Black & Decker Makerspace, Winkey explained.
“Students were able to see and experience how math, science, technology, creativity and teamwork can lead to technological advancements in our daily life,” she said. “Even though we are out of the classroom, we, as teachers, are collaborating more than ever before and are really emphasizing our strongest attributes. ... Really, we are hoping to offer our students exciting learning opportunities and to keep them excited for more!”
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District message regarding abuse investigation
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The April 23 arrest of a Tahoma paraeducator for alleged child molestation involving two students under the age of 12, along with an additional sexual assault allegation, sent shock waves throughout the community. The district provided this statement to news media on Thursday:
“These allegations are very disturbing and affect all of us connected to the school district. Student safety is always our most important consideration. The thought of students being abused in any way is abhorrent and intolerable. We are working closely with investigators to learn all that we can and assist with the legal process. Our hearts go out to the students and families whose lives have been impacted.”
In addition to the criminal investigation by police and prosecutors, Tahoma is hiring an outside investigator to review the alleged molestation incidents to provide the district with information that could lead to changes designed to avoid a recurrence.
As legal proceedings move forward, Tahoma will continue to provide information about any subsequent developments that affect students and staff. School counselors will be available to respond to the needs of students who may be affected, and the district is developing counseling resources for staff.
The district is providing communication options to people who have questions or want to provide information regarding the allegations. To leave a voice message, call 425-413-3485. To reach us by email, use this address:
TSDmessages@tahomasd.us
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Board approves hiring of new LW principal
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The next principal of Lake Wilderness Elementary says she looks forward to building relationships with students, families and staff.
After spending a good portion of her educational career in a large school district, Melanie Ready (pronounced “Reedy”) said she is interested in working for Tahoma because of its foundational beliefs and its smaller feel.
“Tahoma is family oriented. It’s definitely a community, and I value that so much,” Ready said in a phone interview.
Growing up in a small town in Colorado, playing school was a favorite pastime that soon cemented into a plan for her someday-profession.
“I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a teacher,” Ready said. She never veered from that path, and earned her initial certificate in Colorado, where she began teaching before moving to Washington state.
Ready currently is associate principal at Northwood Elementary and West Mercer Elementary in the Mercer Island School District; before that, she was an administrative intern at Sawyer Woods Elementary and previously worked as a mentor program specialist and a math instructional support specialist in the Kent School District. She taught a variety of elementary school grades from 2000-2010, and earned her principal certification and master’s degree in education from the University of Washington.
Working in math instructional support and as a mentor for new teachers inspired the shift in her career to the administrative side.
“I saw how powerful mentoring could be in helping to create a positive atmosphere,” Ready added. Through the years, some of her favorite moments professionally have been watching a student have a “lightbulb” moment. “It’s nothing that you’ve done for them, necessarily, but when you see them owning that learning and that joy and light go off.” Similarly, helping new teachers through tough situations, listening and supporting them as they work through a problem and persevere has also been rewarding, she said.
The two Mercer Island elementary schools she currently works for have a combined enrollment of about the student population at Lake Wilderness Elementary. Ready said she’s eager to invest her time in one location with a constant group of students, staff and families.
“I’m excited to be a part of one school’s culture; to form those relationships and be there day to day,” Ready said.
She added that she is hoping to get to know everyone, listen and learn about what students, staff and families already love about LWES, and which areas aren’t working for all learners. “I look forward to hearing from everyone, getting to know the students and being part of the school community.”
Ready and her husband, Jason, live in Covington with their three children and family dog, Hannah. She enjoys camping, eating sushi and watching football (especially the Broncos). The family’s current favorite book series is the “13-Story Treehouse.”
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. Ready’s hiring was approved by the Tahoma School Board Tuesday evening, and she will begin July 1.
Parent Lucy Santos helped share parent/guardian opinion on the interview panel.
"The process of choosing the right person for the principal position was a wonderful example of how Tahoma really seeks to collaborate and include parents in the educational community. I was really impressed with how the opinions of parents on the panel were considered as equally important as the Tahoma SD staff on the panel,” Santos said. “I feel strongly that the best candidate was presented to the board for the position of principal. Melanie Ready will be a wonderful addition to our community!"
Parent and Lake Wilderness PTA President Liana Crandall also served on the interview panel. Crandall said she thought the applicant pool included many high-quality applicants who would be an asset to Tahoma.
“I thought the interview process was very thorough and gave a good base for our discussion. Having so many voices contribute to the discussion was really valuable and gave me insight into qualities of each candidate I might have missed,” Crandall said. “I’m excited to meet Mrs. Ready in the fall. She had excellent recommendations, and she was personable and knowledgeable during the interview. She will be an excellent addition to our Wildcat family, and (will) help us grow even more connected!”
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School Board Director shares remote learning update
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Tahoma School Board Director Malia Hollowell shares a brief update about remote learning. The script is available in the description of the video on
our YouTube page
.
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Work continues to plan year-end recognition
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Principals, staff, students, parents examine options at all levels
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Administrators, teachers and staff are having continuing discussions about how to mark the end of the school year under the current restrictions and circumstances. This work is happening at the high school level -- in particular as it relates to seniors, but also for all THS students -- as well as at the middle school and elementary school levels.
We know that students want to see their teachers and other staff members again if possible, before moving on next year. Our teams at each building feel the same way. They are discussing whether it will be safe and possible to have any kind of event this school year, and, if so, what that could look like. We’ll share more details at each building as soon as we can. In the meantime, here’s a brief glimpse of what possibilities are being examined:
Tahoma High School: Principal Terry Duty and other staff have been meeting virtually with senior representatives and some parents to find out what the seniors’ opinions are about graduation, senior awards night, senior sunset and more. The high school currently still has its June 10 graduation date reserved at the White River Amphitheatre, but it is unknown whether any sort of gathering will be allowed. Additionally, administrators and staff are mindful of not pushing celebrations out too far because some seniors have plans to travel, enter the military, and other commitments. A range of alternative celebration possibilities are being brainstormed and discussed.
Yearbooks for THS are back on sale, but won't be available long. There are a limited number of extra books available for purchase. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $65. High school yearbooks will be mailed out and arriving at student addresses close to the end of the school year. The mailing addresses used will be the ones in student files in Skyward. Books may be purchased until they are gone or until May 8 at https://wa-tahoma.intouchreceipting.com/
Both middle schools: Administrators and staff are brainstorming whether it will be possible for current 8th graders to come back to their middle schools to say goodbye to their teachers before starting at the high school. They’re also discussing the spring play, a production that was about to begin when school buildings were closed. If possible, principals want to give the students in the play an opportunity to perform their songs or pieces of their roles in some way.
Maple View Middle School: Principals Andy McGrath and his staff members are discussing Maple View’s traditional end-of-year award ceremony, and still hoping it can happen in some fashion that observes social distancing.
MVMS yearbooks: “I know that many of you have been wondering if we will have a yearbook this year. I wanted to reassure you that the amazing Yearbook Staff at Maple View were able to complete your yearbook for the year,” Teacher Molly Galassi reported. “We are just waiting to hear when the yearbooks will be printed. As soon as we do, we will be able to give you specifics about our process for handing the books out and also let you know how many additional yearbooks will be for sale during that time.”
Summit Trail Middle School: Principal Sean Cassidy and his staff members are talking about how recruitment for WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) Program leaders will happen under the current circumstances. They're also determining how to celebrate students for the quarterly recognition program for the third and fourth quarters.
STMS yearbooks: “Over the past few weeks, many parents and students have inquired about the status of this year’s Summit Trail yearbook. We are happy to announce that the book has been submitted and we are ready to head to printing as soon as the Herff Jones plant in Kansas City is able to reopen,” Teacher Jamie Mercer said. “As of the most recent update from our Herff Jones representatives, the plant is set to re-open on May 4. We will know more in regard to shipping dates as soon as they open. We will update families when we have that information and are able to develop a plan to distribute books to students in a safe and orderly fashion. We thank you for your support in getting this year’s book across the finish line, and we look forward to getting the yearbooks in students' hands as soon as we can.”
Elementary buildings: Principals and staff members at each building are also having lengthy conversations and virtual meetings to discuss ways to provide closure to the school year, particularly for fifth-graders but for all students as well. Camp Casey dates are being considered for late September/early October, and conversations are underway with teams at both middle schools to determine how camp would work. There is discussion about the possibility of a virtual Celebration of Learning for Shadow Lake Elementary, a virtual Color Run for Glacier Park Elementary, a virtual book fair for Rock Creek Elementary and virtual field day for Lake Wilderness and possibly other elementary buildings.
Lake Wilderness Elementary yearbooks: “The yearbooks are currently in the process of being published. Our building should receive them at the beginning of June, and then we'll let you know what the plan is for distribution,” teacher Christel Winkey said. “I'm sure many of you are wondering about those checks that haven't been processed yet. They received our payments just as the ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ order began. I was reassured that checks are currently in a safe with them but until the order is lifted, they cannot deposit the checks. Once they are able to get back into their office, this will happen. I apologize for any inconvenience.”
(We’ll provide updates on the yearbooks for other buildings in future newsletters as we receive information).
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We the People competes in virtual national championships
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The THS We the People team won the state championship in Olympia earlier this year and went on to compete remotely at the national level when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the usual, in-person competition.
Last weekend, Tahoma’s Constitutional scholars competed against 30 classes and more than 600 students from across the nation in the Center for Civic Education’s first-ever online We the People National Finals. Monday night, the top three teams were announced in a video awards ceremony online.
"Tahoma High School's 2020 We the People team was absolutely tenacious," teacher and adviser Gretchen Wulfing said. "They made the best of a difficult situation and inspired all of us with their grit, brilliance and incredible heart. I am honored to be their teacher."
While Tahoma didn’t capture one of the top three spots this year, the team was honored with an award for Unit One, which focuses on “What Are the Philosophical and Historical Foundations of the American Political System?”
In January, Tahoma’s We the People team won first place in the Washington state competition in Olympia.
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School Board reviews state grading plan
At its second remote meeting via Zoom conference calling, the Tahoma School Board heard a report from Teaching and Learning Executive Director Dawn Wakeley about new guidelines from the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for assigning grades during the COVID-19 school closure.
Wakeley explained that the state guidance was announced after Tahoma had already created a grading system that took into account the switch to remote learning made necessary by the state’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order and the closure of schools for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. The new state rules provide options for letter grades or an”incomplete” designation. They have the biggest impact in grades 9-12, and Tahoma has restarted its grading committee to examine how to adapt to the new system. A recommendation is expected soon.
In other business, the School Board:
- Received an enrollment and budget update from Assistant Superintendent Lori Cloud. Enrollment is stable and spending is running under projections so far this year.
- Discussed the annual review of targets and goals. Given the disruption caused by COVID-19, the board is considering alternatives to the usual goal-setting process. More discussion is planned.
- Approved applying to OSPI for student credit waivers related to COVID-19.
THS virtual cheer tryouts open through May 5
Tahoma High School students in ninth through 11th grade, along with incoming freshmen, are invited to virtual tryouts for the 2020-2021 THS cheer team.
To try out, join the Google Classroom with the code qwwdhpv. Then, learn the material and upload your videos to Google Classroom by midnight on May 5.
Census response period continues
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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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