Ed Hatzenbeler, Orting School District (OSD) Superintendent |
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Hello, OSD Families.
We are officially on the final stretch. As I write this we have just seven more school days until graduation. Go Cards!
I cannot thank our families enough for your grace and support this school year. Orting is known for our resiliency and hard work, and this year has been a fine example of what that looks like in our school community. We have made it through mandates to finally be able to come together again with concerts, movie nights, conferences and more. It has been a pleasure to watch our students thrive with loving parents, guardians and community members in their corner.
Although there is much to celebrate, sometimes we see anxiety in our students as they prepare to graduate or head into the summer. Many are likely still experiencing mental health issues lingering from the pandemic. I would encourage you to talk to students regularly, make sure they are ok, and reach out for support if you see any warning signs. The wonderful thing about this amazing community is that we have the opportunity to lean on one another for support and guidance when the need arises. You have teachers, coaches, administrators, community partners and more to reach out to if your child needs help.
We have many exciting opportunities headed into this final stretch. There are concerts, field days, graduation and awards ceremonies and more to look forward to. I hope you can take an opportunity to join us at one of these events or discuss them with your student. Looking further into the summer, it can help to have something to look forward to. Perhaps you can work with your student to plan a trip to the zoo, a hike or something fun that they would enjoy. Creating positive environments and celebrating accomplishments are a sure way to help our students thrive.
Enjoy these final weeks of the school year. We wish the very best to our retirees, our graduating seniors and their families! We are looking forward to seeing you next year!
In Partnership,
Ed...
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Superintendent Cabinet Monthly Update |
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Executive Director for Human Resources |
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While many of our students and staff won't be inside our buildings for the next couple of months, our facilities team will continue to have ongoing work, which is why we're looking for individuals with flexible schedules to become on-call substitute custodians.
Selected candidates would typically work 8-hour shifts; start at $14.49 per hour and earn a $6 hourly increase after completing 30 days.
To view the job opening and apply, click here. |
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Executive Director for Equity & Student Outcomes |
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As we wrap up this school year, each building has engaged in examining its multi-tiered system of support (MTSS).
MTSS are the school-wide supports that help students become successful when they need it and to the appropriate level for their success. The data we have collected will help us better serve students and support staff as they meet the needs of our students.
If you would like more information on this process, contact your child's assistant principal.
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Executive Director for Teaching, Learning & Technology |
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The OSD Elementary Curriculum Adoption Team and the District Instructional Materials Committee have recommended the Open Up Resources Bookworms K-5 Reading and Writing Curriculum for the 2022-23 school year, pending approval of the OSD Board of Directors at the June 2 Regular Meeting.
Open Up Resources is a nonprofit developing the highest quality full-course curricula available to k–12 districts accessible as Open Educational Resources (OER) to promote instructional equity.
Along with its emphasis on literacy, below are some other traits of the curriculum that stood out to the committees:
- Excellent structure for student talk - routines are predictable, so the students know what to expect and are ready to learn, increasing their skills over time.
- Exposes students to a large amount of rich text (e.g., poems, nursery rhymes, engaging texts).
- Easy to follow and implement for teachers.
If you would like to learn more about the Bookworms K-5 Reading and Writing Curriculum, click here.
Also, huge thanks to everyone for their hard work and making this possible:
OSD Elementary Curriculum Adoption Team
- Orting Primary School (OPS) Staff
- Kindergarten teacher Shannon Bostwick
- First grade teacher Stephanie Fries
- Second grade teacher Christine Wombwell
- Third grade teacher Angie Hobbs
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Intervention specialist Stefanie Steffensen (also serves on the Instructional Materials Committee)
- Ptarmigan Ridge Elementary School (PTR) Staff
- Kindergarten teacher MaryAnn Portmann
- First grade teacher Cierra Neil
- Second grade Teacher Rebecca Bunker
- Third grade teacher Stephanie Veltkamp
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Fourth grade teacher Michelle Avolio (also serves on the Instructional Materials Committee)
- Fifth grade teacher Sara Odanovich
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Intervention specialist Beth Crowe (also serves on the Instructional Materials Committee)
Instructional Materials Committee
- OPS Staff
- Second grade teacher Whitney Curtis
- Assistant principal Erynn Alvers
- PTR Fourth Grade Teacher Michelle Carlson
- Community member Karen Shreve
- Parent Kathleen Gartner
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Executive Director for Student Support Services |
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This summer, OSD will host an instructional camp for qualified first and second grade reading intervention students showing a need for extended learning.
The program will help students improve their skills and ownership of their learning and growth. The camp's hands-on curriculum is supported by the National Inventors Hall of Fame, combining reading instruction and invention learning, and creating a space for them to test, try, fail, discover, and explore the incredible world of invention.
If you are currently looking for local summer camps and programs for all students, check out the city of Orting's recreation webpage.
Also, during the summer, we will host an extended school year (ESY) for qualified K-12 students who have an individualized education program (IEP). Split into two half-day sessions for elementary (grades k-5) and secondary (grades 6-12) students, ESY will help them reach their educational goals.
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What's Happening in our Classrooms |
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At PTR, Mrs. Baskett's third grade students spent two weeks researching different types of ocean fish for class presentations. The project followed their lessons about ocean pollution and helped develop their research and informational writing skills. |
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Mrs. Baskett graded her students based on their presentation's:
- Content
- Pictures
- Organization and effort
- Listed sources
Excellent work!
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What's Happening Outside our Classrooms |
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On Thursday, May 12, the Orting High School (OHS) Sports Medicine Club hosted its final community blood drive for the 2022-23 school year. Over 30 people donated blood that day, saving the lives of over 90 people!
Great work, everyone!
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To:
OHS Junior Storey Matson (pictured)
From:
Transportation Director Megan Gentili
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"A couple of weeks ago, while riding the bus to school, a student accidentally bumped his head. While our driver radioed the transportation department to report what happened, Storey, a OHS Sports Medicine Club Member, attended to the student, explaining the importance of getting his head checked out at the OHS nurse's office and possible symptoms that could appear.
While, thankfully, the student did not have any injuries, Storey deserves kudos for her thoughtfulness, kindness and initiative!!"
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External Opportunities For Our Students |
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The Career and Technical Scholarship (CTS) supports Washington students on their path to high-demand trade, STEM, and health care occupations.
To be eligible, scholars must enroll in an approved program, such as welding, manufacturing or IT, at one of Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges. Scholars are eligible to receive up to $1,500 each quarter for the duration of their associate degree, certificate or apprenticeship program. These scholarship funds are flexible and can be used to cover tuition, fees and other costs of attendance such as housing, transportation, food and more.
For more info, including eligibility information, click here.
The deadline to apply is Sunday, June 5, 2022.
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Upcoming Events & Important Dates |
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Thursday, Jun. 2 at 6 p.m. - OSD Board of Directors Meeting at Central Office
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Monday, Jun. 6 at 6 p.m. - OSD CFAC Meeting at the OHS PAC
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Wednesday, Jun. 8 - Last day of school for OHS seniors
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Thursday, Jun. 9 at 5 p.m. - OHS Class of 2022 Graduation Ceremony at Cardinal Stadium
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Friday, Jun. 10, from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. - OSD Staff Retirement Celebration at the OHS PAC
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Thursday, Jun. 16 - Last day of school for grades k-11
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Learn More About Our New Administrators
The OSD Board of Directors approved the hiring of PTR new principal Nikki Mesa (left) and OHS new assistant principal Tia Michelle Marquez (right), with both starting their new roles this summer on Friday, Jul. 1.
Read more
www.ortingschools.org
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Have You Heard About PTR's New Art Class?
In March, PTR added a weekly, 30-minute visual arts class for their students. While they still do regular art projects in their homerooms, visual arts offers them in-depth learning of the subject.
Read more
www.ortingschools.org
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