We now have a Family Resource Coordinator to assist students and families to break down barriers that may be impacting their access to education. In addition, we received a grant that provides a housing coordinator several days a week and access to resources to assist families who may need temporary or permanent housing. We also have partnered with the Weekend Backpack Programs to now include all students in need K-12. Our district is proud to provide students with breakfast, lunch, and free dinner! We are committed to meeting the basic needs of all our students.

Our partnership with Boys and Girls Club has become incredibly strong. We run a bus from Ocean Park Elementary to the Club as well as an activities bus for students needing transportation after practice, school clubs, and Boys and Girls Club. This has increased our students’ access to all activities we offer. In addition, through our 21st Century Grant we have an intensive afterschool reading program that offers hands-on enrichment activities.

We have increased the number of our Career Technical Education classes, created career pathways, and are expanding opportunities for industry certification. We have also implemented College in the High School courses and created an alternative school program. We now offer STEM classes at grades 5 and 6 and an art program for middle school students. Our elementary schools have implemented top intervention programs, maintained Physical Education and Music classes daily, and now have the support of an instructional coach in the area of math. We also have an excellent early childhood program and strong partnership with the local preschools and daycare providers.

Finally, our athletic and music programs are among the top in the state. We have won impressive awards in both and have excellent leaders guiding these students. I am so excited to see their hard work pay off for these programs.

My  goal is to break down barriers that our students and families face and ensure that every child has equal access to high quality education and activities. In no way can I highlight all the great programs and activities that we have, but I can assure you that we are on our way to becoming one of Washington’s model districts.

I encourage you to make contact with me if you ever have any questions or concerns, and I thank you again for allowing me to serve the district and community.