Education Insider

Welcome to the district's bi-monthly newsletter! At the bottom of this newsletter, you'll find a link to the Community Bulletin Board.

• Oct 16-20: National School Bus Safety Week
  
• Tues, Oct 17: K-5 Half Day/ Conference Planning
• Wed, Oct 18: K-5 Half Day/ Conferences - No 6-12 early release
• Thu, Oct 19: K-5 Half Day/ Conferences
• Thu, Oct 19: School Board Meeting
• Fri, Oct 20: K-5 Half Day/ Conferences

The full calendar, is posted on our website.

To further our dedication to creating a safe and positive learning environment, we are pleased to introduce the upcoming Panorama Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) survey. Recognizing the pivotal role SEL plays in student achievement, this survey has been designed to collect valuable insights from both our staff and students.

Throughout the month of October, our staff and students will have the chance to reflect on their behaviors, thoughts, and overall experiences at school through the Panorama SEL survey. This confidential survey aims to gather essential data that will serve as a compass for district and school staff as they work towards enhancing an even more positive and secure environment for all.

We firmly believe that understanding the social and emotional dynamics within our school community will enable us to tailor our support and programs to better address the unique needs of each individual.

To ensure transparency and open communication, school administrators will provide detailed information about the survey administration process and the subsequent steps in the coming weeks. We genuinely appreciate the active participation of our staff and students in this opportunity and eagerly anticipate the positive impact it will have on our learning community.

Thank you for being an integral part of the District's commitment to the safety, well-being, and success of every student and staff member.

Questions? Contact Dr. Becky Clifford, Assistant Superintendent, (360) 503-1214, rclifford@asd103.org

Please ensure we have your correct email and the best phone numbers to reach you. You can complete the 2023-24 Student/Family Form Update.

2023-24 Student/Family Form Update

The Student/Family Form is currently accessible and will remain so until October 31, 2023. This annual update holds significant importance as it ensures that the district possesses the most up-to-date information, including your phone number, address, emergency contacts, technology usage agreement, military status, tribal affiliation, and housing questionnaire. Additionally, it is essential to go through and verify your acknowledgment of the attendance policy.

Completing this form is of utmost importance, and you can locate it on Skyward Family Access.

We kindly request that you complete it at your earliest convenience, but no later than October 1, 2023. Should you require assistance or have any questions while filling out the form, please do not hesitate to contact the main office at your student's school.

Superintendent Justin Irish holds small feedback sessions throughout the year to engage with families, staff, students, and community members. These sessions are open to anyone to attend. Please pre-register for one of the sessions below:

2023-24 Dates:

• Tues, 12/5/23 - 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
  
• Wed, 3/13/24 - 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
• Wed, 5/22/24 - 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Sessions are typically capped at 20 attendees. Light refreshments are provided.

All sessions are held at the Whitney Early Childhood Education Center Library: 1200 M Avenue

Questions? Contact the Superintendent's Office at (360) 503-1211 or tramsay@asd103.org

The Anacortes School District uses text messaging as an additional communication tool to alert families and staff about closures and emergencies.

What to do now?

Confirm that your school has your accurate mobile phone number, if you want to receive text messages. Log into your Skyward Family Access Account. If your mobile number is not accurate, you can update your information through Skyward Family Access.

If you don’t know your Skyward login, you can reset your password through Skyward Family Access. Click on “Forgot your login/ password?” This will prompt you to enter your email address to reset your password. The system will take 5-7 minutes to send you a new password.

Next steps

1. Once you have verified that your mobile number is correct, you can “opt in” to receive the district’s notifications.
2. Text “Y” or “Yes” to 67587 to opt in or scan the QR code located on this flyer.
   
3. Text Message Test Day
   

The district will send a test text message later this fall. Specific date TBD.

Questions? Contact the Superintendent's Office: (360) 503-1211 or tramsay@asd103.org

New students only joining the Anacortes School District will be given the opportunity to take the test in November 2023.

Referrals can be made by any adult familiar with the child using this Highly Capable Referral Form

Parents who refer their own children will receive an email letting them know when their children will be tested. For students who were referred for testing by another adult, parents will receive an email requesting their permission to test their child.

As soon as a testing schedule has been set up, it will be communicated to schools.

Questions? Heather Paddock hpaddock@asd103.org

As with every school year, students have been focusing on engaging in classroom routines and instruction practices. During this first month of school, we have been actively preparing the final steps to create a seamless transition for access to our libraries at each elementary school and our middle school. As the school-based training for our check-in and check-out processes wraps up, students are able to get into libraries and take home books! Each school is a bit different so please check with the building principal with any questions you may have.

Contact us: https://www.asd103.org/District/126-contact-us.html

Deadline to apply is Friday, Oct 13!

We are currently accepting applications for the district's Budget Advisory Council. The Anacortes School District needs to proactively balance the budget for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond. Expenditures are exceeding state and federal revenue. Enrollment continues to decline. Federal relief grants will be fully expended, and there is no indication for future Federal relief.

The Budget Advisory Council focuses on studying school finances and aligning priorities for balancing the budget. The meeting schedule can be found on the BAC website.

Applications are due by October 13th.

Questions? Contact Mike Sullivan, Executive Director of Finance & Operations: (360) 503-1213 or masullivan@asd103.org

Visit our Human Resources website for more information on current vacancies: https://anacortesjobs.hrmplus.net/

We are always actively recruiting new substitutes for a variety of positions, including food services, transportation, custodial, paraprofessionals, and classroom teachers. If you are interested in subbing for the Anacortes School District, please reach out to Shelby Vander Kooy @ 360-503-1203, or please click here.

Click the link below to find items submitted for our community bulletin board:

https://www.smore.com/76mc8