InDistrict News for September
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome Back! It is always hard to say “goodbye” to summer, but I love fall most of all. The excitement of meeting new friends, reuniting with old friends, and creating new relationships with students and their families is something that I look forward to each year.
As we prepare for another year of shaping young minds and making a positive impact, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your unwavering dedication and hard work. Your passion for education is what makes this school district truly exceptional.
Remember, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your journey with us, your contributions matter more than you know. Our success as a district is built on the collective effort of every single one of you.
I had the opportunity to welcome our certificated employees on Aug. 30. I appreciate the participation and enthusiasm of our certificated team—we had a lot of fun, and set the stage for the coming year. While we didn’t have the chance to connect with all of our employees, I welcome the opportunity to talk with you as I visit your schools and departments. You play a vital role in the success of our schools and district. Please know that you can always reach out to me. Simply call, email or visit me at the ESC. I am also happy to come visit your classrooms and buildings.
As a small token of appreciation for your incredible work, each employee will receive an “I AM LSSD” shirt. Shirts will be handed out in your buildings. The meaning behind the shirts is pretty special—earlier this spring we engaged our social media followers and asked them to share one positive word that describes our district employees. The response was amazing, and so reflective of the incredible impact you have on our students. We took those words, created a graphic and had shirts made. The shirts are also an important reminder that each of us is an essential, contributing member of the district. Without you, none of this work is possible.
Thank you, as always, for your work with our students and families. Let's make this school year unforgettable!
Sincerely,
Ken
We want your photos! Share your back-to-school photos using #lssdfirstday (your social media account must be public) or email them to tellus@lkstevens.wednet.edu. We use the photos in videos, slideshows, publications and on social media.
Foundation for Excellence
We launched our strategic plan—the Foundation for Excellence—in 2013 to guide our work, districtwide. Since that time, the plan has been revitalized to keep pace with our progress, and with the changing needs of our students.
This five-year plan represents a collective effort from our Board of Directors, employees, students, families and community members. To engage these important voices in this process, we used surveys, listening sessions and planning meetings to obtain feedback on our progress, and to identify what enhancements were needed. Meeting with students and staff from each school was the most rewarding part of this process.
We’re proud to present this plan to you, and to partner with you to accomplish our goals. Thank you for joining us in this important work.
Update your mailing address: If you moved during the summer, please email Michelle Williams with your new address and information so she can update Skyward, SEBB and retirement.
Insurance Open Enrollment: Open Enrollment is Oct. 31 to Nov. 21, 2023. Kaiser has some rate changes coming that enrollees should pay attention to. Watch for emails or USPS mailings from the Washington State Healthcare Authority over the next couple of months. There will also be emails sent from the district Payroll Announce email throughout the open enrollment period.
Free Employee Assistance Program
Our district has an Employee Assistance Program available to all staff members and their families. These services are free and confidential.
KEPRO Intelligent Value
Counseling, Education, and Referral Services
1-800-999-1077
Access Code: LKSTEVENS
Learn more about meal options for students on the Nutrition Services Department webpages, including breakfast and lunch menus, school meal prices, free and reduced meals, payment options and notifications, meal charging guidelines, school wellness policy, and special dietary needs.
Apply for an Innovative Teaching & Learning Grant
The Lake Stevens Education Foundation (LSEF) is once again offering Innovative Teaching & Learning Grants. Applications are due Monday, Oct. 30. Information and grant applications are available on the LSEF website.