Messages to the Community

Letter to Parents - 10.4.24

Chewelah parents & Student Safety

Memo - Information on 9-10-24 School Closure and Threat Investigation

School Threat Communication 9.2024

Active Assailant Drill April 2024

Active Assailant Drill 2024

Parenting Learning Community (PLC)

Join the PLC community: Parents helping parents parent. ALL parents/adults are welcome to participate. Monday April 22 at 6:30pm at Gess Elementary.

You might wonder, why is the Chewelah School District making plans to offer “parent classes”? The answer is we are not. A PLC is not a parenting class in the traditional sense. Parenting is a complex responsibility and is a private matter between spouses or a single parent.

Parenting is the most important duty and responsibility we have as adults. As adults, we all engage with youth in some way. A wise man once said, “There is one responsibility that no one can evade. That is the effects of one’s personal influence.”

The Chewelah School District desires to facilitate monthly learning and sharing community meetings for parents young and old. There are many experienced parents and there are many unexperienced parents. This will always be the case in our society, and it is a good thing. Therefore, The Chewelah School District sees an opportunity to bring both the young and old together. It is an opportunity for us to strengthen ourselves as parents and adults who can influence children. Parenting is the hardest thing we can do. It is also the most rewarding thing we can do. It deserves more of our collective attention.

Why is the Chewelah School District providing this opportunity for parents to share and help each other? We are not trying to replace faith-based family supports or professional family therapists. We are simply offering support for parents because schools participate in supporting collaborating with parents in their parenting. Additionally, there are ever-changing trends that seem to be constantly coming in and out of families/homes. Those trends find their way into schools. Furthermore, different thinking and parenting styles come through our doors as diverse as there are numbers of students. Parenting is complex and hard even for parents who apply good parenting strategies. We also witness parents who could use some help and even ask for help. We all have the same interests.

Parenting is not the primary responsibility of schools. It is our secondary responsibility to support. Schools have the primary responsibility to teach children academic skills and other career introductory skills while parents provide a secondary supportive role. We are better educators and parents of and for children when we work together.

The monthly PLC provides opportunities for parents to come together to share their experiences and help those who may be facing similar situations. It's a place where questions can be asked and advice or ideas can be shared to help one another. We all love our children, and we all want them to grow up to reach their potential. However, individually or as parents we don’t always have the best answers. Others might have the answers. The Chewelah School District hopes that by providing this forum for parents to listen, talk, share ideas/advice, and personal experiences, along with some research, parents will be able to strengthen their relationships with their children and/or direct them in ways that will improve their individual circumstances.

Parenting is an art and a little bit of science. It foremost requires wisdom. Wisdom is knowing when to apply the art side and when to apply the science side. Wisdom is gained through experience and the practice of applying principles and strategies. The Chewelah School District desires to sponsor and facilitate a process that will help adults gain the wisdom they need to better parent their children. We believe that our parents in our community can help one another.

What is the purpose of Parenting Learning Community (PLC)?

To engage parents in meaningful dialogue to collectively share common parenting challenges, research, best practices, resources, and solutions to strengthen parent/child relationships and foster child growth and development

Learning community format

Each meeting will focus on a specific topic selected by participants through surveys and participant requests.
Share stories and experiences related to the focused topic.
Share solutions, research, and guiding parenting principles and practices.
Review and share efforts, failures, and successes from previous meetings.

Our first PLC will be held on Monday, April 22 at 6:30pm. National Honor Society secondary students will provide childcare. The community meeting will be held in the Gess Library

ParentingLearningCommunity2024

Independent Column Week of 3/11/24

Thank You Chewelah Patrons & Matrons.

Commitment to do our best begins with gratitude

There are very few words that better describe or explain gratitude than, “Thank You.” We all use this expression of gratitude often if not daily. How we say “thank you” shows our level of sincerity. The actions and behaviors following an expression of gratitude also indicate the depth of sincerity. Being grateful is best shown and expressed with action demonstrating responsibility to those that give.

Gratitude is the result feeling we get and is more prevalent when the giver and the receiver of “kindness” are closely associated. This close association helps the receiver avoid senses of entitlement and fosters commitment to be more responsible. The giver is more likely to support when their sacrifice is respected and acknowledged. The Chewelah School District is accountable and responsible for student learning. Student academic success is the best way the Chewelah School District can express gratitude for the support we receive continuously from the Chewelah Community.

The Chewelah School District wishes to thank the Chewelah Community for the sacrifices it makes on behalf of students by supporting EP&O levies and Capital levies over the decades. The commitment of the Chewelah community is long standing and impressive. Given the struggles we all face economically in our current unpredictable and highly inflated climate, voters recently approved our replacement levies on February 13, showing an even more impressive commitment. The financial sacrifices made by so many is appreciated and acknowledged by staff and the Board of Directors. Thank you, Chewelah!

The Chewelah School District is committed to using the approved replacement levy funds for their intended purposes. These purposes have been shared over many communication platforms and methods. You can view how the levy funds will be used to support the vision of the Chewelah School District by visiting our website. Go to the tab “District” and select “Levies, Bonds and Projects.” I also encourage everyone to read the quarterly newsletter, The Chewelah Academia. This newsletter along with our website and school building communications are designed to communicate our goals, progress and work.

The support of the Chewelah community has made it possible for the Chewelah School District to continue its vision, purpose, and commitment to students. The Chewelah School District vision set by the Board of Directors reads:

The Chewelah School District engages and empowers students and staff through rigorous,

21st Century learning in a safe, caring environment.

Chewelah School District believes all kids can learn and acknowledges that students don’t all learn in the same way or at the same rate. Therefore, the District supports student achievement in two key ways:

The District delivers rigorous curriculum processes and supports 21st Century skills, which are aligned with Washington State standards. Rigorous learning challenges students’ thinking in new and interesting ways. This occurs when students are guided toward an understanding of fundamental ideas and are driven by curiosity to discover what they don’t know. 21st Century Skills are embedded in instructional and assessment practices and include:

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving;
Creativity and Innovation Skills;
Collaboration, Teamwork, and Leadership;
Cross-Cultural Understanding;
Communication, Information, and Media Literacy;
Computing and Information Technology;
Career and Learning Self-Reliance

The District provides an environment for learning that is brain-compatible, one that uses research-based strategies and tactics of instruction aligned to how the brain is designed to learn. Teachers engage students with best practices for the discipline according to the age and developmental level of students, using strategies selected for alignment with Webb’s Depth of Knowledge. Teachers actively cultivate a “growth mindset,” so that students engage in self-reflection and take ownership of their learning and progress. Students construct meaning of concepts and ideas and develop skill sets, mindsets through 21st Century Habits of Mind which are modeled, expected, and supported during the teaching/learning process. Assessment is aligned with instruction to provide valid and meaningful feedback to students, parents, and other teachers to improve learning.

As Superintendent of the Chewelah School District, I am also committed to visiting, listening, and/or answering questions from our patron or matron of our community so that our partnership remains successful on behalf of our students.

Jason Perrins

Independent Column Week of 1/22/24

Chewelah School District Seeks Happy Bus Drivers to Greet Students Each Day

One of the benefits of being human is that every day is a new day. Each new day allows us to continue with the good we are doing, make another attempt, or abandon efforts from the previous day. Each day allows us to have a new start to whatever we are trying to accomplish. What a great way to live! My message today is about something simple but carries a lot of influence in the lives of children.

We know that a new day begins best with a smile, a simple sincere recognition, or a small act of kindness. Although it doesn’t happen as often as we all wish, it would do everyone good if we all got a smile and some kind greeting every day. Our children need this daily routine the most.

Educators can never replace parents and families, nor does the education system want to, but the first outside the home contact many of our students have each day is when they get on the bus to go to school. Our bus drivers have this daily responsibility and opportunity to make a difference. They greet and welcome students with a smile or simple questions of concern or care. Our bus drivers know some of the challenges and struggles children face and they are always offering encouragement and best wishes. Children have a similar experience at the end of the day when our bus drivers return them home. The Chewelah School District is seeking happy bus drivers to join our student “welcoming-transportation crew.”

Perhaps we hear stories about a bus driver “yelling” at a student. I think many of us can relate. I unfortunately can and I feel guilty now for not following the rules as I should have. We may also hear stories of how bus drivers greet and engage children positively each day. They always give words of support. We all know that teachers know and inspire children but perhaps we may not realize as often that bus drivers do too.

The daily routine of greeting, smiling, offering words of encouragement, or best wishes is a common daily routine for Chewelah bus drivers. Would you like to join our Chewelah “welcoming-transportation crew?"

The Chewelah School District is seeking five happy bus drivers and/or substitute drivers to greet and welcome children every day. Starting wage is $21.17 and up to 31.23 based on experience. Bus drivers have full health benefits. Please contact the District Office at 509-685-6800 for more information.

CSD on the Radio

Join us on KCHW 102.7FM on January 17th for a discussion on education. It will start at approximately 8am.

Independent Column week of September 25, 2023

Review & Revise

Sustainable improvement requires reflection, evaluation, and adjustments

During the school year of 2021-2022 the Chewelah School District engaged 29 community and employee stakeholders in a strategic plan development. The results of the committee's work can be viewed on the District’s website. The plan was completed approximately 15 months ago. The time has come for us to review this plan.

The Chewelah School District strategic plan provides direction and focus. In general, strategic plans do not change much because plans of this nature are usually large in scope. The plan also reflects the main purposes of an organization, which, in the case of education, should never change. I can’t imagine a school deciding that student learning is no longer the main purpose. Nevertheless, within education a plan can provide direction to meet the specific or personal needs of a community. Not all communities have the same needs or culture, nor do they operate under the same conditions or values. This is why strategic plans are essential for organizations to achieve their purposes.

During the years of implementing a strategic plan, however, different conditions can shift. Because conditions or the environments in which we live can change, it's important that plans are reviewed to “keep the main thing the main thing.” (Covey) Some examples specific to the Chewelah School District are that our economy has drastically changed and the social challenges of our students have changed at a faster pace than normal. Furthermore, the District is in the last year of using the extra funding provided by the federal government when the government imposed the shutdown of our schools. This funding was called Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funding or ESSER funds. After this school year the District will no longer have these extra funds. These funds have provided special services and supports that were deficient in our District before the shutdown.

In addition, the Chewelah School District received findings from the CMSi Audit conducted in our District last May. This audit gave a thorough and careful review of the District’s purpose, initiatives, leadership and best practices in the classroom. It is important that we review these findings from the audit and see where we can apply the recommendations to improve the performance of the District. The strategic plan review will allow us to look at the audit findings and confirm what we are doing right and offer course corrections in areas we need improvement.

The Chewelah School District will review the strategic plan this year. This process will help us to apply the CMSi audit findings, improve policy, revisit our goals, and review resources. One of the many steps in reviewing our strategic plan will be looking at programs and services. We’ll need to evaluate them as well as prioritize them. It is simple to say that they are all important, however the District does not have endless resources. This means we need to prioritize. We would like to hear from you, the Chewelah community, and include your views when we prioritize.

It is not possible to bring everyone together as a community to help us prioritize. Nevertheless, we can hear from everyone if we provide a way to get your feedback. Please take a minute and rank the nine (9) items in order of priority by using this link or QR code. Thank you, Chewelah! https://forms.office.com/r/W2eLAtZuEj

QR code for priorities survey

Independent Column week of September 10, 2023

Leadership in the Chewelah School District

Developing a culture of meaningful leadership

The Board of Directors for the Chewelah School District sets goals each year. Due to the fact these goals are big in scope, it may take three to five years to achieve them. Big goals do not change much because of the time it takes to achieve them. Nevertheless, updating goals and reviewing goals on a regular basis requires consistent leadership because there are many distractions that make it hard to stay on a course long enough to achieve "big" goals. This is why change can take a long time with pre-established organizations. It is intentional focused leadership, however, that maintains the steady course to obtain success. Once an organization has meaningful goals and those goals are aligned with their purpose and vision, leadership becomes essential for achievement to take root, grow, and produce the fruit or outcomes desired.

The Chewelah Board of Directors has established goals for the coming years. The Board of Directors is seeking feedback about their leadership. Please take five minutes, scan the QR code or copy the link provided and complete the survey. Thank you. https://forms.office.com/r/n5qYqBt9mb

QR code for survey

Infographic with school board goals

Independent Column week of September 3, 2023

Chewelah Supports Children and the Chewelah School District

Sacrifice: An act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more worthy or important.

It is a blessing to everyone to be part of a community that supports children. The investment in our children is worth the sacrifices we make. What makes sacrifice more virtuous is when investors see that their resources are used wisely, responsibly, and appropriately. The Chewelah School District hopes that the families and businesses who make sacrifices to support our school facilities see and believe that the District is delivering and meeting their expectations. Among the many sacrifices made, I am specifically referring to the passing of Capital Levies in the Chewelah School District over the last several years.

The foundation of prosperous communities is rooted in families. I see sacrifice being synonymous with family. As a father of five children sacrifices are constant and part of raising a family. A family worthy of praise makes sacrifices to serve others as each individual acts responsibly. Additionally, when families come together and make sacrifices for a specific and worthy cause great things happen in communities. The Chewelah School District is a primary recipient of the good resulting from the sacrifices of families coming together. Because of the continual support of the families and businesses in Chewelah, the Chewelah School District is able to maintain and provide proper care of school facilities for students.

The Chewelah School District wishes to thank families and business families for coming together and trusting the Chewelah School District to be good stewards of school facilities.

Independent Column July 26, 2023:

What is the best financial decision the Chewelah School District can make on behalf of the needs of students while considering the current economic hardship in our community?

Levies, Capital Levies & Bonds. How much is too much and how little is not enough?

Every community faces the same predicament and opportunity as Chewelah every 3-4 years. The Chewelah School District is approaching the season where decisions have to be made about Levies and/or Bonds. Where some may see levies as an opportunity, others may view them as stressful predicaments. On Thursday, August 3 at 6:30pm at the District Office, the Chewelah Board of Directors will engage in an investigative and fact gathering conversation session with Ken Murphy of ALSC Architects and Cory Plager of D.A. Davidson (Finance). These two individuals are experts in their fields. They are coming from Spokane as consultants to help inform, share options, and answer questions. The Chewelah School Districts seeks to obtain the financial facts, to listen to all stakeholders, and develop the best options for the community to choose. The best way to accomplish this goal is to ensure that all decision makers (voters) have the facts and information necessary to give input to the Board of Directors.

An additional layer of challenge for the District regarding the levy is the economy. In the last three years we have all experienced significant inflation over a short period of time. Everyone has experienced price increases beyond the norm. I personally don’t remember anything like this since the early 80s. Our current economic situation has created hardship for us all. For the Chewelah School District, we have spent months and years making plans for facility improvements only to find out that the price we were quoted two years ago is now 40% more or higher. Food prices and services have gone up similarly to some degree impacting our home budgets. Because of the poor state of our economy, the Chewelah School District is having to make tough decisions like everyone else.

Recently, the Chewelah School District had to make the decision to put a pause on the project approved by voters in our last Capital Levy to redo the Jenkins parking lot. The cost to remodel our science classrooms went up over 45%. The cost to redo the parking lot went up around 35%. In order to complete the science classroom remodel we had to cancel our plans to redo the Jenkins parking lot. We have hope, however, of finding grant funds to pay for the parking lot later. Recently the Chewelah School District was awarded a planning grant to apply for another Small Modernization Grant through the State of Washington. The current project of replacing the HVAC system this summer at Jenkins is funded by a 3.5-million-dollar Small Modernization Grant awarded to the District two years ago. With this planning grant we just received the Chewelah School District will be seeking this same grant to complete other major capital projects in the District. We anticipate including the Jenkins parking lot in this grant.

Taxes are not fun, nor are they popular topics to discuss, even though we know they are necessary. Nevertheless, it's part of our reality and we must understand our situation together before we can make decisions as a community. Thomas Jefferson in his 1801 inaugural address made this statement, “But every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle.” We all share similar principles and have similar interests when it comes to education. Recognizing the value of taxes, we all share our dislike for them as well. Therefore, we share a common predicament. The Chewelah community is invited to attend the Work Session meeting on August 3rd to listen, ask questions and give input so we ensure that the best decisions are made. We hope to see you there.

CSD will be on the radio! Join us on 102.7FM on August 16th for a discussion on education. It will start at approximately 8am.