Roslyn talked with students at Michael Anderson Elementary, they like having hands-on activities like cutting and gluing. They also enjoy structured time like gym and music. Kindergartners like learning their letters. First grade likes getting to be on Chromebooks and using the SeeSaw platform, especially in science. While second graders preferred Fundations and Wit & Wisdom. All students feel their teachers and other adults are a good source of help if needed. For safety and wellness, 1st grade said a clear schedule and staying in the classroom made them feel safe and 2nd graders said knowing their parents were on campus or nearby was what made them feel safe. 

Nate went to Hallett Elementary, math was the highlight across all grades, with 5th graders liking PE a lot also. Students feel the adults make them feel safe and their teachers are helpful. When asked what Hallett's superpowers are, the answers were "never give up" and "kindness matters". There are some 5th graders that families moved here specifically for the schools and said their school is clean and the teachers are good. They also noted that everyone gets the same education, regardless of who you are and all students felt safe outside because adults are always available. 

Students would like to see more science opportunities and are interested in the environment, the ocean and how to help students with disabilities feel accepted. 

Lorelai visited the Middle School. Students said they have strong positive connections with their teachers, predominately in science and math noting math teachers are very helpful. Students felt their school community is good and it helps them feel safe and like they have a place where they're supported. Some students expressed a need for more study times to help with their work load. 

Since this group only has 3 on the rotation, all 7 students took notes for the high school. They found that students feel high academic stress from workload, overlapping deadlines and the pressure of weighted tests. Everyone thought having a calendar teachers could use to help ease the overlaps in deadlines would be beneficial. A lot of students are busy after school with activities, jobs and/or family responsibilities, they'd like more time during the school day to work on homework. They'd also like proactive, personalized check-ins from teachers to feel less isolated when they're struggling.  Having teachers recognize that homework is only one part of their busy lives would be good. They desire clear, consistent communication and expectations across their classes to help them stay organized.  Several students wished their teachers understood that each student learns differently and asked for more flexibility in learning and assessment. Finally students feel traditional classes and busy work are disengaging and would like learning that is relevant, interactive and connected to their interests and future goals. 

Rob Haugen presented a brief summary of the SBA results just in from the State. The State looks at achievement in bands, levels 2-4 and levels 3-4 at a 3-year trend. 

Rob highlighted disproportionality down in the bottom of the sheet regarding students with disabilities. In ELA special education students are growing more than students without disabilities, and this is district-wide. Students with a hi-cap marker were also significantly higher in ELA and math. These statistics show that what we're doing for all students across the board is working. 

We noticed an anomaly that 3rd grade science was lower this year. We aren't entirely sure why but are looking into it. Math and ELA at our elementary is strong especially in 5th grade, showing that our elementary schools are doing things right. We want students at the higher levels by the time they get ready to move the Middle School. 

Dr. Headrick said it's important to note that AimsWeb and MAP are skills based assessments, while SBA checks if students can apply those skills into other settings.

Dr. Williams-Gilbert took a picture of a quote around lifelong learning that really spoke to her. "How do we expect our students to embrace lifelong learning if we, as leaders, do not model it ourselves?"

It's important for us to continue to grow and learn as leaders in our district. This is for the Board, teachers and administration.

Director Parsons attended several sessions around special education, diversity and inclusion. 

Dr. Cooper attended the WIAA sessions and says there will be a lot of amendments around State law vs Federal law. It will be interesting to see where the language falls. 

Dr. Williams-Gilbert was nominated to the Legislative Committee again and this year, the Federal Relations Network. There will be a joint message that Impact Aid doesn't just affect 1 school, but it affects everyone, tribal and all others. 

November 13, ESD101 held a meeting that had 9 legislators representing Eastern Washington. We didn't have anyone from the 6th district but all of the 9th district representatives were there. We focused on saying Thank You to the legislators and the work they've done as well as highlighted the great work around TK, special education and the importance of MSOCs. Also around small schools modernization, for those with less than 1000 enrollment. 

We then broke out into focus groups, district 3 was in another area, districts 9 and 4 were in another. 

We really talked about working with what we have vs adding money to make insurance costs affordable, looking it through that lens. 

Dr. Headrick invited Rep. Schmick and Sen. Schoesler to come out and see what we've been working on as a district. 

Last month Corey Plager came to share funding levels and tax rates, and we've worked with OAC for consultations of our buildings. 

Chad and I met with Wade Smith, former Superintendent from Walla Walls and he said we need to do some comprehensive, long term planning to better move forward into the next phase to developing a strong comprehensive facilities plan. He said it's about encompassing our entire community and making sure we're not just hearing from one sector. Right now, 46% of our voting population is over the age of 65. That's a significant portion and we need to make sure we have a voice from those stake holders at the table. We need to ask, how do we make school facilities, community facilities and fill gaps there may be in our community? 

We're recruiting for the CFTF between now and the next board meeting. There will be monthly meetings through June. 

This will include Thought Exchange surveys out to the community.