Stories of the Week (1-25-23)

SLHS Bowling wins Pierce County 3A League Title
The Spanaway Lake High School Girls Bowling team continues to dominate the competition! The girls recently took home the Pierce County 3A League Title for the second year in a row, beating out the next closest team by nearly 1,000 pins!  On top of that, the entire varsity team was also named first team in the All Conference selections, with Tamia Yeager once again being named league MVP. Well done! https://www.facebook.com/BethelSD/photos/pcb.10159790177309892/10159790176584892

Sailor returns home and surprises daughter at school!
Centennial Elementary first grader Isabella Kraften got a fantastic surprise when her dad, Jason, showed up at school to see her. Jason is in the Navy and has been stationed in Hawaii for several years. He was just transferred back to Washington and couldn’t wait to tell her! https://www.facebook.com/BethelSD/videos/1147297949317941

Join the South Sound Housing Affordability Partners advisory Board
The South Sound Housing Affordability Partners is accepting community members’ applications for appointment to its Advisory Board. Established in 2021, SSHA3P is an intergovernmental collaboration in Pierce County working to create and preserve affordable, attainable, and accessible housing throughout our communities. Learn more and apply here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/29d8ff7bc7eb457798fd5a60f1dd7990?fbclid=IwAR0qTnc-BwI4DX4Z1plP-ybBqZZ17SZpQE3xJ-J_WYNTbzOOIptl6wzIaPk

Podcast Episode 26: This POD really ties the room together
This week, we chat with two JROTC Cadets about their experience in the program and their future plans. We also sit down with Dr. David Hammond, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools to discuss new school construction, Camas Prairie’s national award, and the Seinfeld character he most relates to! All that, plus a few too many Big Lebowski references on this week’s show. New episodes drop on Thursdays at www.bethelsd.org/podcast and on all popular podcast services.

Highly Capable Referrals
It's time for Highly Capable referrals! Anyone (parents, teachers, community, etc.) can refer a student to be tested for potential qualification in next year's Highly Capable programs. Referrals are due on January 31. Learn more about the program and fill out an online referral form here: https://www.bethelsd.org/Page/682

School Board Meeting Recap 1-24-23

FAFSA
Seniors are completing the FAFSA at a higher rate than the state average, however, less than 60% of our seniors completed the FAFSA last year. Administration and schools are working towards promoting and motivating students to complete the FAFSA so more students have access to money for their post-secondary education – whether it’s college, trade school, or completing an apprenticeship. http://go.boarddocs.com/wa/bethel/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CMSPH86477B5

Camas Prairie Elementary
The Camas Prairie Elementary team shared how their school-based equity team, social emotional learning, and mental health resources, as well as multitiered systems of support are positively impacting staff and student growth. http://go.boarddocs.com/wa/bethel/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CMSUYV7E3B58

National School Counseling Week, February 6-10, 2023
National School Counseling Week will be celebrated from February 6-10, 2023, to focus public attention on school counselors' tremendous impact in helping students achieve school success and plan for a future career.
http://go.boarddocs.com/wa/bethel/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CMXRHY6D31F1

CTE Month
Career & Technical Education (CTE) teachers and programs are honored during the month of February. 
http://go.boarddocs.com/wa/bethel/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CMSUXC7E2A91

Evergreen Building at the Pierce County Skills Center
As part of OSPI’s requirements for state funding, a value engineering (VE) study is required for the Evergreen Building at the Pierce County Skills Center project. The Value Engineering study was performed by OAC Services, Inc. to review the architect's design and make recommendations for cost avoidance, cost verification, and added value proposals.
http://go.boarddocs.com/wa/bethel/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CN7PCC63ED9D

Bid Authorization: Elementary School #19
The Board authorized administration to move forward with the advertising for bid proposals related to the Elementary School #19 project. The approximately 68,000-square-foot building will house 540 students. The estimated cost of the project is $44,000,000.00 and will be funded through the 2019 School Construction Bond. Thank you, voters!

South Pierce Multimodal Connectivity Study
George Mazur, WSDOT Multimodal Planning Manager provided an overview and recent developments on a transportation study that covered portions of Pierce County south of SR 512.
http://go.boarddocs.com/wa/bethel/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CN7NWR61EDE1

Opposition to Regional Airport
The Board passed a resolution opposing the construction of a new regional airport in the portion of Pierce County in which Bethel School District is located.
http://go.boarddocs.com/wa/bethel/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CN8VX47E98D5

Principal of the Year
Spanaway Middle School Principal Shannon Leatherwood was recognized as the 2023 Washington State Secondary Principal of the Year.

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