The official start of the 2017-2018 school year is still two weeks away (Aug. 30), but the campuses already are abuzz with activities. Here’s part two of a rundown of key pre-school year dates, events and information for Sequim students and parents:
SHS Links up
Link Crew Orientation for all incoming ninth-graders is 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29. Link leaders — junior and senior leadership students — have been training and preparing for this event since May and will lead the students through a series of ice-breaker activities.
“This is an awesome opportunity for freshmen to meet their Link leaders, get a tour of the school and interact with their classmates,” Sequim High School principal Shawn Langston said. “Link Crew events are planned to occur throughout the school year to provide continued support and familiarity. It’s a great transitioning program from middle school to high school for our ninth-graders.”
Sequim Middle School’s WEB
This year, Sequim Middle School’s WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) orientation program for incoming sixth-graders will be during the morning of Aug. 30, the first day of school. The WEB program is designed to ease the transition from elementary school to middle school.
Volunteer efforts
Those interested in volunteering in the Sequim Schools must undergo a background check each school year. Valid photo identification such as a current Washington driver’s license must be submitted for a clearance process through the Washington State Patrol.
The district utilizes an all-online procedure for volunteer registration and an email address is required to utilize the system. Individuals may apply now to volunteer or renew last year’s online application, following step-by-step instructions on the district’s website at www.sequim.k12.wa.us.
A computer kiosk at the district office is available during office hours, if needed. Several events needing many volunteers come up quickly after the beginning of the school year, so individuals are encouraged to start the application process as soon as possible.
Parents are encouraged to apply for volunteer approval at the beginning of the school year so they will be eligible to assist with field trips and other events throughout the school year.
Key Greywolf, Haller dates
Helen Haller Elementary School’s office (350 W. Fir St.) reopens Wednesday, Aug. 16, and Greywolf Elementary School’s office (171 Carlsborg Road) reopens Tuesday, Aug. 22. Office hours are from 8 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. for both schools.
Each elementary school will host an Open House from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29. Families are strongly encouraged to attend.
“Haller’s Open House begins with a classroom visit to meet the teacher, drop off school supplies and receive a Cougar Passport to the Future,” Renee Mullikin, Helen Haller second-grade teacher, said. “Families will visit five stations around the school to learn about the Kids at Hope and PBIS programs as part of a treasure hunt. When the student’s passport is filled with stamps, then the family receives a token to present for ice cream treats.”
Haller third-grade teacher Carolyn Luengen adds, “It’s a great opportunity for teacher and parents to connect.”
Greywolf’s event has similar objectives. Families are encouraged to find their child’s classroom, meet the teacher, tour the building and enjoy a popsicle. “Open House provides that important initial meeting between students, parents and teacher,” Greywolf second-grade teacher Kim Knudson said. “During this time I watch new students transform from being reluctant to come in and meet me to not wanting to go home! The goal is to let students, accompanied by their parents, become familiarized with the classroom environment through performing basic tasks such as filling out a name tag and giving input on where they want to sit. The next morning, on the first day of school, I see my students’ faces are relaxed because they know what to expect.”
OPA Otter Day
Olympic Peninsula Academy’s Otter Day, a required orientation for parents and students, is planned for Thursday, Aug. 31. OPA families will receive a postcard by mail with assigned times and more details. Olympic Peninsula Academy is a parent partnership program within the school district.
First day, early key dates
The first day of school for grades 1-12 is Wednesday, Aug. 30. Helen Haller Elementary School, Sequim Middle School and Sequim High School begin school at 8:15 a.m. and Greywolf Elementary School at 8:30 a.m. School begins one hour later on Late Start Mondays, consistent with last year’s academic schedule.
Kindergarten parent/teacher conferences will be held at Greywolf Elementary and Helen Haller Elementary schools on Aug. 30-Sept. 1. The first day of class for kindergartners is Tuesday, Sept. 5. Each school will send a letter to families by mail with more details. The Sequim School District has an all-day kindergarten program.
There is no school on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4, and the district office will be closed.
Headed to the Fair?
The Washington State Fair provides free tickets for Sequim students to attend the state fair in Puyallup from Sept. 1-24. Students may get a ticket in their school’s office after the beginning of the school year.
