@SequimSchools — Feb. 6, 2019

DISTRICT

The next school board meeting is 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, in the district boardroom, 503 N. Sequim Ave. The public is invited to attend, and time is set aside for public comment. To view the agenda and minutes of past meetings and click on “School Board,” “Regular Communication” and “Agendas” on the district’s website at www.sequimschools.org.

GREYWOLF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Greywolf Elementary was happy to experience the Tears of Joy Theatre’s performance of “The Legends of Coyote” on Jan. 25. The show included stories, puppets, masks and costumes inspired by Pacific Northwest Native American art and folklore.

HELEN HALLER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

For 30-plus minutes a week, students in Shannon Prescott’s fourth-grade class are getting the basics of computer science. In addition to typing practice and navigating through Microsoft Word, students are learning the basics of computer programming. Code.org is a non profit site with a mission to get more people coding. They provide age appropriate coding curriculum for K-12.

The fourth-grade lessons ask students to drag blocks to build and solve games, create art and tell stories. Working at their own pace, they learn the basic algorithms of coding, how to use loops (how to make an action repeat) and how to use conditionals (if … then … ). Though the lessons are game-ified, they are far from easy.

Beyond basic computing skills it also teaches students to problem-solve and collaborate on solutions.

“My favorite skill it teaches is persistence” Prescott says. “Students will be stuck for days on a single lesson. They know I can’t help them since they know more than me. However it is great when they push through that frustration to find a solution. And then, are hungry for more.”

SEQUIM MIDDLE SCHOOL

Science teacher Joe Landoni would once again like to showcase seventh-grade students as science “Catalysts,” this time for Term II. Catalysts are those students who regularly display an exceptional level of participation in their science class. They are the kings and queens of questioning! They make those thought provoking statements which extend understanding. They are the instigators of inquiry! They are risk takers, not afraid of making mistakes or failing (as they know mistakes and failure lead to new knowledge). They are the sparks which ignite learning!

Please recognize and celebrate the following fine young scientists: first period’s Sofie Feik and Sam Stewart; second period’s Korbyn Domning and Garren Pocock; fourth period’s Win Jones and Ava Welch; fifth period’s Brianne Bruch and Zachary Green, and sixth period’s Natalie Cross, Marcus Hogan and Titus Liggins.

Students were recognized in their respective classes and each received a certificate suitable for display on any refrigerator. Keep up the fantastic effort, young scientists. You are excellent role models for your peers.

OLYMPIC PENINSULA ACADEMY

The OPA high school health class recently earned their certifications in infant, child and adult CPR. Cards last for two years. Thanks to the Sequim Fire Department (Fire District 3) and Sandy for offering this valuable experience for our school!

SEQUIM HIGH SCHOOL

Sequim High School sponsors a blood drive from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Feb 14. Community members are welcome to donate.

Current 10th- and 11th-grade students interested in attending Running Start next year should begin planning now. Peninsula College hosts Information Nights on Wednesday, Feb. 13, Thursday, March 7, and Wednesday, April 10. For more information, call Peninsula College at 360-417-6340 or 877-452-9277, x2. Running Start registration must be completed during spring months to guarantee priority registration. See the SHS counseling department website for a recommended timeline.

First semester report cards will be mailed on Feb. 8.

Gracelynn Forrester, a fourth-grader at Helen Haller Elementary School, uses “nested loops” to help her zombie sprite get to its goal. Submitted photo

Shannon Prescott’s fourth-grade class students learn the basics of computer science. Submitted photo

Olympic Peninsula Academy students (from left) Melanie Byrne, Cadence Puhrmann, Abram Yeater, (Sandy Boudrou of Fire District 3), Payton Johnson, Faith Amaya, Mia Coffman and Alyssa Alcaraz show off their certificates after completing CPR training. Submitted photo