@SequimSchools — Oct. 18, 2017

DISTRICT

The Sequim School District announces an open referral process through Nov. 30 for K-12 students who may qualify for Highly Capable (Hi-Cap) Program Services.

Anyone from the community may refer students, including teachers, parents, staff, friends, students, members of the community, etc. Learn about characteristics of highly capable learners at www.sequim.k12.wa.us/Page/4523.

Paper referral forms are available at each school, the Sequim School District Office, 503 N. Sequim Ave., and at the Sequim Library, 630 N. Sequim Ave.

Access referral forms online at the district website at www.sequim.k12.wa.us.

Referral forms must be received by close of business on Nov. 30, 2017.

All referrals must be returned to the Highly Capable Coordinator at Sequim Middle School, 301 W. Hendrickson Road, or a school building secretaries.

New students interested in the gifted program are asked to contact the Highly Capable Coordinator to expedite the identification process.

Contact Highly Capable Coordinator Robin Forrest at 360-582-3560 or rforrest@sequim.k12.wa.us for more information.

HELEN HALLER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The Title 1 Math Team is working with teachers to support students using Eureka Math. Parents can access resources at greatminds.org. Videos explaining math strategies and parent tips are very helpful to support student homework. During conference days, the computer lab will be open and parents will be able to learn how to log on to i-Ready and greatminds websites to learn more about learning opportunities at Helen Haller Elementary School. Please stop by the computer lab after your child’s conference!

— Sheri Suryan, Title 1 Math Specialist

Tiffany Malean’s Living skills students had mentoring by the agriculture science students and other staff members to learn gardening skills. This project is the initial start of a larger plan for Helen Haller Elementary and Sequim High School to start several raised beds where both ornamental and edible plants will be grown.

The idea started with Linda Dolan, one of Helen Haller’s occupational therapists, after she attended a couple of training sessions last spring and summer. When school started, the occupational therapy department got on board.

Linda has solicited donations from Coastal Farm & Ranch (four galvanized troughs), Cascade Soil & Bark (four yards of gardening soil), Grocery Outlet (25 pansy starts) and WSU Extension Service (four sets of gardening tools), and cash donations.

Several other sites are planned for the project — one out by portables on the school campus’ east end, and the Sequim High School Living Skills’ fenced yard.

Fifth-grade teacher Jason Ramos had his students submit writings recently, including this piece, “The First Day at School,” by Maddie Mote:

“The experience I am describing is the first day of school and how I felt on that day. I was super nervous as I walked in and saw my friends. My teacher said hello and introduced himself. My mom walked me into the pod. When I walked into the orange pod, I remember I saw all these students walking to all of their classes. Outside you could smell fresh bark. The weather was great and it was sunny. I heard the kids yelling and screaming on the playground.

I squeezed my backpack nervously, but was excited at the same time. The room was a pretty good size. We started off with introducing ourselves in a circle and saying our favorite hobby. I said cheer is my favorite hobby.

After all of the games, we started our math lesson. It was not as hard on the first day, and I am guessing that is because they want the first day to be fun and easy. I had so much fun on that day.”

SEQUIM MIDDLE SCHOOL

Sequim Middle School’s free Harvest Festival event is set for 3-5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20. Costumes are allowed, but don’t bring masks, face paint or weapons. The school’s dress code will be enforced.

Picture re-take day is Friday, Oct. 27, and Hot Cider Day/Costume Day is Tuesday, Oct. 31.

SEQUIM HIGH SCHOOL

Senior Grad Party Planning Meetings are the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 6 p.m. in the SHS library.

A choir concert is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, in the auditorium.

The annual Haunted Hallways event is 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, in the high school’s H building. This is supported by the ASB and all campus clubs. Parents/guardians can bring children dressed in costumes for Halloween activities and fun. No admission is required, but donations of canned food will be accepted and appreciated.

Girls’ bowling begins Oct. 30; athletes are asked to get paperwork in early.

Senior pictures for the yearbook are due Oct. 31. The picture should be vertical format and at least 1 MB file size so that it is not pixelated. Remember that the purpose of the yearbook photo is to remind people of who you are, so the photo should be primarily of your face. Email pictures to Jim Heintz at jheintz@sequim.k12.wa.us.

There is no school on Monday, Oct. 30.

To help support the SHS choir, the Sequim Choir Boosters are sponsoring “Donkey Basketball” from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Sequim High gymnasium. Advance tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students in grades 7-12 and $5 for students in grades K-6; tickets are the door are $12, $10 and $6 (youths younger than kindergarten age are free). Call Carla Sebastian at 541-561-4700 for more information.

For juniors and seniors: The field trip to the National College Fair in Seattle is Friday, Oct. 27. Sign up and pick up a permission form in the Career Center. The trip fills up fast, so it’s first-come, first served. Cost of the trip is $10, which includes transportation, ferry and fair admission. Pay Mrs. Ulm in the high school office. The first 50 students to return their permission form and receipt will have a spot on the trip.