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NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Selah, WA Permit No. 3

Selah School District’s

Education Report An education update for the Selah community 316 West Naches Avenue, 98942; 509-698-8006

Fall 2016

A New Priority Plan in Place!

to the success of students and the professional development of staff.

District Adopts New 3-Year Priority Plan

Environments for Success―Within every building and program in the district, the hope is to cultivate environments where students and adults can grow. This means making it a point to focus on items such as proactive behavior measures, student attendance and staff morale to help create the best climate possible.

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new plan is in place as earlier this fall, the Selah School District Board of Directors adopted a new set of priorities to help guide the work of the district over the next few school years. The new “3-Year Priority Plan” was created through input from stakeholders during last spring’s ThoughtExchange process, a review of current district achievement me data, and from collaborative dialogue amongst district leaders. The purpose of the plan is to shine a light on areas of emphasis for the district. It doesn’t encompass all of the district’s work but rather helps place increased attention on items that could have a positive impact on the t success of students in Selah. The new plan includes the following priorities: Collaboration for Student Learning―People working together in interdependent teams create the best opportunity for students to learn. This is true not only for teachers, but for all staff throughout the district. A collaborative culture has been an emphasis of the district for several years; its continued importance is essential

Closing the Achievement Gap―Eliminating gaps in achievement among students based on race, language, economic status and disability ensures that the district’s core purpose is realized. The demographics in Selah are continually changing and working to ensure equity of opportunity, access, services, programs and resources can help every student reach their full potential. Readiness for Early Learners―The pre-k through 3rd grade years are essential to a child’s development and ensuring early readiness is the best proactive measure we can take to assure our students succeed. This includes reaching into the community to support child development before students enroll in school as well as strengthening programs within the district that focus on the early learner. Along with the plan comes a set of annual strategies and items used to measure success. These will be used to help leaders operationalize the work within individual buildings and departments. Posters showing the priorities will be available in the weeks ahead to be displayed in classrooms throughout the district.

Selah School District Proposes Reapportionment of Director Districts Issue to be on February 14, Ballot In an effort to better facilitate future citizen participation as board members, the Selah School District is proposing to reapportion its existing director districts from five into three, in order to establish two at-large positions. In its proposal, the District

seeks to dissolve the current five director area structure, create three new evenly distributed director districts, and then create two at-large board positions where members can reside from anywhere within the Selah School District boundaries. The at-large board position model is one

that several districts in the state, as well as some neighboring districts, utilize in order to solicit patron participation. The reapportionment measure will be placed on the February 14, 2017 ballot. Ballots will be mailed in January.

A Look at Selah School Board News... Briefings from the Board! A Message from the Selah School Board President, Kelliann Ergeson

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he Selah School Board has much to share from its work this school year. Here are some highlights: The Board voted to put a proposition on the February 2017 ballot to dissolve our current school board member districts and reapportion them into three directors’ districts and two at-large positions. Simply put: if the voters approve this proposition, there will be two seats on the board for which any community member can run, no matter where they live within the Selah School District. The Board is hopeful the proposition passes; the two at-large seats will make running for a seat on the school board more inclusive. The Board approved the District’s 3-Year Priority Plan for 2016-2019 after a careful review of the input from our ThoughtExchange process of last spring and our students’ achievement data. We extend a big Thank You! to everyone who participated in the Thoughtexchange process. Feedback is critical to the school board’s decisions. We look forward to finding new ways to engage parents, teachers and the community in our work. You can find the new 3-Year Priority Plan on the District’s website, and, soon, in our classrooms. One of the District’s newly adopted priorities is a focus on Environments for Success. The Board recognizes that students learn best when they feel safe and supported. Recently the work of keeping our students safe was enhanced by Selah’s participation in the School Board President, Safety Operations & Coordination Center (SSOCC) operated at ESD 105. Selah now has Kelliann Ergeson the support of a team at ESD 105 monitoring 911 alerts and social media activity daily. It’s a cutting-edge approach to the District’s first priority: keeping our students safe. If you have a comment for the Board, please plan to attend one of our meetings. You can find the Board meeting schedule on the District’s website. Have a happy and safe holiday season! Go Vikings!

Ready to Serve!

Board Officers Elected

Blakney Selected as Student Board Rep

The Selah School Board has elected officers for the next year. Retaining her Presidency is Kelliann Ergeson. Elected as Vice-president is Jeff Hartwick. Kathy Lambert remains the Legislative Representative.

October 27, marked the first school board meeting of many in which newly appointed Selah High School junior, Ben Blakney, will serve on the panel of directors as a student representative. Blakney, a junior, assumes the student representative seat held by Madeline Hoppis who graduated last June. Blakney joins senior, Colton Redtfeldt, who has now served in the position three years. In addition to his role as a student board representative, Blakney is involved with numerous extra-curricular activities and athletics at the high school. The role of the high school representatives is to provide student insight and perspective to the Board of Directors and District administration, while serving as a liaison between the Board and the student body. Student representatives began serving on the Board in 2010. Even though October 27, was the first meeting Ben Blakney attended, there is plenty of Ben Blakney time for him to serve! 2 • Selah Education Report

Board Vice-President, Jeff Hartwick

Board Meeting Reminder oard Meetings are held the second and fourth Thursday of the month with the first meeting of the month beginning at 7:00 a.m. and the second starting at 7:00 p.m. See the board meeting schedule located on the District's website.

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A Message from the Superintendent and Other News... A Message from the Superintendent... An Educational Journey

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his past month I had the unique opportunity and the great pleasure of traveling to Macau, China to work with an international school. The school’s name is Hou Kong Middle School, although it serves grade levels equivalent to what we would call preschool through ninth grade, and has just over 1200 students that atShane Backlund tend. This experience, which I got to share with my wife, was made possible through a relationship that my mother has with this school in her work at Central Washington University. The trip was funded as a part of a grant that was written to support American educators providing specific training opportunities for the staff at Hou Kong.

Our work while we were there was focused on supporting both classroom instruction and aspects of leadership. We spent time observing lessons, meeting with leaders, and putting on workshops. It was a fast and furious pace for the 6 days we were there, but the staff was enjoyable to work with and very receptive to our ideas. While their school system differs from ours in Selah Superintendent, Shane Backlund, and his wife many ways, there were Kari, had an educational journey as they traveled to also some similarities that Macau, China to work with staff and students. we noticed. The main lish skills to us whenever they had a differences were in the formality of chance! structures and in the course offerIn terms of similarities it was eviings. Every student in this school dent the staff in Macau, like ours, received instruction in English and works incredibly hard at doing what become quite fluent in the language is best for their students. They by their middle school years. They were anxious to show off their EngSee Journey/Cont. Page 5

2017-2018 School Calendar Set! Following an online survey regarding the first day of school in the Selah School District for the 2017-2018 school year, the student calendar has been set. The District would like to thank all parents and staff who participated in the survey. The survey results were close regarding the school starting date being before or after Labor Day. However, the survey outcome indicated that more individuals wanted the first day of classes to begin on the Monday before Labor Day. As a result, the first day of school in Selah for the 2017-2018 school year will be Monday, August 28. As is past practice, there will be no school on Friday, September 1, so families can enjoy a long Labor Day holiday. Other important dates in the 2017-2018 school calendar include: Winter Break―Dec. 20, 2017, through Jan. 2, 2018. Spring Break―April 2―April 6. Last Day of Classes―Friday, June 8. Selah Education Report • 3

Selah School District News and Other Notes... Selah School District Website Receives a Face-lift

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f you have been on the District's website lately you have noticed the site has received a "face-lift," and has a new look. The new website at www.selahschools.org has been created to provide parents, patrons and staff, with easy access to locate information regarding Selah schools, departments, programs, publications, and resources important to their needs. The look includes an updated layout, quick links in order to access information, and district appropriate tabs easy to navigate. Additionally, the updated website is also more compatible with mobile devices. We hope you enjoy the look of our new website. As you navigate the site, if there is any information you can not locate, please contact us and we will assist you with your request.

The Selah School District website has received a "face-lift." Please access the site at www.selahschools.org.

A Look at Upcoming School Closures... As the fall comes to a close and winter begins, here is a look at some upcoming Selah School District closures. Students will enjoy winter break from December 21‒January 3. Classes will resume on Wednesday, January 4. On Monday, January 16, there will be no school in the District as students and staff observe Martin Luther King Day. Also, Friday, February 17, is a tentative Non-School Day or Snow Make-Up Day, while Monday, February 20, is Presidents' Day and there will be no classes. Have a safe holiday season.

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A Look at Selah School District News... Journey/Cont. from Page 3

"Kids are Kids No Matter Where You Go" ―Selah Superintendent, Shane Backlund

spend several hours outside of the school day preparing lessons, engaging in professional development and collaborating with colleagues. Similar to our district in Selah, we also noticed how supportive the families were. We had an opportunity one of the evenings we were there to be a part of a parent program put on by the school. The classrooms and hallways were full that evening with hundreds of parents taking part. In the short time we were there we were able to form bonds and relationships that will last forever. We also began discussions about future

opportunities to partner with this school in different ways, including possible staff and student exchanges. Whatever the future holds, we were appreciative of this special opportunity and proud to be able to share a little about what we know with this school. Finally, of all of the things we learned while we were there I’d say what sticks out the most is that kids are kids no matter where you go. Seeing their enthusiasm and love of learning was inspiring. It made me thankful for what I do and for where I get a chance to work everyday.

Kari Backlund, works with students in Macau, China.

Highly Capable Student Nominations

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he Selah School District is accepting nominations to identify Highly Capable students in Grades 2-11 until January 20, 2017 (end of First Semester) for the 2017-2018 school year. Parents, teachers, community members and students themselves may be nominated for highly capable assessment and evaluation. Screening assessment, using the CogAT (Test of Cognitive abilities) screener will take place in February 2017, with full CogAT testing for qualified students in March 2017. Students who have already been identified as Highly Capable do not require a new nomination, or additional testing. Please check with Kay Smith, Highly Capable Programs Coordinator, if you have questions regarding your student's highly capable status. To nominate a student for Highly Capable, email Kay Smith, KaySmith@ selahschools.org, with the student's full name, grade level and school. Be sure to check your email and mail in January 2017, regarding the specifics of upcoming testing or check with Kay Smith, KaySmith@selahschools. org, 509-698-8037. The Selah School District complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected class as defined by law. This holds true for all district employment and opportunities. The Selah School District specifically does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age (40 or older), marital status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, gender expression or identity, genetic information, non-job related sensory, mental or physical disability, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other legally protected status, condition or characteristic, except where a bona fide qualification disqualifies an individual. This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular school activities, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district’s Title IX compliance officer and Section 504 Coordinator, Dana Floyd, Special Services Director (509) 698-8016; ADA Coordinator and Affirmative Action Compliance Coordinator, Chris Scacco, Assistant Superintendent Business & Personnel (509) 698-8005.

Weather News f you suspect schools may be delayed or canceled due to weather, tune into these stations: KIMA TV; KAPP TV; KNDO TV KDBL—92.9 FM KATS—94.5 FM KQMY—99.3 FM HOT FM—99.7 FM Oldies FM—100.9 FM KXDD—104.1 FM BOB FM—105.7 FM KFFM—107.3 FM KIT—1280 AM KUTI—1460 AM Parents can also call the weather hotline at 698-8080, or access the District's website at www.selahschools.org to learn of operating decisions. Also, when school is delayed due to weather, breakfast will be served at all schools 30 minutes before classes begin. Morning preschool will be cancelled if there is a two-hour delay which means breakfast will not be served at the Preschool.

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Selah Education Report • 5

A Look at Selah School District Student News... Selah Students are in "STEP" as they Work to Acquire Life Skills

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ased on the smiles from the faces of students in Rebekah Fuss’ classroom, Selah School District Special Education students are definitely in “STEP” as they are working hard to acquire the life skills to live independently. As the 2016-2017 school year began, the District welcomed students into its new Selah Transition Education Program, “STEP.” Based at the administrative building under the guidance of Fuss, STEP serves students 18-21 years of age with special needs. The goal is to help the District’s young adults transition into life after school, so they can live as independently as possible. "This program was established for students who continue to receive special services through age 21," said Fuss. "Instead of staying at the high school after graduation, they can attend a program in a different building where there is more independence. STEP students have the opportunity to develop their independent living and work skills in a community-based environment which has shown to be effective in

helping people with disabilities earn competitive wage jobs and live as independently as possible." Built from the belief that each student is gifted and a valuable asset to the workplace and community, the foundation of the STEP curriculum is to provide students instruction in independent living skills such as social and organizational skills, STEP students in September at the Capitol Theatre. cooking, budgeting, and transportation. Also, students work references, that they will use to obat various businesses within the tain a competitive wage job when community and gain confidence, inthey are finished with the program. dependence and authentic job skills "I am so proud of our students," so they can lead an active life. said Fuss. "They have grown so Throughout the fall, Fuss said much since September. Many of many students in the program have them have discovered new interests completed job experiences at two and strengths that they have and we different locations. Additionally, they try and match the students with explan and make their own lunches periences based on those interests and participate in community activiand strengths. The students are ties like volunteering at the Arborealso getting to know people in the tum and Capitol Theatre and exercommunity through their experienccising at 24/7. Also, Fuss said each es and in turn, those people are benstudent is developing a resume, with efitting from knowing our students."

A Score for Viking Athletic Teams! Whether it was running ahead of the pack or being fearless on the fields, all Selah High School athletic teams scored during the fall athletic season. In a recap—running away with a state championship at the 2A level was the Girls' Cross-Country Team. Leading up to its state championship, the team also placed first during district and regional competition. Also, after finishing as league champions and running into the post season the Boys' Cross-Country Team placed sixth at the state meet. The Girls' Varsity Soccer Team struck Viking gold as it was crowned District champs and for the first time in the squad's history advanced to the final four of state soccer competition. Having another strong season, the Lady Viking Volleyball Team placed second in the district championships to advance to the state tournament. Making a splash was the Girls' Swim Team which sent multiple competitors to the state 2A meet. Beating state powerhouse Prosser in the final game of the season and advancing to a playoff to determine post season advancement, the Viking Football Team capped another strong fall season. The team also The Girls' Cross-Country Team on the poearned its fifth consecutive academic state championship. dium after winning the State Championship. 6 • Selah Education Report

A Look at Selah School District Good News... It's Five in a Row for the Viking Football Team!

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t never gets old adding awards to the trophy case and throughout the years the Selah High School Varsity Football Team has amassed a collection of honors reflective of its strong program. However, the latest honor for the Vikings, which will also be placed in the school’s award archive, doesn’t highlight onfield accomplishments, but recognizes the academic dynasty the program has created. For the fifth consecutive year, the varsity football program has been named the Washington Academic State Champions for having the highest grade point average (GPA) among The Viking Football Team—academic state champs again! teams at the 2A level. The award is presented by the Washington State Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). In earning the recognition during this 2016 campaign the team had an average GPA of 3.508. “I am very proud of the athletes and coaches involved with the Viking Football Program,” said Colton Monti, Selah High School Athletic Director. “I want to thank Coach Scott Ditter and his staff for continuing to emphasize the importance of academics and character within the football program.”

Oh, the Places They Can Go... Oh, the places they can go! It's been a busy fall for Selah School District students. So far this year they have traveled to France to see the Palace of Versailles, visited China, been to the White House, toured famous landmarks, swam with the sharks and experienced the career of a pilot. No, students haven't trav-

eled hours to partake in these adventures, but instead enjoyed the excitement from their classrooms as they embarked on Google Expedition Virtual Field Trips. As part of these trips students can experience new destinations and excursions, or learn about potential professions up close by sim-

ply utilizing the new educational tool, Google Expedition, which transports them from their desks in the classroom and immerses them in a virtual environment. As part of the experience students don a pair of goggles which provides them with a three dimensional picture at 360º and allows them to connect with a differ-

See Field Trips/Cont. Page 8

Could it be a Possible Three-Peat for FCCLA Knowledge Bowl?

Congratulations to the FCCLA Knowledge Bowl Team.

Could it be a three-peat? Selah High School Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) are packing their bags for competition as the LifeSmarts Knowledge Bowl team will go for its third consecutive national championship this upcoming summer. After four rounds of placement-testing, the five-lady Selah contingent placed first in the regional qualifying competition held in Denver earlier this fall to earn the automatic berth in the national competition to be held in July. One impressive feat for the Selah contingent is there is no school size cut-offs during competition meaning the delegation competed against schools much larger, including those in other states at the 5A level. The Selah squad headed to nationals are: Hayley Kroll, Andrea Cox, Alexsandra Vargas, Ada Erickson, and Elise Dibble. Selah Education Report • 7

Viking Students in the News... Back in the Game! Sports Medicine Students Learn Techniques to Help Athletes Get Back in the Game

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tudents in Selah High School's Sports Medicine Program recently received some hands-on experience as they attended the Sports Medicine Winter Leadership Symposium at Heritage University and learned techniques to keep athletes and others healthy and help them get back in the game. Selah participants joined other students from West Valley, East Valley, Toppenish, Eisenhower, Davis and YV Tech for a day filled with sports medicine leadership activities. While at the symposium, students learned how to suture, cast, apply kinesiology tape, and how concussions affect individuals. Also, participants received a tour of the campus. The symposium benefited students as they gained knowledge in the sports medicine field and were able to interact and create lasting professional relationships with other students in programs across the valley. The Sports Medicine class is a new Career Technical Education course offered at the high school this year. The class is designed for students who are interested in careers such as athletic training, physical therapy, medicine, nursing, and other sports medicine related fields. The course focuses on class work and hands-on application where students learn to prevent, treat, and evaluate athletic injuries while maintaining professional records. Selah High School Sports Medicine students attend a symposium to learn techniques to keep athletes and others in the game.

Field Trips/Cont. from Page 7

Students Use Google Expedition for Realistic Experiences ent part of the world or participate in situations that they wouldn’t normally be able to visit or partake. And, from the reactionary oohs and aahs of the students they ob-

Students in Susie Bennett’s Selah Middle School Career Exploration Class use Google Expedition to see an up-close look at potential careers.

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viously like what they are seeing. Google Expedition enables teachers to bring students on virtual trips to places like museums, landmarks and outer space, and even lets them participate in excursions such as an underwater swimming trip with sharks, or mountain climbing. With Google Expedition students can also explore future career options as they are placed in the daily work environment of the profession they are studying. These trips and environments are collections of virtual reality panoramas annotated with details, points of interest, and questions which are easy to integrate into curriculum already used in schools, but also bring the world to life. Thus far, Google Expedition has been used at the high school, middle school, and intermediate levels primarily, but it is the intention to also use the educational tool at John Campbell as well. Oh, the places they can go. With Google Expedition, the learning and options are endless for Selah students.

A Look at Selah Students and Schools Selah Middle School Students Visit Yakima Training Center With One Mission and Many Careers in Mind

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elah Middle School students had one mission on their minds when they visited the Yakima Training Center this fall, and that involved learning about the careers within the Department of the Army. Making a community connection, the Selah School District and the Yakima Training Center teamed together to provide middle school students with an opportunity to observe first hand the civilian and military job opportunities associated with the United States Army. As part of the visit the 70+ contingent learned about the Yakima Training Center’s mission, toured the installation, and witnessed various career options while on site, which included the first time students were allowed on base. As part of the event, YTC Commander, LTC Mathews asked attendees to be

Good Sports! t’s a Viking clap for the Selah Middle School 8th Grade Boys’ Soccer Team and the 7th and 8th Grade Boys’ and Girls’ Cross-Country Teams which this fall athletic season have proven to be good sports all the way around! Not only did these teams of young men and women demonstrate their athletic skills on the court, but all three programs were recently honored with the Mid-Valley League’s Sportsmanship Award for their respective fall sports. This award is voted on by the entire league and is demonstration of how respectful these Selah athletes and teams treat their opponents during competition—another example of the Viking Way!

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Middle school students enjoy a visit to the Yakima Training Center where they had the opportunity to learn about the careers within the Department of the Army.

“Yakima Training Center ambassadors and encourage fellow students to attend future events.” With one mission on their minds

as they visited the Yakima Training Center, Selah Middle School students enjoyed learning about the careers within the Army.

Intermediate Students Use Technology to Support Engineering Projects Google isn't just being used for expeditions, but also by fifth grade students in Ronna Garcia's class at Selah Intermediate. Students in Garcia's science class have taken a technological look at engineering as they have been using Google Hangouts to communicate with Washington STEM Fellows in order to help explain their projects. Through information received from these experiences, students are able to explain their projects in-depth and receive live feedback from across the state. Google Hangouts is a communication platform which includes instant messaging and video chat and can be used as an educational tool for students to receive information. Garcia is one of three intermediate teachers selected to participate as Engineering Fellows in a program that benefits Selah students by Students in Ronna Garcia's class use technol- bringing real-world engineering challenges into classrooms. ogy to support their engineering projects. Selah Education Report • 9

Selah Students Give Back!

Displaying Viking Pride!

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alon Smith, a current sophomore at Selah High School, has a vested interest in John Campbell Elementary. After all, he is an alumni of the school having attended the campus in his younger years. However, now, a piece of Smith’s hard work hangs from the concrete pillars along the Talon Smith and his displays of Viking pride at John Campbell. walkway to the gym. As part of his Eagle Scout project, Smith designed blue and gold signs with the John Campbell Viking logo, displaying the five tenets of Viking Pride, that of being Positive, Respectful, In Control, Dependable and Engaged. Smith fundraised, created and organized the signs, which were provided to John Campbell and serve as an everyday reminder to students to always have their Viking Pride on display and act in the best way. Thank you Talon Smith for reminding us of Viking Pride!

n anticipation of the upcoming holiday season and winter months, students at Selah Intermediate School initiated a project to give back to the community which supports them. During a recent food drive at the school, students and staff collected 2,028 food items to donate to local food banks. In fact, eight classrooms donated over 100 items each. The food drive is one example of an event in which Selah’s students organize projects to help the community, which has provided support for Selah schools. All of Selah's schools have held different events this fall to support members of the community. Selah Intermediate School would like to thank everyone who contributed durSelah Intermediate students collect items during the school's an- ing their annual food drive. nual food drive.

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John Campbell Students Celebrate a "Hairy" Month It was a “hairy” month, but students at John Campbell Primary School are celebrating Movember and the results of their school-wide reading challenge. In an effort to promote reading awareness during the month of November, the school held its annual Movember reading challenge where classrooms competed for the ultimate prize—the opportunity to shave the beards of four staff members who had been growing their facial hair specifically for the reading contest. The idea of the challenge was students were to accumulate minutes at home by reading at least 15 minutes a night during the month. Keeping track, readers would then amass their totals and add them to the tallies of their classmates in order to calculate a classroom accumulation. At each grade level, the classroom accumulating the most after school reading minutes during

the month of Movember was then of 10,418 minutes during the month. awarded the opportunity to create a Other grade level top readers includdesign for a stylist to shave and color ed Cheanna Siekawtich’s kindergarinto the bearded volunteers’ faces. ten class which read 6,490 minutes. Following the Movember chalAlso, the first grade class accruing lenge, as promised, the bearded the most reading time was Kendra quartet of principal, Rob Darling, Doan’s students who read 4,360 school custodian, Jesus Gonzales, minutes, while Tanner LaTour’s secfirst grade teacher, Gabriel Gonzaond grade class read 7,952. lez, and second grade teacher, Tanner LaTour, kept their word and on December 2, their overgrown beards, or at least part of them, were cut, colored and decorated. As the overall school reading winner Danita Tullis’ second grade classroom received the honor of creating the design for Darling’s beard. During the competition Tullis’ students John Campbell students celebrate "Movember" by read an incredible total decorating the beard of teacher Tanner LaTour.