Kaleidoscope Magazine-Fall 2025 Edition FINAL

KALEIDOSCOPE SEQUIM SCHOOL DISTRICT MAGAZINE FALL 2025 EDITION

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION

How one teacher is shaping future healthcare leaders through HOSA

EXPLORING THE DUNGENESS Students dive into science, culture, and community at the annual river festival

FROM JAPAN TO SEQUIM — WITH FRIENDSHIP Shiso City visitors experience the heart of our schools and community spirit.

BEHIND THE WHEEL, BEYOND THE JOB Celebrating a bus driver who inspires, supports, and cares for every student

Welcome

to

KALEIDOSCOPE

It has been a beautiful fall here in Sequim, a season full of color, connection, and continued learning across our schools. As we move deeper into the year, I’m reminded how grateful I am for the students, families, and staff who make our district such a vibrant community.

IN THIS ISSUE: Academic Excellence Sequim Middle School HOSA Students Shine on the International Stage page 3 Fifth Graders Dive into Aztec Ingenuity with Mini Chinampas page 3

This fall, we’ve been studying and listening; surveying teachers, parents, and students, to better understand how technology and cell phones are being used in our schools. It’s clear that phones can serve productive purposes, helping students communicate and engage with learning in new ways. But we also recognize that digital experiences bring challenges that deserve thoughtful conversation.

Greywolf’s Shannon Green Honored as Olympic ESD 114 Regional Teacher of the Year page 4

Recent events remind us how social media can affect our classrooms and our students’ well-being, sometimes causing stress or disruption to the school day. This is an important topic, and one we want to explore together.

Sequim Band Shines at the 72nd Annual Husky Band Day page 9

I’d like to personally invite you to join us for “Cell Phones and Students: Let’s Talk About It”,

Driving with Heart: Bus Driver John Stevens Goes the Extra Mile page 5

a community forum focused on this conversation .

Secondary Families (Grades 6–12): Tuesday, November 4 at 6:30 pm at the High School Library

When Music Speaks Every Language

Renee Colwill Named Outstanding Middle School HOSA Advisor for Washington State page 7

AND MORE!

Pathways to Graduation & Beyond Sequim High School Expands Postsecondary Support Through PREP Program page 6

Cultural & Civic Responsibility Second Annual Otter Raft Campout Brings Students Together page 4

Rekindling Friendship Across the Pacific: Shiso City Delegates Visit Sequim page 10 page 10

Community Volunteer Partnerships

Together, we’ll gather in table groups, hear from a panel, and discuss ways to support our students in building healthy digital habits.

Helen Haller Students Dive into Learning at the Dungeness River Festival page 7

There’s also much to celebrate in this Fall 2025 edition of Kaleidoscope. Inside, you’ll find stories that reflect the creativity, care, and commitment that make Sequim schools truly special.

Student Focus

Superintendent

Regan Nickels

Sequim School District

Real Learning, Real Work: Seventh Graders Dive into Salmon Habitat Restoration page 13

Spotlight on Student Talent at Dungeness Virtual School page 6 Individual Strengths Fuel Team Success: Sequim Girls Swim Team Making Waves

page 11

Building Our Future Building Our future: School Construction Bond and CTE Center Building project Progress page 15

KALEIDOSCOPE FALL 2025

Sequim Middle School HOSA Students Shine on the International Stage Seven Sequim Middle School students; Eleanor Jones, Bee Mao, Terra Stratford, Kara Hamilton, Emma Miller, Grace Dormer, and Ahrya Klinger, represented Sequim with pride at the International Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) competition held in Nashville, Tennessee. The students attended the event with Sequim Middle School science teacher and HOSA advisor Renee Colwill.

The international conference brought together more than 14,000 students from around the world for competitions, workshops, and leadership experiences focused on health education and career development.

Among Sequim’s competitors, Eleanor Jones earned second place for Healthy Living in the Middle School Division.

For her project, Jones kept a daily gratitude journal for nine months and created a portfolio highlighting both its positive impact on her life and current research on the benefits of practicing gratitude.

Bee Mao and Terra Stratford also achieved notable recognition, qualifying in the top ten for their team event, Dynamic Decisions.

Mrs. Colwill’s guidance and encouragement helped prepare the students for success, and the team’s accomplishments reflect the strength of Sequim’s growing Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, which provide students opportunities to explore future careers in health and medical fields.

These students may just be starting their journey into health sciences, but their curiosity, compassion, and commitment t

Fifth Graders Dive into Aztec Ingenuity with Mini Chinampas Mr. Reno’s 5th-grade class recently brought history to life by exploring the inventive world of the Aztecs through hands-on learning. Students designed and built mini chinampas, floating gardens that ancient Mesoamericans used to grow food on lakes.

Study of Early American Civilizations is a component of 5th grade core knowledge English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum.

By constructing their own models, the students discovered how these sustainable systems supported both agriculture and daily life in the Aztec civilization. The project blended history, science, and creativity, giving students a tangible connection to the past while sparking curiosity about innovative ways people have interacted with the environment.

Through building and experimenting with their mini gardens, the class not only learned about ancient ingenuity but also proved that great ideas can really take root, even on water!

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KALEIDOSCOPE

FALL 2025

Greywolf’s Shannon Green Honored as Olympic ESD 114 Regional Teacher of the Year Greywolf Elementary’s very own Shannon Green was officially recognized as the Educational Service District (ESD) 114 Regional Teacher of the Year during a special ceremony held on Saturday, September 27th and again by the OESD Superintendent Aaron Leavell at the October 20th Sequim School Board of Directors meeting.

The state celebration, hosted by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), honored exceptional educators from across Washington who go above and beyond to inspire, lead, and make a difference in the lives of their students and communities.

Shannon was first announced as the regional winner in the Summer 2025 edition of Kaleidoscope, is known for her creativity in the classroom, her deep compassion for students, and her ability to make learning engaging and meaningful. Whether she’s sparking curiosity through hands-on projects or encouraging a love of reading, Shannon’s passion for teaching shines through in everything she does.

Her recognition as ESD 114 Regional Teacher of the Year highlights the dedication, energy, and heart that Greywolf Elementary teachers bring to their classrooms every day, making a lasting impact on students and the community alike.

To watch Shannon’s OSPI award presentation and hear her remarks, click here: https://youtu.be/lDaUv368SzU?t=708.

Second Annual Otter Raft Campout Brings Students Together Inspired by our beloved otter mascot, the Sequim School District recently hosted the second annual Otter Raft Campout, a special event designed to celebrate connection, support, and unity; just like sea otters linking together in floating “rafts.”

During the campout, students explored the natural environment, engaged with Indigenous culture and heritage, honed leadership skills, and strengthened their sense of community. It was a hands-on, immersive experience that combined outdoor adventure with meaningful learning.

This unforgettable opportunity was made possible thanks to the dedication of Ms. Germano, Ms. Sara Benjamin, and Mr. Paul Pinza, whose hard work brought the camp to life. The district also extends heartfelt thanks to the Sequim Education Foundation and 1st Security Bank for their generous support, as well as the many family members who volunteered as chaperones, your involvement helped make this campout truly special.

Through shared experiences and teamwork, the Otter Raft Campout continues to inspire students to grow together, just like the sea otters that inspired it.

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KALEIDOSCOPE FALL 2025

Driving with Heart: Bus Driver John Stevens Goes the Extra Mile John Stevens is more than a school bus driver; he’s a guide, mentor, and a familiar friendly face in the Sequim community. Retired from the Coast Guard, John has dedicated the last two decades to safely transporting students and building lasting relationships with families, all while finding ways to serve beyond the bus.

“I had served in the Army and Coast Guard and had recently retired in 2003,” John recalls. “I was working as a diesel mechanic, but I really disliked it. I had been doing that for 20 years in the military. One night, I was just saying, ‘I don’t know what to do,’ asking for guidance. The next morning my wife suggested, ‘How about being a school bus driver?’ So, in March 2005, I became a bus driver for the Bellingham School District. I was there seven years until I moved to Sequim in 2012, and by September I was driving my own route here. I felt it was divine guidance that led me to this job.”

Over the years, John has driven regular routes and now serves on a special needs route. But for him, it’s the relationships that matter most.

“When you’ve been driving for twenty years, you develop many relationships; with students, parents, teachers, paraeducators, bus aides, fellow drivers, staff. The list is long and wonderful,” he says. “I even see former students who are grown up now with families and careers.

It’s fantastic to witness that growth and know you had a part in it.”

John’s work goes beyond simply transporting students. “We wear many hats; teacher, counselor, disciplinarian, and bus driver. Some students are with us from kindergarten until graduation, so we really get to be part of their learning and growing up.”

Outside of the bus, John’s dedication to service continues. He repairs bicycles for free, teaching people simple repairs so they can be self-sufficient and help others. He also volunteers at the Ramen Shop, a local church-run initiative, where he helps provide nutritious lunches to anyone in need. “We’re guided by what Jesus said: ‘You give them something to eat.’ We get lots of high school students coming in, which makes it fun and again builds more relationships,” he shares.

When asked what keeps him motivated? “The kids!

Some people say the best part of this job is ‘the kids.’

And the frustrating part? Also ‘the kids.’ But honestly, our transportation team is wonderful, a mix of skilled drivers from many backgrounds, all passionate about our job. We wear many hats and take pride in what we do.”

John Stevens represents the heart of Sequim’s Transportation Department: safety, service, and genuine care. For him, driving a bus is more than a job; it’s a calling, one that continues to impact students, families, and the wider community every day. Behind the wheel and beyond it, John Stevens proves that the road to service can change lives, one stop at a time.

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Sequim High School Expands Postsecondary Support Through PREP Program Sequim High School is proud to partner with the College Success Foundation through the Postsecondary Readiness and Enrollment on the Peninsulas (PREP) program to help students plan for their futures after graduation. PREP provides free advising services to all high school students, with a special focus on 11th and 12th graders as they prepare for life beyond high school.

Our school-based success advisor, David Roubik (droubik@collegesuccessfoundation.org), works closely with students to explore a wide range of postsecondary pathways, including apprenticeship programs, technical and trade schools, community colleges, and universities.

Last year, David worked with 85 Sequim students, offering career and college exploration field trips, college application support, and guidance on financial aid and the FAFSA. This year, he played a key role in organizing two major events: the Career and College Fair, which hosted more than 40 postsecondary and employment vendors, and the first annual FAFSA and Food Truck event, designed to make the financial aid process more accessible and welcoming for families.

Through PREP, Sequim High School is helping students not just plan for the future but dream big and take confident steps toward their goals. David, who is originally from the Republic of Panama, is also happy to connect with parents who need Spanish-language information, ensuring every family can access the guidance they need for a successful postsecondary journey.

Spotlight on Student Talent at Dungeness Virtual School Dungeness Virtual School (DVS), now in its sixth year, serves about 130 students in grades 3-12. These students are making their mark both inside and outside the classroom, bringing energy, creativity, and dedication to everything they do.

From acrobatics to class leadership, marching band to crosscountry, and even junior rodeo, patterned speed, BMX, and motocross, DVS students showcase a wide range of talents and achievements.

Their accomplishments demonstrate that learning and growth take many forms. Whether pursuing athletics, the arts, or leadership roles, DVS students are shaping their own paths and contributing to the broader Sequim School District community.

Each student’s success is a reminder that curiosity, perseverance, and passion are at the heart of achievement, inside the classroom, on the stage, on the track, and beyond.

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Upcoming District Dates: October 2024 30 & 31: No School- Parent/Teacher Conferences

November 2024 3: School Board Meeting @ 5:30pm 11: No School- Veterans Day 17: School Board Meeting @ 5:30pm 26: Early Release 27 & 28: No School- Thanksgiving Break

December 2024 1: School Board Meeting @ 5:30pm 22- Jan 2: No School- Winter Break

January 2026 12: School Board Meeting @ 5:30pm 19: No School- Martin Luther King Jr. Day 26: No School- Semester Break

February 2026 2: School Board Meeting @ 5:30pm 13: No School 16: No School- Presidents’ Day

KALEIDOSCOPE FALL 2025

Renee Colwill Named Outstanding Middle School HOSA Advisor for Washington State

Helen Haller Students Dive into Learning at the Dungeness River Festival Students from Helen Haller Elementary recently spent the day exploring one of Sequim’s most treasured natural landmarks, the Dungeness River. During the annual Dungeness River Festival, students experienced hands-on science activities, cultural demonstrations, and interactive exhibits that celebrated the rich natural environment of the Olympic Peninsula.

Hosted at the Dungeness River Nature Center, the annual festival brings together educators, scientists, and tribal and community partners who share their knowledge about salmon, watersheds, wildlife, and conservation. Students rotated through engaging stations that taught them how clean water, healthy forests, and connected ecosystems work together to sustain the region’s unique biodiversity.

Sequim High School teacher Renee Colwill has been recognized as the Outstanding Middle School HOSA Advisor of the Year for Washington State by the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). This honor was presented during the HOSA International Leadership Conference, which celebrates advisors across the nation for their exceptional commitment to health science education and student leadership.

Each year, HOSA recognizes one Secondary, one Postsecondary/Collegiate, and one Middle School Advisor from each state association. These awards highlight the outstanding dedication, time, and energy that advisors devote to creating opportunities for students to explore the world of healthcare.

As a Sequim High School health sciences teacher and advisor for the Sequim Middle School HOSA chapter, Mrs. Colwill has helped cultivate curiosity and confidence in students just beginning their journey into the medical field.

Through her mentorship, middle school students are developing leadership skills, exploring health professions, and connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences.

Congratulations to Renee Colwill on this well-deserved recognition and for inspiring the next generation of healthcare leaders right here in Sequim!

The Dungeness River Festival holds special meaning for the Sequim community. The Dungeness River is home to wild salmon runs that have supported the area’s people and wildlife for generations. Events like this help students understand the importance of caring for local ecosystems and inspire a lifelong appreciation for the natural world around them.

By the end of the day, Helen Haller students had not only learned about the science of the river, they had also experienced firsthand the spirit of stewardship and community that flows through it.

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Learning in Action: Building Confidence at Greywolf Elementary On Monday, October 14, Greywolf Elementary hosted a Professional Learning Lab designed to strengthen teachers’ familiarity with and implementation of the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) and Heggerty phonics programs, two evidence-based approaches that help students build strong foundational reading skills.

UFLI is part of an ongoing effort by the University of Florida to improve literacy outcomes for children who struggle to read. The program focuses on both reader development and teacher development, equipping educators with research-backed strategies that explicitly teach the building blocks of reading, phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

During the Learning Lab, teachers observed UFLI and Heggerty demonstration lessons with students, learned how to locate and incorporate supplemental materials, and had time to ask clarifying questions. They then had the opportunity to teach a lesson themselves, supported by mentors and peers who offered real-time feedback and collaboration.

All K–2 classroom and special education teachers from Greywolf Elementary participated, along with several support staff and colleagues from Helen Haller Elementary and Sequim Middle School.

“It was incredible to see teachers who had previously felt unsure about teaching UFLI or Heggerty seamlessly leading a lesson with students,” one staff member shared. “Many said they wished we had done this sooner.”

The day created an atmosphere of collaboration and confidence. Teachers appreciated the chance to learn together in an at-ease environment where everyone’s goal was to grow.

Learning Labs like this one help ensure that there is shared understanding across grade levels, providing every student access to high-quality, consistent reading instruction. Collaborative learning labs also give teachers space to refine their practice, gain clarity on procedures, and strengthen their ability to support developing readers.

Greywolf staff plan to follow up to see how implementation is going, address questions that have arisen, and offer further guided practice. This ongoing cycle of observation, reflection, and support highlights Sequim School District’s commitment to both teacher learning and student literacy success.

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KALEIDOSCOPE FALL 2025

Sequim Band Shines at the 72nd Annual Husky Band Day Sequim High School band students had the incredible opportunity to take part in the 72nd Annual Husky Band Day at the University of Washington, an unforgettable experience that combined school spirit, teamwork, and the joy of music.

With only a few days of focused preparation before, during, and after school, the Sequim Band rose to the challenge and performed with tremendous energy and pride alongside hundreds of student musicians from across the state.

The day was a long one; beginning at 9:00 a.m. and stretching into the early hours of the next morning, but every moment was worth it. The dedication and teamwork of our students shone through in an exhilarating, once-in-a-lifetime performance experience.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to our incredible parent volunteers, supportive families, transportation staff, and school leadership who made this memorable trip possible. Your efforts ensured that our students could share in this inspiring musical and educational opportunity.

We couldn’t be prouder of how our band represented Sequim, with outstanding musicianship, teamwork, and true school spirit. And to top it all off, the Huskies finished the day with a thrilling 70–10 victory!

Welcome New Staff Molly Baker Helen Haller Elementary Teacher Lauren Becker Middle School Teacher Kristie Cotroneo Helen Haller Elementary Teacher David Kelley Middle School Teacher Sonny Mundell Middle School Teacher Matthew Poarch Middle School Teacher Tawnee Weisgarber Middle School Teacher Mark Jarchow Middle School Teacher

Math + Tacos = Family Fun at Helen Haller!

Helen Haller Elementary hosted a lively Math Night on October 9, drawing more than 300 students and family members to an evening filled with games, learning, and tacos. Families joined teachers to play engaging math fact fluency games designed to strengthen number sense and problem-solving skills.

Math fact fluency and automaticity play a key role in helping students solve both basic and complex math problems with confidence. To help continue the fun at home, families received a flyer with instructions for the games and tips on how to practice math facts together.

The event offered a welcoming and energetic atmosphere where math and family connection came together proving that learning can be both fun and delicious! Helen Haller staff extend a big thank-you to all the families who attended and spent the evening practicing math facts alongside their students.

Vanessa Grant Middle School Teacher Michelle Raymond District SLP Steven Case Transportation Meredith Harvey Helen Haller Elementary Paraeducator Eric Hickerson Middle School Paraeducator

KALEIDOSCOPE FALL 2025

Rekindling Friendship Across the Pacific: Shiso City Delegates Visit Sequim On Wednesday, October 15, Sequim School District proudly welcomed two very special guests from Shiso City, Japan; Deputy Mayor Kenji Tomita and Satoshi Ishihara of the Shiso Planning & Coordination Department. Traveling more than 5,000 miles, the delegates’ visit marked an important step in rekindling the longstanding sister city relationship between Sequim and Shiso City.

The day was filled with connection, culture, and celebration. Students from Greywolf Elementary greeted the visitors with heartfelt songs of welcome in Japanese. At Sequim Middle School, the delegation toured the Industrial Arts program, learning how Sequim students are developing hands-on skills that prepare them for the future. The visit continued at Sequim High School, where students showcased their talents with an energetic acrobatic performance, a joyful reminder of the creativity and enthusiasm that bridges communities, no matter the distance.

To honor the visiting delegation, the City of Sequim hosted a Gala of Welcome that evening. The celebration featured a stunning performance by the Sequim High School choir, whose harmonies echoed the spirit of international friendship. Representatives from the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe offered a warm and meaningful welcome, highlighting the shared values of respect and community that unite our regions. During the evening, the Shiso City delegates expressed their gratitude and reflected on the warmth and hospitality they experienced throughout their visit.

Sequim and Shiso have shared a Sister City bond for decades, with student and cultural exchanges enriching lives on both sides of the Pacific. The most recent in-person exchange took place in 2019, and both cities are eager to renew this meaningful connection.

Looking ahead, the partnership will continue to grow through a planned online exchange in January and a threeyear cycle of in-person exchanges moving forward, ensuring that the friendship between Sequim and Shiso City remains as vibrant and enduring as ever.

When Music Speaks Every Language When Greywolf Elementary second graders learned that visitors from Sequim’s Sister City in Shiso, Japan would be coming, excitement filled the classrooms. Music Specialist Claire Bernards wanted to make the visit special, connecting students through a shared experience of music.

She introduced a song for the students to learn in both English and Japanese, a challenge they eagerly accepted. The more they practiced, the more confident and joyful they became.

To help students understand the importance of the visit, Mrs. Bernards shared how far their guests would travel to get here and the honor of welcoming them. That sense of purpose inspired everyone to give their best. Practice became a schoolwide effort, with other Greywolf specialist teachers weaving the song into their own classes so students could hear and sing it often. The frequent practice built comfort, confidence, and excitement.

When the day arrived, all three second-grade classes joined together to perform for their guests. Their clear voices and proud faces filled the room with warmth and connection.

It was more than just a song, it was a shared moment of friendship that crossed oceans and reminded everyone that music truly speaks every language.

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Individual Strengths Fuel Team Success: Sequim Girls Swim Team Making Waves The Sequim High School Girls Swim Team is diving into one of its strongest seasons yet. With a growing roster of 18 athletes, including a wave of eager new swimmers, the team has shown that when individuals give their all, the whole team rises together.

This year’s squad features five dedicated seniors who have set the bar high for leadership and teamwork. Their guidance has helped welcome a promising group of freshmen ready to continue Sequim’s tradition of competitive spirit and camaraderie in the pool.

Among the standout performances, junior Ava Shinkle has already secured her place at the state tournament in the 100 butterfly and is closing in on qualifying for the 100 IM. Fellow swimmer Annie Ellefson is also on track for potential state qualification, while team relay events are showing impressive promise as well.

On November 7, the Wolves will send eight swimmers to the district meet, where the final lineup for the State Tournament (November 14–15) will be determined.

Coaches Cherise Feser and Sarah Thorson credit the team’s success to the way each swimmer has committed to improving; not just for themselves, but for one another. “Our swimmers have really worked together this season to push each other,” they shared. “That dedication shows up not just in individual races, but in the strength of our relays and the overall spirit of the team.”

With growing energy, fresh talent, and a shared drive for excellence, the Sequim Girls Swim Team continues to prove that individual effort is the foundation of collective success, stroke by stroke, lap by lap.

Welcome New Staff Continued Nikki Cosmez Middle School Paraeducator Makenzie Campbell High School Paraeducator Taylor Jeffcoat Greywolf Elementary Paraeducator Roberta Curtin Greywolf Elementary Paraeducator Martin Loza Greywolf Elementary Custodian Karie Olson Greywolf Elementary Lunch Supervisor Ashley Parker Greywolf Elementary Lunch Supervisor Dana Snell Middle School Counselor Jennifer Selenius Middle School Teacher Christina Clark Middle School Teacher Aimee Young Helen Haller Elementary Paraeducator Fani Hernandez High School Paraeducator Jenny Envick Executive Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent

KALEIDOSCOPE FALL 2025

Sequim FFA Shines at State Competitions Students in Sequim High School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) program continue to make our community proud with their incredible achievements in livestock judging and state fair competitions this season. Their dedication, long hours of care, and commitment to excellence have paid off in a big way.

At the recent livestock judging competition, Sequim’s two teams of six students performed exceptionally well, earning 3rd and 18th place team finishes out of approximately 40 teams and 200 competitors from across Washington State. Individual highlights included Timothy Seelye placing 9th overall and Daylan Williams earning 10th place, an outstanding accomplishment at such a competitive event.

Several Sequim FFA students also took their animals to the Washington State Fair, where they earned top honors across multiple categories.

Mackenzye Tate showed her Duroc pig, earning 3rd in showmanship and 1st in market class.

Joseph Vuckel exhibited two dairy cows and came home with Reserve Champion Dairy Senior Showman, Reserve Overall Holstein Cow, Junior Champion Holstein Heifer, and Overall Reserve Champion Holstein Heifer.

Amy Adolphson brought both beef and dairy cattle and achieved an impressive list of awards, including Grand Champion Senior Master Showman, Grand Champion Dairy Senior Showman, Overall Champion Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, and Holstein cows, Supreme Drive Grand Champion Holstein, Reserve Champion for Supreme Drive with her Brown Swiss, Outstanding Dairy Exhibitor, Reserve Champion Beef Showman, and Reserve Champion Overall Steer.

Savannah Boulton took home 3rd Place Showman and Overall Shorthorn Heifer.

Kia McCarter excelled in the rabbit show, winning Champion Showman and earning Champion titles in all her breed classes, including Best Opposite Sex, Best Overall Doe, Champion Senior Buck, Champion Junior Buck, and Champion Junior Doe. She also received a special award recognizing the excellence of her entire herd.

These accomplishments represent months of hard work, early mornings, and deep dedication from each student.

Their efforts not only reflect the strength of Sequim’s FFA program but also highlight the strong agricultural spirit that thrives within our community.

“I am so deeply proud of all of these kids,” said FFA Advisor Candace Seelye. “They worked hard all year to get these animals ready for the show season, and it shows.”

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Helen Haller PLCs: Collaboration in Action On October 14, Helen Haller staff participated in a Professional Learning Community (PLC) coaching day with PLC coach Cheyana Levia. Each grade-level team spent two hours working alongside Cheyana to plan, refine, and align their instructional units, ensuring students benefit from clear learning goals, engaging strategies, and meaningful assessments.

Real Learning, Real Work: Seventh Graders Dive into Salmon Habitat Restoration Sequim Middle School seventh graders are getting hands-on experience with science through a partnership with the North Olympic Salmon Coalition. As part of the Real Learning, Real Work program, students are exploring what it takes to plan and restore salmon habitats along the Dungeness River.

The program began with an in-class lesson taught

by Coalition staff, introducing students to what salmon need to thrive in a healthy river ecosystem. In October, students took their learning into the field, surveying plots of land that will be restored later in the year and practicing essential field skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the local environment.

Throughout the school year, North Olympic Salmon Coalition members will visit classrooms to teach lessons that build on these experiences.

Topics will include engineering, native organisms, field techniques, and restoration planning. In late March, students will return to the Dungeness River to put their designs into action and engage in the real work of habitat restoration.

Beyond offering a meaningful connection to the land and the life it supports; this program directly enhances the 7th grade Life Sciences curriculum.

Students are deepening their understanding of interdependent relationships among organisms, the flow of matter and energy, ecosystem dynamics, and the adaptations that help species survive, all while making a tangible difference in their own community.

The third-grade team focused on building a 20-day English Language Arts unit centered around identifying and using text features, locating information within a text, and supporting answers with explicit text evidence. To strengthen student understanding, they developed a set of key vocabulary words and hands-on strategies such as picture walks, tally marks for captions, glossary races, and table of contents searches. The team also planned to implement a common formative assessment to gauge student learning throughout the unit.

Fourth-grade teachers dug into essential vocabulary for their geology unit, creating learning targets and a common formative assessment. Their instructional strategies include giving students the main idea and having them find supporting evidence, as well as engaging them in partner summarizing activities to promote deeper comprehension.

Fifth-grade teachers collaborated on a poetry unit within the CKLA curriculum. With guidance from their coach, they used PEAR and AI tools to design an effective assessment. Their unit emphasizes vocabulary such as stanza, metaphor, idiom, simile, rhyme scheme, and figurative language. Students will even bring poetry to life by choosing a humorous poem to perform with a partner. To ensure alignment, teachers plan to take the end-of-unit test themselves to verify that questions best reflect student learning.

The PLC coaching day was both productive and inspiring. Each grade-level team walked away with a fully developed unit complete with strategies, vocabulary, learning targets, and planned assessments. The day was a true reflection of the power of collaboration and the dedication of Helen Haller’s teachers to designing meaningful, high-quality learning experiences for their students.

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KALEIDOSCOPE FALL 2025

Sequim Elementary PTA: Making a Difference Together The Sequim Elementary PTA brings parents, teachers, and volunteers together to support students and families in meaningful ways. From organizing engaging events to funding programs that enhance learning, the PTA plays a vital role in school life.

Throughout the year, the PTA hosts fundraisers such as the Greywolf Bazaar, Turkey Trot/Jog-a-thon, fall plant sale, and flower sales during elementary concerts. The funds raised help provide students with six books for summer reading, exciting field trips, inspiring assemblies, and a free yearbook for every student. In addition, the PTA celebrates teachers with appreciation events and hosts family engagement activities that bring the school community together.

Volunteers are the heart of the PTA, and there are many ways to get involved. Whether helping with fundraisers, supporting classroom celebrations, or assisting at events, every contribution makes a difference. Joining the Sequim Elementary PTA is a great way to connect with other families, support the schools, and help create memorable experiences for students. Together, the PTA and the community ensure that every student has opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.

School Meals at No Cost to Families!

This year, every student in the Sequim School District, including Greywolf, Helen Haller, Sequim Middle School, Sequim High School, and Olympic Peninsula Academy, can enjoy breakfast and lunch at no cost to families, every school day, all year long.

Even though meals are free, it’s still important for families to complete the 2025–26 Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit application. Submitting the form helps our schools receive essential state funding that supports classrooms, student activities, and programs that enrich learning for all students. The more forms turned in, the higher the likelihood our school district can meet state benchmarks.

Families can fill out the application online here.

Help us keep our schools strong and support every student by completing your form today. Thank you!

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KALEIDOSCOPE FALL 2025

Building Our future: School Construction Bond and CTE Center Building project Progress Progress is being made along the path of the school construction bond and The Ramponi Center for Technical Excellence building project.

On September 2nd, the Board of Directors approved Wenaha Group as selected construction management firm to provide a scope of services for the duration of the bond and CTE Center building projects. the total value of the bond projects is valued at $151,150,000 inclusive of $5,200,000 of state construction assistance. The CTE Center of Excellence project received $4.9M in state capital project funds along with a $1M generous donation from the Ramponi family of Sequim.

The Design Advisory Committee has held multiple meetings to finalize a stakeholder design brief found HERE. The design brief articulates the aspirations staff and community stakeholders have for the kinds of experiences they want for students, staff, and community members to enjoy in our buildings and stadium. Design Advisory Site Facilitators will now work with school staff and students at project sites to delve further into surfacing shared priorities, building focus areas, and project elements. Site specific design briefs will be produced to be shared with the architects for each project.

Speaking of architects, selection is underway for the first project, the combined Ramponi Center for Technical Excellence and the Sequim High School building construction. A recommendation to the Board of Directors for an architect firm is anticipated for November.

A Bond Oversite Committee has been formed in the district. The committee is made up of community members with expertise in areas of finance, construction, architecture, and business along with parent representation of Sequim students. The committee's charge is to ensure the goals of the bond projects are met with transparency, accountability, and competency. Periodic reviews of bond project status, schedule, and financials are conducted. An annual report will be issued by the BOC each year of the bond program. Our community BOC members are thanked for their generous volunteerism of time and expertise.

SEQUIM SCHOOL DISTRICT MAGAZINE

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Welcome Back for the 2025-26 School Year!