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GROWING READERS AT GREYWOLF
Building
KALEIDOSCOPE Welcome Welcome Welcome
Dear Family and Community Members,
We are so pleased that the Sequim School District magazine has made its way to your inbox. Each quarter, we share news and celebrations from our students, staff, and community partners. In short, Kaleidoscope is a look at district progress from many directions. We hope you’ll take a moment to see how your schools are moving forward and consider signing up to receive our regular online magazine editions.
First, we are highlighting progress on the voter approved school construction bond Pre construction work has been steady Architect and builder teams have been selected for Sequim High School, Helen Haller Elementary, and the Ramponi CTE Center of Excellence Geotechnical, land survey, and related site reports are now complete Read more on page 8
We are also proud of the strong momentum in our classrooms and student programs. Students have many opportunities to “show what they know,” both in and out of class. Inside, you’ll find stories of growth and accomplishment guided by our dedicated educators.
Lastly, this issue offers helpful information for parents and community members Ever consider volunteering or mentoring? We’d love to hear from you And for parents of students in grades 6–12, we ’ ve included a “how to” column on using our Skyward system to view grades, assignments, and attendance Enjoy the pages to come,
HOPE in Action: Building Bridges Between Students & Community
Sequim School District has a strategic plan goal of building community partnerships To this end, we have been growing our volunteer database to more than 700 participants Additionally we have just recently released a volunteer Presenter Directory featuring community members who would be willing to share their expertise, knowledge, hobby or artistry with students Our first presenter directory was recently published with over 25 volunteer presenter profiles We are hoping to grow this directory to 100 in the next year. Would you have an area of expertise or interest to share? If so, please reach out to our presenter directory editor, Megan Lyke, at mlyke@sequimschools.org. All volunteers, presenters or mentors require background checks for acceptance in our programs.
Our next area for exploration and growth is mentoring Utilizing the standards published by MENTOR National and supported by MENTOR Washington, Sequim School District is on the path to build a student mentoring network With Clallam and Jefferson County considering community-based resource planning with HOPE Rising, the time is right. Would you like to be a part of the ground floor development of this new community partnership? If so, please email our Volunteer Coordinator, Megan Lyke, at mlyke@sequimschools.org with your interest.
Sequim School District sees the future is bright for student support and community partnership The graphic above demonstrates our view of building pathways for community involvement in our schools
Come be a part of it! HOPE is rising on our peninsula and we are excited to be a part of this culture of contribution to students
Write Where You Are: Helen Haller Students Find Their Voice at Young Writer’s Conference
Fifth-grade students from Helen Haller Elementary are spent a day immersed in creativity and storytelling at the Young Writer’s Conference at Peninsula College. Designed to strengthen writing skills and inspire young authors, the daylong conference brought together students from across the Olympic ESD region. Throughout the day, Helen Haller students engaged with professional authors and fellow student writers, participating in interactive sessions that focused on the craft of writing.
The Young Writer’s Conference is an ideal opportunity for students to grow as writers while building confidence in their abilities. Through hands-on learning and exposure to a variety of writing styles, students gained skills and strategies that support their academic growth, including areas assessed on the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP).
Beyond skill building, the annual conference encourages creativity and self-expression. Students leave with fresh ideas, new techniques, and a renewed excitement for writing, tools they can bring back to the classroom and share with their peers. Experiences like the Young Writer’s Conference help build a love of writing that extends beyond the classroom, empowering students to develop their voices and explore their creative potential.
Volunteers - Assist
Presenters - Explain Mentors - Support
Growing Readers at Greywolf
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." -Aristotle
At Greywolf Elementary we are cognizant of the great privilege and responsibility that comes with being the foundational school of Sequim School District. Children learn so many important life skills. Such as how to get along with others, solve problems, collaborate with a team, and of course, learn academics. At our K-2 level, reading is the most essential academic skill as it is required to access all other learning, and we know the quality of our reading instruction is critical.
Our Assistant Principal, Tami Ota, has decades of experience in teaching and supporting teachers in the instruction of reading. In her career as an educator, she has taught students to read, taught teacher candidates at the college level how to teach reading, and even worked as a consultant with school districts across the country for more than ten years to improve the quality of reading instruction. We are so fortunate to have this caliber of support and knowledge in our school.
Over the past month, all classroom teachers, special education teachers, and even paraeducators who provide reading instruction to students attended full day reading trainings with Ms. Ota. This time was incredibly valuable as staff took a deep dive into the science of teaching reading and the most effective ways to use our reading intervention curriculum. These collaborative sessions resulted in staff being even better prepared to support students and sparked in depth conversations about how our building schedules can better support struggling readers.
The results of this shared focus are already showing up in our student data. Our kindergarten students have increased their reading proficiency by 14 percent from fall to winter. First grade midyear reading data shows students already achieving 6 percent higher than last year’s first grade end of year results. Second grade midyear reading data shows students already achieving 5 percent higher than last year’s second grade end of year achievement.
As we review midyear growth and head into the second semester of the school year, our shared focus, professional learning, and collaboration will continue to benefit every Greywolf student learning to read.
Did You Know?
Skyward: Your Family Portal for Student Information
What is Skyward?
Skyward Family Access is the Sequim School District’s secure online portal where families can stay connected to their student’s school information
What can you do in Skyward?
With Skyward Family Access, parents and guardians can: Check grades and assignments View attendance and tardies
Update contact information See schedules and teacher information
Access report cards and important school documents
Manage notifications and alerts
Skyward is a great way to stay informed and support your student throughout the school year.
What if you get logged out or can’t access your account?
If you are logged out or forget your password:
1.Go to the Skyward Family Access login page on the district website (upper right hand corner of website).
2.Click “Forgot your Login/Password?”
3.Follow the steps to reset your password.
If you still need help, please contact your school’s office and they will assist you with regaining access We are happy to help!
Why Ninth Grade On-Track Matters, And What It Means for Sequim Students
At Sequim High School, one of our most important indicators of student success is the Ninth Grade On-Track rate, which is the percentage of ninth grade students who successfully pass every course during their freshman year. While it may sound simple, this measure is one of the strongest predictors of whether a student will graduate from high school on time.
Why Ninth Grade Is So Critical
Research consistently shows that ninth grade is a pivotal transition year. Students are adjusting to new academic expectations, increased independence, and the routines of high school. How students perform during this first year has several implications such as, students who finish ninth grade on track are about three times more likely to graduate than those who do not. Also, ninth grade course completion is a stronger predictor of graduation than many other factors, including prior test scores and demographics. When schools focus on early supports in ninth grade, graduation rates improve years later.
Because of this, Washington State encourages districts to monitor ninth grade on-track data as an early warning and early success indicator.
Sequim’s Ninth Grade On-Track Data
Sequim High School closely monitors this data to understand trends and guide support. The chart to the right shows what the past several years, our Ninth Grade On-Track rates have been.
The 12-point increase in the 2024–25 school year reflects intentional, focused work to strengthen the ninth-grade experience and provide coordinated support for students early in their high school journey.
Targeted Support Through State Partnership
This progress did not happen by chance Sequim High School is part of an OSPI-supported grant partnership with the Center for High School Success, an organization that specializes in improving ninth-grade outcomes statewide.
Through this work a dedicated team, including team lead teachers Holly Raemer and Bridget Shingleton, school counselor and data champion Melee Vander Velde, principal Erin Fox, and teachers Renee Colwill, Denise Dahll, Christy Ditlefsen, Sonja Miller, Sean O’Mera, and Erik Wiker meets regularly to review data, identify students who need early support, align instructional practices, and refine systems that help students stay on-track Our team is supported by Doug Judge, a trained coach from the Center for High School Success
This structured, team-based approach has been shown to be effective across Washington, and we are seeing it in Sequim’s most recent on-track data demonstrates, that it is making a meaningful difference for our students.
What This Means for Students and Families
Being “on-track” in ninth grade means more than earning credits. It builds confidence, strengthens engagement, and creates momentum that carries students through the rest of high school. When students succeed early, they are more likely to graduate on time and leave high school prepared for college, career training, or the workforce.
Supporting ninth graders is truly a community effort that involves teachers, counselors, administrators, students, and families working together to remove barriers and celebrate progress.
Sequim High School remains committed to using data thoughtfully and proactively to support student success By focusing on ninth grade on-track rates and continuing our partnership with OSPI and the Center for High School Success, we are investing in strong starts and brighter futures for Sequim students
Small Minutes, Big Impact: Greywolf’s 10-15-20 Reading Campaign
At Greywolf, we take building a strong foundation of literacy very seriously! In the classroom, teachers are working hard to provide excellent core instruction and to provide extra targeted instruction to help every student reach grade level But we know our students can do more! Based on the research that demonstrates that students who read 20 minutes a day are exposed to 1 8 million words a year and score in the 90 percentile on standardized tests, we started the 10-15-20 minute reading campaign! th
We are asking students and families to set aside time for reading or being read to at home. The goal is for kindergarten students to read for 10 minutes a day, first grade students to read 15 minutes a day and for second grade students to read 20 minutes a day. Students are given a thematic chart each month and they can “color in” one shamrock or heart each day that they read. When a student completes 30 days of reading, they bring their signed reading chart to school and exchange their chart for a book machine token! Students LOVE selecting their own book from the book machine and we have a bulletin board covered with charts students have returned! Parents share that their children are SO motivated to read and color a picture on their charts! We can’t think of anything better than building student motivation to practice reading at home and we are grateful for our families who are making this time for their children to read.
Growing Together at Helen Haller Elementary
At Helen Haller Elementary, we are proud of the growth our students are showing this year. Our school serves 529 children in grades 3, 4, and 5. Children at this age are full of curiosity, and our staff works hard each day to help them build strong skills as they move through these important school years.
One of our main areas of focus this year has been building vocabulary and background knowledge, which both play a big role in helping students become confident readers Both our third and fifth grade teams set academic goals around improving vocabulary through stronger instruction and practice in reading and writing The team commitments are already showing results Third graders increased from 56% meeting the team’s expectations in the fall to 69% by winter. Fifth graders set a year long goal for students to reach or exceed grade level and make a full year of academic growth, and they met that goal early. By January, 73% of fifth grade students were already at or above grade level.
Our fourth grade team also set a year end goal of at least 68% of students reaching proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA) and math. Using winter MAP Growth results as a mid year checkpoint, our fourth graders showed steady progress ELA rose from 57% in the fall to 58% in the winter, and math saw a strong jump, moving from 52% to 63%
Schoolwide, our MAP Growth data from fall to winter show encouraging movement in both achievement and growth. Every grade level increased in math, reflecting clear academic momentum. In English Language Arts, third grade showed especially strong gains, and all grades continue working together to build steady progress as we head into spring.
We are proud of how our students are learning and growing Their progress reflects the dedication of our teachers and staff, the partnership of families, and the enthusiasm our students bring to school each day.
Sequim Middle School HOSA Students Earn
State Championship Honors
Sequim Middle School students are once again bringing home top honors from the Washington HOSA State Leadership Conference, continuing a strong tradition in health science competition For the third consecutive year, Reese Hale earned first place in Medical Reading. Eleanor Jones also captured first place in Foundations of Veterinary Science. The Public Health team of Emma Simpson, Emma Miller, Madison Bush, and Rosie Sly Hobson added another first place finish for Sequim. The team also earned first place in the Anatomage competition.
Additional individual results included a second place finish for Rosie Sly Hobson in Extemporaneous Health Poster and a second place finish for Eleanor Jones in Medical Reading. Madison Bush placed third in Extemporaneous Health Poster, and Emma Miller earned fourth place in Life Threatening Situations. Because of their top finishes, the first, second, and third place winners have qualified for the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis this June, where they will compete alongside students from across the world
Sequim Middle School HOSA advisor Mrs. Colwill played an important role in preparing and encouraging students throughout the season Under her guidance, students have not only learned the content behind health science careers but also how preparation, teamwork, and confidence can lead to success.
With another year of outstanding results, Sequim Middle School HOSA continues to show that when curiosity meets dedication, impressive things happen
Upcoming District Dates:
April 2026
Mar 30-Aril 3: No School- Spring Break
13: School Board Meeting @ 5:30 pm
15: Military Child Day “Purple Up”
20-24: Public School Volunteer Week
22: Administrative Professionals Day
24: Snow Make-Up Day (if needed)
28: School Bus Driver Day
May 2026
Project Updates: From Planning to Progress
IMPORTANT WORK IS UNDERWAY
Since voters approved the construction bond in February of 2025, Sequim School District has been doing the planning work that must happen before construction can begin. That work includes site studies, design planning, contractor selection, budgeting, and engagement with staff and community groups. While there is not much visible construction yet, a great deal of progress has been made behind the scenes with guidance from Wenaha Group, the Sequim School District’s construction project management and consulting firm.
EARLY STUDIES AND SITE PREPARATION
So far, the district has completed early geotechnical field work, land survey work, and state-required seismic investigation for multiple project areas. Draft and final reports have been coming in through February and March, giving the district and the designers the technical information needed to design our schools, and plan for safe construction sites. The district also completed the hazardous materials (testing and remediation) contractor selection process. The Board approved a contract with Pacific Rim Environmental in early March. Testing and sampling will move forward soon. These activities enable site safety plans, support state/federal environmental policy compliance and inform risk mitigation strategies during construction and demolition activity.
HIGH-LEVEL PROJECT SCHEDULE DEVELOPED
Our architect for the high school project, Mahlum Architects, has identified several phases of the work spanning over a multi-year timeline (through 2029) Phases identified include:
1.Preconstruction
2 Design and development
3.Permitting and procurement
4.Construction
Sequim School Bond Projects:
Helen Haller Elementary Replacement
Sequim High School A, B, C, D, E Building Replacement
Bus Loop through main campus
Multi-Sport Athletic Facility Upgrades
Safety & Security upgrades at Greywolf Elementary, Sequim Middle School, Olympic Peninsula Academy
Greywolf Elementary bus loop, traffic flow and parking lot
Greywolf Elementary cafeteria
Greywolf Elementary HVAC improvements
Transportation Center
Making Progress On Our Bond Projects
SEQUIM HIGH SCHOOL AND CTE PROGRESS
For Sequim High School and the Career and Technical Education project, the district has moved through major early steps in the General Contractor (GC)/Contract Manager (CM) contractor selection process. GC/CM is a construction management process where an architect and design firm is selected first, and a General Contractor/Construction Manager is selected separately. The GC/CM is contracted to provide advisory services during the schematic design phase and eventually build the school under a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) contract. Site walks were held, proposals were received, a scoring process narrowed the fi eld to two fi rms, interviews were completed, and final price proposals were opened in March.
Forma Construction was recommended as the selected GC/CM, pending final review and Board action At the same time, Mahlum Architects has been meeting with staff and focus groups to gather input and shape early design decisions This input will be shared with the Sequim High School Design Advisory Team and the district-community Design Advisory Committee Staff, families, and community information about the monthly progress of projects can be found on the school website
HELEN HALLER ELEMENTARY PROGRESS
For the new Helen Haller Elementary project, the district has also made major progress in selecting a designbuilder. After a well-attended pre-proposal process, the district shortlisted teams, held confidential meetings, reviewed proposals, and the Board approved Absher + McGranahanPBK as the selected design-builder on March 2nd. The project has now moved into the contract negotiation and validation phase.
OTHER PROJECTS ARE MOVING AHEAD
Other bond work is also moving forward Safety and security planning is underway across the district, including camera system studies and secure entry discussions For the Transportation Center, the district is reviewing site feasibility, coordinating legal and planning steps, and will prepare for a test fi t on the current 3rd Avenue location Greywolf Elementary cafeteria and traffic planning is also advancing, and advisory committees are being formed Design elements will be prepared for the cafeteria, civil, traffic engineering and HVAC improvements
BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR THE WORK AHEAD
The district Program Management Office (PgMO) has been implementing the processes, and integrating the management systems needed to administer a program of this size responsibly. The PgMO developed a draft bond master schedule, established budgets and cost centers, created cash-flow forecasting tools, and drafted the communication plan that includes stakeholder decision-making processes. In summary, the foundation for the bond program is being built now so construction can move forward in an organized, transparent, and costconscious way.
SEEKING LOCAL VENDORS & CONTRACTORS
Sequim School District is partnering with Clallam County's APEX Accelerator in preparation for future bid opportunities in electrical, plumbing, interior finishes, civil and other associated trades. APEX offers expert guidance on government contracting, bid preparation and growth opportunities. These no-cost advisory services are designed to help businesses successfully compete for public projects. Reach out to jscott@clallam.org for more information.
Sequim School District's projects up for bid are posted on the sequimschools.org website under Project Bid Opportunities. In addition, posts are made to Builders Exchange Washington (BXWA) and Small Works Roster for contractor access. Please reach out to APEX for support or inquire with the school district's Owner's Representative, Wenaha Group at samh@wenahagroup.com.
Looking to bid on district projects? Explore current bid opportunities.
Ready, Set… Kindergarten!
As we head into Spring, it means one thing at an elementary school, time to look forward to a new class of kindergarteners in the coming school year! Four-year-olds all over town have eagerly been awaiting their turn to finally go to kindergarten, to get their first big-kid backpack, and to finally experience riding on a school bus! Many parents feel a mix of emotions, excitement to see their child take this next step, often mixed with a twinge of emotion that their young child is growing up First time kindergarten parents often have wonderings about the registration process, or whether their child is ready for kindergarten We look forward to partnering with families each year as we embark on the road to kindergarten together!
Future Greywolves are getting ready to start their school journey. This spring, Greywolf Elementary will host two special events for incoming kindergarten families.
Kindergarten Information Night will take place on April 9 in the Greywolf gym, with sessions at 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm Childcare will be provided while families learn about the registration process, what to expect in kindergarten, and how to help their child get ready for the first day of school
Kindergarten Registration and Screening Nights will follow on April 23 and April 27 from 4:00–6:00pm More details can be found on the flyer next to this article
We can’t wait to welcome our newest members of the Greywolf Pack!
Preparing Every Student for Life After High School: Learning and Graduation at Sequim High School
Sequim High School is proud to serve as a place where every student can find a path to success, wherever that path may lead Our vision is simple but powerful: to ensure that all students will graduate with a post-secondary purpose and plan; ready to engage in modern society
To support that vision, Sequim High School offers a wide range of courses, programs, and graduation pathways aligned with Washington State requirements while allowing students to personalize their learning experience based on their interests, strengths, and future plans.
To earn a diploma, students must complete 24 credits across required subject areas, aligning with Washington State graduation requirements.
In addition to coursework, all students complete a High School and Beyond Plan, which helps them identify goals and map out a course of study aligned to their interests. Students must also complete a graduation pathway, which demonstrates readiness for their chosen post–high school direction.
These requirements ensure that every graduate leaves Sequim High School with both academic preparation and practical skills for life beyond high school.
Students may meet graduation pathway requirements through a variety of options, including:
College-ready coursework or assessments
Career and Technical Education pathways that include industry-recognized credentials
Dual credit opportunities that allow students to earn college credit while in high school
Military readiness options
This flexibility allows students to pursue college, technical training, apprenticeship, or immediate employment, all while working toward the same high school diploma.
Sequim High School offers courses designed to engage students with different interests, learning styles, and goals.
College Preparation
Students may take rigorous academic courses, including Advanced Placement and college-level classes offered through partnerships with Washington colleges These opportunities can help students earn college credit, explore advanced subjects, and reduce future college costs
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
CTE courses allow students to gain hands-on experience in areas such as agriculture, health sciences, business, culinary arts, skilled trades, technology, and more. Many of these courses offer industry-recognized credentials, dual credit, or “two-for-one” credit options that meet multiple graduation requirements at once.
Arts, Athletics, and Whole-Student Development
The high school also offers robust programs in visual and performing arts, physical education and athletics, and leadership development These courses support creativity, collaboration, wellness, and personal growth skills that are just as important as academics
Sequim High School is committed to ensuring that all students have access to opportunity. Counselors work closely with students and families to plan coursework, monitor progress toward graduation, and adjust plans as goals evolve.
Support systems are in place for students who need additional help, as well as for those seeking acceleration, enrichment, or specialized learning opportunities Graduation planning is not a one-time decision, it is an ongoing, supported process
Sequim High School reflects the values of the community it serves: care, commitment, and belief in every student’s potential. Whether students are preparing for college, a career, or something in between, our programs are designed to help them graduate with confidence and purpose, ready to tackle their future goals.
For more detailed information about courses, programs, and graduation requirements, families and community members are encouraged to visit the Sequim High School website or review the school’s course catalog
SEQUIM HIGH SCHOOL'S ANNUAL PLA
Get ready to elevate your garden game with the freshest plants in town! Join us at Sequim High School's Annual Plant Sale, starting April 27.
Why Choose Us?
At Sequim High School, our plant sale isn't just about purchasing greenery, it's about supporting our students and investing in our community With every purchase, you're contributing to hands-on learning experiences for our Agricultural Science, Plant Biology, and Floral Design classes Plus, the proceeds go directly back into our Agriculture program, fueling ongoing growth and innovation With our upgraded greenhouse facility, you can trust that you're not only getting top-quality plants but also supporting the future of agricultural education
What's on Offer?
Hanging Baskets, add a splash of color to your porch or patio. Basket Fillers, perfect for adding that finishing touch to your arrangements. Veggie Starts, kick-start your kitchen garden with our premium vegetable starts.
SHS Annual Plant Sale starts April 27 and goes through May 8, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, at the Sequim High School Greenhouse.
We’ll see you there!
SEQUIM SCHO
Olympic Peninsula Academy Students Shine at Night of Excellence
Olympic Peninsula Academy’s Night of Excellence was a celebration of creativity, dedication, and student achievement. Throughout the evening, students showcased their hard work across a wide range of disciplines, demonstrating both talent and perseverance.
From engaging drama performances and expressive dance to powerful poetry and musical pieces, the event highlighted the many ways OPA students bring learning to life Visual arts, including intricate weaving and other artistic creations, were proudly displayed, offering a glimpse into the creativity and craftsmanship developed throughout the year Students also shared their innovative thinking through projects like Future City, reflecting their problem-solving skills and forward-thinking approach
Each presentation and display represented hours of effort, commitment, and passion. The Night of Excellence not only honored student accomplishments but also celebrated the supportive community of families and staff who help make that success possible.
Building Momentum: Student Progress on the Rise
Sequim Middle School is making steady academic progress, and our most recent NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth results show encouraging signs of student learning MAP is a national assessment given in the fall and winter that helps schools understand how students are performing compared to students across the country and how much they’ve learned between test periods
This winter, our students showed positive movement in both reading and math. In reading, students performed above the national average and grew at a faster than typical rate from fall to winter, reaching the 64th percentile in achievement and the 59th percentile in growth. In math, students moved from the 52nd to the 54th percentile in achievement and posted growth at the 54th percentile slightly faster than similar students nationwide.
A standout area this year is 8th grade reading, where students reached the 70th percentile in achievement and the 65th percentile in growth This means our 8th graders are performing above national averages while continuing to gain ground at an accelerated pace
These middle school improvements reflect the hard work of students, staff, and families. While MAP and the state’s Smarter Balanced test measure different things, MAP provides valuable information about how well our students are learning and growing throughout the year.
Sequim Middle School is moving in the right direction, and we will continue focusing on strong instruction and student support as we build on this growth
Showing Up Matters: Culture of Attendance at Sequim Middle School
At Sequim Middle School, we believe that showing up is the first step to success! In the middle school years, consistent attendance is critical Students who attend regularly are more engaged, build stronger relationships, and are better prepared for future learning Developing these habits early sets the foundation for long-term success We also recognize that attendance is a shared responsibility. Families, educators, and the broader community all play an important role in supporting students. At Sequim Middle School, we are committed to creating a culture where attendance is valued, encouraged, and celebrated.
This year, we have introduced fun and meaningful attendance incentives to motivate students One of our most popular programs is “Beat the Bell” Pizza Friday, where students with strong attendance or zero tardies are entered into a weekly drawing Winners receive pizza, a drink, and a treat, simple recognition that reinforces positive habits
We also celebrate attendance at school assemblies. Students who meet goals such as perfect attendance, no tardies, or consistent improvement are entered into prize drawings. These rewards range from activities with staff to larger incentives, creating excitement while emphasizing the importance of being present.
Our approach is designed to be inclusive While perfect attendance is recognized, we also celebrate improvement and effort Incentive criteria change throughout the year to highlight reduced tardies, increased consistency, and overall growth This ensures every student has the opportunity to be recognized and motivated
Our attendance efforts are strengthened by incredible community partnerships. We are grateful for the support of Domino's, Westside Pizza, the School Retirees Association Foundation, and the Sequim Valley Lions. Their generosity helps provide incentives and opportunities that motivate and recognize students. More importantly, their partnership shows students that their community is invested in their success. This message is powerful.
These efforts are already leading to improved attendance, fewer tardies, and increased student engagement Most importantly, students are building habits that will support them well beyond middle school At Sequim Middle School, we are proud to create a culture where showing up matters, because every day in school is an opportunity to learn, connect, and succeed
The Power of Connection and Engagement at Sequim Middle School
At Sequim Middle School (SMS), connection and engagement are at the heart of our school culture. We believe the middle school years are a critical time for students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally, and when students feel connected, they are more confident, motivated, and ready to learn. Through a wide range of clubs and activities including Art Club, Fly Fishing Club, Chess Club, HOSA, TSA, Theater Club, and Peer Mediation students build relationships, explore interests, and develop leadership and career-ready skills. Our Leadership students play an active role in shaping our school community by organizing assemblies, supporting school dances, and leading PBIS incentives.
The arts and athletics also serve as powerful connection points. Choir and Band students perform at concerts, school events, and athletic games, helping build school spirit and pride. Our comprehensive athletic program, offering volleyball, cross country, football, basketball, wrestling, and track, continues to see strong participation and enthusiastic student support. We also prioritize student voice; recent feedback led to the addition of Industrial Arts, where students are gaining hands-on experience building projects such as picnic tables, gazebos, and small animal houses. To ensure every student feels supported academically, we offer High-Dose Tutoring after school and Extended Learning Time during the school day.
We strongly believe that our intentional focus on connection and engagement is positively impacting the overall culture and climate at SMS and the results show it. This winter, 36 sixth graders earned Silver Honor Roll (3.0–3.59 GPA) and 52 earned Gold Honor Roll (3.6–4.0 GPA). In seventh grade, 42 students earned Silver and 43 earned Gold. In eighth grade, 38 students earned Silver and an impressive 76 earned Gold. In addition, we saw a 7% increase in our SBA ELA scores last year, with 53% of our students in grades 6–8 meeting standard, nearly 4% higher than the state average.
At SMS, connection and engagement are not extras; they are essential drivers of student success.
River Detectives: Students Dive Into Salmon Science
Students in Mrs. Dormer’s class stepped into the role of scientists as they investigated the health of the Dungeness River and its ability to support salmon. Their learning began in the classroom, where they explored the environmental conditions salmon need to survive and thrive.
With that foundation, students traveled to the river to conduct field research. They collected data, gathered water samples, and examined aquatic insects found in the stream. Using their observations, students sorted the insects into pollution-tolerant and pollution-intolerant groups, an important indicator of water quality.
Back in their role as scientists, students analyzed their findings and used evidence from their data to develop claims about the overall health of the river. Through this hands-on experience, they gained a deeper understanding of ecosystems, water quality, and the critical factors that impact salmon habitats.
Whisking Their Way to the Top: Students Shine in Future Chef Contest
On February 25, young chefs from across the district put their culinary creativity to the test at this year’s Future Chef Competition. Students in grades 3–5 stepped into the spotlight, presenting dishes that reflected family traditions, global flavors, and plenty of imagination From savory entrées to sweet desserts, each participant prepared a recipe that was both meaningful and delicious Judges had the difficult task of tasting and evaluating each dish based on presentation, creativity, and flavor
Taking home the Grand Prize was 5th grader Otto Woodbury from Olympic Peninsula Academy, whose Kung Pao Chicken impressed judges with its bold flavors and skillful preparation. Otto earned the top honor and a gold designation for his outstanding dish. Second place and the silver award went to 4th grader Maricruz Mccaughan from Helen Haller Elementary for her Chucha’s Tres Leches, a dessert that stood out for its rich flavor and personal connection.
While only the top two placements were announced, all participating students demonstrated impressive effort, creativity, and courage in sharing their dishes
This year’s panel of judges included a mix of community members and student leaders: George Stuber, a retired bus driver known for his love of cooking; Mia Beltrami, last year’s Future Chef winner; Abigail Vogel, a 9th grader at Sequim High School; and Taylor Hancock, a 12th grader from DVS/SHS Their thoughtful feedback and encouragement helped make the event a memorable experience for all involved
A special thank you goes to Sequim School District Nutrition Services General Manager Tandi Wahlsten and her team for their hard work and dedication in organizing the event and creating an experience that made this opportunity possible for students.
The Future Chef Competition continues to be a highlight for elementary students, offering a chance to explore culinary skills, share family recipes, and build confidence Events like this not only celebrate student talent but also bring the community together around creativity and learning
From first bites to final judging, this year’s event was a recipe for success!
Reading Detectives: Bringing Text to Life
Students brought a sense of excitement and curiosity to their literacy work as they used real magnifying glasses to examine their Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) texts. With “detective” focus, they searched for clues to help them practice key reading skills such as summarizing, making inferences, and identifying the main idea.
Throughout the year, students have been building their ability to use text evidence to support their thinking and deepen their understanding of literature. This hands-on approach added a new layer of engagement, turning an everyday lesson into something memorable and fun while reinforcing important academic skills.
