Kaleidoscope Magazine-Winter 2025 Edition FINAL

KALEIDOSCOPE SEQUIM SCHOOL DISTRICT MAGAZINE

WINTER 2025 EDITION

NIGHT OF EXCELLENCE Olympic Peninsula Academy students take the stage to shine!

EARLY LITERACY MILESTONE Greywolf Kindergartners celebrate, “I know all my letter sounds”

THRIVING TOGETHER

The Ramponi Center for Technical Excellence MIDDLE SCHOOL FINE ARTS NIGHT Students showcase talent and creativity

How Community Partnerships are Alive and Growing Strong

BOND & LEVY INFORMATION INSIDE

Welcome

to

KALEIDOSCOPE

Happy New Year 2025!

Upcoming District Dates:

Welcome to our winter edition of Kaleidoscope magazine which celebrates the many successes, experiences and opportunities that our students and staff have built together so far this year! Academics, fine arts, club competitions and career and technical education (CTE) all have an article or two to share. An especially important focus of our winter Kaleidoscope is community partnerships. On our cover you will meet Mrs. Ramponi, a community donor and cheerleader for our Career and Technical programming and facilities.

Other featured community partners include the Sequim Education Foundation, Sunrise Rotary, and Sequim Valley Lions, and of course, our many, many community volunteers who give back to our school system in so many ways. One important aspect of community partnerships is family engagement. Our edition shares recaps of some exciting events that prioritized having our students welcome their families into their schools for memorable involvement. We invite you to open the pages and experience our district from the inside; there is so much to share with you about the wonderful work of our students, educators and community partners. Enjoy!

February 2025

Regan Nickels Superintendent Sequim School District

Read all about The Ramponi Center for Technical Excellence, starting on page 12.

3: School Board Meeting @ 5:30pm 3-7: National School Counseling Week 14: No School 15: School Resource Officer Day 17: No School- Presidents’ Day

March 2025 2: Read Across America Day 3: School Board Meeting @ 5:30pm 10-14: Education Support Professionals week 17: School Board Meeting @ 5:30pm 31: No School- Spring Break Starts

April 2025 1-4: No School- Spring Break 14: School Board Meeting @ 5:30pm 14-18: Public School Volunteer Week 15: Military Child Day 22: School Bus Driver Day 13: Administrative Assistant Day 28: School Board Meeting @ 5:30pm

May 2025 1: National Principal’s Day 2: School Lunch Hero Day 5: School Board Meeting @ 5:30pm 5-9: Teacher Appreciation Week 7: National School Nurses Day 9: Snow Make-Up Day (if needed) 9: School Communicators Day 19: School Board Meeting @ 5:30pm 23: Snow Make-Up Day (if needed) 26: No School- Memorial Day

KALEIDOSCOPE WINTER 2025

From left to right: Roshan Khela, Annabel Simons, Jude Moos, Kruze Canty, David Hines, Noah Whitlock, Brookelyn Muck’ Abel Steward, Anelise Mendoza, and George MacDonald

PC: GWE Staff

Greywolf Elementary Celebrates Early Literacy Milestone with Enthusiasm Walking into the main hall of Greywolf Elementary, visitors are immediately drawn to a vibrant display celebrating student achievement. A colorful bulletin board announces, “I Know All My Letter Sounds,” surrounded by hundreds of Post-it notes featuring the names of students who have reached this important milestone. This display is a joyful recognition of the collaborative effort between teachers, families, and students in building foundational reading skills.

Cheers frequently echo from the front office as students achieve their goal and add their names to the board.

The excitement is shared by everyone in the school community—from the nurse and secretaries to Principal Jennifer Lopez—who come together to celebrate each success. With care, students print their names and carefully choose a spot on the board, remembering its location to share with their families.

These moments of accomplishment are the result of intentional and dedicated efforts. Teachers ensure that every letter sound is systematically taught, reviewed, and practiced to set students on the path to becoming confident readers and writers. Families contribute by practicing with flashcards and providing encouragement at home. For students, mastering letter sounds involves commitment and effort, culminating in a joyful sense of achievement.

Learning letter sounds unlocks new opportunities for these young learners. They begin sounding out words in books, on signs, and on their computers. Journals fill with their written ideas as they move beyond drawing pictures to express themselves through writing. The classroom atmosphere buzzes with sharpened pencils and new discoveries, as students embrace the independence that comes with literacy.

At Greywolf Elementary, the celebration of these milestones highlights the possibilities that come with a strong start in learning. Each name on the board represents a step toward a bright future, and the entire school community shares in the excitement of these early successes.

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Greywolf First Graders Learn Gratitude Through Thank You Notes

PC: GWE Staff

Welcome to Greywolf Library: Meet the Book Buddies!

The Greywolf Library is thrilled to introduce an exciting new program designed to make reading even more fun and engaging for students: Book Buddies! These cuddly stuffed animals are now available in the library, offering students a comforting and encouraging reading companion during their visits.

The concept is simple yet impactful: students choose a Book Buddy to sit with as they read. Each buddy comes with a special card inside its box where students record the title of the book they’ve read. This encourages both accountability and pride in their reading accomplishments while fostering a love for books.

There’s more to these Book Buddies than just their adorable charm! The program also enhances important sequencing skills. All 26 buddies have names starting with each letter of the alphabet, from A to Z. After reading, students return their buddy to the shelf in alphabetical order, reinforcing organizational skills and letter recognition in a hands-on way.

Every student at Greywolf has already been introduced to the Book Buddies, and the library is buzzing with excitement as they get to know these furry friends. This innovative program is the brainchild of Greywolf Elementary Librarian Sheri Burke, who is passionate about creating engaging opportunities for students to develop their literacy skills.

We can’t wait to see the bonds our students form with their Book Buddies as they explore new stories together. Here’s to many adventures ahead—one book and one buddy at a time!

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The old adage, “It takes a village” comes in many forms, and last Fall at Greywolf Elementary, a village helped first graders learn to write thank you notes! Principal Lopez came across the book, Sallie Bee Writes a Thank You Note, when browsing an online book clearinghouse looking for books for student giveaways. The book follows the journey of a young girl wanting to thank people in her life for kind things they do for her, ways they help her, or gifts she received from them. Her mom helps her write a thank you note, setting into motion a flurry of thankfulness through written letters. The book inspired an idea for a family night, as Greywolf staff are always looking for ways to bring students real-world application of their learning.

In late November, the school hosted the family night, with the Sequim Elementary PTA providing dinner for all in attendance. After Assistant Principal Ota read the book aloud, students were supported by their adult as they walked through the steps shared in the book of how to write a thank you note. Many students wrote multiple notes, eagerly passing them out to others in the room or carefully folding them up to take home.

At the end of the night, students were each given a copy of the book to keep, courtesy of a Pizza Hut grant. The highlight for most was when they were able to select their own stationary set to take home, purchased with grant funds from Sequim Education Foundation. We are so thankful for the “village” surrounding our students and the lessons on writing and gratitude that were shared!

PC: GWE Staff

KALEIDOSCOPE WINTER 2025

Coding in Kinder: A Buzzing Success!

In Mrs. Sterrett’s science class, kindergarteners from Mrs. Kleinberg’s class are diving into the world of coding with an exciting new tool: Beebots! This month, students have been learning to program these colorful, bee-shaped robots to move forward, turn right, and turn left.

The hands-on experience is more than just fun—it’s a fantastic way for young learners to practice critical thinking, problem-solving, and spatial awareness. By planning and testing their Beebot’s movements, students are building foundational coding skills while also sharpening their understanding of directions and sequencing.

This new adventure in coding wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of the Sequim Education Foundation (SEF), which granted Mrs. Sterrett’s wish for Beebots. Thanks to SEF’s support, with Beebots buzzing around the classroom, the future of learning is looking bright!

PC: GWE Staff

Helen Haller 4th Graders Step Back in Time for Medieval Event Day On a recent exciting day at Helen Haller Elementary, 4th-grade students were transported back to the Middle Ages, where they participated in a variety of hands-on activities that brought history to life. The school's annual Medieval Event Day gave students the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of knights, castles, and chivalry, all while engaging in creative and interactive learning experiences.

Throughout the day, students rotated between different classrooms, each offering a unique activity that highlighted a different aspect of Medieval culture. The activities included practicing their archery skills, creating stained glass artwork, designing their own coat of arms, drawing detailed castles, and even experiencing the thrill of jousting. Each station was designed to spark curiosity and creativity, encouraging students to dive deeper into this historical period.

To fully immerse themselves in the experience, students were encouraged to dress up as Medieval characters, bringing their favorite knights, princesses, and other historical figures to life. The room buzzed with excitement as students proudly showcased their costumes and eagerly participated in the day’s activities.

The event was a memorable way for students to learn about history through hands-on experiences, giving them a deeper understanding of the Medieval period while having fun with their peers. It was a perfect blend of creativity, education, and historical exploration, making it a day to remember for the 4th graders at Helen Haller Elementary.

PC: HHE Staff

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Mrs. Stewart’s 4th Grade Class Builds Character and Creativity with Compliment Jar Rewards In Mrs. Stewart’s 4th-grade classroom, kindness and teamwork are a key focus. At the center of this effort is the class Compliment Jar. Sitting prominently on Mrs. Stewart’s desk, the jar is filled with pebbles every time the class as a whole earns a compliment from someone else. The compliments can come from teachers, staff, or even students in other classes.

The idea is to encourage positive behavior and reward the class for working together.

Compliments have been earned this year for maintaining a quiet and straight line, being polite, cleaning up after themselves in the cafeteria, and showing respectful behavior at assemblies. Even a note from a substitute teacher praising their excellent conduct added to the jar’s growing pebble collection.

This year, the students had a brilliant suggestion: adding pebbles to the jar when they earned a 4 in a specialist class. Their reasoning was that earning a 4 is like the ultimate compliment.

Once the jar is full, the class brainstorms reward ideas and votes on their favorite. Past rewards have included extra recess, pajama day, movie and popcorn time, board games, and free computer time. This time, the students’ creativity truly shined. One student suggested building forts, while another proposed a read-in. The ideas were combined, and the class eagerly voted for an afternoon of fort-building and reading.

What started as a simple reward turned into an unexpected STEM activity. Mrs. Stewart set parameters: each fort could use two blankets, two desks, and two chairs per pair of students. From there, the kids’ creativity took over. They experimented with different types of blankets, debating whether flat sheets, fleece throws, or lap blankets worked best. One student brought a fitted sheet, which proved to be a game-changer by securely wrapping around the desk edges without slipping.

The students discovered innovative ways to stretch the desks further apart to create larger forts. They worked together problem-solving and engineering their designs. Once their forts were complete, the students settled in with a book from home or the classroom library.

It was an amazing reward of reading in the forts. Watching the students collaborate and use their imaginations was incredibly rewarding for Mrs. Stewart. By combining character-building with engaging rewards, her students have learned that their positive actions have meaningful and fun outcomes; lessons that will stick with them far beyond 4th grade.

Helen Haller Elementary' s American Sign Language Club: A Growing Success Students at Helen Haller Elementary are exploring American Sign Language (ASL) through the popular ASL Club. Led by certified ASL instructor Kristin Deverin and supported by Alexa Justus, the club has quickly gained popularity.

The current ASL Club session continues with its next meeting on Wednesday, January 29th. A new session will begin on February 5th and run through March 12th, offering another group of students the chance to learn ASL. High demand has led to multiple groups to accommodate all interested participants.

Learning ASL equips students with a valuable skill while fostering inclusivity and empathy. It helps them connect with the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, promoting a more inclusive school environment.

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Olympic Peninsula Academy's Night of Excellence: A Memorable Evening On January 15th, 2025, Olympic Peninsula Academy (OPA) hosted its annual Night of Excellence, a student-led event that brought together families and community members to celebrate the accomplishments and creativity of OPA students. Seniors Landon Elliott and Nolan Valenzuela served as engaging MCs for the evening.

The event began with impressive presentations from the Future City Teams, showcasing students' problem-solving and creativity. Guests then moved to the SHS Auditorium for a variety of performances, all led by OPA students. Highlights included a lively folk music and dance showcase, an ASL demonstration, and dance performances from Kindergarten and First Grade students. The Civics Enrichment Presentation provided insights into civic engagement, while French and Spanish students shared their language progress.

Other performances included a student poetry reading, Beginning and Intermediate Guitar showcases, and a captivating theatrical performance by middle and high school students. The evening concluded with a dessert social and art walk, where attendees enjoyed treats provided by the community and admired student artwork.

The Night of Excellence was a tremendous success, celebrating student achievements and fostering a strong sense of community. We look forward to continuing this tradition in the future.

PC: M. Lyke

A Special Thank You Students at Olympic Peninsula Academy (OPA) have been enjoying a new addition to their outdoor space, thanks to the talented students in Sequim Middle School’s Industrial Arts class. The class recently built brand-new picnic tables, providing a much-appreciated place for students to gather, study, and enjoy the fresh air.

OPA staff and students are especially grateful for the craftsmanship and effort that went into creating these tables.

Knowing they were made by local middle school students makes them even more meaningful.

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Olympic Peninsula Academy Excels at Future City Competition Students from the Olympic Peninsula Academy (OPA) showcased their innovation and engineering skills at the Future City Competition on January 16 and 17. This year’s theme, “Above the Current,” challenged teams to design floating cities capable of addressing rising sea levels. The regional competition brought together 23 teams from 13 schools across Alaska, Idaho, Washington, and Montana, offering students a platform to present their creative solutions to real-world challenges.

OPA’s teams impressed judges with their thoughtful designs, technical knowledge, and teamwork. Their entries included detailed 1,500-word essays exploring how to construct safe, functional, and disaster-resilient floating cities.

These efforts earned the academy multiple accolades, highlighting the students’ hard work and ingenuity.

Each of OPA’s teams achieved notable success: 8th Grade Team – New Venice Secured 4th Place Overall in the regional competition.

Won 2nd Place in the NCEES Knowledge of Surveying Practices, earning a $100 prize.

7th Grade Team – New Hollywood Received the award for Best City Design for Protecting from Natural Disasters.

Honored with the Ice Breakers Award for fostering connections with other teams.

6th Grade Team – Sequim Bay City Achieved 3rd Place in the People’s Choice (Student) category.

Earned an Honorable Mention for NCEES Knowledge of Surveying Practices at their grade level.

OPA’s success was the result of a collaborative effort among students, mentors, and volunteers. Enrichment Coach and Advisor Lilly Hardesty guided the teams throughout the competition, while engineer mentors Jonathan Boehme and Vince McIntyre provided technical expertise to help students refine their designs. Parent volunteer Susan Baritelle also offered invaluable classroom support. Together, this dedicated team supported students from grades 5 through 8, including Vaughn McCarter, Tegan Avery, Landen Parrish, Emma Abken, Jojo Bauer, Sadie Canty, Hyatt Preston, Brayden Baritelle, Rivers Maynard, and Glenn McCarter, as they worked to bring their innovative ideas to life.

OPA’s performance at the Future City Competition highlights the academy’s commitment to fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. By tackling complex, real-world issues, students gained hands-on experience that prepares them for future challenges.

Congratulations to all participants for their outstanding achievements and dedication. Your innovative ideas and collaborative spirit continue to make OPA a leader in inspiring young minds.

PC: OPA Staff

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KALEIDOSCOPE WINTER 2025

Excitement Soars at Olympic Peninsula Academy with New Grant and Gazebo Project The students at Olympic Peninsula Academy (OPA), an Alternative Learning Educational school within the Sequim School District, are buzzing with excitement! Recently, OPA received a generous grant from the Port Authority of Port Angeles. This grant will be used to construct a covered gazebo next to the OPA greenhouse and bioenvironmental lab, creating a fantastic outdoor learning space for students involved in the plant sciences and environmental sciences programs.

But that's not all! OPA has partnered with the Sequim Middle School Industrial Trades program to bring this project to life. Under the expert guidance of Mr. Bill McFarlen, Sven Wicker, and Charles Cox, the middle school students will use this gazebo project as their culminating project for the semester. These industrious 7th and 8th graders will come to OPA to construct the gazebo, showcasing their skills and dedication.

The middle school students have already impressed everyone with their previous projects, which include designing and building picnic tables, outdoor home and garden sheds, and even rocking horses. Their involvement in the gazebo project not only highlights their craftsmanship but also strengthens the bond between the district's newest Career and Technical Education (CTE) program and the Alternative Learning Educational program at OPA. We are incredibly grateful for the grant funds and the opportunity to see our students in action. This project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the bright future of our students. Stay tuned for updates as we watch this exciting project unfold!

Lions Complete Vision & Hearing Screenings for Sequim School District Students On December 6, 2024, volunteers from the Sequim Valley Lions successfully conducted vision and hearing screenings for students in kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades across the Sequim School District. This important effort ensures that potential vision or hearing challenges are identified early, helping to support student learning and success.

The screening results have been forwarded to the school nurse for review.

Families will be notified by mail if any concerns are identified. If no notification is received, it means the student met the standards outlined in Washington State Chapter 246-760 WAC. These guidelines determine the benchmarks for passing the screenings.

Parents or guardians with questions about the screening process or results are encouraged to contact their school’s health room or reach out directly to the District Nurse, Sonja Bittner, RN, at sbittner@sequimschools.org.

This initiative would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the Sequim Valley Lions, as well as the staff and parent volunteers who contributed their time. The Sequim School District extends heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in supporting this vital service for students. The Lions received a WASA community leadership award last year for their ongoing screening services. Thank you!

PC: M. Lyke

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PC: M. Lyke

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Building Futures: The Ramponi Center for Technical Excellence The Sequim School District is moving closer to realizing its long-envisioned vocational center, thanks to an extraordinary local donation. Marylaura Ramponi committed $1 million to the Career and Technical Educational (CTE) center soon to be built on the Sequim High School campus. Once constructed, the building will be called The Ramponi Center for Technical Excellence, honoring Louie Ramponi, Marylaura’s late husband.

The donation was unanimously accepted by the Sequim School Board, marking a significant milestone in the district's efforts to expand vocational education opportunities. The Board recognized Ms. Ramponi's generosity as a visionary contribution that will benefit generations of students.

Both Louie and Marylaura Ramponi shared a deep commitment to supporting technical trades, a passion rooted in their own experiences. The couple ran a television store in Sonoma, California, with Louie focusing on technical work and Marylaura managing sales. After selling their business, the Ramponis pursued their love of travel, eventually settling in Sequim in 1999.

Recently in November, Marylaura visited Sequim Middle School to observe the energy and creativity thriving in the school’s new Industrial Arts class. Many of the students enrolled are anticipated to be among the first to enroll in classes held in the new CTE center during their future high school years. Students were hard at work constructing two sheds and several picnic tables, showcasing the type of hands-on learning opportunities that align with her vision for the vocational center. This visit gave Mrs. Ramponi an opportunity to meet the students and discuss their current projects. The onsite experience reaffirmed her commitment to helping young people explore and excel in technical careers.

The Ramponi Center for Technical Excellence represents a new chapter for the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. The project gained momentum in 2024 when state legislators allocated $4.9 million in a Local Community Project capital grant award. Community support also has come both in advocacy and funding from the Sequim Sunrise Rotary. This collective funding effort will support the construction of a 10,000square-foot facility, featuring two large bays and classrooms for automotive and construction classes. The design envisions flexible spaces that will enable hands-on learning, such as building cross-sections of houses or automotive repairs.

The Ramponi Center is not just a building project; it represents an investment in the future workforce of Sequim.

With Phase 1 underway, and strong community partnership at its roots, the district is one step closer to providing students with the skills and opportunities they need to excel in technical careers.

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Congratulations to Our Students of the Month at Sequim Middle School!

Sequim Middle School is proud to announce this month's Students of the Month, nominated for demonstrating the core value of honesty. These outstanding Timberwolves have shown integrity in their actions, whether in the classroom, on the field, or in their daily interactions with peers and teachers. Their commitment to being truthful, reliable, and trustworthy sets a great example for others to follow.

A big congratulations to these students for their dedication to maintaining honesty in all aspects of their lives. Keep up the great work, Timberwolves! You inspire us all to be our best selves.

PC: SMS Staff

Sequim Middle School’s Night of Fine Arts Showcases Student Talent and Creativity On December 12th, Sequim Middle School held its annual Night of Fine Arts, a celebration of student achievements in music, art, and technology. Families and community members gathered to experience the wide range of skills on display.

The evening kicked off in the Sequim Middle School gym with festive performances by the Choir and Band, captivating the audience with musical arrangements. Attendees were also treated to an array of artistic expressions, including Film Appreciation, Game Design/Multimedia, Robotics, Spanish, and Visual Arts.

One of the event’s highlights was the hands-on art station, where guests could immerse themselves in the creative process and leave with a take-home art project. This interactive element added a unique dimension to the night, showcasing the innovative ways students are learning through art.

The Night of Fine Arts was a true celebration of the creativity, hard work, and passion of Sequim Middle School’s students. The event demonstrated the value of arts and electives in fostering well-rounded education and left the students and community proud and inspired.

PC: M. Lyke

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KALEIDOSCOPE WINTER 2025

Sequim Schools Embrace SmartPass for Better Hallway Management and Student Accountability Sequim Middle School and Sequim High School have adopted SmartPass, a digital hall pass system, to enhance safety, reduce disruptions, and improve accountability. By replacing traditional paper passes with a streamlined, tech-savvy solution, both schools are transforming how students and staff manage time outside of the classroom. While Sequim Middle School has already begun implementing the system, Sequim High School will launch SmartPass during the upcoming semester.

Why use SmartPass? SmartPass offers a modern alternative to outdated paper or lanyard-style passes, providing real-time insights and controls over hallway activity. The system, accessible on smartphones and Chromebooks, makes managing student movement efficient and secure.

SmartPass allows staff to monitor student activity in real time, seeing who is out of class, their destinations, and the duration of their trips. The system enhances security by preventing students from meeting up unsupervised in hallways and keeping them in approved areas. Teachers and administrators can set limits on the number of students allowed in specific spaces or establish time restrictions for passes, ensuring smoother hallway management. Additionally, SmartPass provides detailed analytics, giving administrators valuable insights into hallway usage trends to inform school policies and resource planning.

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KALEIDOSCOPE WINTER 2025

Mock Trial Team Gears Up for Regional Competition The Sequim High School Mock Trial team with the leadership of Sequim High School Teacher Saralyn Pozernick has been hard at work since the beginning of October, when they were presented with this year’s case materials. The team receives a problem that includes charging documents and witness statements, which they must carefully study and use to prepare for a simulated court trial. The students take on distinct roles within the team—some as witnesses and others as attorneys—each requiring a significant investment of time and effort.

Students assigned to witness roles must memorize their statements and learn how to respond to questioning appropriately and in character. They practice maintaining composure under pressure and delivering their testimonies convincingly. Meanwhile, students who act as attorneys are tasked with preparing direct examination and cross-examination questions for the witnesses. They must also master proper courtroom procedures, including introducing evidence and making objections when necessary.

The Mock Trial team is fortunate to have guidance from several community members with extensive legal and educational experience. Susan Fisch, a retired judge and attorney and Patrice Johnston, a retired attorney, dedicate significant time to mentoring the students. Additionally, Nancy Slocum, a retired teacher who recently moved to the area, supports the students in honing their public speaking skills, both verbal and nonverbal.

As part of their preparation, the team has practiced courtroom procedures at the Clallam County Courthouse on two separate occasions. They also traveled to Port Townsend to scrimmage against local teams at the Jefferson County Courthouse, gaining valuable experience and feedback in a real courtroom setting.

The regional competition is fast approaching, scheduled to take place at the Pierce County Courthouse in Tacoma on Friday, January 31, and Saturday, February 1. If the Sequim team places in the top three, they will advance to the state competition in mid-March. The students and their mentors are hopeful about their chances and excited to showcase the hard work they’ve put into preparing for the competition.

Mock Trial is about learning new skills, working as a team, and challenging participants to grow.

Stay tuned for updates on their progress and results from the upcoming competitions. The Sequim community is proud of these dedicated students and wishes them the best of luck as they represent their school on this exciting journey.

PC: M. Lyke

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Sequim Students Selected for WMEA All-State Ensembles Each year, the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) selects exceptional student musicians to participate in its prestigious All-State ensembles. These programs, divided into High School and Junior All-State categories, provide young musicians with the opportunity to rehearse and perform under the direction of renowned conductors, culminating in performances that showcase their remarkable talent.

Sequim is proud to announce that a number of its students have been selected for the Junior All-State ensembles. These students, from both Sequim High School and Sequim Middle School, have demonstrated outstanding skill and dedication to music. High school students chosen for the Junior AllState ensembles include Alex Alokoa, Jonis Alokoa, Olivia Baros, Aidan Danielson, Emerson Jacobs, Josiah Lanning, Nathan Mavy, Lucy Spelker, Ryan Stites, Lincoln Terwilliger, David Updike, Daniel Alokoa, Boden Cowgill, Cassidy Duncan, Emma Gilliam, Hayden Rayburn, Aria Turrey, Kathryn Brouillard, Kendall Day, Mikylah Lanning, Sariah Weller, and Khloe Schmidt. In addition, Sequim Middle School is represented by Seth Baros, Travis Baros, Inara Miles, Addison Hoffman, and Christian Frisby.

These talented students will rehearse and perform as part of the Junior All-State ensembles on February 16, 2025, during the NAfME Northwest Conference in Spokane, Washington. Their selection reflects the high standard of music education at Sequim High School and Sequim Middle School, as well as the commitment of these young musicians to their craft.

The WMEA All-State program is highly competitive, with students earning their spots through auditions that test their musical abilities. The ensemble experience offers these students the opportunity to work with esteemed conductors and to perform alongside some of the best young musicians in the state. For these students, being selected for Junior All-State is a significant achievement, one that showcases their talent and dedication to the art of music.

As these students prepare for their upcoming performances, their families, schools, and community can take pride in their accomplishments, knowing that they represent the best of Sequim’s musical talent. Their participation in the WMEA All-State ensembles is a reflection to the strength in the music programs within the Sequim School District and the bright future of the arts in the community.

Inclement Weather Reminder: Stay Informed About Cold Weather Conditions As we move further into winter, cold temperatures and frost can affect our outdoor activities, including those at the Sequim School District. This morning, the track and field are covered in a layer of frost, reminding us of the importance of staying prepared for inclement weather conditions.

If you're planning any outdoor events or activities, be sure to check the latest updates to ensure safety and comfort. For more details on how the district handles weather-related closures or delays, please visit our Inclement Weather Information page.

Stay warm and stay safe!

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KALEIDOSCOPE WINTER 2025

Jill Adolphsen Earns Prestigious American FFA Degree Jill Adolphsen, a 2023 Sequim High School graduate and current sophomore at Southwestern Community College of Iowa, has achieved the most prestigious honor awarded by the Future Farmers of America (FFA): the American FFA Degree. Jill was recognized for this remarkable achievement at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo, held on October 26, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The National FFA Organization bestows the American FFA Degree annually to members who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the FFA’s mission of fostering premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. This accolade is to Jill’s hard work, commitment, and passion for the agricultural field.

To earn the American FFA Degree, you need to be an active FFA member and meet some important goals.

You must have your State FFA Degree, be involved in FFA for at least three years, and take part in chapter and state events.

You also need to complete three years of agriculture classes in high school or a mix of high school and college agriculture classes, graduate at least a year before the national convention, and keep records of a great supervised agricultural experience (SAE) project. For the financial part, you need to earn and invest $10,000 through your project or combine at least $2,000 with 2,250 hours of work outside class time. You’ll also need to show leadership skills and help your community with at least 50 hours of service in three different activities. This degree celebrates your hard work and success in agriculture!

Achieving this honor places Jill among an elite group of FFA members, less than one percent of all members earn the American FFA Degree. At the national convention, Jill received a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate to commemorate her achievement.

Congratulations to Jill Adolphsen for this extraordinary accomplishment! Her dedication to agriculture and her commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to her peers and community.

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F A C I L I T Y R E N E WA L : YOUR LEVY DOLLARS AT WORK! August 2022 Fiber Optic Infrastructure Installation- COMPLETED Phone System Equipment Replacement- COMPLETED

January 2023 Exterior Surveillance Camera Enhancement InstallationCOMPLETED

June 2023 Olympic Peninsula Academy Fencing Installation- COMPLETED

August 2023 Wireless Access Point, Clock, & Intercom Cabling- COMPLETED Flat Roof Replacements SHS Cafeteria - COMPLETED

September 2023 Flat Roof Replacements SHS Auditorium- COMPLETED Flat Roof Replacements Main Gym - COMPLETED Flat Roof Replacement Auxiliary Gym- COMPLETED SHS Gym Floor ReplacementCOMPLETED

October 2023 Facility drawings and physical LIDAR scanning (multiple project attributable) - COMPLETED Network UPS system installationCOMPLETED GWE septic system refreshCOMPLETED

November 2023 OPA HVAC replacement- COMPLETED HHE Fire Alarm Replacement- COMPLETED SMS Fire Alarm Replacement- COMPLETED

December 2023 SHS HVAC replacement- COMPLETED District Office BR, Office & ADA improvements- COMPLETED SHS Gym Interior Doors and ADA Improvements- IN PROGRESS District-Wide Upgraded WiFi SwitchesCOMPLETED OPA Intercom ReplacementCOMPLETED

January 2024 HHE Sewer Vault- COMPLETED District-Wide Building Management Systems Replacement ProjectOPA- COMPLETED, SHS- IN PROGRESS

February 2024 SSD Resurfaced Track - COMPLETED SSD Track Lights - COMPLETED

March 2024 District-Wide Roofing ProjectsIN PROGRESS, Anticipated start Q2 2024, anticipated complete Q2 2025

June 2024 HHE Intercom replacement- COMPLETED SMS Intercom replacement- COMPLETED