We invite community members to participate in a planning activity that will help shape the proposal on Monday, June 5, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Braves’ Club located at 301 N. 6th Street.

Snacks will be provided and supervised activities for children will be available. An overview of the 21st Century Community Learning Center program will be provided at the meeting. Register to attend at https://bit.ly/21stCLC2023

You are invited to an Open House Reception on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, starting at 2:45 pm in the MS gym. The event is a celebration to honor our dedicated retirees, staff, and volunteers. Congratulations to our six retirees and 115 Volunteers!!!!

Congratulations to our six retirees who have served our district for a combined total of 124 years. Susanne Bruland with 33 years of service, Lori Buher with 27 years of service, Jan Auman with 25 years of service, Juli Olson with 20 years of service, Nancy Lomsdalen with 10 years of service, and Andy Wheeler with 9 years of service at La Conner School District will retire at the end of this school year. We wish them the best in their future endeavors. We are grateful to have over 115 amazing volunteers who assist with tutoring, chaperoning, monitoring, speaking, reading, and various activities. These volunteers generously support various projects and share their expertise in the schools. We value their partnership in educating the students of La Conner School District. Without their help, our schools would not be able to execute half of the special activities and field trips.

Rachel Haley was recently awarded the WASA Student Leadership Award at a luncheon hosted by WASA after being nominated by the LCSD staff. Rachel, Congratulations on receiving this well-deserved recognition for your numerous accomplishments.

Your exceptional leadership skills and mentoring abilities have been invaluable. Rachel is the daughter of Bonnie Beddall and John Haley. We are so proud of you!! This award recognizes student leaders who have played a significant role in creating or participating in initiatives or programs that promote inclusivity, access, equity, or social justice in their school and community. The selection criteria include demonstrating leadership and serving as a role model, organizing events that promote respect for diversity, equity, and individual differences, inspiring and motivating others through collaboration and community engagement, exemplifying integrity in all words and actions, maintaining a positive image and presence within the school and greater community, demonstrating initiative by seeking ways to enrich the future and displaying a strong work ethic both inside and outside the classroom.

So many great things are happening in our district as addressed in a thank you note from our Mastery-based Learning coach, Joy Nolan, following her recent visit.

Dear Wonderful La Conner MS/HS team - There's always "a lot" going on, and we know this is especially true for La Conner schools . . . big thank you to you and your colleagues and the students for hosting us, taking time to speak with us, and most of all for the thoughtful, creative, and powerful work you're leading to make school work better and feel better for the young people and families you serve. It was useful and inspiring to see and hear evidence of your CRSE/MBL work in its natural habitat. You're doing beautiful work together and individually, and it's showing up in many ways—here are a few pics from that day, from a fan and supporter of the important work you're doing. I echo Cam in the final pic below in saying: Thank You 4 All You Do. With gratitude, to be in this work with you—Joy

IMPORTANT DATES & REMINDERS CLASS of 2023 STUDENTS & PARENTS

Town of La Conner Needs Public Involvement - Asking Citizens to Complete Survey from the Planning Department for the Comprehensive Plan Update.

La Conner’s Comprehensive Plan is a document required by the State of Washington that guides development and land use in La Conner. It is updated every 10 years to reflect the changing needs of the community and the changing requirements of the state. The Comprehensive Plan includes 11 elements: Introduction, Public Participation, Community Profile, Economic, Land Use, Housing, Transportation, Utilities, Capital Facilities, and Parks and Recreation. La Conner is currently updating this document, and would like community feedback to ensure that La Conner continues to improve in the next 10, 20, and 50 years.

Artwork Unveiling This installation was created by Bellingham artist, Mary Ennes Davis and commissioned by The Tim Bruce family prior to the drama performance Friday, April 28

A legacy of La Conner Schools is the abundance of art integrated into the curriculum, displayed in the hallways and around the campus. The theatre’s stage has been shared by community members and students in musical performances, Broadway hits, and various theatre performances for over a hundred years. The sets were designed by faculty and students, from their inception to the actual construction of the structures and props. Community members have long supported the musical performances, poetry readings, and art shows put on by students of all ages. The campus is a showcase for several Northwest artists and students have had opportunities to experience artist residencies of numerous kinds. This artwork was designed to honor the positive impact of art in the schools and the community.

50th Anniversary of the Jack Whittaker Stadium Field Dedication / Honoring the 1968 La Conner Football Team and Coaches

Please join us on May 3 - The La Conner School District will host a celebration to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Jack Whittaker Stadium Field Dedication and to honor the accomplishments of Jack Whittaker and the 1968 La Conner football players and coaches. We look forward to having many of their family members join us for this special recognition. The event will begin promptly @ 2:00 pm, just before our home track meet. A small reception will follow the event in the high school library at 2:45 pm.

Congratulations Kennedy Miller for being selected as the Soroptimist Honored Student for the month!

Congratulations Kennedy Miller for being selected as the Soroptimist Honored Student for the month. Kennedy is a dedicated student and volunteer, serving as a coach for her younger sister's basketball team, as well as being a member of the Swinomish Tribal Youth Council and National Honor Society. In addition to her academic and volunteer pursuits, Kennedy is also an accomplished athlete, playing on the state 2B volleyball championship team and serving as a guard for the LCHS basketball team, which placed 4th at the state tournament. As a lifelong and multigenerational resident of Swinomish/La Conner, Kennedy is proud of her cultural heritage and participates in beach clean-up teams and Swinomish elder dinners as part of the Tribal Youth Council. She also enjoys cooking and baking, and recently started a part-time job at the Ice Cream Tower. Kennedy has expressed her desire to attend either Western Washington University or Skagit Valley College to pursue her lifelong goal of becoming a registered nurse. To recognize her hard work and dedication, Kennedy will receive a gift certificate to Vintage Thrift, a local thrift and consignment shop that supports women and girls in the community through generous donations from the community. Congratulations to Kennedy Miller on being named Soroptimist Honored Student for the month of March! Way to go Kennedy!!

We Welcome Taysha James-Sherman as our new Assistant Softball Coach. Taysha was selected because she has excellent communication skills, as well as a passion for helping students improve their skills both on and off the field.

She will set the standards high and create an equitable opportunity for all student-athletes. Taysha is a 3rd generation educator and coach. She is a La Conner graduate from the Class of 2013, a Swinomish Tribal Member, and has lived on the reservation her entire life. She has assisted her dad, Loran James, with the La Conner fastpitch team since 2017. What she enjoys most about coaching is the culture of softball and developing young women into leaders. When Taysha isn't working or coaching, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and playing rec sports. We are glad you are part of the team, Taysha!

Digital Safety Information - LCSD recognizes that students need opportunities to learn and practice using technology appropriately. We work to ensure that all students are given instruction in safe, effective use of the tools available.

La Conner Schools is fortunate to have one laptop or iPad for every student in the district. This ubiquitous access to technology allows our staff and students K-12 to easily access educational materials from school or home, and more easily collaborate with teachers and peers. It helps facilitate more personalized instruction by allowing teachers to tailor lessons to the needs and abilities of individual students. While technology improves engagement by allowing students to explore and create, it also helps prepare students for future careers by giving them hands-on experience with the technologies they’ll be using in the workforce. LCSD has implemented technology solutions that help ensure that student use of their school devices on campus are monitored, filtered, and compliant with state and federal laws.

Please join us as we welcome back Dave Cram as our new Deputy Superintendent of Finance, Human Resources & Operations.

Dave was selected for this role for his extensive experience in Finance offices throughout the Pacific Northwest in large and small school districts. Dave is a long-time resident and is well-connected to our community. He genuinely cares about our school district and community. Dave Cram is a fifth-generation resident of La Conner, and he is very proud of this community. He started his career in School District Finance at La Conner and worked here for almost seventeen years before he advanced his career and expanded his knowledge in the Lakewood, Anacortes, and Marysville school districts. Dave is excited to be back working for LCSD. David’s parents, wife, children, nieces, nephews, and siblings are also proud La Conner Alumni. Dave is enthusiastic about seeing La Conner Schools continue to thrive as a positive place for kids to learn. Welcome home, David!!

LCHS Families filled the library to celebrate the successes of their students, who are members of the La Conner Chapter of the National Honor Society.

Congratulations Kendall Lee, Morgan Huizenga, Natalee Koch, Isa Gonzales-Rojas, Christian Fix, Corran Eisen, Jarrett Hatch, Josie Harper, Kennedy Miller, Finn Hakenson, Josie Adams, Abigail Udlock, Brogan Masonholder, Zaira Najera Davalos, and Hallie Walls for your strong leadership, moral character, and excellent academic standing (3.5 or better) and your commitment to our community.

Parents and Families, you will now schedule your own conferences online.

La Conner School District has enabled conference scheduling in Qmlativ/Skyward! We’re excited to share this easy-to-use feature of Qmaltiv enabling families to book conference slots. Families with more than one student can quickly see available time slots for all of their teachers and coordinate schedules more easily! Elementary families should sign up with their student’s classroom teacher, and can also sign up with specialists (PE, science, computers, etc.) for conferences. At the middle and high school, families are encouraged to sign up for conferences with any of their student’s teachers and/or the student’s advisor. To help you get signed up, we’ve created a short how- to video (click to access): Step-by-Step Directions https://www.q.wa-k12.net/laconnSTS Qmlativ/Skyward Login If you don’t know your login to Qmlativ, use the “Forgot Your Username or Password?” link. Student Schedule: Thursday, March 16: No School (Conferences only) Friday, March 17: No School (Conferences only) Conference Schedule: Thursday, March 16: 12:00pm - 7:30pm Friday, March 17: 8:00am - 11:30am

Middle School special education students have a new opportunity to learn life skills with the Braves Mobile Café cart. Shout out to Frances Cayou and William Yakanak for being our first servers!

Students are learning how to take inventory, order supplies, fill orders, learn about currency, how to make a profit, and develop customer service skills. Here's how it works: Rachel Hanson and Heather DeGroot, paraeducators who initiated the program, send out the menu to the staff on Thursday. Interested staff members complete a google order form with their option from drip coffee to a fancy latte or mocha. Before school on Friday, Rachel and Heather check the orders and get to brewin'! Student volunteers write the order on cups, organize the supplies, and load up the cart for delivery. Either Rachel or Heather assist with delivery while the other finishes the rest of the orders. Once out for delivery, our students are in charge. They serve the coffee to the customer (staff member), collect the money for the order, and make and give back change to the customer, building skills in customer service, money management, and business. Currently, drip coffee is $3, and lattes and mochas with flavors and mild options are $5. Proceeds go to keeping the ‘business’ running (no staff or students make money from the venture), and then to funding a cause the students select. Currently, the cause is our new Little Braves Preschool.

Welcome, Julia Grout, our newest SPED Paraeducator in the High School. Her proven dedication to students and families, as well as her powerful sense of purpose, will guide her work and interactions with others. Julia has worked in Education for seven year

Julia has experience from preschool through college. Each age group has been uniquely challenging and very rewarding. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Travis, and our two cats, Bartholomew and Cornelius. She enjoys the outdoors; whether it is car camping or backpacking through the Cascades in the treasured outdoor activities available in Washington. Julia also has a passion for cooking. Please join us in welcoming Julia Grout to our Brave family!

La Conner Elementary PTA and The Anacortes Community Theatre are excited to bring a live performance of Adventures in the Land of Oz starring our very own elementary students.

You still have an opportunity to see these amazing thespians tonight, Friday, February 3rd, at 7:00 pm and Saturday, February 4th at 2:00 pm, in the Bruce Performing Arts Center.

Congratulations Rachel Haley on being awarded January Student of the Month by La Conner Soroptimist!! Rachel has shown exceptional dedication to her academics, our student body, school district, and community.

Rachel also serves as ASB President; she leads with a can-do attitude, is a positive role model, and welcomes everyone with her beautiful smile. She has many talents and follows her passion for playing music, creating art, writing poetry, and acting in theatre productions. Rachel, we are so proud of you and your plethora of achievements!! Rachel is the daughter of Bonnie Beddall and John Haley of La Conner.

Congratulations Coach Suzanne Marble for being inducted into the WIAA hall of fame!

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Hall of Fame is a means to recognize, preserve, and promote the heritage of interscholastic activities in Washington state. Many individuals have made extraordinary contributions and superb accomplishments in high school sports and activities. The WIAA Hall of Fame honors the contributions and achievements of those individuals who are worthy of statewide recognition as examples for others to emulate. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has officially announced its inductees for the WIAA Hall of Fame classes of 2021 and 2022. Suzanne, along with 10 new inductees, will be honored at the 2023 Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon at the Renton Pavilion Events Center on Wednesday, May 3rd. Tickets for the event will go on sale on March 13th. The School Board will honor and recognize coach Suzanne Marble at the January 23 board meeting. We invite you to attend the meeting to express your appreciation in special recognition of Coach Marble for the many hours she has put into the La Conner volleyball program with her astounding leadership and many outstanding achievements: 7 State Championships 2002, 2006, 2007, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022; 18 State trophies, 27 state appearances, 23 league titles, Hall of Fame Coach, a five-time recipient of state coach of the year honors, including in 2022, 12+ times been named the Northwest league’s premier coach; 2022 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Co-Coach of the Year; and now she can add 2022 WIAA Hall of Fame. Congratulations Coach Marble and thank you for all that you've done for our district and community!!! GO BRAVES!

We welcome Devan Mansfield to the Little Braves' Preschool. Devan was selected for this position because she is passionate about students and loves helping kids become independent.

Devan was a substitute in the Preschool prior to accepting this position, so she is familiar with the kids and the families already. Below is her bio to get to know her a little better. Being that it’s a new year, and this is a new job (exciting!) I’d like to introduce myself to you all. My name is Devan Mansfield. I’m thirty-six years old and was born and raised in Skagit County. Specifically, Conway. I have been married for twelve years and my husband (Tom) and I, have three beautiful children; Lenae(15), Paul(10), and Teddy(6). We currently have a five-acre property in Conway where my children, and our border collie Willy, love to run and play. My family had a dairy farm on Fir Island for over one-hundred years and I have a proud family legacy spanning many generations in this Valley. I cannot tell you how excited I am to be joining Little Braves' Preschool. What started out as a para-ed position that was meant to be temporary, soon felt like I had found a new place to call home. All of these incredibly bright, special, wonderful kids are a joy to be around, as well as teaching, and Coral and Joreen are the best teachers anyone could hope to work with. They love these kids! I feel very blessed to call Little Braves' Preschool and the La Conner School District, my place of employment. I look forward to helping the children learn and grow in all the best ways, and I know that they will educate me as well. I also look forward to meeting all the parents and families of these special little people, and I hope for a wonderful new year at Little Braves' Preschool.