Students at Sedro-Woolley High School heard from Matt Pomerinke, who shared his personal story of a life-changing workplace injury and a message centered on safety, awareness, and speaking up.
Matt, of Longview, Washington, was working at a lumber mill when his arm was caught in an unguarded conveyor drive chain. The injury ultimately led to the amputation of his arm just below the elbow. Today, he travels across the state as part of the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Injured Young Workers Speakers Program, sharing his experience with students and young workers ages 16 to 24.
His goal is simple: prevent another young person from becoming a statistic.
In Washington, three young workers are injured every hour. Research shows that young workers are more likely to be injured on the job than adults, especially when they are new to the workforce. Despite this, many young workers and families assume that common jobs—like those in restaurants or retail—are inherently safe. In reality, hazards such as burns, falls, and equipment injuries can exist in any workplace.
To raise awareness, the Department of Labor & Industries created the Injured Young Workers Speakers Program. Since launching in 2008, the program has reached more than 60,000 students across Washington. What began in just five schools now brings presentations to dozens of schools, colleges, and workplaces each year—reaching thousands of young people annually. Each presentation includes a video with reenactments of real workplace accidents involving teens, followed by a speaker like Matt sharing their lived experience.
During his visit, Matt encouraged students to remember three key messages:
• Figure out what you want to come home to. Work is a way to support the life you live outside of it.
• Get all the training you can. Ask questions, even if it feels uncomfortable. Learn your job.
• Look out for one another. Every workplace has hazards, and speaking up can help keep others safe.
He also emphasized the importance of reporting injuries. Speaking up not only helps ensure proper care, but can also prevent someone else from getting hurt.
This is an important conversation for young people looking to enter the workforce this summer. Safety is never guaranteed—but awareness, training, and the willingness to speak up can make all the difference.
Matt, of Longview, Washington, was working at a lumber mill when his arm was caught in an unguarded conveyor drive chain. The injury ultimately led to the amputation of his arm just below the elbow. Today, he travels across the state as part of the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Injured Young Workers Speakers Program, sharing his experience with students and young workers ages 16 to 24.
His goal is simple: prevent another young person from becoming a statistic.
In Washington, three young workers are injured every hour. Research shows that young workers are more likely to be injured on the job than adults, especially when they are new to the workforce. Despite this, many young workers and families assume that common jobs—like those in restaurants or retail—are inherently safe. In reality, hazards such as burns, falls, and equipment injuries can exist in any workplace.
To raise awareness, the Department of Labor & Industries created the Injured Young Workers Speakers Program. Since launching in 2008, the program has reached more than 60,000 students across Washington. What began in just five schools now brings presentations to dozens of schools, colleges, and workplaces each year—reaching thousands of young people annually. Each presentation includes a video with reenactments of real workplace accidents involving teens, followed by a speaker like Matt sharing their lived experience.
During his visit, Matt encouraged students to remember three key messages:
• Figure out what you want to come home to. Work is a way to support the life you live outside of it.
• Get all the training you can. Ask questions, even if it feels uncomfortable. Learn your job.
• Look out for one another. Every workplace has hazards, and speaking up can help keep others safe.
He also emphasized the importance of reporting injuries. Speaking up not only helps ensure proper care, but can also prevent someone else from getting hurt.
This is an important conversation for young people looking to enter the workforce this summer. Safety is never guaranteed—but awareness, training, and the willingness to speak up can make all the difference.
The Sedro-Woolley School District will hold in-person registration events for incoming kindergarten students for the 2026–2027 school year.
Families with children who will turn 5 years old by August 31, 2026 should attend the registration event at their neighborhood school to sign up their child for kindergarten.
Registration Event Dates
April 14, 5–6:30 p.m.
Central Elementary School
Evergreen Elementary School
Mary Purcell Elementary School
April 16, 5–6:30 p.m.
Big Lake Elementary School
Clear Lake Elementary School
Lyman Elementary School
Samish Elementary School
Parents and guardians should bring:
• Child’s birth certificate
• Immunization records
See the boundary maps here:
Full District: https://5il.co/1yp66
In-Town: https://5il.co/1yp67
We look forward to welcoming our newest students to the Sedro-Woolley School District! Please share this information with families who may have incoming students.
Families with children who will turn 5 years old by August 31, 2026 should attend the registration event at their neighborhood school to sign up their child for kindergarten.
Registration Event Dates
April 14, 5–6:30 p.m.
Central Elementary School
Evergreen Elementary School
Mary Purcell Elementary School
April 16, 5–6:30 p.m.
Big Lake Elementary School
Clear Lake Elementary School
Lyman Elementary School
Samish Elementary School
Parents and guardians should bring:
• Child’s birth certificate
• Immunization records
See the boundary maps here:
Full District: https://5il.co/1yp66
In-Town: https://5il.co/1yp67
We look forward to welcoming our newest students to the Sedro-Woolley School District! Please share this information with families who may have incoming students.
Reminder for Sedro-Woolley School District families:
There will be no school April 6 through April 10 for Spring Break.
We hope students, families, and staff enjoy a safe and relaxing break. Classes will resume on Monday, April 13.
There will be no school April 6 through April 10 for Spring Break.
We hope students, families, and staff enjoy a safe and relaxing break. Classes will resume on Monday, April 13.
Our Highly Capable Program students have been hard at work showing their creativity and writing skills with a Pet of the Year Writing Contest!
Take a look at the student entries here:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1M7Xzdmk4lNVG9VFfNhSAkGP7Lr7weiD0Gc2-FgOrxT4/edit?slide=id.g3c0b5a6149f_0_0#slide=id.g3c0b5a6149f_0_0
The HiCap program provides opportunities for students to explore advanced learning and creative thinking, and this contest is a great example of that work in action.
Read more about HiCap in their newsletter: https://app.smore.com/n/ugm7re
Sedro-Woolley High School Latino in Action (LIA) students attended the LIA Youth Leadership Conference in March.
Students gathered at the Performing Arts Center in Bellingham to build leadership skills, connect with peers, and celebrate their culture and future goals.
Congratulations to:
• Penina Librado Rodriguez – 1st Place in Writing
• Angeles Sanchez – Honorable Mention in Visual Arts
We are proud of our students for representing Sedro-Woolley High School and for their commitment to leadership, learning, and community.
The Latino in Action program supports leadership development, academic success, cultural identity, and college and career readiness for students.
Students gathered at the Performing Arts Center in Bellingham to build leadership skills, connect with peers, and celebrate their culture and future goals.
Congratulations to:
• Penina Librado Rodriguez – 1st Place in Writing
• Angeles Sanchez – Honorable Mention in Visual Arts
We are proud of our students for representing Sedro-Woolley High School and for their commitment to leadership, learning, and community.
The Latino in Action program supports leadership development, academic success, cultural identity, and college and career readiness for students.
Yesterday our third grade students at Central Elementary School proudly showcased their Project-Based Learning (PBL) projects focused on habitats and animal adaptations.
Students in Mrs. Ludwig, Mrs. Bogue, and Mrs. Pelland’s classes became experts as they researched different environments and explored how plants and animals survive within them.
As their culminating challenge, each student selected an animal and reimagined it in a brand-new habitat, designing creative (and realistic!) adaptations to help it survive. They brought their ideas to life by:
• Building detailed animal models
• Creating life-sized habitat dioramas as a class
• Writing informational pieces
• Designing trading cards to highlight their animal’s unique adaptations
During their presentations, students demonstrated strong critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration—and did an amazing job sharing their learning with others.
We are so proud of our Central Elementary third graders and the hard work they put into this project!
Students in Mrs. Ludwig, Mrs. Bogue, and Mrs. Pelland’s classes became experts as they researched different environments and explored how plants and animals survive within them.
As their culminating challenge, each student selected an animal and reimagined it in a brand-new habitat, designing creative (and realistic!) adaptations to help it survive. They brought their ideas to life by:
• Building detailed animal models
• Creating life-sized habitat dioramas as a class
• Writing informational pieces
• Designing trading cards to highlight their animal’s unique adaptations
During their presentations, students demonstrated strong critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration—and did an amazing job sharing their learning with others.
We are so proud of our Central Elementary third graders and the hard work they put into this project!
Next week is National Assistant Principals Week. Since we're on Spring Break, we're hoping everyone can help celebrate our incredible assistant principals who help lead our schools a bit early!
Assistant principals support students, families, teachers, and staff every day. They help create safe learning environments, solve problems, encourage students, and keep our schools running smoothly.
To our assistant principals in the Sedro-Woolley School District: thank you for your leadership, care for students, and commitment to our school community. Your work makes a difference every single day.
Tomorrow, April 4, we celebrate School Librarian Appreciation Day. Since we won't see our librarians on a Saturday, we encourage you to show your appreciation today instead!
School librarians play an important role in helping students discover the joy of reading, develop research skills, and explore new ideas. They create welcoming spaces where curiosity and learning grow every day.
To our amazing school librarians in the Sedro-Woolley School District: thank you for inspiring a love of reading and helping our students become lifelong learners. We appreciate everything you do for our schools.
Today marks the end of the third quarter for students in grades 7 through 12 in the Sedro-Woolley School District.
As we head into the final quarter of the school year, we are proud of the hard work our students have shown and the support provided by families and staff. The last part of the school year is a great time to stay focused and finish strong.
As we head into the final quarter of the school year, we are proud of the hard work our students have shown and the support provided by families and staff. The last part of the school year is a great time to stay focused and finish strong.
Today we celebrate the incredible paraprofessionals who support students across the Sedro-Woolley School District every day.
Paraprofessionals work side by side with teachers to help students learn, grow, and feel supported in the classroom. They build relationships, provide encouragement, and make a lasting difference in the lives of our students.
To our paraprofessionals: thank you for your patience, kindness, and dedication. Our schools are stronger because of you, and we are truly grateful for the care you give to our students each day.
Paraprofessionals work side by side with teachers to help students learn, grow, and feel supported in the classroom. They build relationships, provide encouragement, and make a lasting difference in the lives of our students.
To our paraprofessionals: thank you for your patience, kindness, and dedication. Our schools are stronger because of you, and we are truly grateful for the care you give to our students each day.
Happy April Fool’s Day from the Sedro-Woolley School District!
Today is a day for a little extra laughter and fun. Whether it is a harmless joke or a silly moment with friends, we hope everyone finds a reason to smile today.
Just remember—keep the jokes kind and school appropriate!
Today is a day for a little extra laughter and fun. Whether it is a harmless joke or a silly moment with friends, we hope everyone finds a reason to smile today.
Just remember—keep the jokes kind and school appropriate!
The Sedro-Woolley School District will hold in-person registration events for incoming kindergarten students for the 2026–2027 school year.
Families with children who will turn 5 years old by August 31, 2026 should attend the registration event at their neighborhood school to sign up their child for kindergarten.
Registration Event Dates
April 14, 5–6:30 p.m.
Central Elementary School
Evergreen Elementary School
Mary Purcell Elementary School
April 16, 5–6:30 p.m.
Big Lake Elementary School
Clear Lake Elementary School
Lyman Elementary School
Samish Elementary School
Parents and guardians should bring:
• Child’s birth certificate
• Immunization records
See the boundary maps here:
Full District: https://5il.co/1yp66
In-Town: https://5il.co/1yp67
We look forward to welcoming our newest students to the Sedro-Woolley School District! Please share this information with families who may have incoming students.
Families with children who will turn 5 years old by August 31, 2026 should attend the registration event at their neighborhood school to sign up their child for kindergarten.
Registration Event Dates
April 14, 5–6:30 p.m.
Central Elementary School
Evergreen Elementary School
Mary Purcell Elementary School
April 16, 5–6:30 p.m.
Big Lake Elementary School
Clear Lake Elementary School
Lyman Elementary School
Samish Elementary School
Parents and guardians should bring:
• Child’s birth certificate
• Immunization records
See the boundary maps here:
Full District: https://5il.co/1yp66
In-Town: https://5il.co/1yp67
We look forward to welcoming our newest students to the Sedro-Woolley School District! Please share this information with families who may have incoming students.
🎶 Cascade Middle School choir students had an outstanding day at the Junior San Juan Music Educators Festival!
Students represented Cascade Middle School well—earning a Superior rating, the highest distinction at the festival. Beyond their performance, they demonstrated excellent decorum as performers, audience members, and guests of Anacortes High School.
We are incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and professionalism these students showed throughout the day.
Thank you to Ms. Stephanie Cates for her leadership and to our students for being such strong representatives of our school community!
Students represented Cascade Middle School well—earning a Superior rating, the highest distinction at the festival. Beyond their performance, they demonstrated excellent decorum as performers, audience members, and guests of Anacortes High School.
We are incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and professionalism these students showed throughout the day.
Thank you to Ms. Stephanie Cates for her leadership and to our students for being such strong representatives of our school community!
One-Hour Late Start Reminder: All schools have a one-hour late start tomorrow for professional development.
#LateStartWednesday #ProfessionalDevelopment
📅 Sedro-Woolley School District Health & Wellness Fair
Sedro-Woolley families are invited to attend our Health & Wellness Fair on Tuesday, March 31 at Cascade Middle School.
This free event will bring together local health providers and community organizations to share information and resources that support student and family well-being.
Event Schedule
🩺 Student Physicals: 5:00–8:00 p.m. (pre-registration required)
🏥 Health Resource Fair: 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Families will be able to connect with providers offering information and support related to:
• Medical and dental care
• Vision checks
• Mental and behavioral health
• Substance use prevention
• Family and community support services
Our goal is to help Sedro-Woolley families learn about the many resources available in our community and make it easier to access care.
Register for the physical registration by clicking the link below:
https://forms.office.com/r/5NkwRaJFVB
📍 Cascade Middle School
905 McGarigle Rd., Sedro-Woolley
Sedro-Woolley families are invited to attend our Health & Wellness Fair on Tuesday, March 31 at Cascade Middle School.
This free event will bring together local health providers and community organizations to share information and resources that support student and family well-being.
Event Schedule
🩺 Student Physicals: 5:00–8:00 p.m. (pre-registration required)
🏥 Health Resource Fair: 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Families will be able to connect with providers offering information and support related to:
• Medical and dental care
• Vision checks
• Mental and behavioral health
• Substance use prevention
• Family and community support services
Our goal is to help Sedro-Woolley families learn about the many resources available in our community and make it easier to access care.
Register for the physical registration by clicking the link below:
https://forms.office.com/r/5NkwRaJFVB
📍 Cascade Middle School
905 McGarigle Rd., Sedro-Woolley
Mark your calendars: There will be no school April 6 through April 10 for Spring Break.
🎶 Superior Performance — SWHS Musicians Shine! 🎶
Sedro-Woolley High School students recently traveled to Western Washington University for the San Juan Music Educators Association Orchestra and Mariachi Festival—and they delivered an outstanding performance!
Our students earned a “Superior” rating, the highest honor at the festival. This recognition reflects their talent, preparation, and the pride they bring to representing our school and community.
A big thank you to music teacher Brad Hendry for his leadership, and to our families for their continued support.
We are proud of you—and we know your families are too! 👏🎻🎺
Sedro-Woolley High School students recently traveled to Western Washington University for the San Juan Music Educators Association Orchestra and Mariachi Festival—and they delivered an outstanding performance!
Our students earned a “Superior” rating, the highest honor at the festival. This recognition reflects their talent, preparation, and the pride they bring to representing our school and community.
A big thank you to music teacher Brad Hendry for his leadership, and to our families for their continued support.
We are proud of you—and we know your families are too! 👏🎻🎺
Lyman Elementary families are invited to the Wildcat Assembly. The assembly will take place on Friday, March 27 at 9:35 a.m. at Lyman Elementary School.
Spring Picture Day at Central Elementary School will take place on Thursday, March 26.
Sedro-Woolley High School students in Ms. Degerness's classes had a great day of hands-on learning at Padilla Bay on Tuesday.
During their field trip, students learned about the ecological and economical importance of estuaries and how they can protect them.
Students also had the chance to get out on the beach, collect organisms, and take a closer look under microscopes—bringing their learning to life through real-world exploration.
During their field trip, students learned about the ecological and economical importance of estuaries and how they can protect them.
Students also had the chance to get out on the beach, collect organisms, and take a closer look under microscopes—bringing their learning to life through real-world exploration.
