Something mad was bubbling in the Cascade Middle School science lab today! 🧪💡

Science teacher Heather Hirschi brought chemistry to life—literally glowing—with a sublimation demonstrations featuring dry ice, water, glycerin, Dawn soap, and black lights. Dressed as a “mad scientist,” she showed students how solids can turn directly into gas, creating glowing fog and eerie gas bubbles.

Students also observed a highlighter ink reaction under black light—an electrifying twist that made the lesson even brighter! ✨

For safety reasons, students observed the experiments while Mrs. Hirschi handled the materials, but the fascination was hands-on in every other way. 🔬🎃

Way to make science glow, Ms. Hirschi!
about 2 months ago, SWSD Communications
Science teacher Heather Hirschi, dressed as a mad scientist, performs glowing dry ice and highlighter ink demonstrations for Cascade Middle School students. Under black lights, fog, bubbles, and bright colors show sublimation and gas reactions while students watch safely from their desks.
Science teacher Heather Hirschi, dressed as a mad scientist, performs glowing dry ice and highlighter ink demonstrations for Cascade Middle School students. Under black lights, fog, bubbles, and bright colors show sublimation and gas reactions while students watch safely from their desks.
Science teacher Heather Hirschi, dressed as a mad scientist, performs glowing dry ice and highlighter ink demonstrations for Cascade Middle School students. Under black lights, fog, bubbles, and bright colors show sublimation and gas reactions while students watch safely from their desks.
Science teacher Heather Hirschi, dressed as a mad scientist, performs glowing dry ice and highlighter ink demonstrations for Cascade Middle School students. Under black lights, fog, bubbles, and bright colors show sublimation and gas reactions while students watch safely from their desks.
Science teacher Heather Hirschi, dressed as a mad scientist, performs glowing dry ice and highlighter ink demonstrations for Cascade Middle School students. Under black lights, fog, bubbles, and bright colors show sublimation and gas reactions while students watch safely from their desks.
Science teacher Heather Hirschi, dressed as a mad scientist, performs glowing dry ice and highlighter ink demonstrations for Cascade Middle School students. Under black lights, fog, bubbles, and bright colors show sublimation and gas reactions while students watch safely from their desks.
Science teacher Heather Hirschi, dressed as a mad scientist, performs glowing dry ice and highlighter ink demonstrations for Cascade Middle School students. Under black lights, fog, bubbles, and bright colors show sublimation and gas reactions while students watch safely from their desks.
Science teacher Heather Hirschi, dressed as a mad scientist, performs glowing dry ice and highlighter ink demonstrations for Cascade Middle School students. Under black lights, fog, bubbles, and bright colors show sublimation and gas reactions while students watch safely from their desks.
Evergreen 6th graders in Ms. Kilcup's English Language Arts (ELA) class spent time this week completing a spook-tacular escape room challenge. Students practiced analyzing plot elements and figurative language use in a mysterious short story. Through collaboration the teams solved puzzles and riddles that guided them through the forest. The winning teams had to work together and put their literary analysis prowess to the test in order to escape from the haunted forest! Way to soar Eagles! 🦅🎃
about 2 months ago, SWSD Communications
6th grade students work in small groups during a Halloween-themed classroom escape room challenge. Students are reading clues, solving puzzles, and discussing story elements together as part of a spooky ELA activity.
6th grade students work in small groups during a Halloween-themed classroom escape room challenge. Students are reading clues, solving puzzles, and discussing story elements together as part of a spooky ELA activity.
6th grade students work in small groups during a Halloween-themed classroom escape room challenge. Students are reading clues, solving puzzles, and discussing story elements together as part of a spooky ELA activity.
6th grade students work in small groups during a Halloween-themed classroom escape room challenge. Students are reading clues, solving puzzles, and discussing story elements together as part of a spooky ELA activity.
6th grade students work in small groups during a Halloween-themed classroom escape room challenge. Students are reading clues, solving puzzles, and discussing story elements together as part of a spooky ELA activity.
6th grade students work in small groups during a Halloween-themed classroom escape room challenge. Students are reading clues, solving puzzles, and discussing story elements together as part of a spooky ELA activity.
Clear Lake Elementary School will host their annual Book Character Parade at 2:45 p.m. October 31. The community is invited to cheer on the students around the usual parade route!
about 2 months ago, SWSD Communications
Clear Lake Elementary School will host their annual Book Character Parade at 2:45 p.m. October 31. The community is invited to cheer on the students around the usual parade route!
🦉 Sixth graders in Mrs. Quatsoe’s class at Mary Purcell Elementary got hands-on with science this week — dissecting owl pellets to uncover what’s inside!

Mrs. Quatsoe collected the pellets herself to make sure every student had one to explore. Inside, students discovered fur, bones, and other remains from small rodents the owls had eaten, digested, and… well… left behind.

Science doesn’t get much more memorable (or fascinating) than this! 🔬✨
about 2 months ago, SWSD Communications
Students in Mrs. Quatsoe’s sixth grade class at Mary Purcell Elementary dissect owl pellets, examining small bones and other remains. Mrs. Quatsoe collected the pellets herself so each student could participate.
Students in Mrs. Quatsoe’s sixth grade class at Mary Purcell Elementary dissect owl pellets, examining small bones and other remains. Mrs. Quatsoe collected the pellets herself so each student could participate.
Students in Mrs. Quatsoe’s sixth grade class at Mary Purcell Elementary dissect owl pellets, examining small bones and other remains. Mrs. Quatsoe collected the pellets herself so each student could participate.
Students in Mrs. Quatsoe’s sixth grade class at Mary Purcell Elementary dissect owl pellets, examining small bones and other remains. Mrs. Quatsoe collected the pellets herself so each student could participate.
Students in Mrs. Quatsoe’s sixth grade class at Mary Purcell Elementary dissect owl pellets, examining small bones and other remains. Mrs. Quatsoe collected the pellets herself so each student could participate.
Students in Mrs. Quatsoe’s sixth grade class at Mary Purcell Elementary dissect owl pellets, examining small bones and other remains. Mrs. Quatsoe collected the pellets herself so each student could participate.
Students in Mrs. Quatsoe’s sixth grade class at Mary Purcell Elementary dissect owl pellets, examining small bones and other remains. Mrs. Quatsoe collected the pellets herself so each student could participate.
Students in Mrs. Quatsoe’s sixth grade class at Mary Purcell Elementary dissect owl pellets, examining small bones and other remains. Mrs. Quatsoe collected the pellets herself so each student could participate.
Students in Mrs. Quatsoe’s sixth grade class at Mary Purcell Elementary dissect owl pellets, examining small bones and other remains. Mrs. Quatsoe collected the pellets herself so each student could participate.

Hands-on learning in action! ⚙️🚜⚡️

Students from both State Street High School and Sedro-Woolley High School participated in the WAVE (Washington Apprenticeship Vocational Experience) tour last week — exploring real-world careers in the trades through hands-on activities.

Students had the chance to:
🛠 Build metal toolboxes with Western Sheet Metal
⚡️ Learn about becoming an electrician with JATC Electrician Apprenticeship
🚜 Use a virtual backhoe simulator with the Operating Engineers Regional Training Program
💪 Try out a jackhammer and learn about construction from LiUNA Northwest Laborers Training
🚤 Explore boat design technology with Aspen Power Catamarans, learning how strong, lightweight boats are made

These hands-on experiences help students connect classroom learning to future career paths — and the excitement was real!

📸 Photos courtesy of Michelle Strobel, State Street High School Counselor

#RootedInSW #EmpoweringStudents #CareerConnectedLearning

about 2 months ago, SWSD Communications
A student practices operating a backhoe under the guidance of instructors from the Operating Engineers Regional Training Program.
Students gather around an electrical panel display while learning about apprenticeship opportunities from JATC Electrician Apprenticeship representatives.
Students take turns using a jackhammer with supervision from LiUNA Northwest Laborers Training representatives.
Students used metal tools to assemble a small metal toolbox during the WAVE tour workshop with Western Sheet Metal.
Students used metal tools to assemble a small metal toolbox during the WAVE tour workshop with Western Sheet Metal.
Students from Sedro-Woolley and State Street High Schools stand near a tender boat from Aspen Power Catamarans while learning about lightweight boat construction technologies.
Students from Sedro-Woolley and State Street High Schools stand near a tender boat from Aspen Power Catamarans while learning about lightweight boat construction technologies.
📚 Samish Elementary students took a special field trip to the Central Skagit Library this week!

Thanks to a partnership between the library and the district, every student is eligible for a free library card. While students could check out one book during their visit, they can borrow up to five books when they return with a guardian — or even request more if they’re extra eager readers!

During the visit, students explored the library’s search system, learned about the color-coded book sections, and enjoyed time in the play corner filled with hands-on activities.

The library is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Reading skills grow stronger with practice — so grab a good book and read together often! 💙📖

#RootedInSW #EmpoweringStudents #LoveOfReading
about 2 months ago, SWSD Communications
Samish Elementary students explore the Central Skagit Library, browsing bookshelves, learning how to use the library’s search system, and enjoying the play area during their field trip.
Samish Elementary students explore the Central Skagit Library, browsing bookshelves, learning how to use the library’s search system, and enjoying the play area during their field trip.
Samish Elementary students explore the Central Skagit Library, browsing bookshelves, learning how to use the library’s search system, and enjoying the play area during their field trip.
Samish Elementary students explore the Central Skagit Library, browsing bookshelves, learning how to use the library’s search system, and enjoying the play area during their field trip.
Samish Elementary students explore the Central Skagit Library, browsing bookshelves, learning how to use the library’s search system, and enjoying the play area during their field trip.
Samish Elementary students explore the Central Skagit Library, browsing bookshelves, learning how to use the library’s search system, and enjoying the play area during their field trip.
🇺🇸 Mark your calendars! Lyman Elementary Veterans Day Assembly will be held on Wednesday, November 5 at 9:35 a.m.

Families and community members are welcome to honor our veterans together with students.
about 2 months ago, SWSD Communications
November 5 Lyman Veterans Day Assembly

🕐 Mark your calendars! Guardian-teacher conference week will start Tuesday, November 4 and Wednesday, November 5 for elementary schools and then expand to all schools Thursday and Friday.

To accommodate for conferences, elementary schools will have early dismissals November 4–7. The middle and high schools will have early dismissal November 6–7.

Please watch your email and/or Rooms notifications for building/teacher communication about conference times.

Elementary Schools
• Tuesday, November 4: Early dismissal at 12:30 p.m. for conferences.
• Wednesday, November 5: No Late Start — early dismissal at 12:30 p.m. for conferences.
• Thursday & Friday, November 6–7: Early dismissal at 12:30 p.m. for conferences.

Cascade Middle School, Sedro-Woolley High School & State Street High School
• Regular dismissal on Wednesday, Nov. 5.
• Early dismissal Thursday & Friday for conferences.

Thursday & Friday Dismissal Times
• Cascade Middle School – 10:45 a.m.
• State Street High School – 10:50 a.m.
• Sedro-Woolley High School – 11:00 a.m.
• All Elementary Schools – 12:30 p.m.

Reminder: There is no Good Beginnings Preschool on early dismissal days.

about 2 months ago, SWSD Communications
🕐 All Sedro-Woolley elementary schools will have Early Dismissal at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4 and Wednesday, November 5. Reminder: there is no Good Beginnings Preschool on early dismissal days. These early release days allow time for parent-teacher conferences.
All schools have early dismissal on November 6 and 7.
One-Hour Late Start Reminder: All schools have a one-hour late start tomorrow for professional development. #LateStartWednesday #ProfessionalDevelopment
about 2 months ago, SWSD Communications
One-Hour Late Start Reminder: All schools have a one-hour late start tomorrow for professional development.
Happy Friday! Linked here is this week's district newsletter! Enjoy the weekend! https://secure.smore.com/n/9hztye
about 2 months ago, SWSD Communications
Weekly Newsletter
The first meeting of the Big Lake Elementary Math Olympiad Team kicked off this week!

Students in grades 4–6 from Big Lake (and Clear Lake, if they can get a ride!) are diving into problem-solving challenges that build critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork.

Throughout the year, the team will practice new math skills and compete virtually against students from around the country through the Mathematical Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS) program.

We can’t wait to see what these mathletes accomplish! 🧮✨
about 2 months ago, SWSD Communications
Students gather around a table at Big Lake Elementary, smiling as they work together on a math problem during the first Math Olympiad meeting.
Students gather around a table at Big Lake Elementary, smiling as they work together on a math problem during the first Math Olympiad meeting.
Students gather around a table at Big Lake Elementary, smiling as they work together on a math problem during the first Math Olympiad meeting.
Students gather around a table at Big Lake Elementary, smiling as they work together on a math problem during the first Math Olympiad meeting.
Students gather around a table at Big Lake Elementary, smiling as they work together on a math problem during the first Math Olympiad meeting.
What happens when Dorothy doesn’t go back to Kansas—but ends up in Wonderland instead?

Cascade Middle School’s drama students bring a mash-up of two beloved classics to life in “Dorothy in Wonderland,” performing tonight and Saturday at 7 p.m.

Follow Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Lion as they join Alice and her curious companions to outwit the Queen of Hearts and restore order to Wonderland.

📍 Old Cafeteria Stage on Township Street (parking in bus lanes or Admin Annex lots)
🎟️ Tickets: $5 • Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
📸 Photo credit: Emma Westendorf

#RootedInSW #CMSDrama #DeepRootsStrongSchools
about 2 months ago, SWSD Communications
Cascade Middle School drama students in costume rehearsing for “Dorothy in Wonderland,” with characters from The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland gathered on stage under colorful lights.
Cascade Middle School drama students in costume rehearsing for “Dorothy in Wonderland,” with characters from The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland gathered on stage under colorful lights.
Cascade Middle School drama students in costume rehearsing for “Dorothy in Wonderland,” with characters from The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland gathered on stage under colorful lights.
Cascade Middle School drama students in costume rehearsing for “Dorothy in Wonderland,” with characters from The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland gathered on stage under colorful lights.
Cascade Middle School drama students in costume rehearsing for “Dorothy in Wonderland,” with characters from The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland gathered on stage under colorful lights.
Samish Elementary School’s Parent Group is hosting their annual Harvest Bash on Friday, October 24 from 6–8 p.m.
2 months ago, SWSD Communications
Samish Elementary School’s Parent Group is hosting their annual Harvest Bash on Friday, October 24 from 6–8 p.m.
We are so fortunate to have had talented chalkboard artists volunteer their time over the years to decorate the chalkboard in the district office's lobby. Sedro-Woolley High School sophomore Emma Nelson is responsible for this work of fall brilliance.
2 months ago, SWSD Communications
Emma Nelson fall chalkboard
The Sedro-Woolley High School FFA Trap Shooting Team wrapped up a great season at the District Championship this week!

Junior Tyce Croucher tied for first place at the meet and finished 2nd overall after a 25-shot shoot-off against Burlington’s top shooter.

Congratulations to our top five shooters who represented SWHS at Districts:
🏆 Tyce Croucher (11)
🎯 Caleb Bethea (12)
🎯 Kaden Butcher (11)
🎯 Douglas Fraser (9)
🎯 Maddy Weyand (11)

It’s been another strong season for this talented group—way to go, Cubs! 💙🤍

#RootedInSW #SWHS #FFA #TrapTeam
2 months ago, SWSD Communications
Five Sedro-Woolley High School FFA Trap Team members—Tyce Croucher, Caleb Bethea, Kaden Butcher, Douglas Fraser, and Maddy Weyand—stand together at the Old Skagit Gun Club after the District Championship, smiling and wearing their team gear.
Third graders in Meggan Massey Bogue’s class at Central Elementary got their hands dirty learning about soil health! 🌱

Adele Eslinger from United General District 304’s Farm to School program taught students about cover crops—plants that protect soil from erosion during our rainy winter months—and companion planting with garlic. Students teamed up to discover which plants grow best together and why healthy soil matters for everyone!

#RootedInSW #FarmToSchool
2 months ago, SWSD Communications
Adele Eslinger from United General District 304 shows Central Elementary third graders how cover crops protect the soil during the winter rainy season. Students work together on a handout about companion planting with garlic.
Adele Eslinger from United General District 304 shows Central Elementary third graders how cover crops protect the soil during the winter rainy season. Students work together on a handout about companion planting with garlic.
Adele Eslinger from United General District 304 shows Central Elementary third graders how cover crops protect the soil during the winter rainy season. Students work together on a handout about companion planting with garlic.
Adele Eslinger from United General District 304 shows Central Elementary third graders how cover crops protect the soil during the winter rainy season. Students work together on a handout about companion planting with garlic.
One-Hour Late Start Reminder: All schools have a one-hour late start tomorrow for professional development. #LateStartWednesday #ProfessionalDevelopment
2 months ago, SWSD Communications
One-Hour Late Start Reminder: All schools have a one-hour late start tomorrow for professional development.
What happens when Dorothy doesn’t return to Kansas, but instead lands in Wonderland? Join Cascade Middle School’s drama students as Dorothy, the Tin Man, Lion, and Scarecrow team up with Alice and other beloved characters to outwit the Queen of Hearts and set Wonderland right.

Performances will be held on Friday, October 24, and Saturday, October 25, at 7 p.m. on the stage in the old cafeteria on Township Street (parking available in the bus lanes or Admin Annex lot). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person.
2 months ago, SWSD Communications
What happens when Dorothy doesn’t return to Kansas, but instead lands in Wonderland? Join Cascade Middle School’s drama students as Dorothy, the Tin Man, Lion, and Scarecrow team up with Alice and other beloved characters to outwit the Queen of Hearts and set Wonderland right. Performances will be held on Friday, October 24, and Saturday, October 25, at 7 p.m. on the stage in the old cafeteria on Township Street (parking available in the bus lanes or Admin Annex lot). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person.
Clear Lake Elementary School picture day is Tuesday, October 21.
2 months ago, SWSD Communications
Clear Lake Elementary School picture day is Tuesday, October 21.
Big Lake Elementary School picture day is Tuesday, October 21.
2 months ago, SWSD Communications
Big Lake Elementary School picture day is Tuesday, October 21.