Samish Elementary School’s Employee of the Year Award goes to Zoe Brunson, a special education teacher for first grade in the STRIVE program!
Zoe's commitment to her students, her passion for inclusion and innovative teaching methods set her apart. She consistently exceeds expectations by demonstrating flexibility and creativity in meeting the diverse needs of her students. She embodies the principle of "meeting students where they are at," fostering an inclusive learning environment for both students on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and those in general education. Despite challenges, Zoe's approach yields measurable growth and results, evident in the data she collects. Zoe goes above and beyond, tirelessly working to create an inclusive environment for all students. She spearheaded the creation of the Samish Strive program, collaborating with the UW Haring Center to develop a model of inclusion from scratch.
Zoe showcased the Samish model of discipline referral at the Joint Discipline Committee, leveraging technology to streamline processes and enhance data collection. Her advocacy for her students and willingness to speak up in meetings underscore her dedication to their success. As a member of the Samish Ci3T leadership team and the Tier 2/Tier 3 Ci3T team, she ensures that all students are represented and supported.
She has taken the initiative to educate staff on working with neurodiverse students through an educational bulletin board. Zoe's advocacy for inclusion extends beyond the school walls; she has spoken passionately at school board meetings, advocating for the importance of inclusive education.
Zoe's impact extends beyond the classroom as she volunteers her time to support Sedro Woolley High School athletic events, showcasing her dedication to the broader school community.
Zoe epitomizes excellence in education, embodying reliability, leadership, and advocacy within the Sedro-Woolley School District. Her contributions have not only transformed the lives of her students but have also inspired others within the district to embrace the principles of inclusion and excellence.


Today we celebrate SWHS Class of 2024 graduate Madison Fryer-Tillman.
Congratulations on all your hard work!
#CUBseniorcelebrations #HearUsRoarIn2024

Today we celebrate SWHS Class of 2024 graduate Melany Ochoa Roman.
Congratulations on all your hard work!
#CUBseniorcelebrations #HearUsRoarIn2024

💊🩺 Happy National School Nurse Day! Today we recognize and appreciate the dedication and care provided by our school nurses. Thank you for keeping our students healthy and safe! #SchoolNurseDay #HealthyStudents

Today we celebrate SWHS Class of 2024 graduate Colby Rosenow.
Congratulations on all your hard work!
#CUBseniorcelebrations #HearUsRoarIn2024

Clear Lake Elementary School’s Outstanding Employee of the Year Award goes to Tanya Smith, a SPED Resource Room teacher.
Tanya extends additional support to her students, ensuring their well-being by connecting them with food and outside resources. Her involvement as an active member of the Ci3T (Comprehensive, Integrated, Three-Tiered) team involves providing professional development and intervention support to all staff, thereby enhancing the school's overall effectiveness in handling student behavior.
Tanya's leadership is evident. Serving as the ASB Advisor, she organizes various initiatives such as food and clothing drives, dress-up days, and bullying prevention activities like Wear Pink Day. Additionally, her role as the SWEA Union Representative demonstrates her commitment to advocating for both staff and students' rights and welfare.
Tanya's reliability is unquestionable, as she consistently attends all meetings and stays late most days, ensuring that she's available to support her students and colleagues whenever needed. She even provides a safe space during lunch for students who may feel overwhelmed in the cafeteria, thereby preventing potential disruptions.
Tanya's active participation in workshops and continuous learning outside of school hours reflects her dedication to personal and professional growth. As a live role model of excellence in education, Tanya's advocacy for her students and fellow staff members resonates deeply within the walls of Clear Lake Elementary School, earning her immense respect and appreciation from parents and stakeholders alike.

Big Lake Elementary School’s Outstanding Employee of the Year Award goes to longtime kindergarten teacher Mary Lynch!
Beyond her regular duties, Mary consistently goes above and beyond to support her fellow staff members, serving as the heart of the school community. Her classroom is not just a place of learning but a hub of camaraderie (and also fondly called “the store” by her coworkers for the many years of supplies she has on hand), where teachers seek advice, share ideas, and find inspiration in her innovative teaching methods.
Mary demonstrates exemplary performance by always being present and willing to take on additional responsibilities, even in her final year of teaching. Whether it's mentoring a student teacher or brainstorming new educational activities at 2 in the morning, Mary's commitment to her students and colleagues never wavers.
Mary brings fresh ideas to the table and supports the school's leadership team in maintaining Big Lake's cherished traditions. Her willingness to participate in light-hearted activities, like being "pie'd" in the face more than a few times over the years, exemplifies her sense of humor.
Mary is a master teacher! Her craft in education continues to evolve each year and has a growth mindset. She has supported her teaching partner for years with her vast knowledge base while listening to new ideas presented to her and putting it into her practice. Mary has given her time to support students seeking their license, teachers seeking National Board certification, and her support of softball! Her passion is felt by everyone and it is that passion that has driven her through 30 plus years of service in our district! Mary leaves a three-decade legacy behind as she retires at the end of this school year and she will never be forgotten for the impact she has made!
Mary is a true Big Lake Beaver and loves our community and has served our community with love and respect. As a mentor and friend, she has helped shape the careers of many educators and fostered a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Good Beginnings Preschool Employee of the Year is School Psychologist Corie Schauls! She embodies a level of dedication and compassion that significantly impacts students and families.
Colleagues rely on Corie's extensive experience, wisdom and support whenever needed. She serves as a cornerstone for the team, offering guidance and assistance in navigating the complexities of school psychology.
Corie takes on a leadership role within the district, particularly in her capacity to lead and educate fellow school psychologists. By staying abreast of the latest research and practices, she ensures that the team delivers consistent and effective psychological services across the district. Her leadership fosters a collaborative environment where knowledge is shared, enhancing the support provided to students and staff alike.
Congratulations, Corie!

Congratulations to Stuart Roberts, who has been named Employee of the Year for the Food Service/Warehouse Department of the Sedro-Woolley School District. Stuart's role primarily revolves around warehouse operations, ensuring smooth functioning of the Food Service Department.
Stuart is known for his quick adaptability and 'can-do' attitude, readily embracing changes in plans and completing tasks without complaint. Even during unforeseen circumstances such as power outages or equipment concerns, Stuart demonstrates outstanding reliability by making special trips to the facilities during evenings or weekends to ensure everything is in order.
Stuart's commitment extends beyond his regular work hours. He willingly sacrifices his personal time to address urgent matters and provide essential support to the district, whether it's troubleshooting freezer alarms or assisting with summer projects. Stuart's willingness to go the extra mile is a testament to his strong work ethic and dedication to his job.
His leadership qualities are evident in his proactive approach to problem-solving and his ability to maintain a positive attitude even during challenging situations. Colleagues appreciate his reliability, sense of humor, and willingness to provide support and guidance when needed.
Stuart epitomizes the qualities of an outstanding employee.

Don't forget, all schools will start one hour late tomorrow so staff can participate in professional development!
CMS: 8:40 a.m.
SWHS: 8:55 a.m.
SSHS: 9:00 a.m.
Elementary: 10:25 a.m.

🚴♀️🛴 Get ready to pedal and roll! Tomorrow, May 8, is National Bike and Roll to School Day. Let's promote healthy ways of commuting to school. Don't forget your helmets! #BikeToSchool

Today we celebrate SWHS Class of 2024 graduate Emily Everett.
Congratulations on all your hard work!
#CUBseniorcelebrations #HearUsRoarIn2024

Today we celebrate SWHS Class of 2024 graduate Kellen Soares.
Congratulations on all your hard work!
#CUBseniorcelebrations #HearUsRoarIn2024

Today we celebrate SWHS Class of 2024 graduate Mason Adams.
Congratulations on all your hard work!
#CUBseniorcelebrations #HearUsRoarIn2024

Cascade Middle School TRIO students had a blast on a whale-watching adventure on Friday, May 3.
Although the whales remained hidden, the Puget Sound waters near Anacortes treated students to an unforgettable experience!
#WhaleWatching #MarineLife #AdventureTime #TRIOEducation






Cascade Middle School invites you to attend a sixth-grade information meeting in May! Families will be provided with the information necessary for a smooth transition to middle school. It will be a very informative evening and all parents and sixth grade students are encouraged to attend. If a family cannot attend on the designated evening, please attend on the night that is convenient for you!
Students will:
• Choose electives for their 7th grade schedule.
• Gather information on athletics and extracurricular activities.
• Gain insight on a smoother transition from elementary to middle school.
• Take a self-guided tour of the school with your family
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 -- Outlying Schools
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 -- In-Town Schools
Due to limited seating, these are suggested dates for outlying and in-town school and families.
Parking is available in front and also in the bus lanes.
Presentation begins in the CMS cafeteria @ 6:30 p.m. sharp.


Today we celebrate SWHS Class of 2024 graduate Mackenzie Poppe.
Congratulations on all your hard work!
#CUBseniorcelebrations #HearUsRoarIn2024

Today we celebrate SWHS Class of 2024 graduate Ansony Taylor.
Congratulations on all your hard work!
#CUBseniorcelebrations #HearUsRoarIn2024

Today we celebrate SWHS Class of 2024 graduate Helena Trammell.
Congratulations on all your hard work!
#CUBseniorcelebrations #HearUsRoarIn2024

🎶🎵 May 5–12 is National Music Week! Let's celebrate the power of music in our lives and communities. #MusicWeek #SWSD

