Thanksgiving Update

Time has been flying by this 16-17 school year as we are approaching December and the winter months.  Lots of good things are happening at South Bend School District--this article serves as a mid-year update to our students, staff, and community members on what we have been up to at South Bend since September.

Quick News & Reminders

• The annual K-12 Food Drive will be happening December 5-9.  Please call your school office for details.
• The Chauncey Davis Holiday Store will take place Dec 13-14.  Thank you to Linda Buchanan for all her help and assistance in making this annual event happen!
• The Elementary and Jr. Sr. High Christmas Concert is on December 14, elementary beginning at 6:00 pm.
• We are looking for score clock operators for basketball!  Any adults interested in running our score clock please contact the high school office at 875-6041.
• Do you know someone who wants to learn English?  Contact Manuel Rangel at 875-6041.

Early Learning

Our pre-school program is off to a great start this year and we are currently serving over 100 students!  This year we started junior preschool for students age 30 months, and have a weekly playgroup for birth to 3 year olds and their caregivers.  Our pre-school program is using Creative Curriculum in all classrooms. 

The South Bend early learning program is an approved ECEAP provider.  We offer a full range of services to students birth to 3, and up through pre-kindergarten.

Elementary

Our current enrollment is at 324 students K-6--we are running three sixth grade classrooms!  Our elementary teachers and staff are doing an incredible job.

At the beginning of the school year we implemented the "Math in Focus" math curriculum grades K-6.  With any new curriculum adoption, both teachers and students need time to adapt to new instructional methods and content expectations.  Teachers have been receiving ongoing professional development in teaching the new math curriculum, and students are progressing nicely as they adapt to the new level of rigor.  The curriculum is aligned with the Washington Learning Standards.

Mrs. Byington and her teachers are also starting the piloting and study process for a new English Language Arts curriculum for grades K-6.  Similar to the adoption process for math, staff will spend most of this school year field testing, analyzing, and scoring various instructional materials using both the Instructional Materials Evaluation Tool (IMET) and Assessment Evaluaiton Tool (AET).  They will also work with upper grade teachers to be sure selected materials are aligned with junior high and high school learning standards.


Jr. Sr. High

Our enrollment in the Jr. Sr. High is currently at 235, and all teachers, staff, and students are working hard.  This fall we have been in the midst of several new programs, including English Language Arts classes through the University of Washington, our new food science class, and expanded art class.  We are also about to complete a new greenhouse for our special education program.  Thank you to Mr. McMurry and our construction program!

Special Education greenhouse construction

You will soon be seeing our construction class throughout the community working on several projects, including constructing a storage facility for the Pacific County Historical Society.  In fact, the PCHS recently donated a construction trailer to our construction class to haul tools, equipment, and supplies.  Ryan McMurry, teacher, and his students are eager to continue these projects in the community.  What a great way for students to learn!

Winter athletics started last week with high school games fast approaching.  Schedules can be found here for both boys and girls programs.  Be sure to get updated athletic information via the SB App, which can be found free at the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Library

You may have seen several school library happenings on their Facebook page.  Mrs. Dearmore and Karen Clements have been providing some incredible learning experiences to students, and are continually expanding their services.  One of the exciting additions that has captured the interest of most every student is the new MakerSpace.  Mrs. Dearmore is teaching students to explore their interests through a variety of areas.  Computer coding, robotics, electronics, art, legos, and much more provide the foundation for this new learning in the library.  If you ever want to stop by and see what students are doing, feel free to schedule a visit!

We at South Bend School District are thankful for a caring and supportive community.  On behalf of all of us who work at your school, thank you for making South Bend,  "A Great Place for Kids."

Happy Thanksgiving