District Update: FFA, Metal Shop, Media Productions, "Adulting", and more coming to SB's 19-20 school curriculum

South Bend School District

UPDATE

May 2019

As the month of May quickly comes to an end, I want to share a few highlights in and around the school district from the last couple weeks.  Below are some quick updates that may be of some interest... Lots of good things happening at South Bend!

SB Jr. High student Lola Moseley shows off her original art

School Library

You never know what you might find when visiting Mrs. Dearmore's library at South Bend Schools.  Contrary to some recent statewide media reports characterizing school libraries as "a collection of books", our #SB118 library is a place where students ages kindergarten through high school come together to learn.  This learning goes beyond traditional library activities of research and quiet reading, and includes Genius Hour classes, Makerspace, and other facilitated student learning opportunities where students can explore their passions and interests.  It is vital students have the opportunity to pursue what interests them.  The impact can certainly be seen in the above young lady's smile and pride in her art, created in her Genius Hour class.

Mrs. Dearmore and kindergarten students with new books

All this being said, we still treasure our books!  In fact, over the past four years we have added hundreds of new books (non-fiction and fiction alike) to meet the needs of students at all grade levels, both English and Spanish.  Our library recently received their newest shipment of 172 books filling many student requested titles.

Career & Technical Education

New CTE Teacher & Classes

As noted in prior district updates, South Bend is in the midst of revamping our career & technical education (CTE) courses.  Historically known as "vocational" classes, the South Bend school board has recently approved some significant changes to our CTE lineup coming this Fall.  Last month at their regular meeting, the board approved the hiring of Ms. Jayda Jessie as our newest CTE teacher.  Ms. Jessie is graduating from Washington State University this month and will be certified as a CTE Agriculture Education teacher.  Her credentials allow us to offer new courses in metal shop, welding, fabrication, and utilization of our new CNC plasma cutter.  Ms. Jessie will also be starting a new FFA program, will be teaching classes in our greenhouse, and will be teaching Natural Resources.

Harbor Trades & Technology Center

You might recall my update from a couple weeks ago that mentioned the new Harbor Trades & Technology Center, a joint partnership with Raymond School District and the Port of Willapa Harbor.  We are currently planning interior changes to the Port building, setting up teacher training, identifying materials our new classes will require, and developing a lease agreement with the Port.  I have high hopes that this new program will transform the way we engage students in meaningful skill development and future career paths.  

I have had people approach me wanting to contribute to this new program financially.  If you are interested in this, or know of others who are interested, please contact me at the email below.

Media Productions

South Bend High School is also adding a Media Productions class, where students will be learning to compose various video and other media creations.  The course will be instructed by Mr. Mike Lee, who is currently putting together course curriculum and materials consisting of video cameras, green screens, video editing software, and much more.

"Adulting"

I can't tell you how many times I hear people say, "It would sure be nice if schools taught kids how to balance a checkbook, how to cook, how to buy a car...", the list goes on an on.  Well, though some of these skills are covered in certain places during high school, South Bend is taking it one step further for the 19-20 school year.

"Adulting" as referred to by principal Jason Nelson, might just be a 21st century version of the traditional "Home Economics" or "Life Skills" classes that almost all of us remember.  Though the class most likely will have a more official title come Fall, the course is designed to introduce students to concepts like: kitchen safety, healthy eating, menu planning, basic cooking, child development & care, car & home maintenance, personal finance, etc.  I am very excited for what this class will bring to our students and look forward to the class growing into a bigger program.  The class will be taught by high school teacher, Mrs. Jana Johnson.

New School Construction Update

South Bend's new elementary school build is moving forward.  Currently, contractors are surveying the building site in preparation for the approximate 180 piling that will be installed. 

At the same time, South Bend maintenance crews are removing our greenhouses and playground equipment.  I spoke with Rognlin's construction superintendent, Brandon Russell, today where he told me they hope to move piling in the week of June 3.  Rognlin's hopes to begin driving pile on June 10.


Around Town

You might have seen some new signage around South Bend recently.  To help commemorate South Bend's 150 year celebration, SB design and construction classes have created several billboards that

are installed along HWY 101.  Mr. Duwayne Keahey and Mr. Aaron Blevins worked on the project with their students and coordinated with the City of South Bend for installation.  What a great opportunity for our students to create something of which all residents of South Bend can be proud.

Coming Up

Don't forget that South Bend's Class Day and Graduation are fast approaching.  Class Day will be on Thursday, June 6 at 1:30 pm and Graduation will be Friday, June 7 at 6:30 pm.

QUESTIONS ABOUT SOUTH BEND SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 118 CAN BE DIRECTED TO 

SUPERINTENDENT JON TIENHAARA AT: JTIENHAA@SOUTHBENDSCHOOLS.ORG