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

Night of Culture

South Bend School District

Night of Culture 2019

South Bend School families, come join us for a fun celebration for all ages!

You don’t have to know Spanish to attend, translation services available

What: Authentic cuisine, traditional games, family time, Mother’s Day poem reciting by South Bend Students and more!

Where: Chauncey Davis Elementary Cafeteria

When:   May 10, 2019,  5:00 to 7:00 pm 

Who: Guest Speaker Tony Johnson Education Director and Tribal Council Chairman

Why: To celebrate our school’s cultural diversity

For more information, contact Manuel Rangel or Julie Haugan @ 360-875-5707

*This idea originated with some enthusiastic South Bend parents and a committee of supportive staff.  We hope that this will become an annual event that will expand to represent all the many unique cultural groups that make up our South Bend School family. 

School Board approves Wyatt Kuiken as next Facility Director

South Bend School District Facility Update

New Facility Director

New facility director Wyatt Kuiken

At their regular April meeting, the board of directors approved the hiring of Wyatt Kuiken as the next facility director.  Wyatt will take over for retiring Gary Wilson, who has worked for the district for the last 34 years.  Wyatt is currently the district transportation supervisor and mechanic.  Though

Wyatt will maintain his role as transportation supervisor, the district is currently evaluating options for school bus mechanic services and will be transitioning those duties in the coming months.

Elementary School Construction 

On Friday, May 3, the district signed a contract with Rognlin's Inc. to construct the new elementary school.  Piling are tentatively scheduled to be delivered the week of May 27.  Contractors may be mobilizing prior to this date to install fencing, survey the construction site, and construct the building pad.  District staff will be removing our greenhouses and pay equipment in the next week.  The existing playshed and hard surface playground will be securely fenced off from the construction area.

Track Resurfacing

The district will be resurfacing our rubber track this July.  Though the track had some repair resurfacing in 2008, the rubber has not been removed to bare asphalt and resurfaced since the track was installed in 1995.  The project will take approximately 4 weeks.  Both the track and the football field will be closed during this time. 

Preschool HVAC system

This week, Capital Heating completed the installation of a new HVAC system in our preschool and early learning center.  The district received a $178,000 competitive grant earlier this school year that paid 100% of the costs of the project.  The new system includes all new heating units and air conditioning, as well as new controllers.

Playshed Conversion

Concept of playshed gym conversion project. CMGreen Design

Last week, the district submitted building plans to the City of South Bend for the elementary playshed gym project.  We received a $200,000 competitive grant to fund the project.  Work will begin this summer and will include enclosing the current structure, insulation, new lighting, the addition of heating and cooling, new backboards and baskets, and the installation of a multi use playing surface.  The building will be adjacent to the new elementary school.

Questions about these projects can be directed to superintendent Jon Tienhaara at:

jtienhaa@southbendschools.org

So many reasons to appreciate our school staff

Appreciating our school staff

This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week, and in South Bend this is the week we dedicate to celebrating all our school staff members, teachers and support staff alike.  As in many other schools across the country, we do a variety of rituals during this week:  coffee day, daily drawings, various food items in the staff rooms, and an all-staff BBQ at the end of the week.  But in reality, this is so little compared to the recognition they truly deserve.

As school superintendent it is all too easy to get distracted by so many things occuring on a daily basis.  And speaking for myself, these things can often get in the way of remembering the unending challenges facing teachers and staff members day in and day out, and all the critical responsibilities for which we rely upon them to oversee.

So in an effort to reflect on why I appreciate our school staff members at South Bend School District, I offer the following in hopes that you will remember to appreciate them too.  Some of these reasons you might not always think about...

Teachers

It is an awesome responsibility to be charged with educating children.  From preschool to high school, teachers are faced with the daunting task of not only teaching kids specific academic skills, but also teaching them how to learn, how to ask questions, how to interact with others, and how to apply knowledge to their lives.

Easy right?

Here's what a lot of people may not understand...

Imagine yourself with a class of 20 to 25 elementary students.  Many of your students come from homes where their physical and emotional needs are met, they are well fed, their medical needs are met, they have clean clothes, their parents are present in their lives, they feel safe.  These students, for the most part, come to school ready to learn.

However, some students do not come with all these basic needs met.

Did you know that in South Bend over 80 students are classified as homeless?  Did you know that in many cases, the only nutritious food some of our students receive is at school, and that some students are given food to take home for the weekend?  Did you know that some students face circumstances in their everyday lives that are impacted by drugs, alcohol, domestic violence, abuse, unemployment, loss, lack of sleep, cleanliness, and overall poverty?

Imagine how this might impact the learning of a 5 year old, or a 10 year old, or a 15 year old, or a 3 year old?  It doesn't matter the age level or grade, these circumstances exist, through no fault of students.  And yet, our teachers come to school each day and teach with care and love, providing many of the essential needs students require.  Our counselors come to school each day and support kids with care and love, providing individual assistance and family support.  Teachers and counselors adapt to all circumstances and strive to provide the best for each individual student. They spend hours planning, grading papers, evaluating curriculum, meeting with parents, setting up learning activities, collaborating with peers, and so much more.  They all provide so much to our students, and it shows.  They care for all.  They love all.  They teach all.

There are additional challenges.  I believe some in society emphasize the wrong things in education, some of which include:  standardized test scores, a "one size fits all approach to teaching and learning", and that all students must attend a 4-year university to be successful.  These ideas can negatively impact our outlook on education, but our teachers strive to work beyond these notions.  Though our teachers most certainly believe in student achievement and the importance of postsecondary education, they also value and acknowledge the importance of teaching the whole child, and they believe student success to be much more than test scores and achievement statistics.

I appreciate our teachers.  To all, thank you.

Support Staff

What would we ever do without our support staff?  Paraprofessionals, office secretaries, kitchen staff, bus drivers, custodians, maintenance staff, technology staff, specialists, and coaches.  For so many reasons, school could not function without our classified staff members.  They safely deliver our students to and from school.  They prepare our students' breakfast and lunch.  They take care of our students when they are ill.  They provide our students with supplemental instruction.  They provide safety, care, and love.  Our support staff are vital, and school could not function without them.

Thank you to our bus drivers for your skill and care.  Thank you for saying, "good morning", when you pick students up and, "have a great day", when you drop them off.  Thank you for driving in all weather conditions, for driving the late night athletic trips, and for being such a fun crew.

Thank you to our paraprofessionals for all you patience.  Thank you for working with students in the small groups, monitoring recess, supervising the hallways, reading to students, and providing so much care.  Thank you for opening milk cartons for the little kids and helping the older kids with their school work.

Thank you to our office workers for your attention to detail.  Thank you for "knowing" all students, advising students, and listening to students.  Thank you for your professionalism, skill in working with the public, and keeping our buildings running.  Thank you for your organization and your willingness to serve.

Thank you to our custodians, maintenance, and technology staff for all your work behind the scenes.  Thank you for your vigilance, your hard work, and your skill in ensuring our infrastructure and facility systems are functional.  Thank you for your great personalities and your unending willingness to do what is needed at all times of the day and night.

Thank you to our cooks and kitchen staff for providing for our kids.  Thank you for your great food, your smiling faces, and your unending care.  Thank you for the environment in our cafeteria that is so inviting and your willingness to start early and stay late.

I appreciate our support staff.  To all, thank you.

Early Learning, preschool, & child care

Second to parenting, I believe early learning pre-k programs to be the most vital component to school readiness.  In my career, I have never known a more caring and competent early learning staff than the ladies we have in our ELC.  Dedication, hard work, commitment, and all with a smile.  It is no wonder the "littles" at South Bend have so much fun and learn so much in our early learning programs.

Did you know that South Bend serves close to 100 pre-k students at our preschool buildings each day?  In addition, our staff also supports our neighboring school districts' preschools in Raymond and Willapa Valley.  Did you know we have home visitors that travel all over the local area providing supports to parents?  Did you know our early learning staff provides child care, organizes medical, vision, and dental care, and ensures alignment of our programs to an always changing state bureaucracy?

I am so thankful for the wonderful environment our ELC staff creates and sustains for our pre-k kiddos.  Thank you for your unending patience and ability to do something I could never attempt.  You all are rockstars.

I appreciate our early learning staff.  To all, thank you.

South Bend, A great place for kids

There is no way I can write enough in this article to give a full understanding of what all our staff do each day at South Bend School District.  All I know is that I and all our administrators depend on them, and they do not disappoint.  Our students depend on them, and they always deliver.  Our parents and community depends on them, and they do our district proud.

I know that I speak for our board of directors, for the entire school administration, and for all those for which our teachers and staff do so much.  We appreciate all of you.  You make South Bend, "A great place for kids."