Veterans Day Assembly November 9, 2018

Looking for Additional Veterans

South Bend School District will be hosting our annual Veterans Day assembly this November 9, 2018 at 9:00 am at Koplitz Field House.  Principal Jason Nelson and South Bend leadership students are putting together the program and are looking for any additional veterans who would like to be included and/or recognized at the assembly.

Our current list of veterans can be accessed here:  Current South Bend Veterans List

If you know of a veteran (not on our list) you would like to be included in our assembly, or recognized in our program, please submit your information here to update our list.

Please contact principal Jason Nelson at 360-875-6041 for questions or more information.

School board receives state "Board of Distinction" recognition

South Bend School District's board of directors has been selected as a 2018 Board of Distinction by the Washington State School Directors' Association (WSSDA).  The board is being recognized for work in areas outlined in the Washington School Board Standards, which include:  

• Providing for learning essentials, including rigorous curriculum, technology, and high quality facilities; and,
• Addressing the opportunity gap, ensuring all students receive a quality education.

South Bend's board continues to demonstrate leadership and support in improving instruction and learning through recent curriculum adoptions, technology implementation, and numerous capital project improvements at all levels of the district---including the impending construction of South Bend's new elementary school.  In addition, the board has provided resources and support to implement programs that provide access to breakfast and lunch for all students regardless of family income, increased language supports for English language learners and families, and added counselor\social worker support at the elementary school. 

The board's leadership includes setting a vision, providing adequate resources, and supporting school staff in effective planning and implementation. 

Board members include Chairman Steve Rogers, Vice-Chairman Chuck Spoor, Legislative & WIAA representative Todd Strozyk, and members Dave Eastham and Andy Seaman.  The board will be recognized at the annual WSSDA Conference in Spokane this November, and is now in the running for State Board of the Year.

Standard Response Protocol

Since last school year, South Bend School District has been reviewing protocols and procedures related to student and staff safety.  This process involved a review of current protocols, individual building reviews of procedures, and analysis of perceived needs based on staff feedback.  As a result of this work, the district identified the need for a simple, yet standardized protocol that could be used in all buildings and grade levels.

Beginning this school year, we are implementing the Standard Response Protocol (SRP).  This program was developed by the 'i love you guys' foundation and is based on nationwide research into best practices in responding to school threats.  The protocol consists of four components:  Lockout, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter.  One of the positive effects of SRP is the common language and processes used throughout the grades.  Students and staff learn specific commands and methods that carry through our entire school system.

Lockout

Lockout is initiated when a perceived threat is detected outside our buildings, resulting in locking and securing our building perimeter.  Students are trained to return to the inside of our buildings where school continues as usual.  Teachers and staff are trained to recover students from outside the buildings, account for all students and staff members, increase situational awareness, and continue school as usual.

Lockdown

While the Lockout component results in returning students and staff to the inside of our buildings and securing all exterior doors, the Lockdown is different.  Lockdown results when a threat is detected inside our buildings.  The standard command that initiates the Lockdown is, "Lockdown! Locks, Lights, out of Sight!"  During Lockdown, students are trained to move away from sight and maintain silence.  Teachers and staff are trained to lock the classroom door, turn off all lights, and move away from sight.

Evacuate

When conditions require an evacuation of the buildings, an Evacuate command will be given.  During Evacuate, students are trained to leave their things behind, bring their phone (if available), and form a single file line.  Teachers and staff are trained to grab roll sheets (if available), lead students to the evacuation location, and take roll.

Shelter

The Shelter command will be given when conditions require staff and students to shelter in place.  This could occur inside our buildings, at an evacuation point, or any other place requiring such action.  Students are trained in various safety strategies.  Teachers and staff are trained to assist students during a Shelter, account for students, and report injuries and/or problems to first responders.

Continuing Efforts

Part of being prepared for incidents is practicing various scenarios.  So far this school year, we have conducted both a Lockout and Lockdown drill at all buildings.  Each drill is followed by staff meetings to collect input and questions in an effort to increase efficiency.  We are also in talks with the South Bend Police Department to communicate our efforts and to take any feedback or guidance on how we can more effectively execute our protocols.

As we further implement the Standard Response Protocol, we will continue to communicate essential information to parents.  If parents have specific questions as to the SRP for a specific building, they should contact the building principal at 360-875-6041.

Teacher contract agreement settled & ratified

South Bend School District and the South Bend Teachers Association have reached a 3-year contract agreement.  After a mediated bargaining session this last Sunday, a tentative agreement was signed yesterday (Monday, 9/17), and ratified by the board and teachers this afternoon.

Both sides worked tirelessly during the three negotiation meetings that were held over the last 4 weeks.  I want to thank teachers Heidi DeLap, Neomi Kuiken, Barbara Lester, Julie Lorton, and Lori Dearmore for their hard work and dedication to the process.

We are fortunate to have a great staff in South Bend who all love kids.  On behalf of the board and the entire district, we are excited to continue our work on the many great things happening in our school.  Team work is alive and well at South Bend School District, efforts that continue to make South Bend, "A great place for kids."

Parent & Community Update

A Message to the Parents and Community Members of South Bend School District

As you are aware, South Bend School District is in the midst of contract negotiations with our employees.  The classified employee group (bus drivers, paraprofessionals, custodians, cooks, secretaries, etc.) reached agreement with the district in August and have since ratified.  However, negotiations with the South Bend teachers continue.  Most recently, the district has requested the assistance of the Public Employment Relations Commission and will be moving forward under mediation.

Because children are now in the midst of school, the school board of directors and I believe our parents and community deserve to be fully aware of the current status of teacher negotiations.  In an effort of full transparency, the district will be posting information relevant to teacher negotiations on our district website.  This information will also include up-to-date developments that may impact school operation.  Please visit www.southbend.wednet.edu to access this information.

The first priority for all of us at South Bend School District is the education of our community’s children.  The board and I have full confidence in the process of coming to resolution with our teachers, and our goal is to come to a fair and sustainable agreement quickly.