September 13, 2024

Dear Enumclaw School District Community,

The Power of Play

This week, I attended a celebration of the accomplishments of a group of students at Westwood Elementary. The students honored had met a summertime challenge issued by Principal Meyer to all students. The challenge, complete a predetermined number of hours of reading, writing, and “play" during the months of July and August. The reward for accomplishing all of these tasks, included a certificate of completion, Cougar Cash, a popsicle, and 10 minutes of additional playtime. Based on my informal observation, it appeared that the playtime was the most valuable of the rewards!

The students ran from the swings to the basketball court and then to the four square court, where I was camped out. Playing with the students, I was reminded of how important “play” is to learning and development for elementary school students. Not only does it foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and social interaction, but it helps students learn to collaborate, negotiate, and build resilience as they encounter and overcome challenges. As an added bonus, it reduces stress and improves emotional well-being, creating a positive and productive learning environment.

While our playtime at Westwood was brief, I got my workout in for the day and promised that I would return soon for a rematch at four square. As the father of a 16-year-old daughter, I am often reminded that “play” is not something treasured only by elementary-age students. So, when time permits, play with your children whenever possible, because the benefits are immeasurable for adults and children alike.

Sincerely,

Shaun

Dr. Carey smiling with Westwood students as they hold up their certificates for summer awards

Required Student Information Updates for 2024-2025s

It is time for ESD families to verify their demographic information and update annual forms through Family Access. Please complete this process for each current Enumclaw School District student in the household by logging into Skyward Family Access at https://www.enumclaw.wednet.edu/page/family-access

Full details can be found on our website.

Attendance Awareness Month with student at their desk using glue stick

September is Attendance Awareness Month

School attendance is a major factor in student academic success. At all grades, students who miss no more than nine days per school year are the most engaged and and on track for graduation. In fact, by 6th grade chronic absenteeism becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.

Everyone plays a part in student attendance - families and school staff are in this together. To learn more about promoting good school attendance and how you can help, visit www.attendanceworks.org

For families struggling to keep enough food in the house during weekends and school breaks, there is help available. Each Friday, over 300 students of the Enumclaw School District receive food bags containing fresh organic fruit, 4 entree servings, 2 breakfasts, and 2 snacks. Food bags are discreetly distributed at school in such a way that the students remain anonymous to classmates.

If your family could benefit from this program, contact your student’s school counselor or complete the online enrollment form.

This program is brought to families of the Enumclaw School District by the Rainier Foothills Wellness Foundation.

English Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAQ8XnenYu4fevr02BMlVughxcZ9zKS2kEObikqekNku1Npw/viewform?usp=sf_link

Spanish Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpP0g4GzUvJjdaZEG-twOKIwHxohTqYqLOQ7lI4cdz9l5GVw/viewform?usp=sf_link

Enumclaw Youth Empowered is a local coalition working to educate, engage, and empower our community to support youth and families in the prevention of youth substance abuse.

In partnership with the Enumclaw School District, they will once again be offering Guiding Good Choices on Tuesdays this October.

This workshop is FREE to parents and caregivers of kids ages roughly 9-14. DINNER and CHILDCARE are included!

Taught by a licensed therapist specializing in youth, this workshop helps caregivers learn how to:

Strengthen family bonds
Reduce family conflict
Support kids to build resistance skills
Set clear family rules to keep kids safe and make positive choices

The five sessions run each Tuesday from October 1 through October 29, 2024, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Enumclaw High School. To register, please visit

Guiding Good Choices Workshop Registration or contact LouAnn Sawyer at lousia_sawyer@enumclaw.wednet.edu

A Look Back at Spring & Summer

Front cover of the report to the community- decorative image

Join Us at the next school board meeting with a photo of the board listening to public comment in the background

Our next Regular Board Meeting is Monday, September 16, 2024.

You will find the Agenda posted 48 hours prior to the meeting on our School Board web page.

Enumclaw School District Statement of Non Discrimination

Enumclaw School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, age, and honorably discharged veteran or military status. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Title IX/Chapter 28A.640 RCW Officer

Civil Rights ComplianceCoordinator

Stephanie Berryhill

2929 McDougall Ave.

Enumclaw, WA 98022

360.802.7113

stephanie_berryhill@enumclaw.wednet.edu

Section 504/ADA Coordinator

Carolyne Zieske

2929 McDougall Ave.

Enumclaw, WA 98022

360.802.7104

carolyne_zieske@enumclaw.wednet.edu