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NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERmIT NO. 1DEmING, WA

4956 Deming RoadPO Box 95

Deming, WA 98244-0095

Spring 2016Volume 75:3 Educational Excellence and Community Pride

Wood Shed Construction. Photo to the left: Tyler Rosenburg measuring and cutting material; Above: Kameron Kelley (left) Peytin Chapin (right) assembling.

Page

2Calendar• May early release moved to June 16• Fall Registrations• FFA Plant Sale

Page

4Harmony Science Fair Photo credit: Dex Horton

School Safety & Elementary School Campus Reports

Page

667.2%

70.2%

% of Teachers with at least a Master’s Degree

18Whatcom County

Washington

MBSD

MBSD 16Average Students per Classroom

60.4%54.0%

6th grade SBA ELA

MBSD WA

48.9% 45.5%

6th grade SBA Math

MBSD WA

48.6% 48.0%

7th grade SBA Math

MBSD WA

45.8%

26.3%

11th grade SBA ELA

MBSD WA

22.9%13.7%

11th grade SBA Math

MBSD WA

86.8%

72.5%

*10th grade EOC Biology

MBSD WA

14

16

Washington

MBSD

Average years of teaching experience

Smallest Class Size

Average in Whatcom County!

2015 NP

MBSD Annual Report Card

Mount Baker Student Wood Sheds Improve Air Quality

Thank You Voters for Approving the Mount Baker School District LevyThe Mount Baker School District’s replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy passed in the special election on February 9, 2016.

The funds raised by this levy repre-sent 23% of the overall school district budget and supports district athletic and extra-curricular programs, class size reduction, career and technical education, transportation, student safety and other programs.

All school districts in Whatcom County ran Educational Programs and Operation Levy measures on February 9, 2016. All of them passed. If you have questions about the mount Baker Levy please contact Superintendent, Charles Burleigh at (360) 383-2000, or cburleigh@mtbaker.wednet.edu

Page

8School Board Good of the Orders

Photo credit: Melissa Menti

Woodshed Photos Credit: Jason Iwasaki, Tech Ed Teacher

WAAE District 1 Outstanding Rookie AwardCongratulations to Zach Conlee for receiving the Washington Association of Agriculture Educators (WAAE) District 1 Outstanding Rookie Award on behalf of District 1 Ag. Teachers. Zach has done an out-standing job as a first year teacher and we are proud of his contribution to the program. He will be recog-nized officially at our Ag. Teacher Summer Conference in June.

Valley. The materials for the wood sheds are paid for by Northwest Clean Air Agency and the wood sheds are distributed to area community members free of charge. Phil Cloward, Chair of the East Whatcom Community Council Clean Air Committee, has provided leadership for this project and has also personally delivered many of the wood sheds to the community.

This project has benefitted mount Baker stu-dents’ learning of construction techniques and

Dry wood burns cleaner than wet wood. This fact is very important in the Columbia Valley area which often has the lowest air quality in Whatcom County due to air circulation patterns and wood smoke, a problem made worse when people burn wet wood.

mount Baker High School’s, Advanced manufacturing class, taught by Jason Iwasaki, has been building woodsheds, 50 woodsheds, to help make the air healthier in the Columbia

will benefit the community with improved air quality for years to come. Thanks to all for this outstanding community collaboration.

FFA Plant Sale April 28-30 Photo credit: Todd Rightmire

Rookie of the Year

FFA Plant Sale April 28-30, 2016The mount Baker High School will be hosting the Annual FFA Plant Sale on April 28-30, 2016. As always, we have a variety of plants for sale. We will have some new items: strawberries, upright full sun fuchsias, and a variety of grasses. We will also have past favorites such as annual flowering plants, hanging baskets, vegetable starts, several perennials and of course our large fruiting tomato plants.

We will be making a couple of necessary changes this year:

1) All customers will be limited to purchasing no more than 4 tomato plants on the first day of the plant sale.

2) We will implement a new check-out system this year with 4 check-out stations available outside the greenhouse. We hope this will improve the efficiency of the check-out process.

Thank you for your continued support of our horticulture program.

High School MentoringSubhead with dates

info

Mount Baker School District

75Years of Educational Excellence

and Community Pride

Our MissionThe Mount Baker School District,

working with the community, will provide a strong educational

foundation upon which all students can build their futures as productive

citizens in our changing world.

Mount Baker strategic planning is based upon a vision of the outcomes we

want for every Mount Baker student.Every Mount Baker School

District Student will:• Acquire the academic basics of reading,

writing and mathematics;• Develop a well-rounded background

in other core subjects including but not limited to the arts, social studies, science, physical education, foreign language, vocational-technical areas, and basic life skills;

• Be able to think critically and creatively, solve problems, and will communicate effectively;

• Learn to work effectively as individuals and as group members, and will develop self-confidence, self-discipline, and respect for others;

• Recognize the contributions of a wide variety of individuals, groups, and cultures;

• Demonstrate civic responsibility; and

• Be prepared to pursue their selected field of study or work following high school graduation.

Educational Excellence and Community Pride Spring 2016

Spring 2016

Page 2

Page 2 Educational Excellence and Community Pride

Mount Baker SchoolsAcme ElementarySecretaries Michelle Anderson Sally Shetler(360) 383-2045

Kendall ElementarySecretaries Norma Adkinson Diane JacobyJustina Grimes(360) 383-2055

Harmony ElementarySecretaries Noel Conlee Colleen Seutz(360) 383-2050

Mount Baker Jr/Sr High SchoolSecretaries Angie Bass - Registrar Karin Snavely - Attendance Ruby Haner - ASB/AP Principal’s Secretary(360) 383-2015

Mount Baker AcademyAnne Erlandson - Teacher Student Learning Plan ConsultantJodi Ericksen - Teacher Student Learning Plan Consultant(360) 383-2078

ERC: Educational Resource Center Ian Linterman(360) 383-2012

Prof Development. day

Prof Development days

First Day for Students

Labor Day

Early Release Elem/Secondary K-12 Staff Planning

No School for Students — Waiver Day

7-12 Evening Conferences

Early Release Elem/Secondary K- 6 Staff Plan/ 7–12 Conferences

No School for Students K – 6 Non Contract / 7 – 12 Prof Development

No School - Veteran’s Day

Elem Early Release K – 6 Conferences

Early Release Elem/Secondary K – 6 Conferences / 7 – 12 Staff

Thanksgiving Holiday

Early Release Elem/Secondary K – 12 Staff Planning

Winter Break – No School

Winter Break – No School

Return to School — Welcome Back!

Early Release Elem/Secondary K – 12 Staff Planning

No School — Martin Luther King Day

No School for Students K – 6 Prof Development / 7 – 12 Non Contract

No School for Students – Waiver Day

President’s Day – No School

Early Release Elem/Secondary

No School for Students Non Contract Day

Elem Early Release K – 6 Conferences

Early Release Elem/Secondary K – 6 Conferences / 7 – 12 Staff Planning

Early Release Elem/Secondary K – 6 Staff Planning / 7 – 12 Conferences

Spring Break — No School

Early Release Elem/Secondary K – 12 Staff Planning

Normal Release Times

(Early Release moved to June 16)

No School for Students — Waiver Day

Memorial Day — No School

Last day of school (moved from June 15)Early Release Elem/Secondary

Elementary and Secondary Early Release

^ K-6 Early Release @ 1 pm for Staff Planning

* End of Trimester K – 6 = K – 6 Early Release @ 1 pm for Conferences # End of Semester, 7 – 12 @ 7– 12 Early Release @ noon for Conferences & Planning + 7 – 12 Early Release @ noon for Staff Planning > Elementary Report Cards go Home

No School Day Waiver Day

Prof Development Non Contract Day/ Prof Development Non Contract Day

2015 - 2016

K – 12 Staff Planning

August/September 2015

S M T W T F S23 24 25 26 27 28 2930 31 1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25^+ 2627 28 29 30

October 2015

1 2 3

54 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23^@ 24

21

November 2015

S M T W T F S1 2 3 4 5* 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 > 13 14

15 16 17= 18= 19= 20=+ 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 17

February 2016

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26^+ 27

28 29* 19

March 2016

SM T W T F SS M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 > 9 10= 11=+ 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25^@ 26

27 28 29 30 31

May 2016

1 2 3 4 5 6

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

June 2016

S M T W T F 1 2 3

7

4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30

January 2016

S M T W T F S 1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15^+ 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 # 29 30

31 18

December 2015

S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18^+ 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31 14

April 2016

S M T W T F S

S M T W T F S

S

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

24 25 26 27 28 29^+ 30

Aug. 31

Sept. 1-2

Sept. 3

Sept. 7

Sept. 25

Oct. 9

Oct. 22

Oct. 23

Nov. 6

Nov. 11

Nov. 17-19

Nov. 20

Nov. 26-27

Dec. 18

Dec. 21-31

Jan. 1

Jan. 4

Jan. 15

Jan. 18

Jan. 29

Feb. 12

Feb. 15Feb. 26

March 4

March 10

March 11

March 25

April 4-8

April 29

May 13

May 27May 30June 16

May 13 has been Changed to a Full Schedule Day. June 16, our last day of school, will be an early release: Secondary students will be dismissed at noon. Elementary students will be dismissed at 1:00 p.m.

May 13 will NOT be an early release. Our last day of school has changed from June 15, 2016 to June 16, 2016, and will be an early release. The change of date, from June 15 to June 16 is due to the power outage that resulted in school cancelation in November.

For information on the school district calendar please contact Tammy Baisden at (360) 383-2000.

Events are regularly updated on our website calendar:

www.mtbaker.wednet.edu

Prof Development. day

Prof Development days

First Day for Students

Labor Day

Early Release Elem/Secondary K-12 Staff Planning

No School for Students — Waiver Day

7-12 Evening Conferences

Early Release Elem/Secondary K- 6 Staff Plan/ 7–12 Conferences

No School for Students K – 6 Non Contract / 7 – 12 Prof Development

No School - Veteran’s Day

Elem Early Release K – 6 Conferences

Early Release Elem/Secondary K – 6 Conferences / 7 – 12 Staff

Thanksgiving Holiday

Early Release Elem/Secondary K – 12 Staff Planning

Winter Break – No School

Winter Break – No School

Return to School — Welcome Back!

Early Release Elem/Secondary K – 12 Staff Planning

No School — Martin Luther King Day

No School for Students K – 6 Prof Development / 7 – 12 Non Contract

No School for Students – Waiver Day

President’s Day – No School

Early Release Elem/Secondary

No School for Students Non Contract Day

Elem Early Release K – 6 Conferences

Early Release Elem/Secondary K – 6 Conferences / 7 – 12 Staff Planning

Early Release Elem/Secondary K – 6 Staff Planning / 7 – 12 Conferences

Spring Break — No School

Early Release Elem/Secondary K – 12 Staff Planning

Normal Release Times

(Early Release moved to June 16)

No School for Students — Waiver Day

Memorial Day — No School

Last day of school (moved from June 15)Early Release Elem/Secondary

Elementary and Secondary Early Release

^ K-6 Early Release @ 1 pm for Staff Planning

* End of Trimester K – 6 = K – 6 Early Release @ 1 pm for Conferences # End of Semester, 7 – 12 @ 7– 12 Early Release @ noon for Conferences & Planning + 7 – 12 Early Release @ noon for Staff Planning > Elementary Report Cards go Home

No School Day Waiver Day

Prof Development Non Contract Day/ Prof Development Non Contract Day

2015 - 2016

K – 12 Staff Planning

August/September 2015

S M T W T F S23 24 25 26 27 28 2930 31 1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25^+ 2627 28 29 30

October 2015

1 2 3

54 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23^@ 24

21

November 2015

S M T W T F S1 2 3 4 5* 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 > 13 14

15 16 17= 18= 19= 20=+ 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 17

February 2016

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26^+ 27

28 29* 19

March 2016

SM T W T F SS M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 > 9 10= 11=+ 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25^@ 26

27 28 29 30 31

May 2016

1 2 3 4 5 6

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

June 2016

S M T W T F 1 2 3

7

4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30

January 2016

S M T W T F S 1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15^+ 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 # 29 30

31 18

December 2015

S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18^+ 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31 14

April 2016

S M T W T F S

S M T W T F S

S

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

24 25 26 27 28 29^+ 30

Aug. 31

Sept. 1-2

Sept. 3

Sept. 7

Sept. 25

Oct. 9

Oct. 22

Oct. 23

Nov. 6

Nov. 11

Nov. 17-19

Nov. 20

Nov. 26-27

Dec. 18

Dec. 21-31

Jan. 1

Jan. 4

Jan. 15

Jan. 18

Jan. 29

Feb. 12

Feb. 15Feb. 26

March 4

March 10

March 11

March 25

April 4-8

April 29

May 13

May 27May 30June 16

READY! for KindergartenMount Baker School District Spring READY! Class Schedule:READY! classes provide learning targets, tools (toys!) and training that will support parents and caregivers in nurturing children’s development. In a series of three classes (Fall, Winter, Spring) families will learn age appropriate language, literacy, mathematics, and social -emotional skills that children need to succeed in school. Each class includes a focus on teaching concepts, promoting oral language, and strengthening relationships through fun activities and intentional play at home. If you have a 3 -5 year old in your family or neighborhood, please sign up for this valuable learning experience.

Kaye Marshall Early Learning Specialist

kmarshall@mtbaker.wednet.edu (360) 383-2000

Sat. April 23th DEMING LIBRARY

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (3-4 yrs)

1:30-3:00 p.m. (4-5 yr PreK)

Tues.April 26th KENDALL

ELEMENTARY 6:30-8 p.m. (3-5 yr PreK)

Thur. April 28th ACME ELEMENTARY

6:30-8 p.m. (3-5 yr PreK)

Sat. April 30th NORTH FORK LIBRARY 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

(3- 4 yrs)1:30-3:00 p.m.

(4-5 yr PreK)

If you did not attend the fall or winter READY! class, please arrive 30 minutes early for a required orientation.

REGISTER at the class or online at www.readyforkindergarten.org/mtbaker

Wed. May 4th HARMONY

ELEMENTARY 6:30-8 p.m. (3-5 yr PreK)

Wed. May 11th GLENHAVEN

CLUB HOUSE* 6:30-8 p.m. (3-5 yr PreK)

*no childcare provided

Preschool Registrationmt. Baker Co-op Preschool Is now reg-istering students for fall, 2016. There is an open house on April 20, 2016 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and all are welcome. Visit the school website for more school information and for fall registration. mBCP is a non-profit, parent oper-ated school, located at the mount Baker Early Learning Center, across from the Jr. High.

www.mtbakercoop.orgor call the school voicemail, 671-1426.

April is OT MonthOccupational Therapy Provides Children with Tools to Grow!Occupational Therapists are healthcare pro-fessionals that evaluate and assist children having difficulty participating in meaningful activities (occupations) that are needed to conduct daily routines and live their life to the fullest. For a child this includes the development of life skills such as learning at school, playing, completing self-care tasks, relating to others, and fulfilling their role as a family member. In schools, Occupational Therapists address the needs of students experiencing challenges through thera-peutic intervention and collaboration with teachers, parents and others to identify and modify barriers that restrict a child’s success.

Photo Credit: Tamara Whitcomb

District AdministrationSuperintendentCharles Burleigh (360) 383-2000Director of Curriculum & InstructionBridget Rossman (360) 383-2013Director of Finance & OperationsBen Thomas (360) 383-2005Director of Special ProgramsIan Linterman (360) 383-2012Principal, Mount Baker JH/HSmatt Durand (360) 383-2015Assistant Principal, Mount Baker JH/HSTroy Wright (360) 383-2015Assistant Principal/Athletics Director, Mount Baker JH/HSQuinn LeSage (360) 383-2015Principal, Acme ElementaryCarly Takata (360) 383-2045Principal, Harmony ElementaryJustin may (360) 383-2050Principal, Kendall ElementarySusan Gribble (360) 383-2055

Spring Pantry Photos Credit: Katie Chugg

Robotics Photos Credit: Jason Iwasaki

Photo Credit: Alicia Scott

Junior High wrapped up its third season seeing success in girls and boys wres-tling and volleyball. The girls wrestling team dominated its way to a league title, while volleyball saw incredible numbers of student/athletes. The final season of junior high sports began on march 21, 2016. The first competition for baseball, girls soccer, and track is on April 13. A full schedule will be posted to the junior high website.

The boys and girls basketball teams capped off very successful years with some post season accolades. In addi-tion to the boys team finishing 17-9 and one win away from a state birth, Timothy Soares and Grant Balvanz earned All-Conference honors. Soares was first team and Balvanz was second team. Also, Soares joined his mom (Susan Anderson) and grandpa (Art Anderson) on the All-State team, becoming the first three generation family to be named All-State in mount Baker history!

The girls basketball team finished 18-8 and one win away from a state birth under first-year head coach, Kim Preston. Emily Brandland had an impressive senior season earning first team All-Conference, while freshman Daniel Tyler finished her inaugu-ral season on the second team.

Both boys and girls wrestling teams showed well at the 2016 mat Classic in the Tacoma Dome. Natalie Smith headlined the girl’s team capping off her career with a state championship in the 125 pound class.

Smith pinned her opponent in the second round to become mount Baker’s first state champion wrestler since Alec Postlewait. In addition to Smith, Akemi Schwinden took 2nd, Rachel Nichols earned 5th, and Korbyn Cadle battled to an 8th place finish. The girl’s team took 2nd at state for the second consecutive time. Also, Jeremiah Cronk ended his career on a high note placing 7th on the boys side.

Educational Excellence and Community Pride Page 3

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Spring 2016

Spring 2016 Educational Excellence and Community Pride

“ 95% of winter sports athletes finished the first semester passing all of

their classes. This is a direct testament of how important involvment is for

our students at Mount Baker. ”

Quinn LeSage MBJH / MBHS Asst. Principal

Athletic Director

Mountaineers competed deep into the winter post season

Photo Credit: Kandi Camacho

Mount Baker Robotics 2016This year mount Baker once again participated in the Washington First Robotics program. We had a young team made up of Aaron Pilat, Eddie Poltavskiy, Isaac Remy, Dimitri Wank, Logan Sanday, Emerson Powers, and Alex Kelly. Since January 9, 2016, this group has been working on a competi-tion robot for the 2016 Washington First Robotics games. After all the work by the team they were able to compete march 18-20, 2016, at mt. Vernon High School in mt. Vernon Washington.

The field of competi-tion was huge this year with 35 teams showing up with their own personal-ized robots. By far, mount Baker was the smallest team at the competition; however, their robot did very well and at one point they were ranked top ten at the event. They had a few down rounds where the robot had it’s set of issues but the team did an

awesome job fixing their problems and were soon back up and running. They finished 16th and the kids had an awesome experience there.

– Jason Iwasaki, Tech Ed Teacher

public, the cast and crew also toured all three elementary schools, sharing songs and interacting with the younger students. The journey of putting a major production together is unforgettable. Altogether they tell a tale full of song and dance with a fantastic set and costumes that transport the audience watching.

Along the way, these students expand their own personal experience, and discover what self-discipline and hard work can achieve. Thank you to every-one who supports the drama programs. They are already looking forward to next year.

Spring Pantry Program 2016The mount Baker School District partnered with the Foothills Food Bank; supported by a grant from the Whatcom Community Foundation, monetary donations from mount Baker Chamber of Commerce, Kendall Watch, and food and monetary donations from the community to continue the Spring Pantry Program.

This program supplied mount Baker Academy and Kendall, Harmony, and Acme Elementary School students with supplemental breakfast and lunch items during the 2016 Spring Break (April 4-8, 2016). The program is available to all families with stu-dents in the mount Baker School District, and this spring served 81 families and 224 children.

If you would like to know more about this program, please contact your school’s family services coordinator.

Between cast, orchestra pit, backstage crew, artists, costumers, light board operators, spotlight operators and sound technicians they had 66 students involved in the production. The Spring Drama had six amazing performances, each one better than the previous. In addition to performing for the

Mount Baker Drama Spring 2016

The MBJH Drama Dept. presented the comedy,

Wagon Wheels a-Rollin’

MBHS Drama Dept. presented the musical, Guys & Dolls

Photo Credit: Tracy Dawson

Comprehensive Facility & Procedure Review

The District is taking our reviews a step further this spring and working with Whatcom County Emergency management to review its facilities, practices, and plans. This exami-nation will look at access points, potential issues/threats in a variety of categories (facility, human, man-made, environmental). The District will work with the County on updat-ing its plans/procedures based upon

the County’s assessment.

Kendall School GardenKendall Elementary School Garden has expanded to include a food production garden to serve the youth led farmer’s market, starting April 20, 2016, as well as an after school cooking club starting fall 2016. The garden was installed march 10, 2016, with the help of Common Thread Farms and 10 volunteers from Northeastern University. It was funded with a grant from Whatcom Community Foundation. The 60 x 10 raised bed is contained with straw bales that will be conditioned and planted with warm season crops. The garden will be planted and maintained by the Kendall Farmers’ market youth staff, cooking club kids and community volunteers.

Near the Kindergarten classrooms a sensory garden was begun simultaneously with the production garden that will help connect kids to nature beyond growing food. The

sensory garden’s goal is to invite students to explore the garden using their sense of smell, touch and observation throughout the seasons. It will be planted with fuzzy and soft, fragrant and colorful plants to attract and support different pollinators and strive to highlight plants with unique seed dispersal and water collection abilities. Informational signs aimed at self-guided learning will be positioned this summer. The sensory garden was installed and will be maintained by com-munity volunteers. The garden is made possible from community donations and various fundraising efforts including a spring community seed sale showcasing original art from the Kendall student body.

Art and Science at HarmonyIn February, Harmony Elementary PTO brought missoula Children’s Theatre and the Pacific Science Center’s (PSC) mobile science van to Harmony. mCT involved 50 students in a week-long theater experience. The PSC science van provided a full day of hands-on science in the classrooms and in the gym.

Harmony community members, families, staff, students and volunteers made Harmony’s first all-school Science Fair a complete success. This science fair reached over 230 members of our community with 82 projects.

Wild Whatcom’s Neighborhood Nature program, a hands-on science program, is coming back to Harmony this spring (April 13-June 1). This program will occur every Wednesday from 3:30-5:00 p.m. and is completely grant-funded.

Join us: Harmony Town Hall meeting focused on Social-Emotional Learning. April 27, 2016 - Dinner served at 5:00 p.m. with the meeting starting at 6:00 p.m. Childcare provided in the library.

Spring 2016

Spring 2016Page 4

Educational Excellence and Community Pride

Educational Excellence and Community Pride

Page 4

www.mtbaker.wednet.edu Board of DirectorsYour mount Baker School Board of Directors is comprised of five District citizens elected by District voters for four-year terms.

Board members serve in an unpaid, volunteer capacity. Although directors are elected to specific areas, they collectively represent the entire district.

Brian Kelly, Director District 1Ellen Dodson, Director District 2Trish Hart, President, Director District 3Jim Freeman, Director District 4Russ Pfeiffer-Hoyt, Director District 5Charles Burleigh, Superintendent

Board Meetings: Community members are encouraged to attend our regular Board meetings held on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays each month. All meetings begin at 6:00 pm in the District Office unless otherwise noted.

MBSD Communications & Public Relations TeamCharles Burleigh, SuperintendentBridget Rossman, Curriculum DirectorPam Butenschoen, HR Coordinator and Assistant to the Superintendent Katie Chugg, Website SupportKristi Nason, Print & Social media

The mBSD newsletter is published periodically by the mount Baker School District as a communications link between the district and the community. Its intent and purpose is to provide the board and district staff a venue to inform community members about programs, goals and activities of public education in our district. Please direct questions or comments to the Communications Team through the District Office: pbutenschoen@mtbaker.wednet.edu

The mount Baker School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, age, Vietnam-era Veteran’s status, or disabled Veteran status or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of training dog guides or service animals by a disabled person in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Charles Burleigh MBSD Superintendent:

PO Box 95, Deming, WA 98244 (360) 383-2000

Acme Math/Science Clubs and Attendance Goalsmath Club has finished up at Acme. There were a high number of students involved in the after school games and learning focused on math. Thank you to all our volunteers who supported the club and families for arranging transporta-tion for students. Acme will now begin our Science Club each Tuesday afternoon. During this club, students will learn and practice the steps in the Scientific Process to work toward completion of a completed science project. Once again, Acme Elementary is grateful for the volunteers who make these great clubs possible, and look forward to seeing all our students engaged in STEm learning.

Acme has been working hard to raise student attendance, and started the school year with an average of 80% attendance in grades K-6. During the week class-rooms with an attendance rate of 90% or higher earn a chance to pick from a reward menu. Beginning in march, classrooms will need to have an attendance rate of 93% to meet the classroom reward. Once students get to may and June, Acme Elementary is hopeful to have 93% attendance school wide to earn a movie in the gym for each month. While all understand illnesses and emergencies can impact school attendance, everyone is working together to make school a priority for families and students. The education of students is the top priority, and need them at school consistently to help them make the progress necessary.

Elementary School Campus Reports

School Safety ReportSafety Committee

The District Safety Committee meets monthly. The content of these meetings can range from discussion of minor incidents on the playground to preventative activities to procedural/planning activities.

One product of these meetings, seen in classrooms through the District, are posters that provide students and staff with written guidance during an incident and also visual guidance. The next time you are in one of our elemen-tary schools, please look for these posters. They are very kid-friendly and effective. A special thanks to Tammy Baisden and Ryan Livesey for the great work on these posters.

“ The safety of students, staff, and the general

public is and will continue to be a priority for the

District at all levels. This involves development,

review, and continuous update of procedures. ”

Ben Thomas Director of Finance & Operations

Cascadia Rising

The District will be participating in the Cascadia Rising Drill that is occurring in June 2016. Cascadia Rising is an earthquake exercise involving local, state, and federal agencies here in the Northwest on coordination between governmental agencies. The District will be participating in the area of Pupil Transportation. The County is working on the scenario for the District at this time.

Garden Photos Credit: Katie Chugg

Science Fair Photos Credit: Dex Horton

high individual. While traveling this year team members got an opportunity to develop their plant identification skills by visiting molbak’s Nursery and Flower World. These two Woodenville area businesses are always very welcoming to our floral team. These young ladies did an outstanding job representing mount Baker throughout this year and plan to return next year to the team.

Arkadiy Streltsov won the first annual Bellingham Technical College Welding Skills Challenge held February 11 at Bellingham Technical College. Competitors from the area competed in Shielded metal Arc Welding, Gas metal Arc Welding, and Oxy-Acetylene cutting. mount Baker High School’s lone competitor, Streltsov was the winner selected by Welding Technology Staff at BTC. Arkadiy won an expensive auto- darkening helmet and the school won a bag of tools and safety equip-ment valued just under $500.

Page 5Spring 2016

Spring 2016

Educational Excellence and Community Pride

FFA Contests getting started

This winter the FFA Floral teams, Forestry, Log Rodeo, and Ag mechanics teams have been competing and prac-ticing for state and local competitions. The Agricultural mechanics team has taken 3rd at meridian, 1st at Ferndale, 3rd at Burlington and District competi-tion is march 28. Team members are Jarin Strachila, Garrett Brown, Noah Atchley, Eli Flores, Nick Tanis, and Lincoln Grimes. Students compete in stick welding, oxy cutting, residential electrical, concrete, hydraulics, elec-tric motor controls, environmental management, soil survey, plumb-ing, building construction, problem solving, and a general knowledge test.

The FFA chapter drove to Elma on February 27 with 21 students on a bus to compete at an FFA Log Rodeo. Our chapter took 2nd place overall out of 8 teams and 85 competitors. Natalie Smith was the 2nd high individual female, Preston Euper was the 2nd high individual male, and David Kotsyuba was the 5th high individual. Students had a great time competing in block chop, match split, cross cut, chainsaw bucking, log toss, axe throw, choker setting, pole climbing, and wrapper toss.

The mount Baker FFA Forestry team placed 1st at the Toutle Lake Forestry CDE at Toutle Lake HS on march 12. Nick Tanis was the high individual, morgan Zender 2nd, Lincoln Grimes 3rd, Wyatt marsing 4th, Asa morris 9th, and mia Villaluz was 10th. Students competed in a general knowledge test, timber stand improvement, tree Id, tool Id, disease and pest ID, timber cruising, compass course, and map interpreta-tion. 9 teams and about 50 students competed. The nearest team was more than 400 points behind. State competi-tion is at Lincoln Tree Farm on April 29, 2016, and the team hopes to make it the 9th state title in 10 years and earn a trip to Indianapolis in October.

The Parliamentary Procedure team has made great strides being all rookies except for our chair Connor Estabrook. Other members include Shylee Cloninger, Aidan Duncan, Nick Tanis, mia Villaluz, maddy Weathers, Bryan Ratayczak, and Emily Treadaway. Competition started on march 9, at Lynden High School for Sub-Districts and placed 3rd and mount Baker High School on march 23, for Districts where the team placed 3rd as well. Other district competitors are Kayla VanWeerdhuizen and Josie Gilmore. Connor Estabrook placed 3rd at Sub-Districts and 1st in Districts in Extemporaneous Speaking.

FFA News FFA Barn UpdateThere is a light at the end of the tunnel. The FFA barn planning, engineering, architecture phase is complete. The school district is soliciting bids on the project. Our hope is that if everything goes smooth, the new barn will be completed this summer at the site of the old greenhouse. Our current barn is beyond full and has no room for additional animals since when our breeding started in July and October we were operating under the assumption that the barn would be done the 3rd week in march. In November we had a litter of 19 piglets for the Puget Sound Jr. Livestock Show and Sale, end of January a sow purchased from Ohio had 14, and a gilt we purchased at the Lynden Fair had 10 on Super Bowl Sunday. Thirty-two pigs in the barn this spring is the fullest we have been, with another litter due in April. Students have been involved in vaccinations, management, records, treating, and farrowing. This barn will also provide a facility for sheep, goats, chickens, and potentially young calves. A donation from the mt. Baker Rotary Club of $35,000 will go a long way in this project. We are seeking additional donations of materials or money. Donors will have their name on a sign or plaque in or on the barn. If inter-ested in donating, please contact Todd Rightmire at 360-383-2085 or todd@mtbaker.wednet.edu.

Todd Rightmire CTE Director

The FFA Floriculture team started practicing last September and have developed as a team throughout this year. Team members included Svetlana Pilat, Angelina Poltavskiy, Rebecca Kozhevnikov and Liya Solovey, all sophomores in our FFA program. For their first competition they traveled to Woodland high school on November 7 and earned 2nd place overall. They followed that up on February 5 by trav-eling across the mountains to compete in the Ephrata Floral contest where they earned 1st place, with all four teams members placing in the top 10. Later that month on February 27 these four young ladies, along with Kayla VanWeerdhuizen traveled to Cedarcrest high school where they earned 2nd place as a team with Svetlana Pilat earning 1st place individually. Then on march 11 and 12 the Floriculture team traveled to Richland high school to compete in the State Floriculture CDE. In a close competition, the mount Baker Floriculture team earned 2nd place at the State competition, placing well in the plant identification, problem solving and practicum areas of the contest. Individually these four young ladies also performed well with Svetlana Pilat earning 3rd place, Angelina Poltavskiy placing 4th, Liya Solovey placing 5th and Rebecca Kozhevnikov earning 13th

Save the Date:FFA Booster Club Auction – Oct. 15The mount Baker FFA Booster Club will be hosting its auction on October 15, 2016 this year at the Deming Log Show Grounds. Tickets will be on sale late this summer and we are currently accepting items. Donors can contact Todd, todd@mtbaker.wednet.edu or a mount Baker FFA Booster Club member. Proceeds from the last auction funded 2 students’ registration/hotel expenses to Washington DC Leadership Conference, pur-chased fair equipment, barn supplies, farrowing crates, ultrasound, 3 new sows for breeding student fair projects, students attending State FFA Convention and National FFA Convention and more. Proceeds from this auction will go towards barn items, possibly a new livestock trailer, and main-tain our rotation animal projects.

Page 5

FFA Photos Credit: Todd Rightmire

Educational Excellence and Community Pride

Mount Baker School District Report CardDear Mount Baker Community,

Student DemographicsEnrollment

October 2014 Student Count 1,890

may 2015 Student Count 1,894

Gender (October 2014)

male 988 52.3%

Female 902 47.7%

Race/Ethnicity (October 2014)

Hispanic / Latino of any race(s) 199 10.5%

American Indian / Alaskan Native 108 5.7%

Asian 19 1.0%

Black / African American 8 0.4%

Native Hawaiian / Other Pacific Islander 3 0.2%

White 1,439 76.1%

Two or more Races 114 6.0%

Special Programs (may 2015)

Free or Reduced-Price meals 1,034 54.6%

Special Education 342 18.1%

Transitional Bilingual 90 4.8%

migrant 17 0.9%

Section 504 41 2.2%

Foster Care 22 1.2%

Other Information (more info)

Unexcused Absence Rate (2014-15) 1,666 0.9%

Adjusted 4-Year Cohort Graduation Rate (Class of 2014) 79.2%

Adjusted 5-year Cohort Graduation Rate ( Class of 2013) 78.0%

Teacher Information (2014-15) (more info)

Classroom Teachers 121

Average Years of Teacher Experience 15.6

Teachers with at least a master’s Degree 70.2%

% of classes taught by teachers meeting ESEA highly qualified (HQ) definition 96.6%

Spring 2016Page 6 Educational Excellence and Community Pride

District

Class of 2012 Beginning Grade 9 Dropouts

Student Transfers

Total in/out

Adjusted Cohort Graduates Continuing

Adjusted 5-Year Cohort Graduation

Rate

5-Year Cohort

dropout rate2013-14

Enrollment

% Students enrolled as

Transitional / Bilingual

% Students enrolled in

Special Education

% Students with Free or

Reduced Price Meals

% Students Section 504

% Students Foster Care

Total % higher-risk students

% Teachers with at least a

Master's Degree

Teachers average years

Teaching Experience

Average Students per Classroom

Bellingham 837 144 -14 823 650 29 79.0 17.5 11136 6.0 13.5 37.4 5.1 0.7 62.7 68.1 14.5 18Blaine 153 23 -6 147 121 3 82.3 15.6 2120 3.8 15.0 47.0 3.8 0.8 70.5 70.0 15.8 18

Ferndale 357 89 -4 353 254 10 72.0 25.2 5174 4.8 15.3 51.1 3.9 1.6 76.7 71.5 16.1 19Lynden 216 22 -5 211 186 3 88.2 10.4 2842 8.2 14.5 35.9 3.4 0.8 62.8 67.1 15.8 19

Meridian 118 20 -2 116 92 4 79.3 17.2 1790 6.1 12.0 31.5 3.0 0.6 53.2 58.3 15.9 21

Mount Baker 169 28 2 171 138 5 80.7 16.4 1880 5.3 19.5 51.0 1.4 1.1 78.3 74.8 16.1 16

Nooksack Valley 103 24 5 108 84 0 77.8 22.2 1574 13.8 21.2 53.2 4.3 1.6 94.1 63.6 15 16

Whatcom County 79.0 18.3 6.8 15.9 43.9 3.6 1.0 71.2 67.6 15.6 18Washington State 76.4 68.2 13.9

District

Class of 2013 Beginning Grade 9 Dropouts

Student Transfers

Total in/out

Adjusted Cohort Graduates Continuing

Adjusted 5-Year Cohort Graduation

Rate

5-Year Cohort

dropout rateOctober 2014

Enrollment

% Students limited

english / migrant

% Students enrolled in

Special Education

% Students Low Income

% Students Section 504

% Students Foster Care

Total % higher-risk students

% Teachers with at least a

Master's Degree

Teachers average years

Teaching Experience

Average Students per Classroom

Bellingham 861 101 -14 847 708 38 83.6 17.0 11,109 6.9 13.4 37.3 5.6 0.8 64.0 67.3 14 17Blaine 151 17 -10 141 119 5 84.4 16.3 2,196 4.5 15.1 44.5 3.9 1.0 69.0 70.0 16 18

Ferndale 387 95 -10 377 271 11 71.9 23.6 4,949 6.5 15.7 44.8 4.6 1.5 73.1 68.9 15 19Lynden 227 32 8 235 192 11 81.7 9.4 2,962 10.8 16.0 36.1 3.8 1.1 67.8 65.8 16 19

Meridian 119 14 -5 114 99 1 86.8 17.5 1,761 9.2 11.6 37.8 3.2 0.9 62.7 58.0 16 20

Mount Baker 162 31 -3 159 124 4 78.0 17.6 1,890 5.7 18.1 54.6 2.2 1.2 81.8 70.2 16 16

Nooksack Valley 132 24 -3 129 103 2 79.8 18.6 1,625 17.7 20.3 54.7 4.9 1.6 99.2 63.2 15 17

Whatcom County 80.9 17.1 26,492 8.8 15.7 44.3 4.0 1.2 73.9 66.2 15.4 18Washington State 78.8 21.2 1,075,107   12.3 13.4 45.0 2.7 0.8 74.2 67.2 14 18

Educational Excellence and Community Pride

District Non­District ESD P­20 High School Feedback Tools:  Compare My School

Summary AYP CTE AMO WaKIDS HS DualCredit

GraduationProgressReport

MSP/HSPE EOC SmarterBalanced

WAASPORT WA­AIM WELPA NAEP

Summary     Mount Baker School District   Search: School District

District  > Washington State  > Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction  > Mount Baker School District

Mount Baker School District District Web Site  Superintendent Charles Burleigh360.383.2000

  4956 DEMING RD DEMING 98244­0095Northwest Educational Service District 189

  Grade Span: PK­12 

Select a year:  2014‑15  

   

2014­15 Results (Administration Info)

Grade Level SBA ELA SBA Math3rd Grade 26.1% 35.7%4th Grade 37.0% 35.8%5th Grade 47.1% 33.5%6th Grade 60.4% 48.9%7th Grade 52.6% 48.6%8th Grade 51.2% 42.8%11th Grade 45.8% 22.9%

Grade Level MSP Science5th Grade 56.3%8th Grade 53.8%

Grade Level * EOC Biology10th Grade 86.8%

Student Demographics

EnrollmentOctober 2014 Student Count 1,890May 2015 Student Count 1,894Gender (October 2014)Male 988 52.3%Female 902 47.7%Race/Ethnicity (October 2014)Hispanic / Latino of any race(s) 199 10.5%American Indian / Alaskan Native 108 5.7%Asian 19 1.0%Black / African American 8 0.4%Native Hawaiian / Other Pacific Islander 3 0.2%White 1,439 76.1%Two or More Races 114 6.0%Special ProgramsFree or Reduced­Price Meals (May 2015) 1,034 54.6%Special Education (May 2015) 342 18.1%Transitional Bilingual (May 2015) 90 4.8%Migrant (May 2015) 17 0.9%Section 504 (May 2015) 41 2.2%Foster Care (May 2015) 22 1.2%Other Information (more info)Unexcused Absence Rate (2014­15) 1,666 0.9%Adjusted 4­Year Cohort Graduation Rate (Class of 2014) 79.2%Adjusted 5­year Cohort Graduation Rate (Class of 2013) 78.0%College/University enrollment rates of graduates

Teacher Information (2014­15)  (more info)

Classroom Teachers 121Average Years of Teacher Experience 15.6Teachers with at least a Master's Degree 70.2%Total number of teachers who teach core academic classes 123% of teachers teaching with an emergency certificate 0.0%% of teachers teaching with a conditional certificate 0.0%Total number of core academic classes 413ESEA Highly Qualified Teacher Information% of classes taught by teachers meeting ESEA highly qualified(HQ) definition 96.6%

   % of classes taught by teachers who do not meet ESEA HQdefinition 3.4%

% of classes in high poverty schools taught by teachers who meetESEA HQ definition 97.1%

   % of classes in high poverty schools taught by teachers who donot meet ESEA HQ definition 2.9%

* End of Course (EOC) Biology is administered in any grade in which thecourse is offered. Prior to 2015, EOC Math exams were given in any grade inwhich the course is offered and served as the state’s accountability test inmathematics. As of 2015, EOC Math tests are taken only for the purpose ofmeeting assessment graduation requirements by students in the classes of2018 and prior.

** The "Makeup" exam was given to students who had already completed theYear 1 or Year 2 coursework. It was not a "retake".

% of classes in low poverty schools taught by teachers who meetESEA HQ definition

96.8%

   % of classes in low poverty schools taught by teachers who donot meet ESEA HQ definition 3.3%

Frequently Asked Questions Contact Us Glossary Data Files OSPI Home

* End of Course (EOC) Biology is administered in any grade in which the course is offered. Prior to 2015, EOC math exams were given in any grade in which the course is offered and served as the state’s accountability test in mathematics. As of 2015, EOC math tests are taken only for the purpose of meeting assessment graduation requirements by students in the classes of 2018 and prior. ** The “makeup” exam was given to students who had already completed the Year 1 or Year 2 coursework. It was not a “retake”.

67.2%

70.2%

% of Teachers with at least a Master’s Degree

18Whatcom County

Washington

MBSD

MBSD 16Average Students per Classroom

60.4%54.0%

6th grade SBA ELA

MBSD WA

48.9% 45.5%

6th grade SBA Math

MBSD WA

48.6% 48.0%

7th grade SBA Math

MBSD WA

45.8%

26.3%

11th grade SBA ELA

MBSD WA

22.9%13.7%

11th grade SBA Math

MBSD WA

86.8%

72.5%

*10th grade EOC Biology

MBSD WA

14

16

Washington

MBSD

Average years of teaching experience

Smallest Class Size

Average in Whatcom County!

2015 NP

Mount Baker School’s Commitment to Outstanding Teachers & Smaller Classrooms Continues

Source: reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us

Source: reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us

67.2%

70.2%

% of Teachers with at least a Master’s Degree

18Whatcom County

Washington

MBSD

MBSD 16Average Students per Classroom

60.4%54.0%

6th grade SBA ELA

MBSD WA

48.9% 45.5%

6th grade SBA Math

MBSD WA

48.6% 48.0%

7th grade SBA Math

MBSD WA

45.8%

26.3%

11th grade SBA ELA

MBSD WA

22.9%13.7%

11th grade SBA Math

MBSD WA

86.8%

72.5%

*10th grade EOC Biology

MBSD WA

14

16

Washington

MBSD

Average years of teaching experience

Smallest Class Size

Average in Whatcom County!

2015 NP2014-15 State Testing Highlights To view the full report, visit: reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us

67.2%

70.2%

% of Teachers with at least a Master’s Degree

18Whatcom County

Washington

MBSD

MBSD 16Average Students per Classroom

60.4%54.0%

6th grade SBA ELA

MBSD WA

48.9% 45.5%

6th grade SBA Math

MBSD WA

48.6% 48.0%

7th grade SBA Math

MBSD WA

45.8%

26.3%

11th grade SBA ELA

MBSD WA

22.9%13.7%

11th grade SBA Math

MBSD WA

86.8%

72.5%

*10th grade EOC Biology

MBSD WA

14

16

Washington

MBSD

Average years of teaching experience

Smallest Class Size

Average in Whatcom County!

2015 NP

Similar to the student/family experience with report cards our school district also receives a report card from the state. School District report cards include information about overall performance and detailed information about teacher qualifications, student achievement and accountability.

Last year was the first year our stu-dents used the new online testing system known as Smarter Balanced for English Language Arts(ELA)and math. This system provides a new baseline for student progress toward becoming Career and College Ready upon high school graduation. This system also uses

a new format to report student results. Students in grades 3-8 and high school are tested in English Language Arts (ELA) and math. Students in grades 5 and 8 and high school are also tested in science. This testing meets state and federal requirements.

To view the full report, visit reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us

Sincerely,

Charlie Burleigh,

Superintendent, Mount Baker School District

Mount Baker Senior High School is

a recipient of the 2015 Washington Achievement

English Language Acquisition.

Kendall Elementary School

2015 Washington

Achievement Award

for

English Language Acquisiti on

Spring 2016Page 6

Research Instruction and Encyclopedia Britannica OnlineIn February, 3rd-8th Grades learned to use digital resources in research. Encyclopedia Britannica Online is more than just an encyclopedia. The online resource gives students access to images, videos, primary sources and magazine articles and websites that have been screened by experts and deemed safe and accurate for student use. The articles are organized by level (elementary, middle or high school).

Students may access this resource at home by going to their school library website accessible through the district library website. User name: mtbaker password: access

Public Library Cards and Release Forms

In order to offer our students the best and most compre-hensive resources available, we are partnering with the public library. many of these resources will be accessed through a library card number and password. We are working to make sure every student has a public library card (Bellingham or Whatcom County). If your student does not have a card, please pick up an application from your local public library or school library. You can return the application to the school or to the public library. Parents can also allow teachers to have access to students library card numbers. Whether or not they carry their card, please fill out a release form. Check the district library website for more information.

http://www.mtbaker.wednet.edu/ pages/MtBaker/Departments___Programs/Library

Visit our Libraries web page listed under Departments & Programs

www.mtbaker.wednet.edu

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Spring 2016

Spring 2016

Educational Excellence and Community Pride

Educational Excellence and Community Pride

CounselorsCounselors help students choose appropriate classes for their Post High School Plan by making sure that students are meeting the basic entrance requirements for attending four year colleges and universities. Counselors also provide information about all of their College in the High School options; Running Start, Tech Prep and our school’s College in the High School courses through Everett Community College. This is a consistent message conveyed all four years of high school from the counseling department.

PRIDEPRIDE is our school wide advisory for delivering information about student’s post high school options. Activities include helping students understand the cost of living, what types of college educational programs are available, and what financial aid resources are available to them. We also cover PRIDE skills that are research based character building skills that are proven to help students succeed post high school.

FAFSA Completion Research has shown that completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the first and most important step for students to receive their portion of the billions of grant aid dollars disbursed in federal and state student financial aid. Successfully completing the FAFSA is proven to significantly increase college attendance rates. mBHS counseling department works diligently with each graduating senior to make sure that they understand their options and follow the FAFSA process until its completion. Our high school has a 90% FAFSA completion rate for students planning to attend further education compared to 47% statewide.

Planning for College – Resources

College Bound Scholarship Established by the Legislature in 2007, the College Bound Scholarship program provides financial assistance to low-income students who want to achieve the dream of a college education. Currently over 238 mBHS students have registered for this scholarship. Our school district systematically engages these students in activities that keep them aware of their potential to receive full tuition at any public school in Washington State.

PRIDE 12 Pride presentation. mBHS’s graduating seniors are required to give a PRIDE Presentation which spe-cifically articulates their post high school plan. Their presentations provide evidence that they have met the requirements to successfully complete their plans. For those planning to attend higher education this includes a college acceptance letter, a budget, financial aid award letters etc. Six pieces of evidence that are deemed necessary to be successful.

Mt. Baker Scholarship Foundation The mt. Baker Scholarship Foundation is a volun-teer group of community members committed to encouraging academic achievement by providing scholarships for students in the mount Baker School District. They receive funds, award scholarships, and invest funds for security of principal and income for scholarships. The deadline to apply for these scholar-ships is April 15, 2016.

Library CornerRead Across AmericaIn honor of Dr. Suess’s birthday, nearly 75 junior high students traveled to Kendall and Harmony Elementary to share books with K-4th graders. Elementary teachers welcomed junior high students who read animatedly to younger students.

WWU’s Children’s Literature Conference

On February 27, 2016, Western Washington University hosted their annual Children’s Literature Conference. The library staff attended and is inspired to continue the work of reading advocacy for students.

Author/Illustrator Gene Luen Yang, a graphic novelist for upper elementary/junior high school students was introduced by mount Baker students, Jubilee Bergeron and Elizabeth Coleman, who had the opportunity to help create a video introduction for the esteemed author.

The Future STEMS from Reading Grant

All three elementary schools received a grant for 50-70 new library books featuring Science, Technology, Engineering and math (STEm); this supports student efforts in their schools’ science fairs and the district science curriculum.

Book Clubs at the Junior/Senior High Schools

Alexa Andrews, Public Services Assistant—Youth Focus, from the Whatcom County Library System has been coming once a month to offer lunch time book clubs during all three lunches.

During march, she met with eleven junior high students once a week to discuss the book Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld. Students selected the book, and the Whatcom County Library gave each student their own copy to read and keep during Base Camp on Thursdays.

Melissa Menti District Librarian

Sandi Madison Career Specialist

Over the past 25 years mBHS students typically choose one of the following post high school plans directly after graduation:

25% of our students attend a 4 yr college or university =C

20% of our students attend a Community College Transfer Degree =CC-T

24% of our students attend a Technical College vocational training =VT

29% of our students enter the workforce = W

1% of our students join the military = m

1% of our students are doing some other activities = O

“ Winter has been a busy time for the district libraries: research

preparation for the District Writing Assessment, Read Across

America, WWU’s Children’s Literature Conference, new books

and a junior high book club. ”

Library Photos Credit: Melissa Menti

Spring 2016

Spring 2016

Page 8

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Educational Excellence and Community Pride

Educational Excellence and Community Pride

Email your news items for the Good of the Order:

pbutenschoen@mtbaker.wednet.edu

JANUARY 2016School Board Recognition MonthGovernor Jay Inslee has issued a proc-lamation that January 2016 is School Board Recognition month. School Board members were honored at the January 14th Board meeting which will be held in the District Office at 6 pm.

WSSDA RecognitionRecognition of Proficiency - Foundations of LeadershipAwarded to Trish HartIn recognition of Professional Development during the 2015 WSSDA Annual Conference

Certificate of AchievementPresented to: Mount Baker School District Student Transportation For outstanding WSP School Bus Inspections Winter and Summer 2014-15

Mount Baker High School Graduates in the NewsCapt. David A. Kroontje, mBHS GraduateJanuary 25, 2016, Bellingham Herald article: Air Force honors Mount Baker grad for risky mission.

Stephan Aarstol, mBHS GraduateJanuary 27, 2016, Bellingham Herald article: Whatcom native back on TV with ‘Shark Tank’ update

SCHOOL BOARD GOOD OF THE ORDERSFEBRUARY 20162016 WMEA All-State BandThree mBHS band students were accepted into the Washington All-State Band:

Asa Morris, Draven Owen, and Madison Burris.

Thousands of students from across the state audition for this event. These WmEA All-State musicians were selected through auditions to partici-pate in this outstanding event, which is sponsored by the Washington music Educators Association. High honors indeed! Please congratulate them when you see them.

Community Center Serving Mount Baker Foothills to ExpandFebruary 4, 2016, Bellingham Herald Article:http://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/local/article58519543.html

MARCH 2016 Harmony Students Chosen for WMEA Junior All-State ChoirPiper Estabrook and Taylor Norris from Harmony Elementary School received top honors by being selected to participate in the annual Washington music Educators Association Junior All-State choir. The WmEA Junior All-State groups met, rehearsed and performed at the Capitol Theatre in Yakima on February 13, 2016 under the direction of Nancy Nole.

Linda moore, mBJH/HS Choir Instructor and Doug Sutton, mBJH/HS Band Instructor also presented a session at the annual WmEA Conference 2016.

American Choral Directors Association All-Northwest Honor ChoirCongratulations to Cory Bergh, Kyle Atchley, and Tanner Hickey; who sent in recorded auditions in September and were selected for the All-Northwest (Washington, Oregon and Idaho) Honor Choir. They have been working on their music since January and will meet with 147 members of the choir in Seattle. They will rehearse Thursday evening, Friday and Saturday to present a concert on Sunday.

Mount Baker Blood DriveMBHS student’s donated 104 units of blood this year, benefitting 312 patients. Not only did 104 students donate, but many more volunteered. Thank you to student coordinators: Nick Tanis, Haylee Malone, Grace Stargell, Camryn Bertrand, Hannah Pelan, Hayden Linderman, Angie Tikhonov, Jamie Lee, Sumi Suda, Jensen Bertrand, Sara Verry, Sam Stargell, Sam Jacoby, Chad Cohn and Cory Berg for their great recruitment efforts and help on the day of the drive. We couldn’t have done it without them.

Mount Baker AlumniKyle Strachila was elected ASWSU Vice President after a lengthy campaign. We are very proud of this mountaineer and mount Baker FFA alumni.

Classified Employee Appreciation WeekGovernor Jay Inslee declared march 14-18, 2016 is Classified Public School Employee Week, continuing a tradition started in 1975 by PSE to recognize the contributions of educational support professionals in the public school system.

School Retirees’ Appreciation WeekGovernor Jay Inslee declared march 14-18, 2016 is School Retirees’ Appreciation Week

Girl Scout Troop Performs Community Service WorkGirl Scout Troop 42098 is comprised of 4th & 5th grade girls from Harmony Elementary. Part of the Girl Scout Law is to “use resources wisely and make the world a better place”. Through earning the Girl Scout Way Badge the girls chose to do community work at Harmony. The first part was to clean the school; the girls (and a few brothers) walked around picking up all the trash around the playground areas and parking lot. The second is to make an environment better and they chose to enhance the courtyard area of the school by keeping it clean and adding more esthetically pleasing items. Some ideas they have come up with are birdhouses, birdbaths, gardening and new flowers. By doing this, the girls are providing an opportunity for their peers to gain experiences learning and observing the animals as they interact in natural environments.

MBHS Art StudentsPromising Futures is an all-county high school show, held at Jansen Art Center in Lynden, that high-lights some of the great work being created by young artists. This year mount Baker High School is repre-sented by Callie Lewis, Alex O’Claire, Ella Mathews, Sydney Nelson, and Molly Lynch. The official opening gala was Thursday, march 3rd. The show ran through the month of march.

Congratulations to these artists on their hard work and achievement.

Local Students Participate in Phase One of the Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) Program at The Museum of FlightWAS program is pleased to announce that the following students from mount Baker High School are participating in Phase One of the 2015-16 program cycle: Kaitlyn Stapp, Bartolo Nambo.

WAS is designed to connect high school juniors with educational and career oppor-tunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through independent learning, hands-on interaction, professional guidance, and site-based tours. The students listed above applied in fall of 2015, along with 266 student applicants from 103 different public, private, and homeschool organizations, to participate in Phase One of the WAS Program. They are now among the 173 students still participating in an online, distance learning curriculum. Designed by NASA and the University of Washington, the curriculum focuses on the past, present, and future of human space travel. Participating students are able to register to earn five UW Earth Space Science graduation requirement credits.

The top performing 160 students will be invited to one of four Summer Residency sessions, Phase Two of the WAS program, hosted by the museum of Flight in June and July. In each summer session, four student teams cooperate to plan a human mission to mars with support from professional engineers/scientists, university stu-dents, and certificated educators. Additionally, participants receive briefings from aerospace professionals, tour local engineering facilities, and compete in hands-on engineering challenges.

These students have committed to leading the way to mars.

Photo Credit: Kasey Simonsen & Stormy Jeretzky