• Ensure a Strong Emphasis on Academic Excellence:

  • Curriculum: We’ve adopted a new math curriculum for high school and new English Language Arts materials for K-12. We appreciate your patience as our teachers familiarize themselves with these updates.

  • After-School Programming: We are excited to announce our Boys and Girls Club after-school and summer programming. The first session will begin on September 5. Find more information here. Boys & Girls Club flier. We will also continue to partner with Washington Outdoor School. For more details on that program https://www.waoutdoorschool.org/ CERSD outdoor after school interest form

  • Outdoor Learning Initiative: We’re expanding outdoor learning opportunities based on student feedback. With new grant opportunities and resources, we aim to provide more relevant, hands-on, and nature-focused learning experiences.

  • Volunteer Opportunities: We’re actively seeking volunteers for various roles. Additionally, you can join committees focused on curriculum, facilities improvement, athletics, boosters, PAC, and music. Reach out to us to get involved!

• Enhance Student Safety:

  • Safety: We continue to provide our scholars with a safe and supportive learning environment. This year, we are adding a K-5th grade bicycle program to ensure student safety, as well as outdoor safety topics such as swim lessons and river safety. We welcome back our School Resource Deputy, “Jenn,” and head of Safety and Security, Scott Fergusson.

• Strengthen Early Learning Preparation:

  • All preschool, T-K, and kindergarten rooms have been updated to better accommodate the needs of our youngest students.

  • We saw significant growth in Kindergarten readiness scores since expanding our Pre-School and T-K offerings. 

• Increase Focus on Inclusive Education:

  • We have hired several new staff members to better meet the needs of all students. We welcome Multi-language learners Teacher, Morgan Dobson, who brings a wealth of experience, and Highly Capable Teacher, Kristen Anderson, who will enhance our offerings and support for Highly Capable students and parents.

• Develop Data-Driven Monitoring and Interventions:

  • We have a new strategic plan that all buildings are using to develop school improvement plans. This includes goal setting, action steps, and frequent monitoring. Please keep an eye out for Board meeting work sessions on achievement data and join us in this interactive format where community members can engage with the Board.

• Ensure Fiscal and Operational Effectiveness:

  • Communications: We heard your feedback and will refine our communications. Schools will send out weekly newsletters, and the district will provide updates bi-weekly. We encourage you to use ParentSquare, a revolutionary app designed to simplify communication between parents and schools. This will make staying connected and managing school-related tasks easier than ever. An introductory video for ParentSquare can be found here.

  • Technology Insurance: We encourage all families to purchase optional $41/year insurance for Chromebooks to help manage repairs and maintenance. Learn more about Chromebook insurance here.

  • Fines and Fees: During COVID, we supported families with flexible federal resources that allowed us to lower the financial burden. We no longer have these resources and are restricted by law from covering fines and fees (gift of public funds. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please work with your school counselor. Note that outstanding balances may restrict your student from participating in extracurricular activities until cleared. One of our top fees is damage to technology, and there is a great solution in the $41 insurance listed above.

  • Free and Reduced Lunch: Completing the application for free or reduced lunch not only helps your child but also secures additional resources for all students. This year, the form is required for all students. Please take a moment to complete the paperwork or let us assist you with any questions or support. Even if you do not plan to access the support, it benefits all students across the district. Find the 2024-2025 Free and Reduced Form here.

  • Free Meals for all at Elementary: The Elementary school qualifies for free meals for all, even if you do not qualify for free and reduced lunch. All other schools have not met the threshold for free and reduced percentage, and those schools will need to charge for meals.

  • Employment Opportunities: We are seeking to fill positions and hire substitutes. If you are interested, please apply online under Employment Opportunities here.

  • Annual Notices: Please review our mandatory annual notices here.

• Swiftwater Learning Center Leadership: We are delighted to welcome Sarah Day as the new Principal of Swiftwater Learning Center. Sarah will also continue in her role as Director of Career and College Readiness.

• Interim Principal for Cle Elum-Roslyn High School: We extend a warm welcome to Tim Berndt, who will serve as interim principal while we search for the next permanent leader for the 2025-2026 school year.

What I love most about this career is each and every year is a new year of opportunity. I have shared with my staff that I do not want them driving to work, but to drive to an opportunity. The opportunity before all of us is why not make this the best year yet?  The  year ahead and the opportunities it holds for growth, collaboration, and success, are in our control. Together, let’s make this our best year yet!