Students participated in a Robotics ROV challenge at Olympic High School today, presenting the ROVs they have been working on in class for the last 6 weeks. Next up is preparing for a high school competition in the spring. Another exciting project planned for next year is having the Advanced ROVs monitor their salmon net pen.
Thank you, Sommer Landers, for highlighting this complex project, and congratulations to all your student presenters!
THANK YOU to Shumaker Chiropractic for collecting and organizing donations for teens experiencing homelessness in NMSD, in partnership with the North Mason Giving Tree. These generous donations connected over 80 of our high school students with hats, socks and toiletries. We are grateful for the generosity and partnerships in our North Mason Community that make such a difference to our students.
If you know a student in need of toiletries or other basic needs, please contact our Family Liaison, Laura Pugh, at LPugh@northmasonschools.org or 360-277-2241.
🔵 DO-IT: Advancing the success of people with disabilities in education, research, & careers 🔵
The DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) Center is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities through technology and education. It promotes awareness and accessibility—in both the classroom and the workplace—to maximize the potential of individuals with disabilities and make our communities more vibrant, diverse, and inclusive.
The DO-IT Center strives to:
➡️ increase the success of people with disabilities in challenging academic programs and careers;
➡️ promote the application of universal design to physical spaces, information technology, instruction, and services;
➡️ freely distribute online content, publications, and videos for use in presentations, exhibits, and the classroom; and
➡️ provide resources for students with disabilities, K-12 educators, postsecondary faculty and administrators, librarians, employers, parents, and mentors.
➡️ promote the application of universal design to physical spaces, information technology, instruction, and services;
➡️ freely distribute online content, publications, and videos for use in presentations, exhibits, and the classroom; and
➡️ provide resources for students with disabilities, K-12 educators, postsecondary faculty and administrators, librarians, employers, parents, and mentors.
Visit the website to learn more about the program and rolling deadlines for scholarships: https://www.washington.edu/doit/
Thank you, Deb Swaser, for sharing this program information!
Core Plus Maritime Students Tour Local Facilities
Did you know that just a few miles down the road SAFEBOATS employs 300 people to build emergency response boats from the ground up? They ship orders all over the world. SAFEBOATS is looking for dedicated workers who show up to work, work hard, and can think outside of the box. School is a great place to build your employability skills for life! Show up. Work hard. Innovate and be a flexible thinker. Our group of 26 students also visited DEFIANCE BOATS and observed fiberglass boat manufacturing.
Thank you, Gavin Forseth, Autumn Perry, and Deb Swaser for providing information about this great field trip our students had, providing them an invaluable opportunity to meet with industry leaders and see, first-hand, the relevance of the skills they are learning.
💚 Leading with Gratitude 💚
This week we highlight Julie Moosman, recognized by the administration for the trait of gratitude and what she brings to her role as Board Certified Behavior Analyst for the district. Amber Nygard, Director of Inclusive Education, shares, "Julie is in a role that is new to North Mason this year and has stepped in and done amazingly with students and staff. She is always professional and gracious for the opportunity to serve the students in any way that she can. She is working with our staff as well and helping us all learn ways to appreciate the uniqueness of the students we serve and helps our educators be better each day. Julie truly seems to be grateful for the opportunity to work at NM but we are the ones that are grateful that she has chosen to work with us!”
Thank you, Julie, for making an impact with our students and staff!
🥠🍗🥕🥔🥧Students in the Adulting in Our Community classroom hosted a beautiful meal, bringing together special guests over three sessions that included families, teachers, community members, the superintendent and school board members.
They called the event "Yuletide meal," and served holiday classics such as turkey, sweet potatoes, and other delicacies that went with the theme. The careful thought students put into every detail of the meal, and the décor, showcased their skills in menu planning and preparation, along with the social etiquette skills required when hosting a large event. Every guest was made to feel welcomed and included! Students even thought of having a cozy sofa against a fireplace backdrop, for those wanting to relax a bit after the eating and socializing. Perfectly planned and executed! Congratulations AIOC students!
Empty plates + smiling faces = SUCCESS!
💚 Leading with Gratitude 💚
Celebrating Jana Hoberg, 4th grade teacher at Sand Hill Elementary, who is being highlighted as part of our administrator appreciation series for how she approaches every interaction with gratitude! Nominated by Tyler Lunde, assistant principal, he shares that "Jana is so appreciative of everyone's efforts and she expresses gratitude to her students for the assets they bring to her classroom. She makes them known they are appreciated, too."
Congratulations on earning this recognition, Jana!
Real-World Connections
"Last Thursday, Jon and Rebecca Hobson visited 6th grade science in Mr. Wells, Ms. Kivi, and Ms. Kidd's classes to talk about Hecla Mining, what Jon's job is like up in Alaska, and how science connects to his daily job. 6th graders have been learning about rock types and how they form, so learning about what minerals miners look for was a great connection to what we've been working on. Thank you to Jon and Rebecca, who took time out of their lives to spend their day with 6th grade! "
Thank you, Hannah Kidd, for sharing this glimpse into the interesting learning opportunity our 6th grade science students experienced, and for taking the time to highlight two guest volunteers!
💚 Leading with Gratitude 💚
Congratulations to Sand Hill Elementary paraeducator, Jillie Mauer, on being nominated by Principal Jessica Collins as part of our building administrator staff recognition series. Thank you for all you do for our students!
💚 Leading with Gratitude 💚
Today we highlight Rob Thomas who was nominated by two building administrators for embodying the trait of gratitude in his role as athletic director for NMHS.
"Rob has been graciously learning the AD role and supporting students and community so well." Principal Chad Collins
"Rob has a great servant's heart and will do anything for the staff and students at North Mason. He is the definition of selfless. Rob truly bleeds blue n white!" Assistant Principal Steve Hackett
Congratulations on this recognition, Rob!
#GoBulldogs
💉 FREE Vaccine Clinic for children 18 years and younger - No Insurance Required
⚫ WHEN: December 11th
⚫ WHERE: 345 6th Street, Suite 300, Bremerton
⚫ TIMES: 9:00 -11:00 am, and 1:00-3:00 pm
No appointment required for COVID or flu vaccines but all other vaccines require an appointment. To book an appointment, please call (360) 728-2007, scan the QR code on the poster, or visit kitsappublichealth.org/clinic.
Thank you to Nurse Jaclyn for sharing this information with our community.
📖 Mrs. Varick's first grade class had a special visitor today when Superintendent Rosenbach stopped by to read them one of her favorite Christmas stories, "Santa's First Christmas," by Mac Barnett. Before getting into the story, students raised their hands to share their observations in a thoughtful discussion about elves, Christmas magic, and their favorite holiday memories and traditions.
Most adorable book-club ever!
💚 Leading with Gratitude 💚
Building administrators submitted their nominations last month to recognize staff members who lead with the trait of gratitude and who take the time to genuinely show others they are valued, appreciated, and recognized. We begin this series by featuring Anne Helmich, PE teacher at Belfair Elementary, who was nominated by Principal Klusman. "Anne is always letting others know how grateful she is for all they do. During our annual Turkey Trot, she showed her gratitude to others flexibility and support to make the event a success.”
Congratulations, Anne, on this well-deserved recognition!
🎬 Lights! Camera! Action! 🎬
Many of you saw our high school band featured on the halftime show of last week's Seahawks game. Well, today, even more exposure for the hardworking, talented band, with an interview on Good Day Seattle. Two of the drum majors represented the band, along with Band Director Chris Drewry.
Chris Drewry shared with us that, "Today, our students got the chance to pull back the curtain and see the wizards behind a major television station, all while singing the praises of North Mason HS. Drum majors Athena Bautista and Carl Lewis were exposed to something they'll never forget. From being mic'ed up in the green room, seeing the production team at work, to meeting local media celebrities, our kids made North Mason proud."
Thank you, Chris, for sharing this achievement with our community. We all celebrate this moment with you and the band!
Visit Fox13's website to view the interview https://www.fox13seattle.com/video/1554384
💙 Recognizing Responsibility 💙
This month's Administrator Award goes to Nathan Fitzpatrick, who was nominated by district and building administrators for demonstrating the trait of responsibility. Nominating administrators shared the following reflections on Nathan's impact as Director of HR, praising the intentional, professional way he approaches his role and interacts with staff:
➡️ "Nate has stepped into a very difficult role, made great connections with all staff members, and has taken ownership and responsibility for interpretations of contract language and connecting with all bargaining groups."
➡️ "Nathan has come into the HR role with a ton of professionalism. He is always working hard to make sure that things are fair and equitable for all."
➡️ "Nate has excelled in teaching by example, demonstrating the responsibilities relevant to our roles and effectively guiding us in the implementation of new concepts. His approach not only enhances our understanding but also promotes a culture of accountability and growth within the team."
Congratulations, Nathan!
💙 Recognizing Responsibility 💙
Today we celebrate Alicia Covert for being nominated by building administration for demonstrating RESPONSIBILITY. Principal Klusman at Belfair Elementary shares, "Alicia is our MTSS paraeducator. She goes above and beyond for our students. She provides student breaks, runs our pawsitive shop, tracks attendance, and responds to calls for student report. These are just a few of the things she does in a typical day."
Congratulations, Alicia, on this well-deserved recognition!
💙 Recognizing Responsibility 💙
Nurse Jaclyn plays a pivotal role in the well-being of our students and is being recognized by Amber Nygard, Director of Inclusive Education, for all she does for the district. "While I am not a Building Administrator, Jaclyn has taken full responsibility for all nursing needs for the whole district. She takes the health needs seriously and has assumed the role of a leader with grace and professionalism. She is setting up districtwide systems, building systems, and educational practices to help support all our students."
Congratulations, Jaclyn, and thank you for all you do!
Save the dates! There are many opportunities for holiday support and fun events in our town over the coming weeks. Thank you to our Family Engagement team for compiling this list of events. To learn more about resources available to our families, visit our website: https://www.northmasonschools.org/page/family-resources
💙 Recognizing Responsibility 💙
Congratulations to bus driver Fred Makowski for being recognized by district administration as part of our ongoing staff appreciation series. Maurine Simons, Director of Transportation, shares that, "Fred is a dedicated driver who exemplifies the great responsibility inherent in his role. He maintains open lines of communication with students and their families regarding any changes or behavioral concerns, all while approaching his work with a positive attitude and a warm smile. His commitment to fostering a supportive and safe environment reflects his professionalism and dedication to the well-being of those he serves."
Thank you, Fred, for all you do for our students!
Last week, three of our students who have signed up to join the marines after high school, Precious Huff, Dalton Urick, and Jackson Huffman, experienced Combat Fitness Training conducted by actual Marines, right here on the NMHS practice field. Each student had to create a team of one male and one female, and then compete in a series of challenges. The winning team was Dalton Urick, Emmalie Bybee and Charles Broughton. What a great (and exhausting) experience for our students and future marines (seen in red shirts)!
* Photos by Aaron Marecki
