Though they are off during spring break we would still like to take a moment to recognize Kevin Pattison, Christy Dalby, Tyler Lunde, and Steve Hackett for Assistant Principals Week. Thank you for all you do to support our students' success. Enjoy some well-deserved relaxation!
🌿 As part of the 7th grade ecology unit, Ms. Kivi took her class to the Theler Wetlands last week for a field trip sponsored by the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG). Students learned about the ecosystem, focusing on native and invasive species, and also had the opportunity to remove English Ivy under the guidance of HCSEG and AmeriCorps employees.
The students also participated in several activities, including planting native willow live stakes, creating rain gardens to learn about the wetlands as natural filters, going on a native and invasive plant/animal scavenger hunt, and playing a native plant identification relay game.
Thank you to Brandi Kivi for sharing this glimpse into this incredible learning opportunity for our students, right in their own backyard! Thank you HCSEG and AmeriCorps for sharing your knowledge with our students.
* Photos courtesy of HCSEG
🐴 After an impressive ride this weekend at the Washington State High School Equestrian Team (WAHSET) District Four Meet, two James Taylor High School students, Aria Stremlau and Ashlynn Clemo, won gold and will be heading to state with their Freestyle 6+ Drill Team! High school equestrians from across the state will meet in Moses Lake on May 15-18 to compete in a variety of disciplines. Please join us in cheering on our girls and the other members of their Drill Team as they prepare for state!
Thank you to Kim McLure for sharing this accomplishment so we can celebrate our JAT students and congratulate them on a job well done!
📢 Scam Alert 📢
Dear North Mason Families,
We want to inform you of a scam that is circulating in the area. The scam involves a caller informing you that they have kidnapped your child and demanding a ransom payment for your child’s safe return. A phone call of this nature is alarming, and we want to make sure you know what to do if a scammer calls you or your household.
The Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) recommends that if you receive a call like this:
1. Do not pay the caller
2. Immediately report the call to law enforcement by calling 9-1-1 or the non-emergency number (360) 277-3094
3. Review these tips from the National Institute of Health (NIH) for additional information and recommendations: https://tinyurl.com/acuz3pna
Thank you to all who came out to the Community Conversation night to discuss the budget shortfall affecting our district. The informative meeting began with a presentation by Superintendent Rosenbach and Dan King, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, who spoke about budgetary impacts of the replacement levy failure this past February. Community members and staff in attendance then broke out into groups led by school board members and administration, and engaged in answering a set of five questions. Please visit our website (https://shorturl.at/hEpGF) to learn more about what was discussed. Thank you, again, to all who took the time to attend this in-person event and participate in this productive discussion.
💙 Recognizing Cooperation 💙
The trait being recognized for this month's Building Administration Awards is "Cooperation." Our first recipient is Kyle Ottenbacher, NMHS Athletic Trainer, nominated by Assistant Principal Steve Hackett, who shared that, "Kyle Ottenbacher exemplifies the true spirit of cooperation in everything he does. As our dedicated athletic trainer, Kyle goes above and beyond to support our students, staff, and families. He spends countless hours working with athletes to ensure their health and well-being, collaborating closely with coaches to create a safe and successful athletic environment, and assisting families in navigating the challenges of sports-related care. Beyond his role, Kyle is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed in building. His unwavering commitment and teamwork make a lasting impact on our school community. Thank you, Kyle, for your dedication and cooperative spirit."
Kyle was also nominated by Principal Chad Collins who recognized that, "Kyle has been “Kyle has been cooperating extensively with Mason County EMS and Trauma Council and our local Fire Districts, North Mason Regional Fire Authority and Central Mason Fire and EMS as we partner with them to offer our new EMT class to our Seniors.”
Congratulations, Kyle, on this recognition, and thank you for all you do for our students and district!
State bound!
Congratulations to the Hawkins Middle School TSA team, off to the state championship in Spokane today! Principal Kalahan, Mr. Wells, and the team of 6 students left early this morning to take their technology projects to the next level of competition. Visit https://www.washingtontsa.org to learn more about how TSA prepares students for careers in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
#GoHuskies
April is Month of the Military Child
⭕ There are more than 1.6 million military children who face many challenges and unique experiences as a result of their parents' service.
⭕ While military members serve around the world, we often forget the challenges faced by their children.
⭕ Military families move on average every two to three years, impacting military children through changing schools and support networks.
Visit our website for resources to support military students. Thank you to all our military students for your resiliency and service.
Due to the severe weather warning for this evening, the Hawkins International Festival is re-scheduled for Monday, March 31st, for the safety of our students, families, and staff.
Congratulations to Superintendent Rosenbach, Coach Varick, and our prior AD, Ray Bonnell, for receiving the Ed Amick 'Service to the Sport' Award. The award was voted on by a select group of former wrestlers and presented in recognition of the efforts made to establish the girls wrestling program at North Mason High School.
💙 Recognizing Honesty & Integrity 💙
Congratulations to Telia Ford, 2nd grade teacher at Belfair Elementary, for being nominated as part of the Building Administration Awards series. Principal Klusman selected Telia, sharing these words of appreciation: “Telia’s high levels of integrity and honesty provide a continuum of balance amongst staff and admin.”
Thank you for your contribution, Telia, and congratulations on this recognition!
📱📵TONIGHT! Community Conversation: Cell Phone Policies
Cell phones in the classroom is a big topic in our state and has resulted in many changes to policies in surrounding districts. Join Superintendent Rosenbach, building administrators, staff, and school board members, to learn more about what's happening around the state, and to participate in an interactive discussion about cell phone use in our district.
When: 6:00 pm, March 19, 2025
Where: Hawkins MS Commons
🎭 4th Annual Talent Show -- Vote for your Favorite Act! 🎭
Friday, March 21st @ 6:00 pm
NMHS Auditorium
Admission: $5
*all funds support the NMHS theater program
💙 Recognizing Honesty & Integrity 💙
As part of the Building Administrator Awards series, Assistant Principal Steve Hackett would like to highlight NMHS' college and career counselor, Deb Swaser. He captures the incredible impact she makes every day, sharing that, “Deb Swaser is an incredible high school career counselor who goes above and beyond to prepare students for life after NM. She works tirelessly to ensure they have the skills, confidence, and opportunities to succeed. Her ability to build strong, trusting relationships with students makes a lasting impact on their futures. The dedication and heart she puts into her work every day truly set her apart.”
Congratulations, Deb, on this recognition. We so appreciate you and your commitment to our students!
SAVE THE DATE!
Hawkins Middle School is hosting an International Festival on Wednesday, March 26th from 5:30 pm-7:00 pm. Come experience the variety of cultures that make up our school community, through dance, costumes, music, and food! Also featured will be presentations of 7th grade WA state history projects. Please join us for an evening to remember...ALL ARE WELCOME!
💙 Recognizing Honesty & Integrity 💙
Today we highlight Leah Knapp who was nominated as part of the 'Building Administrator Awards' series for displaying the traits of honesty and integrity in her role as teacher at Belfair Elementary. Assistant Principal Christie Dalby made the nomination, sharing that, "Leah is a pillar of integrity. She always strives to do the best for her students and other staff members and delivers difficult messages to parents with care and compassion."
Congratulations on this recognition, Leah!
🔴 SAVE THE DATE!
This week is the Cell Phone Policy discussion that had originally been scheduled for February but was re-scheduled due to inclement weather. We hope you can join us Wednesday, March 19th at 6:00 pm in the Hawkins Middle School Commons.
Hawkins Middle School wrestling @ West Sound Middle School Wrestling Championship. Thank you, Coach Harmon for sharing these results:
Hawkins had eight wrestlers compete at the end of the year tournament with five of them making their way into the finals. The team placed 3rd just 2.5 points behind 2nd place!
🥇Emanuel Salvador! Hawkins Middle School champion at 170lbs
🤼♂️At 78lbs Aaron Jimenez bringing home 2nd place
🤼♀️At 85lbs Loralye Talbot bringing home 3rd place
🤼♂️At 106lbs Milo Dela-Cruz bringing 2nd place
Also at 106lbs Basilio López with 6th place
🤼♂️At 138lbs Robert Blackwell-Vandling bringing home 2nd place
🤼♂️At 145lbs Gino Calafiore bringing home 3rd place
🤼♂️At 155lbs Nolan Shumaker bringing home 2nd place
🤼♂️At 195lbs Richard Jennings bringing home 4th place
Coach Harmon was extremely appreciative of his coaching staff and so proud of the team, sharing, "Thank you to my assistant coaches and volunteer coaches!
I'm beyond ecstatic with how the team performed this year and am looking forward to doing it all over next year! Aiming to bring home a trophy!! Go Huskies!"
Reminder that Monday, March 17th, is a regular school day due to inclement weather closures earlier this winter.
🎂 Mr. Shounder's culinary students had a special guest the other day. Our very own Mackenna Long, Child Nutrition Director, stepped back into her 'Cake Boss' apron to give a class on decorating techniques. Back in the day, Mackenna was so famous for her cake creations that she was featured on television shows and hired to make cakes for many local celebrities. Students learned tips for the basics of a good crumb coat, the difference between modeling chocolate and fondant, and how to incorporate "mistakes" into your end design. Thank you, Mackenna, for sharing this glimpse into your cake world!
