Weekly Update from the Superintendent

Dear students, staff, families and community,

The positive support of our parent community at our elementary schools was evident last Wednesday evening at each of our elementary curriculum nights.  The positive buzz and visible excitement for being back to school was heartwarming.  The turnout for Friday’s FFA Salmon BBQ was beyond impressive. Thanks to everyone for supporting Mount Baker students and our amazing programs that build students’ knowledge, leadership, and engagement in our school community.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has been very responsive to Mount Baker School District regarding the needs and concerns regarding the SR 542 Deming Corridor.  I am pleased to share that WSDOT is having an Open House about the SR 542 Deming Corridor this Saturday, October 1 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Deming Library.  You can find more information here.

The Mount Baker Coalition is intentionally striving to get a better cross-section of input from the Mount Baker community.  They have a brief, completely confidential survey to inform them about youth supports and services needed in this area of the county.  Please help them reach their goal of at least 150 more responses by mid-October.  The survey is available in English and Spanish.

COVID-19 guidance will change October 31 with the recission of the COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation and State of Emergency.  Many of the former requirements will become recommendations. My understanding is that this will include ending the requirement for staff and volunteers to be vaccinated. Isolating for 5 days after a positive test and directly contacting close contacts of people who test positive will not be required.  The District will continue to send staff an email if there is a positive case in the location that they work.  We will also send an email to the parents/guardians at schools that have a positive case.  In both communications the person(s) who test positive will not be named as that information is confidential.  You can also track positive cases on our COVID Dashboard. It is a good idea to watch for symptoms and take a home test when you receive these notifications.  We do have tests available at all of our schools including the District Office if you need some tests to have handy at home.  Here are talking points for the upcoming changes. We continue to ask staff and students to stay home when sick and test as needed. 

Next Wednesday, October 5 is our first 90-minute early release for staff development and collaboration.  This time is imperative for developing and implementing multi-tiered systems of support for all students to ensure optimal academic and social emotional learning as well as a culture of belonging for all students.  This important work is tied directly to our Mount Baker School District Strategic Plan. Junior High and High School dismissal is at 1:00 p.m.  Elementary dismissal is at 2:00 p.m. 

We welcome October as we close out our first month of the school year!

Go Baker!

Sincerely,

Mary Sewright, Superintendent
msewright@mtbaker.wednet.edu
(360) 617-4600