Dec. 1, 2022
Inclement weather: How we make decisions, communicate
This week has been a great example of how weather varies within our school district boundaries due to changes in elevation from the valley to the hill. While it can be bare and wet in Sumner, the roads in Bonney Lake may be icy. Please remember, when the District decides to delay or cancel school due to inclement weather, it’s based on the road conditions for the entire area.
How we decide:
When poor weather is anticipated, at approximately 3 a.m., designated transportation staff drive roads throughout the district to determine the ability to safely transport students, determine the status of arterials (major and minor) making note of specific challenging areas; and reviews existing and anticipated weather patterns throughout the area and consider decisions of surrounding school districts. Between 4 and 4:30 a.m., the Transportation Director and Superintendent’s Office determines the feasibility of safely transporting children to and from school. When possible, decisions regarding school delays or closures are made by 5 a.m. Sometimes, however, we're confident in making a decision the day prior. Either way, we will communicate a decision as soon as we possibly can, giving you advance notice to make arrangements.
How we communicate:
- Automated phone calls and emails: Make sure your contact information and communication preferences are up-to-date in Skyward Family Access
- Website: Be sure to bookmark the District's website (www.sumnersd.org)
- Social media: Follow us on Twitter (@SumnerSchools), Facebook (@SumnerSchoolDistrict) and Instagram (@sumnerbonneylakesd)
BLHS culinary students host Chefs Dinner Dec. 8
It’s been a minute (OK, a couple of years) since Bonney Lake High School culinary students hosted a Chefs Dinner. This pre-pandemic event favorite is back and open to families and the general public on Dec. 8 at 5:30 p.m. at BLHS. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance online or by calling (253) 891-5714 during school hours.
Featuring Chef Mike Higgins, the winter menu includes:
Poached pear salad with baby greens and vinaigrette
Pork shank with scalloped potatoes and seasonal vegetables
Panna cotta with raspberry coulis
The Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) silent auction also returns to the event as a fundraiser for the club. Auction items so far include experiences, such as kayaking, theater, the symphony, art museum, aquarium and comedy, and local food favorites like HG Bistro, Farrelli’s, Hops-n-Drops, Legendary Donuts and more.
The silent auction begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner starting at 6:15 p.m. For more information, email BLHS Culinary Instructor Kahale Ahina.
SHS hosts free Community Dinner
Sumner High School’s ASB is hosting the 20th Annual Community Dinner on Dec. 10 from noon to 2 p.m. at the school (1707 Main St). A Frozen Fantasy is the theme for this year’s event, which includes a free holiday meal, toys for kids, photos with Santa, and characters from Disney’s movie Frozen. Warm clothes and non-perishable food items will also be available.
The event is open to the entire Sumner-Bonney Lake community. If you know a family who would like to enjoy this experience, please spread the word.
BLHS students explore future possibilities at Career Day
On Nov. 21 for Career Day, BLHS students had the opportunity to learn from more than 40 community members about their career experience and ask questions! The careers topics ranged from marketing and sales to architecture and construction.
Career speakers gave students an up-close and personal view of a variety of occupations, especially ones they have never heard of. Career Days help broaden student perspectives and identify necessary skills.
Their words of wisdom help inspire students to pursue their own goals after graduation and beyond. Thank you to all the community members who participated and partnered with us!
High school fall sports report
Just as impressive as the list of records, standings and post-season finishes is the high GPAs our varsity teams earned during the fall season. Check out information for football, cross country, swim and dive, golf, tennis, soccer, volleyball and cheer at Bonney Lake and Sumner high schools.
Transportation Department earns 100% in safety
Congratulations to our Transportation Department for earning 100 percent! For the annual winter inspection, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) shows up unannounced and randomly selects 25 percent of the fleet for inspection. The WSP safety team inspects district buses twice a year – the full operating fleet in summer during a planned inspection, and 25 percent of the buses in winter.
HIV/AIDS prevention curriculum: Parent Review Night
Washington state law requires that every student receive HIV/AIDs prevention education in grades 5 through 12. As the unit covers sensitive topics, state law and SBLSD board policy require that parents/guardians are provided the opportunity to preview the lessons.
The District is hosting a curriculum night for families to preview the HIV/AIDS prevention curriculum for students currently enrolled in 8th-grade Skills for Life or 9th-grade Health classes. In the spring, there will be an opportunity for families of 6th through 12th graders who will study this health-related content during second semester.
Parent Review Night
Dec. 8, 4:30-6 p.m.
SBLSD Central Office Boardroom (1202 Wood Ave. in Sumner)
Curriculum will be available for preview, providing an opportunity for parents and guardians to understand the health content for grades 8 and 9, preview teaching materials and ask questions about the resources used in the classroom.
Parents wishing to exclude their child from the state-required HIV/AIDS curriculum must preview this curriculum and sign an exclusion form. Parents of students in other grades will have the opportunity to preview curriculum in the spring.
One week left to refer for Highly Capable services
Does your child perform at significantly advanced academic levels when compared with others? The deadline to refer them for Highly Capable services is just one week away, Dec. 8.
Learning characteristics could include:
Advanced language speaker
Second grade students will participate in a Highly Capable Universal Screener the second week of November and, therefore, do not need to be referred to be considered for services. Referral forms in English and Spanish are available. For more information, contact Allison Sheldon at (253) 891-6061 or email@example.com.
Attendance waiver application window opening soon
Attendance waiver applications for the 2023-24 school year must be submitted between Dec. 15, 2022, and Jan. 27, 2023, for optimal consideration. Waiver applications submitted after Jan. 27 may be considered if it’s determined that grade level and building capacity allows. Visit the Attendance Waiver webpage for the types of waivers, timelines and more information.
State financial aid for undocumented students and others
Washington offers the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) for people who aren’t eligible to file for federal financial aid, including undocumented students. Complete the WASFA to see if you are eligible.
The WASFA is an application for state and institutional financial aid only. The WASFA is for people who are undocumented or who do not qualify for federal financial aid because of their immigration status, and can be used in limited circumstances by others who cannot or choose not to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You must meet state residency and program requirements to qualify.
December meal menus
School Board December meetings
The public is invited to attend School Board study sessions and meetings, which are held at 6 p.m. virtually and in person at the Central Office Boardroom (1202 Wood Ave). Dates, times and locations are subject to change. Agendas are published a day prior to each meeting.
Study session: Dec. 7
Board meeting: Dec. 14