MESA at Harrah Elementary - Harrah Elementary School's 6th grade team and the Heritage University MESA program will work together during the 2021-22 school year. First Nations MESA aims to provide early and equitable STEM opportunities and experiences such as Rapid Prototyping, Pop-Up MESA and MESA Day to engage in STEM learning which are key to inspiring students to pursue a STEM degree and generating diversity in the STEM fields.
Highly Capable Program for MASD - Crystal Thompson has been offered and accepted the supplemental position of Highly Capable teacher. Mr. Thurman reports that he is pleased to that she has returned this year in this capacity. Please be on the lookout for exciting activities for students related to project based learning and hands-on opportunities. The Highly Capable Program will begin October 20. This program will be provided virtually two days a week. This format allows for students to be transported home by the school and limits breaking cohorts for students in an effort to follow COVID protocol.
Homecoming at White Swan High School – Principal Tenney reports that we have had an exciting week. The week will end with our Football game and a socially distanced and masked Homecoming dance. Our students have been outstanding this week as they have participated in all of the events supporting our safe, responsible, and kind campus culture. I hope you can join us for the game this Friday. Go Cougars!
Electric School Buses – Are electric school buses the future in Washington State? I attended a webinar on this topic this week and it seems as they are beginning, not just a reality, but a requirement. Over the next week, I will be working with Mr. Crawford and Transportation Director Denise Byers to apply for a grant from the Federal Government to receive three electric buses as well as a full charging system. I will keep the Board posted as this proposal is considered for funding.
Testing has taken most of this week – As you may remember, this is the first testing window for the year, with the second being this spring. The Smarter Balanced Assessment is back and MASD is in full compliance. Mr. Thurman and our team of administrators have organized the system and teachers have implemented. The students are working diligently to give it their best effort. Thanks to all who have made this happen and for the flexibility in scheduling and other things to make this a successful process.
National Indian Education Association – Larry Garcia and I will be in Nebraska next week at the NIEA Conference. Elise Washines will present along with me and Larry on the topic of meaningful consultation between MASD and the Yakama Nation. Here is the agenda of what we will present: Meaningful PreK-12/Tribal Consultation: Tried and True Efficacious and Timely Collaboration Tribal Government and Native Education Systems The future of our students’ success depends on effective and timely communication and collaboration between Public School Districts, Boards of Directors, and Tribal Leaders. The Mt. Adams School District and the Yakama Nation have worked intentionally to build a strong and enduring relationship based on efficiency, timely interaction, and trust. Participants will have an opportunity to learn, share, and plan to establish similar partnerships. Dr. Guaglianone is joined by Elese Washines (Yakama/Cree/Skokomish), Yakama Nation Education Manager and Tribal Council Education Committee Liaison, MIT Math, Oregon State University Ph.D., ABD-Mathematics. ROOM: 201 TIME: Thurs. 4:00-5:15pm