Hello VISD Community,
Welcome to this week's issue of The Vashon Beacon. This newsletter is a source for news, updates, and stories from across the Vashon Island School District. Each issue will highlight important district initiatives, shine a spotlight on the great work happening in our schools, and share upcoming events, key information, board news, and much more.
|
- April 23: 9th Grade Student-led Conferences
- April 23: Regular Board Meeting
- April 25: Spring Fling Dance (VHS)
- May 1: Día del Niño Assembly (CES)
|
We are excited to announce, pending board approval on April 23, the hiring of Jennifer Olney as our next VHS Assistant Principal and 6-12 Athletic Director.
Ms. Olney shared the following: “I am honored to serve as the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director for Vashon Island High School and McMurray Middle School, returning to the community that helped shape who I am today. As a product of Vashon Island, I experienced firsthand the powerful role ‘Pirate Pride’ plays in building character, strengthening work ethic, and developing a deep commitment to teamwork and perseverance. Those experiences continue to guide my passion for supporting students. In this role, I am dedicated to fostering a positive, inclusive school culture while ensuring equitable, meaningful opportunities for all students to grow and succeed.”
|
|
Over 150 different displays of primary and secondary research were on display by McM students during the third annual Science Fair, on April 3.
Presentations approached a wide-range of questions, from how different plants can help keep fish tanks clean to the effects of music on cats. Read more about the event here.
|
|
FamilyLink middle schoolers recently celebrated "Ohanami" in their Japanese Culture workshop. In Japan, this is the ancient tradition of enjoying the beautiful but ephemeral blossoms of cherry trees at this time of year. People like to participate in "Ohanami" with a picnic under cherry trees with traditional treats and good company. Our students gathered under the historic cherry trees located on the VHS campus. |
|
Local island author Jean Davies Okimoto adapted her story Jake and Emma’s Island Getaway into a musical featuring a lively cast of animals and a ukulele band. Thanks to the generous support of Partners in Education (PIE), the production was staged for CES students in grades 1–5 on the Friday before spring break at the Vashon High School Theater.
The performance included some familiar CES faces, including Lance Morgan (ML para), music teacher Aristy Gill, and principal Julie Kangas—and was enthusiastically appreciated by the entire audience.
|
|
In partnership with Vashon Youth and Family Services, we are pleased to provide Leigh Anne McKeen, LMHCA, MS, a youth-specialized intensive therapist to support students and families.
Leigh Anne helps students and families by providing:
- support with attendance, academic engagement, and behavioral needs;
- individual and family therapy;
- techniques to strengthen emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and mindfulness; and
- much more.
You can contact Leigh Anne at lmckeen@yvfs.org or 206-488-7195.
|
|
On April 23, beginning at 6:00 p.m., the VISD Board of Directors will hold a Regular Board Meeting. The meeting will be held in-person at the District Office Conference Room #302, on the third floor of Chautauqua Elementary, 9309 SW Cemetery Rd. Click here to view the agenda.
Upcoming Meetings:
- May 14 - Board Work Session
- May 28 - Regular Board meeting
|
On Friday, May 29, Dr. Marc Langland and his staff will be volunteering their practice to provide free dental care and cleanings to eligible residents. This opportunity is designed for low-income individuals/those who do not have dental insurance.
Appointments are based on qualifications and need, not first-come/first-serve. Individuals who are interested must contact Hilary Emmer at 206-463-7277 to apply for an appointment. Deadline is May 4.
|
|
Each summer, the Port of Seattle opens an eight-week hybrid internship program to explore careers in aviation, maritime, governance, skilled trades, and green jobs while learning skills in project management, public speaking, networking, leadership.
|
Are you interested in joining the VISD team and making a difference for our island's youth? The following jobs are currently open. Apply today!
- Speech Therapist (two positions)
- VHS Head Volleyball Coach
|
|
The Vashon Island School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities based on sex, race, ethnicity, religion, creed, color, national origin, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or non-program-related RCW 49.60 Law Against Discrimination, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and any other youth group listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society.
The Vashon Island School District is an equal opportunity employer. Vashon Island School District is tobacco-free, drug-free and weapons-free. Appropriate fingerprint screening results are required for employment.
For specific information, contact:
- VISD Title IX, HIB Compliance Officer, and ADA/504 Coordinator, Kathryn Coleman, P.O. Box 547, Vashon, Washington 98070, (206) 463-8532, kcoleman@vashonsd.org.
- VISD Compliance Coordinator for 28A.640 and 28A.642 RCW, Amy Sassara, Human Resource Director, P.O. Box 547, Vashon, WA 98070, (206) 463-8529, asassara@vashonsd.org.
|
|
|
