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.
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- October 7: McM Picture Day Retakes
- October 7: VHS Curriculum Night
- October 8: VISD Board Work Session
- October 9: VHS Picture Day Retakes
- October 13: VHS Youth Heart Screening
- October 15: Exploring the Future of McMurray
- October 15: PTO Harvest Festival
- October 15: PSAT for 11th Graders (9th/10th/12th Early Release)
- October 16: No School (Teacher In-service)
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As part of an examination of a potential February 2027 bond, Vashon Island School District is exploring the potential for future community use of McMurray Middle School and would like islanders and organizations to be part of the conversation.
Before imagining what that might look like, we want to hear from the community. We are inviting community organizations, service providers, businesses, nonprofits, educators, arts and cultural groups, health and wellness providers, and anyone who may have ideas for how McMurray could serve Vashon in the future.
- Date: Thursday, October 15
- Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
- Location: McMurray Library
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On October 13, the Sam Yates Community Foundation will be providing free youth heart screenings to Vashon students ages 12 to 24.
Each screening includes a heart health questionnaire and an EKG, with results reviewed on-site by board-certified cardiologists. Students will also learn CPR and how to use an AED.
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Each year, one of our favorite fifth-grade traditions is the Spirit Wear Logo Design Contest, and our students once again impressed us with their creativity! Fifth graders submitted original designs for our 2026–27 school spirit wear, and all of their wonderful entries are now on display on the main bulletin board in our foyer.
After four designs were selected as finalists, the whole school had the opportunity to vote for a favorite. Congratulations to Evie and Vivian, whose collaborative design was selected as this year’s winner!
The contest is sponsored by our PTO, which will feature the winning design on spirit wear available for purchase during October. We are incredibly proud of our fifth-grade artists for sharing their creativity with our school community, and grateful to our PTO and families for continuing to support opportunities like this for our students. Go Orcas!
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Throughout the school day, students are building, designing, creating, imagining, experimenting, and connecting with others in our new makerspace. They are provided with ideas, options, tools, and supplies, while having complete control over what they make and how. The creativity, collaboration, and resourcefulness of our students have been awe-inspiring!
As we continue to build our makerspace, we are in need of more supplies for fiber arts, crafting of all kinds, and cardboard creations. You can find more information about our makerspace, volunteer needs, and a supply wish list on our Makerspace webpage. We are grateful for any and all support!
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Vashon Center for the Arts' Artists in Schools Program begins the year with music! The first residency has already begun. Island musician Kim Thal is working with McMurray students, helping them grow and develop their guitar skills.
This rich and unique experience of the VISD education is helped made possible by the Vashon Schools Foundation and Vashon Partners in Education.
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In this hands-on workshop, students explore the art of stop motion animation using the app Cloud Stop Motion. Students design characters, build miniature sets, and create their own short animated films. Students learn the basics of storytelling, camera techniques, and creative problem-solving. From clay figures to paper cutouts, everyday materials become the building blocks for imaginative worlds. The class will culminate in a final project and a mini film festival to celebrate student work.
A big thank you to Partners in Education (PIE) for sponsoring this popular workshop.
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On Thursday, beginning at 6:00 p.m., the VISD Board of Directors will hold a Board Work Session. The work session 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:
- October 22 - Regular Meeting
- November 12 - Regular Meeting
- November 19-21 - WSSDA Conference
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Did your child enjoy the Chautauqua 5th grade camp? Would you like to see them grow in confidence and connect with peers from different social circles? The Village brings middle schoolers of all genders together with high school mentors for an hour of games, group activities, and facilitated circle discussions on meaningful life themes. Along the way, participants practice leadership, find their voice, and build belonging among their peers.
The Village is led by experienced facilitators Duncan Endava, Program Manager at Journeymen, and Laura Camner, former lead for Sisterhood Circles.
Participation is free and takes place 2:50-3:50 p.m., every other Wednesday beginning October 21, in the South Hall of McMurray. Click here to register.
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Chautauqua Elementary families: if you haven't yet contributed for your child's school supplies, there's still time. The PTO Stock the School program has provided supplies for every student at the elementary school at cost, and your payment covers your child's portion. Pay what you can; any amount helps fund this program's success. Contribute here: supplies.vashonpto.com
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The district does not sponsor or endorse the events or information under the "Information and Other Community Events" section of this newsletter, and the district assumes no responsibility for it. In consideration of the privilege to distribute materials, the Vashon Island School District will be held harmless from any cause of action filed in any court or administrative tribunal arising out of the distribution of these materials, including costs, attorney’s fees and judgments or awards. |
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! |
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The district will provide equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of the academic and activities program without discrimination 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. District programs will be free from sexual harassment. The district will provide equal access to school facilities to the Boy Scouts of America and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society. Auxiliary aids and services will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities.
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, Anna Marie Dufault, P.O. Box 547, Vashon, Washington 98070, (206) 463-8532, adufault@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.
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