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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- November 11 - No School (Veterans Day)
- November 12 - Regular Board Meeting
- November 13-15: VHS Theatre Presents Once in a Lifetime
- November 16 - VHS Winter Sports Start
- November 19-21: VHS Theatre Presents Once in a Lifetime
- November 25: Early Release
- November 26-27: No School
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Vashon High School’s theatre department is bringing the classic 1930 comedy Once in a Lifetime to the stage, Nov. 13-21.
A trio of down-on-their-luck vaudeville performers decides to make their fortune by going to Hollywood. The only problem: They don’t know what they’re going to do out there.
Featuring fast-paced dialogue, insane fashions, and some snazzy tap-dancing, this comedy captures the giddy, glitzy, and gaudy glory of Hollywood in 1929.
Tickets are $12 for everyone. The Thursday, Nov. 19 matinee at 3:30 benefits the VHS Class of ‘29, with a special $10 ticket price.
Performance dates and times are:
- Friday, November 13, 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, November 14, 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday, November 15, 2:00 p.m.
- Thursday, November 19, 3:30 p.m.
- Friday, November 20, 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, November 21, 7:00 p.m.
Tickets are available at the door or online.
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A few McMurray students recently attended the 2026 Washington State Prevention Conference. The goal of the conference is to provide an enriching training and networking opportunity for youth, volunteers, and professionals working toward the prevention of substance use disorder, suicide, violence, and other behavioral health challenges, as well as mental health promotion and integrating such efforts with primary health care.
The workshops were focused on how to use strategic frameworks, personal growth, prevention advertising and development, and leadership. All of the students in attendance are part of Sources of Strength.
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Chautauqua Elementary School gathered on Friday, November 6, for a Veterans Day assembly honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces.
Cub Scout Pack 275 presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Symphonic Band performed the national anthem and “Armed Forces Salute.” It was especially meaningful to welcome former Chautauqua students back as members of the band.
Our fifth-grade student leaders helped guide the assembly, sharing the meaning of Veterans Day and reminding us that veterans are our family members, friends, and neighbors. Fifth graders also sang “50 Nifty United States,” celebrating the places we call home and the connections that unite us.
One powerful moment came as students and guests were invited to stand if they had a family member, friend, or community connection to military service. A slideshow honoring veterans known and loved by the CES community made those connections personal.
We are proud of the care our student leaders brought to their roles and the respect students demonstrated throughout the assembly. Thank you to our Scouts, musicians, staff, and guests for helping create this opportunity to reflect, express gratitude, and honor those who have served and continue to serve.
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Every Tuesday morning, the Family Engagement Center opens its doors to Chautauqua students and community volunteers for our Reading Club. Operating in eight-week sessions, this program pairs students with dedicated local volunteers for invaluable one-on-one time. Together, they read books, play educational games, and share stories.
Volunteers consistently report seeing wonderful growth and confidence in the students they mentor, and the kids absolutely thrive under the individualized attention.
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Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a deeply meaningful cultural tradition. Because Vashon Island is home to a vibrant Mexican-heritage community, honoring this holiday is a vital part of ensuring our Latino students and families feel truly seen, valued, and welcome. Celebrating the customs of our district's largest minority group builds foundational trust in our school system and directly supports equitable outcomes for all students.
The week leading up to the celebration, students and parents collaborated to build beautiful, traditional altars (ofrendas) across all Vashon schools. The main event featured a community potluck and traditional folk dances. It brought together a wonderful crowd of staff, parents, and community neighbors to celebrate, learn, and grow together.
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Links students, staff, and volunteers are feeling thankful this season for our thoughtful and generous community.
A big heartfelt THANK YOU to:
Langley Fine Gardens
StudentLink welcomed the fall season with beautiful locally grown gourds and squash courtesy of Langley Fine Gardens. Thank you to Leda and Mark Langley for bringing the bounty of fall to our classrooms and offices.
Vashon Thriftway
On October 30th, FamilyLink celebrated Halloween complete with costumes, spooky music, and a pumpkin carving party. Pumpkin carving and painting were made possible by Vashon Thriftway. Thriftway donated a gift card for the pumpkins so all students could participate in the fun.
Jim Lava
Thanks to a generous donation by Jim Lava, StudentLink students now have access to four brand new acoustic guitars that are more accessible to beginning guitar students. Jim worked closely with StudentLink tutor Kat Eggleston to select the new instruments, and students are already enjoying jamming with Kat on the guitars.
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On November 12, 2026, 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.
On November 19-21, members of the VISD Board of Directors will be attending the Annual WSSDA Conference in Spokane, Washington. No action will be taken at the conference. Click here to see notice of the conference.
Upcoming Meetings:
- November 19-21: Annual WSSDA Conference
- December 10: Special Board Meeting
- December 17: Regular Board Meeting
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Vashon Youth and Family Services is offering a virtual workshop series on supporting youth mental health throughout November. Please email bolvera@vyfs.org for a calendar invite if interested.
- November 10, 6:00-8:00 p.m.: Getting Youth to Talk - Unraveling the Stigma and Supporting Honest Conversations
- November 17, 1:00-3:00 p.m.: Reducing Access to Lethal Means
- November 24, 6:00-8:00 p.m.: It's Okay to Say Suicide
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VARSA will be hosting a free showing of the film Hoot for middle schoolers on November 19, at 3:30 p.m., at McMurray. Parent volunteers are more than welcome! Please email Peggy Rubens-Ellis for more information. |
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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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