Way to go, Bethel! So inspiring to hear a principal (along with teachers and central office leaders) remind us of the power of vertical alignment, powerful instruction, and communication and collaboration with families in leading to positive outcomes for students. It’s so refreshing to hear their honest acknowledgement of the challenges at first – for everyone, including students. Yet, students today are being touted as “engineers” who are “farther ahead” than they have previously been in their mathematics learning. It’s noted that, “kids love the challenge,” and are willing to tackle work they may not know how to take on at the outset. Now that’s a skill that will help them be college and career ready!

The beauty of the democratic system is that citizens have access to their political leaders. And often, those leaders listen and respond. This has certainly been the case in addressing the lack of substitute teachers for school districts. But, this only occurs if and when legislators hear from those in their communities. (See remarks below on SB 5148 for an important opportunity to be heard.)

Monday, the House Education Committee held a public hearing on two bills of importance to principals state wide

Lesson Purpose: To identify with a tree using the senses of touch, sight, hearing and smell.

Q. Our Middle School conducted a fundraiser under ASB. Now they would like to donate $500 of the $12,000 raised to Homeless Backpacks (nonprofit). They would note it in their minutes. Will that be sufficient since they didn’t raise it under Private Purpose Trust (6000) account?

The availability of substitute teachers is a real problem for school districts across the state. The good news is that legislators have clearly heard from their school leaders in their legislative districts about the need to expand the pool of those eligible to substitute. There is also data from a recent survey that further expresses the need.

Encourage students to be on the lookout for environmental articles in magazines or newspapers. When they bring them in, select one and duplicate as many as needed. Distribute copies to students. Instruct the students to read the selection very carefully. On a clean sheet of paper have them write the following...

Q. Can we temporarily store money that belongs to the Boosters in the school safe?

In 2012, ESSB 5940 regarding school employee benefits passed. It directed the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) to collect data on the health plans and costs from all school districts. This phase has been done with 100% of districts and carriers submitting the data. The legislation also mandated that school districts must offer a high deductible health plan option with a health savings account similar to that required for state employees.

During the House Education Committee meeting on Monday, January 26th, AWSP testified in support of HB 1142, which modifies school district authority with respect to student parking. AWSP staff Marty Fortin worked with the prime sponsor, Representative Wilcox (R-Yelm), to craft legislation clarifying that school ASB’s may use student parking fees to support student activities.

The following is a partial list of bills that could affect current and future retirees. The sponsors are listed so in the event you are meeting with any of them, please let them know of your interest and support or non-support.

Q. I had a question about how teachers and coaches can get a pass to watch in district sporting events. For the past 24+ years we have been able to show our employee badge, agree to supervise as needed, and were able to get in with a spouse or sibling. We were just told this does not work with ASB laws. Is there a way this can be resolved, so staff can go support students they have taught or coached?

Although it is still early in the session, some bills have been introduced that could impact present and future employees and retirees. Other bills are expected. It’s important to keep in mind that after introduction, some bills move on, some don’t, and some bill proposals change as they move along.

Q. Can our volleyball team run a fundraiser through ASB to get money to pay for an additional coach? Could our equestrian team do the same thing?

How important is water to our society?

Monday, an amended version of HB 1031 moved to the Rules Committee. HB 1031 expands participation in College in the High School programs to include tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade students.

Q. Can you help me out with determining if the elementary schools can us ASB funds to purchase student planners and recorders if they are charging the students for them to replenish the account?

Q. Is it allowable to use ASB money to purchase coaches jackets, sweats, etc.?

Take your students outside and collect materials, have them use the natural materials to make specific tools.

Q. What are the typical issues surrounding a canned food drive put on by a school ASB, and then the subsequent donation of the canned food? A. Consider the canned food drive as a charitable fundraiser. Instead of cash, the “money” is food. Here are the guidelines for a charitable fundraiser (Non-associated Student Body Private Money):