Content Row
Healing Together- Transition Plan after Tragedy
A message from Superintendent Dr. Justin Irish
Dear Anacortes School District families,
Many of you have asked what the transition back to school will look like at Island View Elementary on Monday after the heartbreaking loss of our fifth-grade teacher, Caitlin Follstad. As we navigate this difficult time, we prioritize providing emotional support, maintaining continuity, and fostering resilience. This transition plan outlines our approach to help students, staff, and families cope with grief and adjust to the changes.
As we return to school on Monday, April 15, we are committed to supporting our students and staff during this difficult time.
Each school has a committed counselor who plays a crucial role in assisting the entire community during grief, fear, and uncertainty. These counselors are available to offer emotional support, facilitate communication, provide reassurance, connect individuals requiring additional services, and monitor students' emotional well-being.
In addition to the support provided at Island View Elementary, each principal across the Anacortes School District has developed tailored strategies to assist students and staff within their respective schools. If you have any questions about their plans or if your child needs support, please contact the school counselor or the principal.
Hannah Miller, our Physical Education teacher at Island View Elementary, will support and teach Mrs. Follstad’s class for the remainder of the school year. Ms. Miller is an exceptional educator who has built strong relationships with students in that classroom through her PE teaching.
Hannah has been actively involved in facilitating the transition this week.
As families, your role in helping your students process this loss is crucial. Encourage open conversations, listen to their feelings, and reassure them that it’s normal to grieve. On our website, you’ll find helpful resources specifically designed to assist children in coping with tragedy and grief. These resources offer valuable support during challenging times, helping children process their emotions and find ways to heal.
During this challenging time, let’s unite to support one another as a community. Please contact me or your student's school principal if you have any additional questions or concerns.
With heartfelt regards,
Dr. Justin Irish
Navigating Loss Together- Support and Resources for Our Community
A message from Superintendent Dr. Justin Irish
Dear Anacortes Community,
In light of the profound loss of Caitlin Follstad, a cherished teacher at Island View Elementary, we have been touched by the overwhelming support extended by our community to all of our students and staff districtwide. Despite the weight of this tragedy, our students and staff followed their regular school schedule today. Maintaining a semblance of normalcy for our students is paramount during difficult times or after significant events. It fosters stability, routine, and predictability, which are instrumental in helping students feel secure.
Support
Throughout the day at Island View, we had district office staff, counselors from the high school and elementary schools, our elementary mental health therapist, as well as mental health support from Island Health available for students. In honor of the tragic loss to the ASD family, the school has lowered its flags to half-staff as a solemn tribute and sign of respect and it will remain that way for the rest of the week.
We will continue to provide similar support to students and staff tomorrow and Friday.
We appreciate your patience as we navigate through this tragedy. Grieving is a deeply personal journey, and everyone copes in their own way. We have counselors ready to provide emotional support. If you or your child feel the need to talk, please do not hesitate to reach out to your student's teacher, school counselor, or trusted adult.
Today, teachers at Island View Elementary utilized the following discussion points with their students for grades K-5:
Talking Points for K-2 students:
Talking Points for 3-5 grade students:
Similar age-appropriate talking points were shared districtwide to respond to students' questions.
Resources for Families
We also want to offer families some helpful resources for discussing tragedy with their children:
Remember students grieve in different ways. They may be in shock, numb, losing sleep, don’t know how to feel, feeling anxious or sad. It is important to provide your students with regular meals, sleep, drinking water, fresh air and stay connected to people.
Additional Ways You Can Support
We are receiving an overwhelming number of inquiries from the community regarding support for our staff and students during this difficult time. Here are some ways you can help honor Mrs. Follstad and support the students and staff:
Community Grief Gathering
The Island View PTA is organizing a Community Grief Gathering to honor the memory of Caitlin Follstad. This gathering will take place on Friday, April 12 at 4:00 pm at Family Life Church, located at 1617 29th Street. The church’s parking lot can accommodate over 100 vehicles, providing space for up to 300 people to come together and support one another during this difficult time.
We are here for you, and together, we will support one another through this painful time. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance or have any questions.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Dr. Justin Irish, Superintendent
Photo: Ms. Ross's 1st and 2nd graders made a heart chain for their teachers and friends at school today.
Tragic Loss at Island View Elementary
Anacortes, WA — April 9, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic loss of Caitlin Follstad, a cherished member of the Island View Elementary community. Her passion for education led her to Island View Elementary, where she served as a teacher, mentor, and friend. The Anacortes School District extends its sympathies to Caitlin's family, friends, students, and colleagues during this difficult time.
We are committed to Ms. Follstad’s students at Island View Elementary and the well-being of all of our students, their families, and staff who are impacted by this tragic loss. Grief counselors are available to students and staff affected by this loss. The loss of life is incredibly hard and if you notice any colleagues or students showing signs of grief, please take a moment to reach out.
The Anacortes School District extends its sympathies to Caitlin's family, friends, students, and colleagues during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Justin Irish, Superintendent
Brian Hanrahan, Principal
Anacortes School District Communications Contact: Nicole Tesch, information@asd103.org, 360-503-1211
Anacortes Police Department Contact: CSO Brent Lindquist, brentl@cityofanacortes.org, 360-630-3058
Walter A. Brodniak, a notable figure in the Anacortes School District, left an indelible mark on the educational landscape. His legacy extends beyond mere administration; it encompasses a passion for nurturing the arts and empowering students through his dedication to fostering learning and cultural enrichment.
As Superintendent of the Anacortes School District, Walter Brodniak played a pivotal role in shaping the educational experience for countless students. His commitment to excellence and dedication to the community were evident throughout his tenure.
In 1977, upon his retirement, the Walter A. Brodniak Cultural Education Award was established to foster growth of the cultural arts in the District. The award is granted to a student, faculty member, administrator, school director, community member, or organization that has made an exceptional contribution to the cultural arts within the Anacortes School District. This prestigious award is bestowed annually during spring to recognize exceptional contributions to the cultural arts within the Anacortes School District during the current academic school year. The recipient’s name will be permanently etched onto a plaque, ensuring its enduring display for future generations to appreciate and honor.
Nominations for this esteemed award are due by 5:00 PM on Friday, April 19, 2024. A selection committee thoughtfully evaluates the nominations and offers a recommendation to our Superintendent, Dr. Justin Irish. The deserving recipient will be honored at an upcoming School Board Business Meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 16, 2024, commencing at 6:15 PM in the Anacortes High School Library located at 1600 20th Street, Anacortes.
UPDATE- Two-hour delay
Families of the Anacortes School District,
All schools in the Anacortes School District will be on a two-hour delay Monday March 4, 2024. Bus routes will follow adverse weather routes. If your child is already on the bus, they will be brought back home due to road conditions. There will be no morning preschool.
We understand that this may cause inconvenience to some families, and we apologize for any disruption this may cause. Our district team will continue to monitor weather conditions for bus routes and surrounding areas early tomorrow to assess conditions. Any updates will be communicated to families and staff as soon as possible. The safety of our students, staff, and community is our top priority when making weather-related decisions.
For further information regarding adverse weather, closures, and delays, please visit the following link: https://www.asd103.org/D
Dr. Justin Irish, the Superintendent of Anacortes School District, shared a Community Budget Update with the community regarding the district’s budget. Dr. Irish recognizes the significance of transparent communication when it comes to financial matters. With unwavering commitment, he shared insights into the district’s budgetary landscape, ensuring that parents, teachers, and community members are well-informed. Dr. Irish encouraged community members to explore the details, ask questions, and provide valuable feedback. By involving everyone—parents, educators, and students—the district aims to create a collaborative approach to financial planning despite budget restrictions.
View the Community Budget Update Here!
Families of the Anacortes School District,
All schools in the Anacortes School District will be on a two-hour delay tomorrow Friday, January 19, 2024. Bus routes will follow adverse weather routes. Due to freezing temperatures tonight after the heavy snowfall today, we expect icy conditions in the morning. Out-of-district transportation will be provided for the afternoon session at the Northwest Career and Technical Academy. There will be no morning preschool.
We understand that this may cause inconvenience to some families, and we apologize for any disruption this may cause. Our district team will continue to monitor weather conditions for bus routes and surrounding areas early tomorrow to assess conditions. Any updates will be communicated to families and staff as soon as possible. The safety of our students, staff, and community is our top priority when making weather-related decisions.
For further information regarding adverse weather, closures, and delays, please visit the following link: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/32-Transportation/Portal/adverse-weather-closuresdelays
Sincerely,
Anacortes School District
Families of the Anacortes School District,
All Schools in the Anacortes School District will be closed on Thursday January 18, 2024 due to continued icy and unsafe road conditions. All after-school activities and events are canceled. The Anacortes School Board Meeting will take place online only via zoom. After the determination was made that the schools would be on a two-hour delay, it was determined that the roads continue to be too unsafe for our bus drivers, families and students to drive to school. School closures and schedule changes are districtwide, even if your neighborhood is not severely impacted. Some areas of the district experience more severe weather and driving conditions than others.
We understand that this may cause inconvenience to some families, and we apologize for any disruption this may cause. Our district team will continue to monitor weather conditions for bus routes and surrounding areas early tomorrow to assess conditions. Any updates will be communicated to families and staff as soon as possible. The safety of our students, staff, and community is our top priority when making weather-related decisions.
Further information regarding Adverse weather, closures and delays: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/32-Transportation/Portal/adverse-weather-closuresdelays
Sincerely,
Anacortes School District
All schools in the Anacortes School District will be on a 2 hour delay tomorrow Thursday January 18, 2024. Bus routes are on adverse weather routes. Due to freezing temperatures tonight awe expect icy conditions in the morning. No out of district transportation will be available as well as no morning preschool.
We understand that this may cause inconvenience to some families, and we apologize for any disruption this may cause. This decision was made in the interest of student and staff safety. We will continue to monitor the weather conditions and provide updates as necessary.
Further information regarding Adverse weather, closures and delays: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/32-Transportation/Portal/adverse-weather-closuresdelays
Due to icy conditions, all schools in the Anacortes School District will be on a 2 hour delay on Wednesday January 17, 2024. Bus routes are on adverse weather routes. No out of district transportation will be available. We will still have an early release. Breakfast and lunch service will continue regardless of the day's length. This decision was made in the interest of student and staff safety.
We understand that this may cause inconvenience to some families, and we apologize for any disruption this may cause. We will continue to monitor the weather conditions and provide updates as necessary.
Further information regarding Adverse weather, closures and delays: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/32-Transportation/Portal/adverse-weather-closuresdelays