Important Transportation Updates for Anacortes School District Families

Dear Anacortes School District Families,

We have important updates about our transportation routes and stop locations for the upcoming school year. Please take a moment to check out the changes:

- All routes and stop locations have changed.
- Some stops have become larger community stops.
- Do not assume that because your student rode a bus last year they will be riding the same bus, this includes students receiving special education services.

To ensure a smooth transition, we kindly ask all families to:

1. Complete the transportation request form in Skyward Family Access which can be found under other online forms for each of your students. 
2. From the Transportation request form, you will see an other ID number (begins with 07) in the upper right-hand corner. Write that number down, you will need it for the My Ride K-12 app. 
    

3. Download the MY Ride K 12 app to access the most up-to-date route information.

4. Check your student’s route information to confirm their new bus stop and schedule.
5. Inform your student if their route will service all three elementary schools, so they are aware of the change.

If you find that there is no information available or if the information provided is incorrect, please do not hesitate to call our transportation department at (360) 503-1155 or email Rebecca Sitton at rsitton@asd103.org for assistance.

Thank you for your attention to these important updates. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to improve our transportation services for all students.

For more information or instructions on how to download the My Ride K-12 app go to: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/32-Transportation

Anacortes School District Transportation Department

REQUIRED Annual Student Information Update Now Open

The Anacortes School District is excited to announce that the REQUIRED Annual Student Information Update for the 2024-25 School Year is now open in Skyward! This essential process allows families to easily update their information on file and complete necessary forms, such as food service applications.

How to access and update Information:

1. Log into Skyward Family Access.
   Note: Forgot your login or password? Simply hit “Forgot Login/Password?” and a link will be sent to your email currently on file.

2. Click on “REQUIRED ANNUAL STUDENT INFORMATION UPDATE” and follow the steps for each student enrolled.

3. To update your address, please visit your student’s school after Monday, August 19th to provide verification documentation, such as a city utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, etc.

Completing the annual update confirms your student’s registration for the upcoming school year. Additionally, it ensures we have the most up-to-date ways to keep you informed about what’s happening in the Anacortes School District!

“This required process is essential for ensuring we have accurate information to support our students and keep our community informed,” said Superintendent Dr. Justin Irish. 

For any questions or assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to the district at information@asd103.org.

Instrucciones en español

Anacortes School District Statement on Recent Student Tragedy

It is with profound sadness that the Anacortes School District confirms the loss of one of our High School students. Our hearts break for the family, friends, classmates, and staff members affected by this tragic event. The Anacortes School District is committed to fostering an environment where every student feels safe, supported, and valued. 

In response to this tragedy, we are taking immediate steps to provide support and resources to all students, staff, and families affected:

1. Grief Counseling and Support Services:  We encourage anyone in need to seek support, and details on how to access these services will be communicated to all students and families.
   
   Mental health professionals were available at the Anacortes High School campus today. Continued support will be available at Anacortes High School on:
   
   Date:  Monday, July 29, and Tuesday, July 30
   Time: 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
   Location: Anacortes High School 1600 20th Street, check-in at the main office.
    

2. Community Resources: We are collaborating with Island Health to provide comprehensive support to staff and students. A list of these resources is on our website.

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.

The Anacortes School District remains committed to the well-being of its students and staff and will continue to work hard to support those affected by this loss. 

Anacortes School District Launches Comprehensive Back-to-School Guide for 2024-2025 School Year

The Anacortes School District is thrilled to announce the release of its all-in-one Back-to-School Guide for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. This digital resource provides families with essential information to kick off the school year on a successful note. Click HERE or scan the QR code below.

What you will find in our guide: 

• School Supply Lists: Get organized with grade-specific supply requirements.
• Technology Information: Navigate digital tools, platforms, and device guidelines.
• Bus Routes and Transportation Info: There have been changes to our bus routes for the 2024-2025 school year. Stop times and locations due to the new bell times. If your student rode a bus last school year, please check their route information on the My Ride K-12 app. If you have not yet downloaded the app the instructions are included in the guide! This has replaced the Ride 360 app.
• Student Calendar: Mark important dates, holidays, and events. Download the one-page student calendar now!
• Student Handbook (Coming Soon): Your go-to manual for policies, procedures, and campus information.
• Bell Schedule: For the 2024-2025 school year the bell schedule has been adjusted for Island View Elementary, Fidalgo Elementary, and Mount Erie Elementary. There are no changes to the bell schedules for Whitney Early Childhood Education Center, Anacortes Middle School, Anacortes High School, and Cap Sante High School. Download the easy-to-read bell schedule!
• Daily Class Schedule: Know when and where to be.
• School Meals: The Anacortes School District has several schools that offer free meals (breakfast and lunch).  ALL STUDENTS at Mount Erie Elementary, Fidalgo Elementary, and Cap Sante High School will receive meals at no cost in the school year 2024-2025! Thanks to House Bill 1238 (HB 1238), it mandates that Local Education Agencies (LEAs) provide meals at no cost to students enrolled at elementary schools where 30% or more of children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals and we now qualify.

  In prior years, the threshold for free or reduced-price meals was 40% or more. 

  Apply for the Free and Reduced Price Meals Program, fund your student's lunch account using MealTIme Online, and more!
• Medication Information: Guidelines and forms for student health.
• Get Involved: Learn about how you can get involved with our schools PTA groups!
• Back-to-School Signs: Capture your first day back at school and share your photos with us! Download a digital Back to School Sign, print it out, snap a photo, and post it on social media using the hashtag #ASDFirstDay. No sign? No problem! We’d still love to see your back-to-school moments. Just tag @Anacortes School District on Facebook so we can enjoy all the cheerful smiles!

“We believe that well-informed families contribute to a thriving educational community,” said Dr. Justin Irish, Superintendent of Anacortes School District. “Our Back-to-School Guide empowers parents and students to navigate the academic journey seamlessly.”

Whitney Early Learning Center Campus Opens September 3, 2024

Boys and Girls Clubs of Skagit County is excited to expand program offerings on Fidalgo Island!

If you are interested in services, please complete the Online Interest Form so we can capture information and contact you when registration opens. Individuals using this form will be given one week of priority access to ensure space is secured for their families.

Opening Date: 

School-age Before- and After-School Care will begin on the first school day, September 3, 2024. Because of the licensing process, the program may open unlicensed for a brief period. Until the initial provisional license is achieved, we cannot accept the Working Childcare Connections Subsidy (WCCC). For families enrolled in the WCCC program, we will honor your monthly copay as the only payment required to ensure a smooth transition for your school-age child and family between existing services and the new services provided by Boys and Girls Clubs of Skagit County.

Hours: 

• Opens at 6:30 am. 

• Closes at 6:00 pm. 

• Transportation to/from school is provided by the Anacortes School District. There is no additional charge for scheduled early release or late start days.

Tuition/Dues/Fees:

More information is available in this document.

Discounts: 

A maximum 10% Discount is available for Families with Multiple Children enrolled in Club programs or Families with at least one parent who works for the following: any branch of the United States Military, Anacortes School District, City of Anacortes, Island Health, Anacortes Family Center (AFC), or Boys and Girls Clubs of Skagit County.

Future Expansion of Services: 

Services for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool children will open as classrooms become licensed and staffing is secured. Based on the census of requests from our Online Interest Form, our current priority will be services and programs for Toddlers, followed by Infants. Families with Preschool students should contact the AFC Discovery Center at 360-545-9544.

All Club Programs are CLOSED the week of August 26th for Training and Health, Safety, and Hygiene protocols.

For more information go to: https://skagitclubs.org/

Anacortes School District recognized for exemplary performance by the state

Anacortes School District is proud to announce the district's recognition in the 2022-2023 Washington School Recognition Program administered by the State Board of Education. 

The following schools within the Anacortes School District have been recognized for their exemplary performance in the 2022-2023 school year:

• Fidalgo Elementary has demonstrated exceptional achievement in both English Language Arts (ELA) and math assessments for the whole school. 
• Island View Elementary and Mount Erie Elementary have demonstrated remarkable growth in supporting our Hispanic students exemplifying their dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

This program acknowledges schools across Washington State that have demonstrated exceptional growth, achievement, and efforts to close educational gaps among students.

• Closing Gaps: These schools make significant advancements for all students or specific student groups in the area identified for improvement.
• Growth: These schools have at least one student group among the highest performers on at least 60% of Washington School Improvement Framework (WSIF) measures.
• Achievement: These schools show high performance on at least two measures: attendance, dual credit completion, ELA assessments, graduation rates, math assessments, and ninth-grade on-track.

The Washington School Recognition Program utilizes the WSIF, considering various metrics such as growth, achievement, attendance, and completion of dual credit coursework to identify and honor deserving schools. Collaboration among the State Board of Education, the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee, and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction ensures fairness and equity in recognizing school achievements.

"Congratulations to Fidalgo Elementary, Island View Elementary, and Mount Erie Elementary for their exceptional dedication to our students' success. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, students, families, and community. These accomplishments serve as a testament to our commitment to fostering academic excellence and ensuring equity for all students," said Superintendent Dr. Justin Irish.

Further details regarding the delivery of recognition banners will be communicated to the schools over the summer. 

Learn more about the Washington School Recognition Program by visiting the Washington State Board of Education Website.

Anacortes School District Announces Strategic Partnerships with Boys & Girls Club of Skagit County and Anchors Away Following Whitney RFP Process

The Anacortes School District is proud to announce our early learning partners from the outcome of the Whitney RFP process. It was a rigorous process and both partners scored very high on their respective bids for the award. We are excited to establish a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Skagit County for Section A of the RFP to lease space at Whitney to provide before and after school and daycare services to the children, students, and families in the Anacortes Community. We are pleased to have Anchors Away continue as our partner and expand services for Section B of the RFP for the blended preschool program which supports over 90% inclusive programming for students with disabilities in the development preschool program.  

Dr. Clifford, “The selection committee was very impressed with the applications submitted by Anchors Away and Boys and Girls Club. Their vision, level of detail, supporting data, and alignment with the district's strategic goals made them the top contenders to fulfill the RFP and meet the community's needs.”

Dr. Irish “Thank you to all organizations that applied. We are very excited to continue and expand our partnerships to fully leverage the space at Whitney and support our community needs.”  

Both of these partnerships will become official at the August 8th board meeting. The Boys and Girls Club will move in at mid/end of August. They will begin the licensing process and as soon as they are licensed in the space, they will launch their services. 

If you have any questions or comments please email information@asd103.org 

As technology continues influencing education, the Anacortes School District (ASD) remains dedicated to transparency and community involvement. We welcome parents, students, educators, and community members to join us in an open forum on May 29th at 5:30 pm at Anacortes High School Library to discuss what is working well and areas for improvement. This is the first step in seeking community feedback before purchasing new devices in April 2025.

2024-25 Budget Reduction Summary
A message from Superintendent Dr. Justin Irish

Dear Anacortes School District families and community:

School districts across Washington State are grappling with financial challenges due to declining enrollment and increasing expenses, compounded by insufficient state funding. Our district faces similar issues, navigating the complexities of maintaining financial stability. Our fund balance is 1.3 percent, below the 4 percent threshold set by our board policy. Although the board allows a four-year window to rebuild this balance, the impact remains significant.

Based on future enrollment and state revenue projections, our goal is to reduce our budget deficit by $1.4 million for the 2024-2025 school year. This communication marks the initial step in our efforts to achieve the goal. We anticipate sharing further reductions toward meeting this goal by the end of the year.

Furthermore, without additional revenue from the state in the next legislative session, we will need to implement further reductions for the 2025-2026 school year.  

Our primary focus is to minimize the impact of budget reductions on our students. We've concentrated on reducing expenses as far from the classrooms as possible. Consequently, most cuts have affected support roles and central office staff. Even though most of these adjustments are farthest from the classroom, it's essential to recognize the challenges and negative consequences of any role or program reduction within our district. Every reduction negatively impacts students. 

Despite unanimous agreement that no reductions are ideal, our financial reality dictates otherwise. Nonetheless, every decision was made carefully considering its potential impact on our students and their educational experience. I'd like to express my gratitude to the Budget Advisory Committee, comprising parents, community members, and staff, for their valuable feedback during the decision-making process amid these challenging circumstances. Your time and effort have been instrumental in guiding our decisions.

Summary of 2024-25 Budget Development Decisions:

Staffing and Salary Decisions

• Reduce administrative positions 
  -  Eliminate the Teaching and Learning Director position.
  -  Decrease contracted days for the Food Service Supervisor position (for the next fiscal year).
  -  Decrease contracted days for the Transportation Supervisor position (for the next fiscal year).
• Freeze salary increases for the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and Executive Director of Finance & Operations. 
• Eliminate one Custodian position.
• Eliminate one Transportation Dispatcher position.
• Reduce substitute expenses for Administrative Assistants, Custodians, and Principals.
• Eliminate stipends for teachers facilitating professional learning communities.
• Reduced 0.94 Provisional Teaching Positions at Anacortes High School.   

Program Decisions

• Reduce materials, supplies, and operating expenditures for co-curricular at each school.
• Reduce general budgets at each school.
• Decrease the curriculum and professional development budget in the Teaching and Learning department.
• Implement transportation efficiencies by rerouting bus routes and adjusting bell schedules at elementary schools.
• Decrease the distribution of laptops by implementing a two-to-one ratio for laptop devices in certain elementary grade levels. 
• Reduce materials, supplies, and operating costs in the Communication and Public Relations department, including postage, printing, and contract services.

Efforts to balance the budget remain ongoing as we navigate a web of uncertainties. While we've projected student enrollment for the upcoming year, the true impact hinges on variables beyond our control: the number of students who enroll, the funding we receive from the State, and the looming specter of unfunded mandates. 

To tackle these challenges head-on, we're poised to engage with legislators and foster open dialogue with multiple interested parties, including students, staff, families, and community members. I'm grateful for our legislators' attention and collaboration; their willingness to listen and work with us at the table is invaluable. Our dedication to advocating for our students, educators, and the broader cause of public education stands firm, echoed by many within our community. 

As a united community, we can ensure that every child receives a high-quality education supported by adequate state funding. Together, we remain focused on our commitment to these collective efforts to shape this future reality.

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If you have any questions or comments please email information@asd103.org 

Anacortes School District Announces Bell Schedule Adjustments for 2024-25 School Year
May 10, 2024

The Anacortes School District will adjust bell schedules for the 2024-25 school year. These adjustments aim to enhance bus route efficiency, student well-being, and financial savings. By reconfiguring bus schedules and reducing the number of routes, the school district anticipates annual transportation cost savings of approximately $130,000.

To achieve our budget reduction goals, the district focused on reducing budgets in three key areas: 1) Staffing, 2) K-12 Co-Curricular, and 3) Transportation. More information about our actions with staffing and co-curricular will be shared over the next couple of weeks. 

For more information regarding why the district faces financial challenges, please refer to our latest community budget update by clicking here.   

Superintendent Dr. Justin Irish said, “We acknowledge the profound impact that adjusting bell schedules can have on families. Our decision-making process was greatly enriched by the invaluable input from the Budget Advisory Committee, whose expertise and insights were instrumental in shaping this decision. It involved a delicate balance between meeting the needs of families and managing budget constraints. Additionally, we value the feedback provided by families many years ago, advocating for later start times, especially for high school students. Consequently, we opted to honor the existing schedule for the high schools and the middle school. After thoroughly considering these factors, including the invaluable input from families over the years, we arrived at this course of action for our elementary schools.” 

Key changes to bell schedules are below:

Fidalgo Elementary

• Fidalgo Elementary will begin classes 5 minutes earlier, with the new start time at 9:00 AM.
• Fidalgo Elementary school day will conclude 5 minutes earlier, ending at 3:30 PM.
• On early release Wednesdays, the school day will also conclude 5 minutes earlier, ending at 2:30 PM. 
• On half days, the school day will conclude 5 minutes earlier, ending at 12:00 PM. 

Island View Elementary

• Island View Elementary will start 15 minutes later, with classes beginning at 9:20 AM.
• Island View Elementary school day will conclude 15 minutes later, concluding at 3:50 PM.
• On early release Wednesdays, the school day will also conclude 15 minutes later, ending at 2:50 PM. 
• On half days, the school day will also conclude 15 minutes later, ending at 12:20 PM. 

Mount Erie Elementary

• Mount Erie Elementary will start 15 minutes later, with classes beginning at 9:15 AM. 
• Mount Erie Elementary school day will conclude 15 minutes later, concluding at 3:45 PM.
• On early release Wednesdays, the school day will also conclude 15 minutes later, ending at 2:45 PM. 
• On half days, the school day will conclude 15 minutes later, ending at 12:15 PM. 

There are no changes to the bell schedules for the following schools: 

• Whitney Early Childhood Education Center 
• Anacortes Middle School  
• Anacortes High School  
• Cap Sante High School  

The Anacortes School District appreciates the understanding and flexibility of our students, families, and staff as these adjustments are implemented. The District remains committed to providing an exceptional education for all. 

Thank you for contributing to the successful transition to the new bell schedule in the 2024-25 school year!

If you have any questions or comments please email information@asd103.org 

Anacortes School District Daily Schedule Printable