The dates for the 2023-24 school year are set.

Back to School Dates:

• Aug. 19: Ready to Learn Fair – 9 a.m. – noon at AHS
• Aug. 24: AMS Hawk Startup
• Aug. 24-25: AHS Seahawk Startup
• Aug. 31: Elementary Meet & Greets – 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept 6: First Day of School (1st-12th grades)
• Sept 11: First Kindergarten & Pre-K Day

The full calendar, is posted on our website. 

Questions? Contact the Superintendent's Office: (360) 503-1211 or ntesch@asd103.org

Through a partnership with Skagit Valley College, Anacortes High School is now offering the opportunity for students to be able to earn college credit for completing some of the classes already offered at the AHS. College in the High School (CHS) is one of three dual-credit options for students, along with Running Start and Advanced Placement (AP). Most of the other high schools in Skagit County participate in the program as well.

College in the High School came about as a response to students looking for more opportunities to earn college credit. Courses are taught at the high school so students have access to more teacher and counselor support. They can also more easily participate in athletics and club activities. Counselor Joyce Binshcus is excited for the new opportunity.

“Having students here on campus means we can follow them throughout the semester and help them if they’re struggling. When they’re at Running Start, they’re on a quarter system, so we don’t even see their grades or know if they’ve even passed until the end of the course when it’s often too late,” she said.

Principal Erin Duez says CHS is more equitable for students because they don’t have to worry about transportation to the Skagit Valley College campus, and any student who has the required prerequisites can enroll. It may end up being cheaper, too, since students don’t have to pay SVC fees.

Teachers who teach CHS must be recognized by SVC as a qualified instructor with the same academic qualifications as required by the college. In addition, AHS course syllabi must align with the course offering that is taught at Skagit Valley College.

There is a tuition fee for CHS classes, but students registered in any of the CHS classes can opt to earn up to 5 college credits or simply to take the class as a high school class. Unlike an AP class where students have to take and receive a minimum score on a test to earn the college credit, in CHS courses, students decide at the beginning of the course if they want to earn college credit. Then they pay the tuition and automatically earn the credit provided they pass the class. Tuition costs between $82 and $200 per course with reduced rates available for any student who qualifies for free or reduced meals. 

The following classes will now offer college credit for 2023-24:

• Spanish 3
• Spanish 4
• Honors Religions
• Senior Seminar
• AP Language and Composition
• Math in Society

Duez is especially excited about two new courses: Senior Seminar and Math in Society.

Senior Seminar is a yearlong course that targets students interested in a two or four year university experience. Students will learn about personal statements, entrance exams, completing the FAFSA and college applications and how to access financial and academic resources once admitted to a college.

“We are offering them time within the school day to complete all of the work they’re currently spending hours and hours each week doing at night or on the weekends,” Duez said.  

Math in Society is an applied math class that will cover things like personal finance, data literacy and statistics. Duez says it’s such a win for students to be able to earn college credit for this.

Duez received a $20,000 state grant for the school’s dual credit program. She will apply again this summer for more state funding.

Questions? Contact AHS Principal Erin Duez, (360) 503-1303 or eduez@asd103.org 

Enrollment is now open for the 2023-24 school year, including for all incoming kindergartners. Children entering kindergarten must be age 5 on or before August 31, 2023, in order to register. We urge families to enroll early to support our placement process, and help us ensure that siblings can be placed at the same school. Anacortes is a non-boundary district; students are placed following certain criteria and guidelines, per our placement policy. Priority is given to families who enroll prior to May 15. 

Information for incoming kindergartners can be found in our Kindergarten Enrollment Packet. 

Register your student online. Before you register, you’ll need: 

• Child’s birth certificate, passport, or other age verification document 

• Completed Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) form (https://wa.myir.net) 

• If applicable, parenting plan/court order and/or proof of guardianship 
• Address verification document (utility bill, mortgage statement, or lease or rental agreement)

Important upcoming dates: 

• Tuesday, May 9, 5:30 - 7 p.m. - Kindergarten Welcome Night at AHS Commons (1600 20th Street) 

Don’t have access to a computer for registration? No problem! Contact the district office to schedule an appointment: (360) 503-1212 or aberard@asd103.org 

Placement Overview 

Per state law, students must be 5 years of age on or before August 31, 2023 to enter kindergarten. Students must be 6 years of age on or before August 31, 2023 to enter first grade. 

The district can help provide screening questions to determine your child’s best developmental placement. If you have questions about your child’s development, please contact our Teaching, Learning and Inclusive Services Department at (360) 503-1212 or aberard@asd103.org 

Assignment Timeline 

Families will receive their elementary assignment by email in mid-August. 

Questions? 

Contact Anne Berard, Elementary Registrar: (360) 503-1212 or aberard@asd103.org 

“We appreciate our community’s support of our local levies,” said Mike Sullivan, Anacortes School District’s Executive Director of Finance and Operations. “This is an unfortunate mistake by the County Treasurer’s office.”

Additional information about Anacortes's levies can be found on our website.

For more information, please visit www.skagitcounty.net/treasurer. You may also contact the Treasurer’s Office via email at treasurer@co.skagit.wa.us or call (360) 416-1750.

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Joint Release

Sedro-Woolley, Burlington-Edison and Anacortes school districts Contacts: School Finance Directors

Brett Greenwood: bgreenwood@swsd101.org
Mike Sullivan: masullivan@asd103.org
Valori Vargas: vvargas@be.wednet.edu

The Anacortes School District is taking on the issue of student vaping, particularly vaping THC, and doing what it can to stop its use. 

As published in the Anacortes American (https://www.goskagit.com/townnews/school/vaping-issues-plague-anacortes-high-school/article_447fe552-ae2f-11ed-b4e2-a37f5007dd01.html), the district is seeing a growing number of students who are vaping at school. 

“We are taking an educational approach, first, before discipline,” said AHS Principal Erin Duez. “We want to get students the help they need to deal with potential addiction, and then deal with this as a discipline issue if needed.” 

The district plans to install vape sensors at AHS and AMS. (The print version of the American article incorrectly stated that the vape sensors have already been installed.) A group of concerned parents and community members have been helping raise funds to purchase the sensors. 

“We know this is an issue for many of our students, who may not fully grasp the harmful effects of vaping and THC use. We are doing what we can to deter this behavior,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “We are also incredibly appreciative of our generous donors who are helping support this effort.” 

If you or your student would like help accessing resources, please contact your school’s counseling office or principal. 

The district recently expanded public hours at Rice Field at AHS's Seahawk Stadium to allow the community more access to this tremendous facility. The new hours better align to our seasons and daylight hours. Lights will be on during Winter open hours. 

Groups with reservations have priority. Restrooms are not open during these times. 

Rules 

In order to protect this community asset, we ask that users obey all posted rules, including, no food or glass bottles, no pets, and no bikes, skateboards or scooters. Additional rules are posted at the facility. AHS is a closed campus during the school day.

Please ensure that the gate is closed and latched when exiting the field.

For information on renting Seahawk Stadium, or other questions, please visit our website: https://www.asd103.org/District/57-Facilities-Use-and-Rental.html

Questions? Contact Maintenance Supervisor Andy Wilken, awilken@asd103.org or (360) 503-1229

Erik Titus, Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at Anacortes High School, has announced his resignation, effective with the end of the current school year. Titus has served with the district since 2015. He plans to pursue other professional opportunities. 

“In my eight years with the district, I have seen our programs expand, our facilities improve, and I am proud of the work we have accomplished to continue providing high caliber athletics and activities to our students,” said Titus. 

Titus also said he strongly believes that access to extracurricular activities and athletics contributes greatly to our students’ well-being and overall enjoyment of school. 

During Titus’s time with the district, the new Seahawk Stadium and Rice Field opened, Williams Gymnasium was renovated, and the district’s athletics program grappled with the coronavirus pandemic. 

“I appreciate Erik’s commitment to our student athletes over the past eight years,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “I wish him well in his future endeavors.” 

Titus will remain in his position until the end of this school year. Plans for his replacement have not yet been finalized.  
 

Questions? Contact Dr. Becky Clifford, Assistant Superintendent (360) 503-1214 orrclifford@asd103.org 

Jack Curtis has been appointed to a temporary seat on the Anacortes School Board, filling the vacancy left by Marilyn Hanesworth. Curtis will be officially sworn in at the February 23rd meeting. 

Curtis was selected from a pool of well-qualified candidates. He will have the option to run for the seat in the November, 2023 election. 

“We appreciate each candidate's interest in the position, and their dedication to our schools,” said Board President Jennie Beltramini. “We chose Jack for his expressed commitment to the district’s mission and strategic plan.” 

Curtis cited his ability to work with diverse perspectives and focus on a common goal. He currently serves on a number of community-based committees, including the district’s Superintendent’s Advisory Council, Budget Advisory Council, Rotary, volunteer baseball coach, and more. 

“I am committed to keeping our district focused on its number one goal: providing a high-quality education to all students,” said Curtis. “I look forward to serving our families, students, and school staff in this new role.” 

Questions? Jennie Beltramini, Board President, jmbeltramini@asd103.org