Attendance matters!

We want to partner with you to ensure your students have a new school year full of opportunities to learn and engage. Getting into the habit of daily attendance is more important than ever. It helps to:  

• reduce stress
• make it easier to connect with friends and teachers
• support learning 

Each school has an attendance office to support you and your student(s) with attendance. We have launched a new feature on Family Access, Absence Notification, as another pathway for parents to report student absences. The process for excusing your student(s) absences:

• Absences must be excused within 48 hours of the student's return to school.
• Parents and guardians may excuse absences by:
  • Submitting Absence Notification through Family Access NEW!
  • Emailing or Calling in the absence 
  • Sending a note regarding the absence

If the student has classes at Anacortes High School and Middle School, you must contact BOTH schools to excuse absences.

If your child arrives late to school

• Students arriving late must sign in at the main/attendance office. If a parent or guardian cannot come in and sign for the student, they must call the attendance office or send a note excusing the tardiness. 

If your child needs to leave school early

• If a student needs to leave school early, the student must bring a note from the parent/guardian requesting the absence. The student should bring the note to the Attendance Office before school, and they will receive an "Early Dismissal Pass" allowing them to sign themselves out of school. 
• If an emergency requires the student to leave school, the parent or guardian must notify the school.

Questions?

Finally, please ensure we have your correct email and the best phone numbers to reach you. You can complete the 2023-24 Student/Family Form Update.

2023-24 Student/Family Form Update

The Student/Family Form is currently accessible and will remain so until October 1, 2023. This annual update holds significant importance as it ensures that the district possesses the most up-to-date information, including your phone number, address, emergency contacts, technology usage agreement, military status, tribal affiliation, and housing questionnaire. Additionally, it is essential to go through and verify your acknowledgment of the attendance policy.

Completing this form is of utmost importance, and you can locate it on Skyward Family Access. We kindly request that you complete it at your earliest convenience, but no later than October 1, 2023. Should you require assistance or have any questions while filling out the form, please do not hesitate to contact the main office at your student's school.

The Anacortes School Board recently adopted its 2023-24 budget. The $46 million budget reflects nearly $3 million in reductions that the district proactively planned for throughout the last year and a half. The adopted budget also leaves the district with a three percent (3%) ending fund balance (reserves), while the board’s target for its reserve account is four percent (4%). The board has directed the district to build back its reserve account to four percent over the next two years. 

“Our budget is balanced, but not without some difficult decisions made by the board and administration,” said Board President Jennie Beltramini. “We are confident, however, in the district’s plan to continue reviewing expenditures and revenue, and in building back our reserves.” 

The district’s budget reflects a significant investment in staff, with salaries equaling 87 percent of the budget. 

“Our goal all along has been to minimize the direct impacts on the classroom as much as possible,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “Our staff are committed to providing the best education to our students. I’m proud of our workforce, our union groups, and our community for working collaboratively to tackle this challenge.” 

The district will continue to engage the Budget Advisory Council, and the community, as it prepares its 2024-25 budget, which will include at least $1 million in reductions. 

More information about the district’s budget can be found on its website: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/26-Finance#

Questions? Contact Mike Sullivan, Executive Director of Finance & Operations: (360) 503-1213 or masullivan@asd103.org 

If your child was registered for district transportation last year, our Transportation office has rolled up all students, including incoming middle and high school students. If your child rode a bus last year, you do not need to submit a new transportation request. Please confirm that your child's route is accurate through the Ride 360 app, found on our Transportation website. 

New requests/ changes/ cancellations?

Please access the Transportation request form through Skyward Family Access. If your address has changed, please submit a new request. 

Questions? Contact the Transportation Office: (360) 503-1155 or kgarrison@asd103.org 

Awaiting building placement? 

For those students not currently assigned to an elementary school, placement emails will go out on or before this Friday, August 18. 

For any other questions, please contact the District Office: (360) 503-1200 or information@asd103.org 

The Anacortes School District will present increased fees for activities and athletics to the School Board on August 10, 2023. The increases reflect more realistic costs associated with sports and activities. The increases are also based on feedback the district received from the Budget Advisory Council, and other groups. The district has been engaged in a year-long process to rebalance its budget to address a $3.2 million shortfall, aiming to minimize direct impacts on the classroom environment as much as possible.

A draft of the proposed fees can be found on the district’s website. For example, individual sports participation fees have increased from $75 to $100, with a family maximum of $400. Equipment fees for football, track & field, and swim are $100, with an annual cap of $200. A table showing the changes can also be found on our website. 

“We know that access to sports, and extracurricular activities is critical to keeping students engaged in school,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “These increases in our athletics and activities charges will allow us to keep these vital programs accessible to more students.” 

Fees are generally waived for students who qualify for Free or Reduced Meals. The district encourages anyone who thinks they may be eligible for the free or reduced program to submit their paperwork to our Food and Nutrition Services Office. All information received regarding free & reduced eligibility is kept confidential and only shared with staff who need to know.

If approved by the School Board, the new fees will go into effect immediately for the 2023-24 school year. The district will continue to review its fee structure throughout the next school year, gathering feedback from the Budget Advisory Council, SABA, students, families, PTAs, and other affected groups. 

Questions? Mike Sullivan, Executive Director of Finance & Operations, (360) 503-1213 or masullivan@asd103.org 

The Anacortes School District recently finalized a staffing plan for elementary and middle school libraries, ensuring that these valuable resources remain open and accessible to students for next school year and beyond. While the district faced the difficult decision of reducing its full-time paraeducators who staff the libraries, it is important to highlight that the libraries will remain open and accessible, but with limited hours for next year. 

School principals are developing plans to use current staffing to support and facilitate efficient management of library materials and the overall experience for students. Moreover, the district will continue to work to ensure that the library collection remains relevant and engaging for years to come.

Recognizing the critical role of libraries as a valuable resource, Superintendent Justin Irish emphasizes, “We identified a plan with our principals to continue providing students access to the libraries. As we have heard from staff, community, parents, and students, the libraries are a critical resource. We have identified a cost-neutral solution to keep the libraries accessible.” 

While staffing the library plays a crucial role, it’s important to note that classroom teachers also actively contribute to promoting reading and literacy skills among students. “Our teachers will continue to foster a love of literature in our students through book recommendations, read-alouds, and access to both classroom and library materials,” said Heather Paddock, Director of Teaching and Learning.

It is worth mentioning that the district has undergone a year-long process to rebalance its budget to address a $3.2 million shortfall, aiming to minimize direct impacts on the classroom environment as much as possible. Furthermore, due to the budgetary constraints, many departments and staff throughout the district have been significantly affected, requiring adjustments and restructuring to ensure the efficient functioning of various programs and services. Despite these challenges, the district remains committed to fulfilling its levy commitments and the continued operation of school libraries. 

Questions about current staffing to support and facilitate efficient management of library materials, please contact your school principal. 

The latest issue of the Anacortes Pride, our quarterly newsletter, is available now. The print edition will hit homes early next week. 

Check out this issue for: 

• Senior profiles 
• Retiree celebrations 
• "Reading Buddies" at elementary schools 
• Your Shout Outs - and more! 

Questions, comments, feedback, or to request additional copies, please contact the Superintendent's Office: (360) 503-1211 or ntesch@asd103.org

Superintendent Justin Irish delivered his annual “State of the District” address to the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce luncheon this week. In the address, he highlighted the district’s strategic plan, progress made on goals this year, and emphasized student voice. 

Dr. Irish discussed how the district’s annual operating plan is connected to school improvement plans that connect directly to student learning and success. 

“We are committed to providing a high quality education that meets the needs of each student,” said Irish. “The annual operating plan allows us to focus our work, and be strategic about our resources.” 

Three ASD students also joined Dr. Irish in speaking before the crowd of nearly 100 attendees. 

Annaly Ellis, an AHS senior and school board student representative, spoke about deeper learning and ways in which to engage with students through meaningful and relevant dialogue. Ellis presented data she gathered throughout the year, sharing students’ perspectives on their learning experiences.  

Owen Kennedy, an AMS 8th grader, spoke about student leadership and promoting a sense of belonging. Kennedy, also the ASB president, discussed how fundraisers connect students to the wider world and see that their actions can make a difference. AMS students recently raised more than $6,000 for the Coral Reef Alliance through a walk-a-thon. 

Risa Aguilar, a Mt Erie 4th grader, highlighted the district’s elementary literacy curriculum in reading a portion of her “choose-your-own-adventure” style story. Students in Kayla Joplin’s 4th grade class recently wrote and illustrated their own stories weaving science, writing, and art together in a final product. 

Dr. Irish also provided an overview of progress made on the district’s goals, including rebalancing the budget. The district has been facing a $3.2 million deficit for the 2023-24 school year, and has been actively engaged with staff and community partners to make tough budget decisions. The district continues to work strengthening staff professional development, graduation pathways, social-emotional learning, and mental health supports. 

“I am grateful to our many community partners, including the Anacortes Schools Foundation, Island Health, the Chamber of Commerce, and many others who support our schools, our students, and our staff,” said Irish. “Anacortes is an amazing community that recognizes the importance of strong local schools.”

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

Kristen Koehler has been named as the Anacortes School District’s next Director of Inclusive Services, effective July 1, 2023. Koehler has served in several leadership roles, including Director of Student Support at Shanghai Community International School and Copenhagen International School and Director of Special Services with Everett Public Schools. Koehler has also served as a special education teacher and school psychologist.  Koehler also holds Master’s Degrees in Educational Administration and Special Education from the University of Washington, and a Master’s Degree in School Psychology from Seattle University. 

Koehler takes over the position from Shannon Gilbert, who has been serving as Inclusive Services Director since 2020. Gilbert will return to a classroom teaching position next school year. This is not a new position; the position oversees many areas, including special education, 504 plans, and counseling. The position was downsized from executive director in the 2020 central office reorganization.

Koehler was selected after a competitive search that included input and participation from staff and families. 

“I am excited to welcome Kristen to our team,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “Throughout the interview process, she exhibited the technical expertise and experience to manage this complex role. She has a proven track record of team-building, establishing clear systems and expectations, and improving student outcomes.” 

Koehler noted how excited she is to join the Anacortes team, as well. 

“I am delighted to join the Anacortes School District as Director of Inclusive Services. I have a life-long passion for creating high-quality learning experiences for all students,” said Koehler. “Most importantly, I value the collaborative efforts that create a community of belonging where each student feels valued and supported. During the interview process I was fortunate to speak with staff, parents and community members and I heard this same commitment. I look forward to joining the Anacortes community and helping to shape the future of support programs in the district.”

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