Please take a few minutes to ensure that your information is accurate in Skyward!
Annual Updates
The Student/Family Information Update is currently OPEN in Skyward. It is important that you view and update this information annually to ensure the Anacortes School District has the most accurate information possible regarding your student’s health, safety, and support.
If you have not yet completed your student’s annual records update, please login to your Skyward Family Access account and follow the prompts for IMPORTANT: Student/Family Update. If you have forgotten your Skyward login/password, please click the "Forgot your Login/Password?" link. Login instructions will then be sent to your email address on file.
We are relaunching our text message system. We use text messaging only in urgent/ timely situations.
- Please make sure that we have your correct mobile phone in Skyward.
- Once you have verified that your mobile number is correct, you can “opt in” to receive the district’s notifications.
- Text “Y” or “Yes” to 67587 to opt in or scan the QR code located on this flier. Please opt in before Tuesday, november 15.
- Text Message Test Day: The district will send a test text message on Tuesday, November 15. Please reply with Y or Yes to continue receiving text messages from ASD.
Please make updates by Nov. 11, 2022.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s school, or the District Office at (360) 503-1200 or information@asd103.org
The Anacortes School Board recently adopted the district’s Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and targeted goals for the 2022-23 school year. The AOP and targeted goals are aligned to the district’s strategic plan.
The goals in the AOP are based on the 4 pillars of the Strategic Plan: Quality Instruction & Curriculum, Partnerships, Social-Emotional Learning, and Stewardship. Equity is considered at the core of all decisions, to ensure that all Anacortes students rise to their fullest potential, embrace the future, and make a difference.
“The AOP, the targeted goals, and the school improvement plans (SIPs) all form a cohesive package of goals we have set to ensure student achievement, staff development, and care for our facilities,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “We also appreciate the community involvement that has gone into developing our plans.”
Included in this year’s goals are:
- Staff collaboration and engagement in continuous improvement processes, including effective Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). (AOP 1.1b)
- Equitable access for all students to rigorous course offerings, including multiple pathways for success. (AOP 1.3a)
- Increasing the percentage of families, staff, and students who rate school communications as “effective” and communications specifically about the budget as “effective.” (AOP 2.2a, 4.4a)
- Student access to rigorous, relevant, and engaging social-emotional learning (3.1c)
A complete list of goals can be found in the Annual Operating Plan. Each goal includes annual action items that departments are responsible for. Each individual school improvement plan is also connected to the AOP. The SIPs outline building-based goals for student achievement.
“As a board, we are proud of the district’s work to provide greater alignment of our goals and the actions steps needed to get there,” said Board President Jennie Beltramini. “We are committed to the success of all our students, and having clear, coherent, and measurable goals will help us ensure the district is doing everything we can to support our students and our staff.”
Questions? Superintendent Justin Irish, (360) 503-1211 or jirish@asd103.org
The latest issue of the Anacortes Pride is out now! Check out this issue for stories about:
- One school's return to Mountain School
- Creating a positive climate at Anacortes Middle School
- The district's proactive work for budget planning
- Your shout outs and more!
The Pride is the district's quarterly newsletter that is mailed to all Anacortes households. If you would like an extra copy, or have any questions or feedback, please contact the Superintendent's Office: (360) 503-1211 or tramsay@asd103.org
The district is currently facing a severe bus driver shortage, which may result in possible route cancellations. The district’s transportation department is doing everything possible to avoid canceling routes, but we want families to be prepared in the event of a cancellation.
If a route is canceled, the district will notify families as early as possible either the day before or early in the morning. If a route is canceled, families will need to arrange their own transportation for their student.
Families will be notified the following ways:
- Flash Alert: http://www.flashalert.net/. Families and staff are encouraged to sign up for Flash Alert for the most timely notifications.
- Ride 360 App (for instructions on how to access Ride 360, please visit our website: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/32-Transportation)
- District website, Facebook page, and Twitter
The district is actively recruiting bus drivers. Please encourage anyone interested to apply: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/53-Human-Resources. Like many other districts and businesses we are struggling to keep certain positions filled. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding.
Questions? Karen Garrison, Transportation Supervisor, (360) 503-1155 or kgarrison@asd103.org
Twenty members have been appointed to the district’s newly formed Budget Advisory Council (BAC), which will meet throughout the year to provide input on the district’s budget priorities, strategic goals, and overall financial health.
The Anacortes School District is engaged in a proactive budget planning process to develop its 2023-24 budget and beyond. The district’s current $45 million budget utilizes nearly $2 million in district reserves, due to declining enrollment, increased costs across all departments, and loss of one-time federal COVID funding. The district is working proactively to identify cost savings to balance the district’s budget, and will also have some difficult decisions to make this year. The shortfall currently represents about 6 percent of the district’s budget.
The BAC members represent staff, school board, students, parents, and community. Appointed members are:
- Jack Curtis - Parent
- Matt Cutter - School Board Director
- Kia duNann - Principal Representative
- Octavia Eslick - Anacortes Education Association Representative
- Diana Farnsworth - School Board Director
- Jay Ferrario - Service Employees International Union Representative
- Camille Flinders - Parent
- Darene Follett - Parent
- Erin Glick - Anacortes Education Association Representative
- Brady Graham - Student
- Elliott Johnson - Parent
- Kelly Kreher - Anacortes Education Association Representative
- Dan Moroney - Parent
- Danette Riordan - Anacortes Technology and Information Professionals Representative
- Aimee Rudge - Anacortes Administrative Assistants Association Representative
- Emily Schuh - Community
- Matt Stine - Community
- Rene Vance - Community
- Carrie Worra - Parent
- James Yandle - Staff
“I am excited for the opportunity to engage with our community to help us balance the budget,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “I appreciate these members in particular for dedicating their time to this important work. The decisions we make will impact all schools and programs, and I appreciate having a diverse range of perspectives.”
The BAC meetings will also be open to the public to view the process. The BAC meetings will be held in the Anacortes High School library.
The meeting schedule, and additional information is posted on our website: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/26-Finance/1063-Untitled.html
“As a parent, I know how crucial the district’s budget is to student success; as a tax-payer, I know how important it is for our district leadership to serve as wise stewards of their funds,” said Jack Curtis, BAC member. “I am eager to learn more and also provide input into the district’s spending decisions so that we are all focused on making the best decisions for our kids, in both the near and long term.”
Budget Town Halls
In addition to the Budget Advisory Council meetings, the district will host several town hall forums about the budget throughout the year. These are also open to the public.
- 12/8/22 - 5:30 - 7 p.m.
- 2/2/23 - 5:30 -7 p.m.
- 4/27/23 - 5:30 - 7 p.m.
These town halls will be held in the Anacortes High School Commons.
Questions? Contact Mike Sullivan, Executive Director of Finance and Operations, (360) 503-1213 or masullivan@asd103.org
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Our hearts are heavy, yet full, as we mourn the life of longtime ASD teacher and coach Tom Swapp who passed away this past Saturday, September 17. Swapp taught 7th grade block classes at Anacortes Middle School for more than 30 years, and continued coaching after retiring from the classroom. A beloved teacher, dad, and grandfather, Swapp is perhaps most known and loved as the AHS Varsity Fastpitch coach, a program he started in the 1980s and has, to this day, seen only Swapp as its head coach.
From 1980 to 1996, the team was actually slowpitch, but successive successful seasons in the early ‘90s prompted the transition to fastpitch, and AHS continues to be a strong contender annually.
Recently, former players wrote letters to their coach, which were read to him by family members. Their words seem a fitting close to this tribute. Our thoughts are with his family.
“Thank you for being one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. I have amazing memories when I reflect back on my high school softball career. You have built a program that is full of tradition, discipline and respect for the game, and something you should be deeply proud of.”
“I hope you realize the wonderful memories you created and how many students’ and players’ lives you helped shape. The powerful influence you had on so many of us is incomprehensible. I want you to know you made an everlasting impact on my life. If everyone had a Mr. Swapp in their life, the world would be a better place. You are truly loved by many.”
Thanks for the memories, Coach.
Ride 360 is an app or website that allows families to access their child’s bus route information, including pick up and drop off times, locations, and bus status.
Parents will need to register with Ride 360. Instructions are posted on our website. Once you are registered, you will find your child by using their Skyward Other ID number (under Student Info) and school name.
Remember to request transportation for your child first, if you haven’t already done so. This is done through Skyward, selecting the 2022-23 Transportation Request form.
More information is available on our Transportation website, or by calling (360) 503-1155
Families will begin receiving their annual back to school packets from the district next week. Included in this packet is:
- A welcome letter from Superintendent Irish
- A one-pager student calendar
- Student art calendar
- Free & Reduced Program Paperwork
- ASD Student Handbook
Each household in the district will receive one packet. If you did not receive one, or would like to purchase an additional calendar, please contact the Superintendent’s Office: (360) 503-1211 or tramsay@asd103.org
Updated date
Please note that there is a typo on the printed calendars; Friday, September 23rd is a K-5 Half Day for students.
Free & Reduced Meals Update
We are returning to paid meals this year, after federal funding provided the last 2 years of meals throughout the pandemic.
Paid pricing is as follows:
- Breakfast K-5 - $1.65
- Breakfast 6-12 - $1.90
- Lunch K-5 - $3.00
- Lunch 6-12 - $3.25
We encourage families who may qualify for free & reduced meals to submit an application. Even if your child does not eat school meals, you may also qualify for other financial incentives. Washington State is also waiving all reduced price meals copays, meaning meals will be free for all families qualifying for reduced price meals. Please complete an application, and return it to any school:
https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/28-Food-and-Nutrition
If you have any questions, contact the Child Nutrition Office at 360-503-1377
Elementary Placement
Teacher placement emails, and any remaining building placement emails will go out on Friday, August 26 in the afternoon. If you don’t receive your email, or have questions, please contact our Teaching & Learning Department at (360) 503-1212 or aberard@asd103.org
Elementary Meet & Greets
All elementary students and their families are welcome to attend Meet & Greets at their school. Fidalgo, Mt. Erie, and Island View Elementaries will host Meet & Greets on Thursday, September 1 from 3:30 - 5:30. Stop in any time, look around the school, and meet your teacher and principal.
Middle School & High School Important Dates
- August 30: AHS 9th Grade Family Night
- August 31: AHS Seahawk Startup Makeup
Transportation Registration
We are launching a new transportation system this year to better serve our families. If you have not yet registered your child(ren) for transportation this year, please do so: If your student(s) will need district transportation, please login to Skyward Family Access to submit a Transportation Request Form for each student.
Chromebook Readiness
Students in grades 4-12 should take a few moments before the new school year to charge and power on their Chromebooks to make sure they have everything they need to start the year right! If you have any issues with your Chromebook, or you are missing accessories (power cords, stylus, etc) please contact Technology Services ASAP so we can get it taken care of!
You can reach Technology Services at 360-503-1220 or by stopping by the local Technology Services office in your school.
Students are expected to bring their charged devices with them to school on Sept 6!
For other technology updates, including new password requirements, check out our website: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/25-Technology-Services
School Supplies
A list of school supplies is posted on our website: https://www.asd103.org/District/130-School-Supplies.html
*2nd grade families - some items were inadvertently left off the list posted earlier. Please review the current list for updated items. If you experience any hardship in purchasing items, please reach out to your building principal.
Reach out if you have any questions: information@asd103.org, (360) 503-1200, or https://www.asd103.org/District/126-contact-us.html
The Anacortes School District is launching a new transportation system this year. This new system will help us better serve our families. If your student(s) will need district transportation, please login to Skyward Family Access to submit a Transportation Request Form for each student. Each student rider must have a Transportation Request Form completed. Please complete this form as soon as possible. If you don’t yet know your elementary building assignment, please complete this as soon as you receive your building assignment (on or around August 26th).
If your student needs bus transportation, please do the following (if not, no action is required):
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Navigate to the Skyward Family Access login screen
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Enter your login credentials. Your login ID is typically firstname.lastname. If you do not know your credentials, please select “Forgot your Login/Password?” An account/password reset link will be sent to your email address on file with the district.
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Once in, you will be at the Family Access home screen where you can access all students in your family by selecting the dropdown arrow at the top left.
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To access the form, please navigate to the “Online Forms” on the left side of the screen
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Select Step 1) 2022-2023 Transportation Request
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Fill out the form and click “Complete Step 1”
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Complete Step 2) by clicking “Submit 2022-2023 Transportation Request”
We look forward to seeing you in September!
Screenshot instructions are available here as well.
Questions? Contact the Transportation Office: (360) 503-1155 or kgarrison@asd103.org
Walks in the forestlands, trips to Rosario Beach and Deception Pass and dance moves with Fidalgo Danceworks are all a part of the Impact summer learning program that is taking place throughout July.
“We are so excited to be bringing back field trips, which were on hold during the pandemic,” said Assistant Superintendent Becky Clifford.
The goal of Impact is to support students in academic and social-emotional learning through the summer to keep them engaged and ready to return to school. Each day consists of core instruction (reading and math) connected to enrichment activities like movement or nature talks at Washington Park. The district is partnering with Fidalgo Danceworks, Denise Crowe from the Samish Nation, Joy Kacoroski from Deception Pass State Park, and Friends of the Forest.
The 120 kindergarten through fifth grade students have attended five days a week, three hours each day. In collaboration with teachers, the multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) facilitators referred students to the program. Incoming kindergarten students were referred by ASD early learning partners through a similar process, based on WaKids data.
The program includes 12 classroom teachers, 12 paraeducators, one principal, one nurse and one office assistant. Impact Principal Kelly Cox has been leading the team.
“I am excited for the opportunity to support students and staff this summer,” she said.
Funding for Impact is provided by Anacortes Schools Foundation and an anonymous donor. In addition to staffing and curriculum, it covers transportation and lunches. For more information, please email rclifford@asd103.org.