@SequimSchools — Dec. 5, 2018

December 5, 2018 1:30 am
Third-graders at Helen Haller Elementary Schoo learn about the human body and the different body systems. They include: top photo, from left, Angie Torres, Arvids Prorok and Emrivi’let Samudio; bottom left, Luca Bellacicco; bottom center, Madison Edwards and Alayna Marazon, and, at bottom right, Russell Thomas. Submitted photo
Third-graders at Helen Haller Elementary Schoo learn about the human body and the different body systems. They include: top photo, from left, Angie Torres, Arvids Prorok and Emrivi’let Samudio; bottom left, Luca Bellacicco; bottom center, Madison Edwards and Alayna Marazon, and, at bottom right, Russell Thomas. Submitted photo

DISTRICT

The next school board meeting is 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17, at he;en Haller Elementary School’s library, 350 W. Fir St. The public is invited to attend, and time is set aside for public comment. To view the agenda and minutes of past meetings and click on “School Board,” “Regular Communication” and “Agendas” on the district’s website at www.sequimschools.org.

HELEN HALLER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

November has been a busy month for Helen Haller Elementary teachers, students and parents. Fourth-grade teachers met with parents for student conferences and appreciate the opportunity to connect with families to support student learning.

Students also participated in our annual “Turkey Trot” fundraiser. After collecting pledges, students ran laps around the track and the weather cooperated. Participation was high, and students enjoyed the experience. We appreciate all those who supported students in this fundraiser to raise money for library books and a rock climbing wall!

During the next four weeks before winter break, fourth-graders will learn how to multiply and divide large numbers and determine themes and structures of a variety of poems.

— Jesse Klinger, teacher

SEQUIM OPTIONS SCHOOL

Sequim Options School students and staff recently joined together to help celebrate the 77th birthday of Julia McKenna Blessing, a local Rotary member and long-time volunteer. Blessing has been an essential advocate for teacher Michelle Mahitka the past few years, helping facilitate guest speakers in many different career fields. She advocates for the Sequim Options School and mentors students.

“Julia is a vital member of the Sequim Options School family,” Mahitka says.

SEQUIM MIDDLE AND SEQUIM HIGH SCHOOL

Sequim has 25 choir students representing the district at All-State, All-Northwest or Junior All-State Choral festivals, held in February in Portland, Ore., and Vancouver, Wa.

Students who are selected for these performing groups submit a recorded audition to the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA), demonstrating a number of musicianship and singing skills. It is highly competitive and requires a considerable amount of preparation time. The All-Northwest component of the festival will have students coming to Portland, Ore., from Washington state, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska.

The Washington All-State Choir students will rehearse simultaneously with the All-Northwest Choir with students from across the state. Sequim High School will have six All-NW students and 13 Washington All-State students participating this year.

The Junior All-State Choir is similar, but comprised of seventh- and eighth-grade students. Sequim Middle School recently became an Associate Member of WMEA, allowing seventh- and eighth-grade choir students to submit auditions for the Junior All-State program for the first time ever.

“We were thrilled when six Sequim Middle School students were selected,” choir instructor John Lorentzen said.

Sequim students in All-Northwest Choir — Emily Bundy, Alto 1; Adrian Funston, Bass 1; Jonathan Heintz, Bass 2; Thomas Hughes, Bass 1; Jax Thaxton, Bass 1; Amanda Weller, Soprano 1

Sequim students in Washington All-State Choir — Devin Anderson, Bass 2; Murray Bingham, Tenor 2; Damien Cundiff, Tenor 2; Caleb DeMott, Bass 2; Maddy Dietzman, Alto 1; Isabella Fazio, Alto 2; Jordan Hegtvedt, Alto 2; Hannah Hines, Alto 2; Henry Hughes, Bass 1; Raymond Lam, Bass 2; Eva Lofstrom, Alto 2; Gabrielle Simonson, Soprano 1; Meguire VanderVelde, Alto 1.

Sequim students in Washington Junior All-State Choir — Makayla Allen, Soprano; Danika Chen, Soprano; Ashton Drew, Baritone; Espn Judd, Baritone; Keaton King, Alto; Anastasia Updike, Alto

SEQUIM HIGH SCHOOL

The Sequim High School Operetta Club proudly presents their 2018 All School Play, “A Christmas Carol,” written by Charles Dickens and adapted for the stage by director Ashley Kramer. Join us for a festive and ghostly night at the theater as we celebrate the transformative power of love and compassion.

Performances are held from 7-9 p.m., Dec. 7-8 and Dec. 14-15, at the SHS auditorium, 533 N. Sequim Ave. Tickets are sold at the door (cash only) for $10 (adults) or $8 (students and senior citizens); all proceeds go directly to the Operetta Club to fund future productions and performing arts opportunities for Sequim students.

Seniors: Don’t forget that cap and gown orders are due Saturday, Dec. 15. For those who did not get an order packet, they are available in the counseling office. Students may mail in your order or place an order online at nationalachiever.com.

The bowling team is looking for a reliable manager. If you’d like to be a part of the bowling team and help with stats and scoring, see athletic director Dave Ditlefsen.

Jessie Chartier, Trinity Morefield, Jacob Carleson and Colby Verdu — students in teacher Brooke Hoefler’s fourth-grade class at Helen Haller Elementary School — enjoy reading the community section of the Sequim Gazette. Submitted photo

Jessie Chartier, Trinity Morefield, Jacob Carleson and Colby Verdu — students in teacher Brooke Hoefler’s fourth-grade class at Helen Haller Elementary School — enjoy reading the community section of the Sequim Gazette. Submitted photo