DISTRICT
The last day of school is today, June 15, with an early release. We wish all our students and staff a safe and happy summer break!
The first day of school for the 2016-2017 school year is Aug. 31.
Please refer to the district website calendar at www.sequim.k12.wa.us for important dates and information.
GREYWOLF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
A volunteer reception was held June 7 in the library. Light refreshments were served and first-graders from Monique Brasher’s and Cathy Green’s classes showed their appreciation by handing out flowers and thank you cards.
All the attendees received Volunteer of Distinction awards. Kindergarteners from Patty Sullivan’s and Bethanie Robbin’s classes performed a song called “Rainbow Around Me.” Kelli Mishko’s kindergarteners read a poem aloud.
HELEN HALLER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Cougar Running Club took place in the early morning before school from early April through the end of May and concluded with almost 40 Haller children participating in the Kids Marathon, a 1.2 mile race, for the North Olympic Discovery Marathon on Saturday, June 4, at the Port Angeles pier.
Ione Marcy, teacher and organizer, said more than 100 students turned out for the running club this year, with parents sometimes running and/or walking with their children on the high school track.
The goal of the club was to run for fun and fitness. However, the ultimate goal for many was completing 25 miles before the Kids Marathon.
“There were kindergarteners challenging themselves to run with first-graders and first-graders that challenged themselves to keep up with fourth-graders to get their miles and speed up,” said Marcy.
As days and weeks went by, many students completed 25 miles and quite a few surpassed it by a long shot. For every 5 miles the kids ran, they earned a 5-mile token provided by NODM organizers. Kids collected their tokens and placed them proudly on little chains that they attached to their backpacks or jackets or wore on themselves. The top mile finisher was first-grader Mason Rapelje with 80 miles by race day.
“Having all those kids so excited about running and getting to the track at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday through Friday for seven weeks straight is amazing. It’s an accomplishment that each child should be very proud of,” Marcy concluded.
SEQUIM MIDDLE SCHOOL
Parents and family members gathered in the cafeteria in the evening on Monday, June 6, for final performances by the sixth-grade choir, the seventh- and eighth-grade choir, and lastly a combined chorale performance. Many young soloists were featured throughout the program, which included a variety of folk, traditional and contemporary numbers. Sequim Middle School choirs are directed by John Lorentzen.
This year’s seventh-grade Honors College Fair was held during the afternoon on June 7. Melissa Withrow’s and Vicki Helwick’s seventh-grade students each chose a college or university to research, then created presentation boards that were eye-catching and informative. Over 50 institutions of higher learning were represented, including Peninsula College, Stanford, Washington State University, Harvard, University of Washington and more. Fifth- and sixth-period classes circulated the presentations exhibited in Town Center and were encouraged to ask questions. Families were invited to view the exhibits as well.
“I chose to research Harvard, because I am interested in going to law school and Harvard Law School is among the best in the country,” said Jace Francis.
“Even though it is really far away, I was interested in learning more about the University of North Texas in Denton because they have a good music program,” said Taylor Coleman.
SEQUIM HIGH SCHOOL
Seniors were recognized during a special school assembly in the gym on Monday, June 3, by members of the teaching staff. Here are the honors that were bestowed, with an explanation for some awards that might not be as well-known as others.
The award for Grit, presented by Joe Van De Weghe, was presented to Arnold Black.
A “C.” It can make some students furious but others can perceive a C as an accomplishment. The longer I teach the more I realize that not all C’s are created equal. A letter-grade does not always tell the whole story. I hope that soon you will see what I mean.
I have the great opportunity to teach one of the best classes at SHS: Algebra Two. Research has shown that successful completion of Algebra Two is the greatest indicator of college success.
The reason for this: For many students, success here requires determination, endurance, tenacity, sacrifice, stick-to-it-tiveness and persistence – we call it Grit.
At the beginning of the year I look out at my students and realize that some of them might not make it to June. I also hope that those who do will have learned some advanced algebra.
What surprises me every year is that many of these students learn so much more.
This particular student joined me during his sophomore year in geometry class. We would meet an hour before school at least twice a week for a while to help him make it through the class. Sometimes he would stay after school and miss practice and even give up his spot in the starting lineup in order to keep his grade up in my class.
The following year he walked through the door of my classroom for Algebra Two. The struggle was real. Even with him coming in before and after school, the material was too challenging and he ended up in Algebra Two Prep for the remainder of the year.
Many students would have given up here and thrown in the towel. Last fall, however, he ventured through my door again. He has demonstrated a level of grit that has allowed him to succeed in my class. He completes his homework consistently, takes initiative and asks questions when he’s not understanding something and has developed confidence in his ability to overcome challenges.
Arnold Black has learned some Algebra Two this year. But I hope that you can see along with me that he’s learned a lot more. — Joe Van De Weghe
The award for World Languages was presented by Sonja Miller to Anthony Creasey.
The award from the Social Studies Department was presented by Mike Lippert to Grace Hibler.
The Physical Education award was presented by Bridget Shingleton to Wendall Lorentzen.
A Fine Arts (Visual) award was presented by Jaye Hall to Kaylen Barber.
A Fine Arts (Choir) award was presented by John Lorentzen to Nicholas Fazio.
A Fine Arts (Band) award was presented by Vern Fosket to Eric Anderson.
The award from the Mathematics Department was presented by Larry Hill to Blake Eriks.
An award from the Career Technology Education Department was presented by Brad Moore to Ryan Nestor.
An award for Determination was presented by Jennifer Mackey to Nick Barrett.
An award from the Science Department was presented by Laura Gould to Jessica Craig.
An award from the English Department was presented by John Eekhoff to Alexis Cromer.
Dave Ditlefsen, athletic director, presented the following athletic awards: Scholar Athlete (Girl) to Audrey Shingleton; Scholar Athlete (Boy) to Daniel Harker; Girl Athlete to Waverly Shreffler; Boy Athlete to Jackson Oliver; and Sportsmanship to Jack Shea.
Principal Shawn Langston and I started the Sportsmanship Award eight years ago. We wanted to recognize a person who displays grace and excellent sportsmanship on the field while also active in attending and supporting his/her peers at other sporting events. We chose Jack Shea for his positive sportsmanship on the basketball court and the golf course, and he was a regular at football and volleyball games supporting his peers. — Dave Ditlefsen
The Service award was presented by Jennifer Van De Wege to Megan O’Mera.
The Outstanding Senior award was presented by Principal Shawn Langston to Karen Chan.
The Heart of Purple and Gold award was presented by Jennifer Van De Wege to Taylor Bullock.
This award is for the student that most exemplifies the spirit of Sequim High School. Each year it is slightly different; however it always goes to a student that is kind, compassionate, gives of their time and attention to others, and inspires other students to do the same. Taylor is a humble, unique, spirited individual that consistently outdoes himself when it comes to showing his passion for being a Sequim High Wolf. — Jennifer Van De Wege
