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.
• Email 
• 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 

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.

This year the district will be studying the secondary schedules (i.e., number of periods in the day, etc.). This does not include start and end times.

Why? AMS and AHS share students and staff. We need to study the secondary schedules to create coherence and fiscally responsive decisions resulting in better student experiences.

There will be an Internal Committee comprised of staff and an Advisory Council comprised of families and community members. The Advisory Council and Internal Committee will provide feedback on the district scheduling study to support student-centered decision-making around staffing and budget.

Please submit your interest by September 23, 2022.

• If you are a family or community member interested in participating in the Advisory Council, submit your interest via the Advisory Council Interest Survey.
• If you are a staff member interested in participating in the Internal Committee, submit your interest via the lnternal Secondary Scheduling Committee Interest Survey.

Meetings will be hosted from October through January. Dates will be provided when selection decisions are made by the first week in October.

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

The district’s grounds crew is developing a plan to improve landscaping around Anacortes High School, following some recent changes in how the grounds are managed. 

Community members have raised concerns about the state of the grounds, and the district takes these concerns seriously. Our team is currently working on ways to make improvements to ensure that the landscaping is more manageable to maintain in the future.

A lot of landscaping was added during the construction of the high school and a large portion of it is very labor intensive to maintain. During the first year, the flower beds were maintained by the contractor in accordance with the original contract and warranty. The cost of continuing this contract for grounds maintenance at the high school was prohibitive financially. While we have greatly appreciated the volunteers that have helped do some weeding, we know that volunteers are not a regular or long-term solution.

The two-man grounds crew has not been able to keep up with all of the newly added landscaping in addition to maintaining the other five school grounds. The district has 60 acres of land to maintain. Based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics an acceptable level would be one staff per 20 acres. Unfortunately, due to a tight budget this year and budget reductions next year, we will not be able to add any new employees to this crew. This greatly impacts our ability to maintain our grounds district-wide to an "acceptable level.” 

Our grounds department desires to have grounds our community can be proud of. The grounds crews are developing an action plan to maintain the grounds both in the short and long-term. 

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

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

The Anacortes School District recently adopted a new 5-year Strategic Plan, which sets measurable and achievable goals for the next five years. The strategic plan is anchored by four pillars: Quality Instruction & Curriculum, Partnerships, Social-Emotional Learning, and Stewardship, with Equity at the core of all district work.  

“The new Strategic Plan is built on the quality work done by the community, staff, and students during the last update in 2017,” said Jennie Beltramini, board president. “We have enhanced the plan to ensure that the goals are measurable and meet the shifting needs of our students, staff, and families.” 

The Anacortes School Board also voted unanimously to approve the district’s 2022-23 budget on Thursday, August 25, 2022. The $45 million budget reflects an investment in student academic achievement, social-emotional learning, and high quality staff. Nearly 88 percent of the district’s budget supports staff salaries and benefits. 

The 2022-23 budget also utilizes nearly $2 million in district reserves, due to declining enrollment, increased costs across all departments, and loss of one-time federal COVID funding.  

“While this budget reflects a significant investment in our students and our staff, we will have some difficult decisions to make this year as we plan proactively for future budgets,” said Superintendent Justin Irish. “We continue to be committed to rigorous learning for all students, and will continue to make efficient use of our resources.” 

This year’s budget includes continued support of teaching and learning; arts, activities, and  athletics; school safety improvements; facility and utility maintenance; and high quality transportation, food, and technology services.  

“We look forward to engaging with staff and community as we plan ahead to proactively re-balance our budget for future years, maintaining a focus on our strategic plan,” said Beltramini.

Questions? Contact Superintendent Justin Irish, jirish@asd103.org or 360-503-1211

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):

• Navigate to the Skyward Family Access login screen

• 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.

• 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.

• To access the form, please navigate to the “Online Forms” on the left side of the screen

• Select Step 1) 2022-2023 Transportation Request

• Fill out the form and click “Complete Step 1”

• 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.