Anacortes School District and Barrett Financial Announce the Recipients of the 2025 Champions in Education Award

The Anacortes School District, in partnership with Barrett Financial, is excited to announce the recipients of the 2025 Champions in Education Award. This first-year award includes two $5,000 grants—one for a classified/non-represented staff member and one for a certificated staff member—and recognizes staff who go “above and beyond” in supporting students and creating positive educational experiences. This prestigious award ensures those who make a significant impact on students are celebrated and valued.

Julie Van Quickenborne – Classified/Non-Represented Staff Employee of the Year
Paraeducator, Island View Elementary

Julie Van Quickenborne is the recipient of the Classified/Non-Represented Staff Employee of the Year award. With over a decade of service, Julie has contributed significantly in various roles, including volunteering at school events, working as a substitute paraeducator, and serving in a Life Skills classroom. In her current role as a 1:1 Special Education paraeducator, Julie works with a visually impaired student, ensuring their independence and inclusion. Her dedication to equity, inclusion, and creating personalized learning opportunities exemplifies this award. Julie’s commitment to professional growth such as learning braille to support her students further demonstrates her dedication to student success.

Amy Kammenga – Certificated Staff Employee of the Year
Special Education Teacher, Island View Elementary

Amy Kammenga is the recipient of the Certificated Staff Employee of the Year award. Amy tailors instruction to meet each student's unique needs, ensuring all students feel supported. She has played a key role in creating an inclusive classroom, especially for nonverbal students using Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) devices. Amy’s creative lesson planning, commitment to professional growth, and collaboration on IEP development ensure her students’ success academically, socially, and emotionally. She builds strong relationships with students, families, and the community. The funds from this award will help Amy continue her development in AAC and assistive technology and enhance classroom resources.

Julie and Amy will be honored at the School Board meeting on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 6:15 PM in the Anacortes High School Library. Please join us in congratulating both for their well-deserved recognition and thanking them for their tireless dedication to Anacortes students! Amy Hong, owner of Barrett Financial, expressed pride in partnering with the Anacortes School District to present the Champions in Education Award. "Their commitment to students, equity, and innovation is inspiring, and we are pleased to celebrate their valuable work in our community.  We believe in the power of an equitable learning journey for every student and are excited to be able to offer these annual awards to recognize and support outstanding staff and educators,” Hong said. Superintendent Justin Irish also congratulated Julie and Amy, emphasizing their dedication to fostering inclusive, supportive, and enriching environments for students. “These grants honor individuals who make a lasting impact on our school community, and we are thrilled they are being recognized by Barrett Financial,” Irish added.

Anacortes School District Honored with 2025 Purple Star Award for Supporting Military-Connected Students

The Anacortes School District is proud to announce that it has been named a 2025 Purple Star Award recipient by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), in collaboration with the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA). This prestigious two-year designation honors school districts that demonstrate a strong and sustained commitment to supporting military-connected students and families.

Now in its second year, the Purple Star Award recognizes districts that meet rigorous criteria for providing military-friendly practices and resources. Anacortes School District earned the designation by maintaining a dedicated webpage for military families, appointing trained points of contact for military student support, hosting military family events, and providing professional development for staff on the unique needs of military families. 

"We are honored to receive the Purple Star Award, which reflects our district’s heartfelt commitment to supporting the children and families of those who serve," said Dr. Justin Irish, Superintendent of Anacortes School District. "With our proximity to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, we recognize the important role schools play in offering stability, connection, and opportunity to students who may experience frequent transitions. Our goal is to make every military-connected student feel seen, supported, and successful in our schools."

Military-connected students face unique challenges, including frequent relocations and parental deployments. The Purple Star Award acknowledges the district’s intentional efforts to smooth transitions and offer targeted support for these students.

"My uncle Neeko was in the Marines, and my abuelo was in the Air Force, so I know how important it is to feel welcome when you move to a new place," said Ana Skelton, a 5th-grade student at Island View Elementary. "When new students come to our school, I try to be kind and help them feel like they belong because everyone deserves to feel at home, especially when their families serve our country."

The award also holds special significance for Jack Curtis, retired U.S. Navy and current Anacortes School Board Director. "My family is acutely aware of the challenges some of our students experience as a result of frequent moves or the deployed parents.  Knowing our school district acknowledges and supports these students and families is reassuring and greatly appreciated.” Curtis said. 

Anacortes joins five other districts in Washington to receive the 2025 designation: Coupeville, South Kitsap, Bethel, and North Kitsap. 

To learn more about the Purple Star Award and Anacortes School District’s commitment to military families, visit https://www.asd103.org/District/Portal/supporting-military-families. 

Walter A. Brodniak, a notable figure in the Anacortes School District, left an indelible mark on the educational landscape. His legacy extends beyond mere administration; it encompasses a passion for nurturing the arts and empowering students through his dedication to fostering learning and cultural enrichment.

As Superintendent of the Anacortes School District, Walter Brodniak played a pivotal role in shaping the educational experience for countless students. His commitment to excellence and dedication to the community were evident throughout his tenure.

In 1977, upon his retirement, the Walter A. Brodniak Cultural Education Award was established to foster growth of the cultural arts in the District. The award is granted to a student, faculty member, administrator, school director, community member, or organization that has made an exceptional contribution to the cultural arts within the Anacortes School District. This prestigious award is bestowed annually during spring to recognize exceptional contributions to the cultural arts within the Anacortes School District during the current academic school year. The recipient’s name will be permanently etched onto a plaque, ensuring its enduring display for future generations to appreciate and honor. Past Recipients of the Brodniak Cultural Education Award can be found on our website. This page will be updated the same day we send the release with the updated info. 

Nominations for this esteemed award are due by 5:00 PM on Friday, April 25, 2025. A selection committee thoughtfully evaluates the nominations and offers a recommendation to our Superintendent, Dr. Justin Irish. The deserving recipient will be honored at an upcoming School Board Business Meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 22, 2025, commencing at 6:15 PM in the Anacortes High School Library located at 1600 20th Street, Anacortes. 

The Anacortes School District is now accepting referrals for current students (grades K-8) for Highly Capable Services for the 2025-26 school year. The referral window will be open from Monday, March 10, 2025, to Friday, March 28, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Testing will begin on Monday, April 21, 2025. Family, educators, and community members may refer students using the online referral form below.

All students currently in 2nd and 5th grade are universally screened and considered (with parent permission) for Highly Capable Services by completing the Cognitive Abilities Test Screener (CogAt). If your student is currently in the 2nd or 5th grade, a referral is not necessary. However, if you would like to refer a current 2nd-grade or 5th-grade student, the referral forms are available below. Students who are currently receiving Highly Capable Services do not need to be referred again.

Information about Highly Capable Services

Highly Capable Program Referral Form

For any questions, please email Anne Berard

The Anacortes School District is excited to announce that kindergarten registration for the 2025-26 school year will open on Monday, March 3, 2025. Families with children who will be five years old by August 31, 2025, are encouraged to register early. Early registration helps us plan for the upcoming year and ensures a smooth transition for students and families.

Registration can be completed online through our district website.

Parents and guardians will need to provide proof of residency, their child’s birth certificate, and CIS immunization records.

We look forward to welcoming our newest learners to the Anacortes School District

Anacortes School District Student Printable Calendars Now Available!

The Board-approved student calendars for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years are now live! Stay ahead by marking important dates, breaks, and school events.

2025-26 Calendar: https://www.asd103.org//files/public_files/Students_and_Families/Calendar_2025-26-STUDENT-(1).pdf

2026-27 Calendar: https://www.asd103.org//files/public_files/Students_and_Families/Calendar_2026-27-STUDENT.pdf

Plan ahead and stay connected!

IT'S A SNOW DAY! All Schools in the Anacortes School District will be closed on Thursday, February 6, 2025 due to continued icy and unsafe road conditions. All after-school activities and events are canceled. After initially planning for a two-hour delay, further assessments revealed that the roads, school parking lots, and sidewalks around our schools remain too hazardous for safe travel. We made this decision out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our bus drivers, students, and families. Schedule changes apply districtwide, even if your neighborhood isn't as severely affected. Some areas of the district are experiencing worse weather and driving conditions than others.

We understand that this may cause inconvenience to some families, and we apologize for any disruption this may cause. Our district team will continue to monitor weather conditions for bus routes and surrounding areas early tomorrow to assess conditions. Any updates will be communicated to families and staff as soon as possible. The safety of our students, staff, and community is our top priority when making weather-related decisions.

Further information regarding Adverse weather, closures and delays:  https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/32-Transportation/Portal/adverse-weather-closuresdelays

SCHOOL BOARD SITE VISIT

The Anacortes School Board Site Visit to Mount Erie Elementary, scheduled for Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM, has been postponed. A new date will be announced soon.

2-Hour Delay Notification- Adverse Weather Routes 

All schools in the Anacortes School District will be on a two-hour delay Thursday, February 6, 2025. Bus routes will follow adverse weather routes. Due to severe winter weather advisory with freezing temperatures tonight, we expect icy conditions in the morning. There will be no out-of-district transportation available, as well as no morning preschool. Schedule changes apply districtwide, even if your neighborhood isn't as severely affected. Some areas of the district are experiencing worse weather and driving conditions than others. Updated adverse weather route information will be found on the My Ride K-12 app.

We understand that this may cause inconvenience to some families, and we apologize for any disruption this may cause. Our district team will continue to monitor weather conditions for bus routes and surrounding areas early tomorrow to assess conditions. Any updates will be communicated to families and staff as soon as possible. The safety of our students, staff, and community is our top priority when making weather-related decisions.

For further information regarding adverse weather, closures, and delays, please visit the following link: https://www.asd103.org/District/Department/32-Transportation/Portal/adverse-weather-closuresdelays

SCHOOL BOARD SITE VISIT

The Anacortes School Board Site Visit to Mount Erie Elementary, scheduled for Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM, has been postponed. A new date will be announced soon.

UPDATE:

Anacortes School District would like to provide an update to families regarding bus transportation. All buses will be operating on regular routes this afternoon. 

To ensure you are receiving our communications, please review your Skyward account to ensure that your contact information is accurate. If any updates are needed, please report them to your child’s school. To receive notifications about school closures, delays, and transportation updates, text “Y” or “Yes” to 67587. If you have already opted in, no further action is needed.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this winter weather season. The safety of our students is our top priority, and we will continue to monitor weather conditions for any further updates.

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Due to icy conditions expected on Tuesday, February 4th, Anacortes School District will be operating on time with Adverse Weather Routes. We encourage families to review these updated routes to ensure the safe and timely transport of students.

What Families Need to Do:

• Check your student’s bus stop information on the My Ride K-12 app to stay updated on any changes to pick-up times and locations. Adverse weather may cause delays or modifications to schedules.
• Download the My Ride K-12 app if you haven’t already. The app is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store to receive real-time updates:
  • My Ride K-12 – Apple App Store (iOS)
  • My Ride K-12 – Google Play Store (Android)
• Ensure your contact information is up to date by reviewing your Skyward account. If there are any changes, please report them to your child’s school.
• Opt-in for text message alerts by texting “Y” or “Yes” to 67587 to receive notifications about school closures, delays, and transportation updates. If you’ve already opted in, no further action is needed.

Important Reminders:

• Please dress your students appropriately for cold weather. This includes warm coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and appropriate footwear, as they will be outside for bus rides and other activities.
• For elementary students: We encourage parents or guardians to meet their children at the designated Adverse Weather Routes stop. If your child is unable to navigate home safely (without an older sibling or neighbor), they will be returned to school for safe pick-up.
• Be aware that pick-up or drop-off times may vary due to adverse weather. Please plan for possible delays.

If your family has special transportation needs and is impacted by these changes, you will be notified directly with updated stop times or locations.

For additional information about adverse weather routes, delays, or closures, please visit our Adverse Weather/Closures webpage. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Transportation Team at (360) 503-1155 or email:

• Karen Garrison, Transportation Supervisor: kgarrison@asd103.org
• Becky Sitton, Dispatcher: rsitton@asd103.org

Anacortes High School Athletic Alerts

Due to the recent snow affecting the northern part of the state, several sports schedules have been impacted, including our own. As a result, all girls and boys basketball games that were scheduled are now cancelled.

Please note the following updates:

• The girls’ basketball team will no longer be traveling to Lynden. Instead, we will be hosting Lynden's girls and boys varsity teams on Wednesday night at Anacortes High School.
• No JV or C-level games will be played against Lynden.
• Girls varsity game will begin at 5:40 PM.
• Boys varsity game will begin at 7:15 PM.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your flexibility as we adjust to the changes. Please stay tuned for any further updates, and thank you for your support!

Dear Anacortes School District Families,

We wanted to inform you of a recent update to the student calendar for February. The "Evening Conferences" scheduled for February 12 have been removed. Please see the corrected schedule below:

• February 10: K-5 Half-Day (Conference Planning)
• February 11: K-5 Half-Day (Afternoon Conferences)
• February 12: K-5 Half-Day (Afternoon Conferences)
• February 13: K-12 Half-Day (Afternoon & Evening Conferences, No Pre-K)
• February 14: K-8 Half-Day (Students Only)
• February 17: No School – Presidents Day  

For your convenience, the updated printable calendar is available here: 2024-25 Student Calendar.

A friendly reminder that the week of February 10 to 14, 2025 is conference week for our K-12 students! Please be sure to mark your calendars and prepare for these important discussions about your child’s progress.

Thank you for your attention to these updates. If you have any questions, please email us at information@asd103.org.   

Sincerely, 

Anacortes School District