We’re So Close- Help Us Reach the Goal!

Tomorrow is the deadline!

Please take a few minutes today to complete your annual student updates AND Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application, if you qualify, if you haven’t already!

-Update your student’s information.

- Submit your Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application.

Every submission counts, and we’re in the final stretch! Don’t wait until the last minute, get it done by TOMORROW!

Thank you for helping us cross the finish line!

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Anacortes School District is asking for community support to help our schools qualify for free meals for all students for the 2027-28 school year!

Under Washington State House Bill 1238 (2023), elementary schools can qualify to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students when 30% or more of enrolled students qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

We’re getting close! 

• Mount Erie Elementary: Qualified at 35.78%

• Island View Elementary: 27.96%

• Fidalgo Elementary: 28.44%

Island View and Fidalgo have until October 31, 2026, to reach the 30% threshold. Every completed annual update and eligibility application can help us get there!

What About Middle and High Schools?

Anacortes Middle School (AMS) and Anacortes High School (AHS) may qualify for universal free meals through the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) when at least 40% of students are identified as eligible through qualifying programs.

Current eligibility rates:

• Anacortes High School: 22.08%

• Anacortes Middle School: 26.04%

• Cap Sante High School: CEP Qualified at 46.38% 

How Families Can Help

Please complete your student’s annual update as soon as possible:
 

1. Log in to Skyward Family Access.

2. Select “Annual Student Information Update.”

3. Complete the annual update and the Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit Application, if eligible.

4. Submit your information as soon as possible. 

Every Update Makes a Difference!

Our annual update completion rates as of October 29 are:
 

• Fidalgo Elementary: 74.9% completed

• Island View Elementary: 71% completed

• Mount Erie Elementary: 100% completed

• Anacortes Middle School: 60.5% completed

• Anacortes High School: 55.6% completed

• Cap Sante High School: 36.1% completed

• Whitney Early Learning Center 31% completed

Thank you to all the families who have already completed their annual update! Please help spread the word and encourage other families to complete theirs. Every update helps ensure eligible students are counted and brings us closer to providing free meals to more students.

For more information about the Free and Reduced Program, visit our webpage.

Barrett Financial Helps Ensure Caps and Gowns for Anacortes Graduates 

Anacortes School District is grateful to announce a generous donation from Amy Hong of Barrett Financial that will provide caps and gowns for graduates of Anacortes High School and Cap Sante High School.

The donation, valued at approximately $12,000, will cover the cost of caps and gowns for graduating seniors, helping ensure every student can fully participate in the traditional celebration of graduation without the expense falling on their families.

“Graduation is a day families hold onto for years, and the cost of a cap and gown shouldn’t be on anyone’s mind. These graduates are the next chapter of our community, and we’re excited to see what they do. Giving back is who Barrett Financial is, and this is a small gesture to say thank you for letting us be part of Anacortes for over 30 years,” said Amy Hong of Barrett Financial.

The program will benefit students from both Anacortes High School and Cap Sante High School and is designed to provide a lasting benefit to future graduating classes.

“We are grateful for this donation, which will allow graduates and their families to celebrate their high school graduation without the financial burden of buying a cap and gown. Thank you, Barrett Financial!” said Erin Duez, Anacortes High School principal.

The district plans to establish a reusable gown program, allowing graduates to return their gowns after commencement so they can be used by future graduating classes. New caps will be purchased each year for graduates. 

For the graduates who benefit from the program, graduation will be a celebration of years of hard work, perseverance, and achievement, shared with the families, educators, and community members who supported them along the way. The reusable gown program will help extend the impact of this generous donation well beyond a single graduating class. Thank you, Barrett Financial, for supporting all of our graduates. 

The donation will be presented to the Anacortes School Board for approval on the consent agenda during the October 22, 2026, Business Meeting at 6:15 p.m.

Anacortes School District is grateful to Amy Hong and Barrett Financial for their generosity and for helping ensure that every Anacortes graduate can proudly walk across the stage in cap and gown as they celebrate this important achievement.

Family and Community Update Regarding Student Medical Emergency

Dear Anacortes School District Community,

With the family’s permission, we want to share information regarding an incident that occurred on campus yesterday evening, involving a serious medical emergency involving an Anacortes Middle School (AMS) student during an AMS soccer game at Smiley’s Bottom.

The student experienced a medical emergency while attending the event and received immediate assistance from individuals at the scene. CPR was provided until the Anacortes Fire Department arrived and assumed care. The student was then transported by air for continued medical treatment.

Because this is a private medical matter, we are not able to provide additional information about the student’s condition. We ask our community to respect the privacy of the student and their family and to refrain from sharing or speculating about the student’s medical information.

We are deeply grateful to the individuals who responded immediately and provided care, as well as to the Anacortes Fire Department and other emergency responders who assisted. Their swift response and care were instrumental during a very difficult and frightening situation.

We recognize that many students, athletes, families, staff, and community members may have witnessed the emergency and may be processing a range of emotions. Anacortes School District has made counseling and support resources available to students and staff who may need them. We encourage anyone who is struggling after witnessing the incident to reach out to a trusted adult, school counselor, or other support person.

For families looking for additional guidance, our district website includes resources specifically focused on emotional reactions to traumatic events, including information to help families support children who may be experiencing emotional responses after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. These resources are available here: Family Resources for Emotional Reaction to Traumatic Events. 

Thank you for your compassion, care, and respect for this student and family. We are grateful for the way our community comes together to support one another during difficult moments.

Sincerely,
Dr. James Everett, Superintendent

Bus 23 Safety Notice

Dear Anacortes School District Community,

Shortly after school dismissal today, Anacortes School District bus #23 was involved in a minor, low-speed rear-impact accident directly in front of Anacortes Middle School.

The bus was carrying students at the time of the incident. There were no reported injuries, and students were safely cared for following the accident. The incident did not impact student-scheduled drop-off, and after-school activities remained on schedule.

The safety and well-being of our students and staff is always our highest priority. We are grateful for the quick response of our transportation team, the Anacortes Police Department, and the cooperation of our students and families.

We know that any incident involving a school bus can be concerning for families, and we want you to have accurate information. We are grateful that everyone is safe, and our team will continue to take all necessary steps to support our students and ensure their safety.

Thank you for your trust in our staff and for your continued support of Anacortes School District.

Connie Sheridan
Director of Human Resources & Transportation

Remembering September 11th, 25th Anniversary
We invite the community to visit Veterans Memorial Plaza at Anacortes High School tomorrow, Friday, September 11, as we pause to remember and honor the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. The plaza will be open to the public from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. No formal events are planned; rather, we invite community members to visit for a time of reflection, remembrance, and tribute.

As we mark 25 years since that day, we remember the lives lost, honor the first responders and members of the military who answered the call to serve, and reflect on the courage, compassion, and unity that followed. We welcome community members, families, staff, students, veterans, first responders, and all those who wish to pause, reflect, and remember.

DATE: Friday, September 11, 2026
TIME: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
LOCATION: Veterans Memorial Plaza at Anacortes High School

Facebook event

Anacortes School District Leadership Team Earns State and National Recognition
Superintendent Dr. James Everett elected WASA President-Elect; Dr. Brian Fraser recognized as ASBO International Emerging Leader

The Anacortes School District is proud to celebrate significant statewide and national recognition for two members of its leadership team, reflecting their dedication to public education, professional leadership and ensuring Anacortes students and families have access to the strongest possible school system.

Superintendent Dr. James Everett has been elected President-Elect of the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) and will assume the presidency in July 2027. Dr. Everett has been an active member of WASA since 2013 and has served the association in numerous leadership, mentorship and advocacy roles. Dr. Everett’s leadership philosophy centers on building relationships, supporting educators and ensuring school leaders have the resources and connections they need to serve students well.

The district is also proud to announce that Dr. Brian Fraser, Director of Finance and Operations, has been selected as a 2026 Emerging Leaders Scholarship recipient by the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). The national scholarship recognizes rising school business professionals who demonstrate leadership, commitment to their profession and a desire to contribute to the future of school business administration. Dr. Fraser’s work supports the critical financial and operational systems that allow Anacortes schools to focus on what matters most: students. His recognition reflects his commitment to responsible stewardship, continuous improvement and ensuring the district has strong systems in place to support staff and student success. 

“These honors reflect something the Anacortes School Board deeply values: leaders who never stop growing. Strong schools are built by leaders who model continuous learning, and Dr. Everett and Dr. Fraser both do that. Their commitment to their professions directly benefits our students and families in Anacortes. Congratulations to them both on these well-earned recognitions,” said Board President Jennie Beltramini.

“Dr. Fraser’s recognition speaks to the caliber of leadership we are fortunate to have in Anacortes. He brings tremendous knowledge, thoughtful stewardship, and a genuine commitment to making our district stronger. I’m proud of Brian and equally proud of the team we are building together to make Anacortes a great place to learn, work, and grow,” said Superintendent Dr. James Everett.

The Anacortes School District congratulates Dr. Everett and Dr. Fraser on these well-deserved honors and looks forward to the continued impact of their leadership in Anacortes and beyond.

Everything families need to get ready for the new school year is now available in one place.

The Anacortes School District has released its 2026–27 Back-to-School Guide, a digital resource designed to help students and families prepare for the first day of school. The first weeks of school come with plenty of questions. The Back-to-School Guide is designed to make finding answers easier by putting important information in one convenient location.

From school supply lists and bus routes to technology information, school calendars, meals, bell schedules, and important forms, the guide brings together the information families need to start the school year prepared and informed.


What Families Will Find in the Guide

School Supplies
Find school supply lists by grade and school so students have what they need when classes begin.

Transportation
Review information about bus routes, stops, and schedules through the My Ride K-12 app, the district’s transportation app for the 2026–27 school year. Instructions for using the app are included in the guide.

Technology
Find information about student devices, required apps, login information, and technology support.

School Calendar & Important Dates
Download the one-page district calendar with important dates, holidays, early release days, and other key events throughout the school year.

Bell & Class Schedule Information
Review school start and dismissal times, bell schedules, and daily class schedules to help students know what to expect when they return.

Student Handbook
Learn about district policies, student expectations, and important information about day-to-day school life.

School Meals
Students at Fidalgo Elementary and Mount Erie Elementary will have access to free breakfast and lunch every school day during the 2026-27 school year through Washington’s implementation of HB 1238.

Families can also find information about applying for Free and Reduced-Price Meals and managing student meal accounts through MealTime Online. Families are encouraged to complete the eligibility application each year, even when their student attends a school where meals are provided free to all students.

Health & Medication Information
Access health information, medication guidelines, and required forms to help ensure students are ready to return to school safely.


Anacortes Schools Foundation Ready to Learn Fair
We are grateful to the Anacortes Schools Foundation for helping local students and families get ready for the 2026–27 school year through its annual Ready to Learn Fair on Saturday, August 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Anacortes High School. This free community event provides students with backpacks and school supplies, books, gently used clothing, new underwear and socks, free haircuts, and other valuable resources from community partners. We appreciate the Anacortes Schools Foundation and the many community partners and volunteers who make this event possible and help ensure students have what they need to start the school year ready to learn.

More Community Resources
Families looking for additional local programs, activities, and services can visit the district’s online bulletin board, the Anacortes Community Connect, which features events, resources, and opportunities from community organizations.

Complete Your REQUIRED Annual Student Update for 2026-27 School Year

The Anacortes School District is excited to announce that the Required Annual Student Information Update for the 2026–27 school year is now open in Skyward Family Access.

The annual update is essential for:

• Updating contact and emergency information.
• Confirming your student’s enrollment information for the upcoming school year.
• Requesting or updating transportation.
• Completing required district forms, including the Free and Reduced-Price Meals Program application.

How to Complete the Annual Update

1. Log in to Skyward Family Access.

   • Forgot your login or password? Click “Forgot Login/Password?” to receive a reset link at the email address on file.
2. Select “REQUIRED ANNUAL STUDENT INFORMATION UPDATE” and follow the prompts for each student.

Completing the update helps ensure we have accurate information to keep you informed and helps ensure your student’s enrollment information is up to date for the school year.

Free and Reduced-Price Meals Program

As part of the annual student update process, families can complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meals Program application online through Skyward Family Access.

We encourage every family to complete the application, regardless of income. The information collected helps our district qualify for important state and federal funding that supports student meals, educational programs, technology, and other essential services.

The application is quick, secure, and confidential and can make a meaningful difference for our students and schools.

Schools Offering Free Meals to All Students

During the 2026–27 school year, all students attending the following schools will receive free breakfast and lunch every school day:

• Mount Erie Elementary
• Fidalgo Elementary

House Bill 1238 requires school districts to provide free meals at elementary schools where at least 30% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on the previous year’s data.

Even if your child attends one of these schools and receives free meals, families must still complete the Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit Application each school year.

Completing the application helps ensure the district remains eligible for state and federal funding that benefits students and schools throughout the district.

For more information, visit the Free and Reduced-Price Meals Program webpage.

Transportation Information for 2026–27

The Anacortes School District Transportation Department has made several bus route changes for the 2026–27 school year designed to improve service, reduce student ride times, and increase route efficiency.

What’s Changing?

Beginning this school year, we will have dedicated buses serving:

• Fidalgo Elementary only
• Island View Elementary and Mount Erie Elementary only

There are no major changes to middle school and high school routes.

Check Your Bus Information

Bus routes and stop information will be available in the My Ride K-12 app beginning August 15, 2026.

If your student rode the bus last school year, please check the My Ride K-12 app first before submitting a new transportation request.

Parents and guardians should log in to the app and verify their student’s transportation information before submitting a new request.

A new transportation request is only needed if:

• Your student is new to riding the bus.
• Transportation information is missing in My Ride K-12.
• The information displayed is incorrect.
• You need to request a change to your student’s transportation.

Transportation Requests and Changes

To request transportation for the first time or make changes to your student’s transportation, submit a transportation request through your student’s Skyward Family Access account.

Transportation requests and changes should be submitted no later than Friday, August 28 to allow time for processing before the first day of school.

Requests received after August 28 will be processed as quickly as possible but may not be in place for the first day of school.

My Ride K-12 App

• Download My Ride K-12 for Apple/iOS

• Download My Ride K-12 for Android

Transportation Office

The Transportation Office will reopen Monday, August 17, with office hours from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Questions? Contact the Transportation Department at 360-503-1155 or visit the Anacortes School District Transportation Department webpage for FAQs and additional information.

Dear Families,

As we close out the school year, I want to share my heartfelt appreciation for your partnership and support during my time as Interim Superintendent. It has been an honor to serve this community and to witness firsthand the dedication, care, and resilience that characterize our schools.

The year has been filled with meaningful learning, diligent effort from our staff, and growth from our students. This collective hard work is reflected in our district's recent recognition as one of the top 25 performing school districts in the state for academic achievement.   Your engagement, whether through communication with teachers, participation in school events, or encouragement at home, has played an important role in our students' success.

Looking ahead, I want to be clear about the financial challenges facing our district. Decisions regarding staff reductions for the upcoming school year were difficult but necessary to address declining enrollment and rising costs. While the district is on a path toward financial stability, thanks in large part to the passage of our replacement levies in February, progress will be incremental. Without future increases in state and federal funding, we estimate it will take several years to reach the school board's minimum fund balance goal. Please be assured that throughout these adjustments, the district's priority remains delivering a high-quality education and supporting our students.

As I prepare to transition out of this role and welcome our new superintendent, Dr. James Everett, I do so with confidence in the district's direction. Our leadership team is committed to ensuring a smooth handoff so that the progress we have built together continues without interruption.

With summer break ahead, I hope your family finds time to rest, recharge, and enjoy time together. Thank you again for your partnership and for the privilege of serving this community.

Warmly,

Dr. Carl Bruner

Lost & Found Alert! Our schools and Transportation Department are OVERFLOWING with a wide collection of jackets, sweatshirts, water bottles, lunch boxes, and more that are hoping to make their way back home!

If something has gone missing this year, please take a moment to swing by the Lost & Found rack at your student's school Transportation center to see if your items are waiting for you.

As we approach the end of the school year, unclaimed items will be donated, so be sure to stop by soon and reclaim anything that belongs to you!