💚 Leading with Gratitude 💚
Building administrators submitted their nominations last month to recognize staff members who lead with the trait of gratitude and who take the time to genuinely show others they are valued, appreciated, and recognized. We begin this series by featuring Anne Helmich, PE teacher at Belfair Elementary, who was nominated by Principal Klusman. "Anne is always letting others know how grateful she is for all they do. During our annual Turkey Trot, she showed her gratitude to others flexibility and support to make the event a success.”
Congratulations, Anne, on this well-deserved recognition!
🎬 Lights! Camera! Action! 🎬
Many of you saw our high school band featured on the halftime show of last week's Seahawks game. Well, today, even more exposure for the hardworking, talented band, with an interview on Good Day Seattle. Two of the drum majors represented the band, along with Band Director Chris Drewry.
Chris Drewry shared with us that, "Today, our students got the chance to pull back the curtain and see the wizards behind a major television station, all while singing the praises of North Mason HS. Drum majors Athena Bautista and Carl Lewis were exposed to something they'll never forget. From being mic'ed up in the green room, seeing the production team at work, to meeting local media celebrities, our kids made North Mason proud."
Thank you, Chris, for sharing this achievement with our community. We all celebrate this moment with you and the band!
Visit Fox13's website to view the interview https://www.fox13seattle.com/video/1554384
💙 Recognizing Responsibility 💙
This month's Administrator Award goes to Nathan Fitzpatrick, who was nominated by district and building administrators for demonstrating the trait of responsibility. Nominating administrators shared the following reflections on Nathan's impact as Director of HR, praising the intentional, professional way he approaches his role and interacts with staff:
➡️ "Nate has stepped into a very difficult role, made great connections with all staff members, and has taken ownership and responsibility for interpretations of contract language and connecting with all bargaining groups."
➡️ "Nathan has come into the HR role with a ton of professionalism. He is always working hard to make sure that things are fair and equitable for all."
➡️ "Nate has excelled in teaching by example, demonstrating the responsibilities relevant to our roles and effectively guiding us in the implementation of new concepts. His approach not only enhances our understanding but also promotes a culture of accountability and growth within the team."
Congratulations, Nathan!
💙 Recognizing Responsibility 💙
Today we celebrate Alicia Covert for being nominated by building administration for demonstrating RESPONSIBILITY. Principal Klusman at Belfair Elementary shares, "Alicia is our MTSS paraeducator. She goes above and beyond for our students. She provides student breaks, runs our pawsitive shop, tracks attendance, and responds to calls for student report. These are just a few of the things she does in a typical day."
Congratulations, Alicia, on this well-deserved recognition!
💙 Recognizing Responsibility 💙
Nurse Jaclyn plays a pivotal role in the well-being of our students and is being recognized by Amber Nygard, Director of Inclusive Education, for all she does for the district. "While I am not a Building Administrator, Jaclyn has taken full responsibility for all nursing needs for the whole district. She takes the health needs seriously and has assumed the role of a leader with grace and professionalism. She is setting up districtwide systems, building systems, and educational practices to help support all our students."
Congratulations, Jaclyn, and thank you for all you do!
Save the dates! There are many opportunities for holiday support and fun events in our town over the coming weeks. Thank you to our Family Engagement team for compiling this list of events. To learn more about resources available to our families, visit our website: https://www.northmasonschools.org/page/family-resources
💙 Recognizing Responsibility 💙
Congratulations to bus driver Fred Makowski for being recognized by district administration as part of our ongoing staff appreciation series. Maurine Simons, Director of Transportation, shares that, "Fred is a dedicated driver who exemplifies the great responsibility inherent in his role. He maintains open lines of communication with students and their families regarding any changes or behavioral concerns, all while approaching his work with a positive attitude and a warm smile. His commitment to fostering a supportive and safe environment reflects his professionalism and dedication to the well-being of those he serves."
Thank you, Fred, for all you do for our students!
Last week, three of our students who have signed up to join the marines after high school, Precious Huff, Dalton Urick, and Jackson Huffman, experienced Combat Fitness Training conducted by actual Marines, right here on the NMHS practice field. Each student had to create a team of one male and one female, and then compete in a series of challenges. The winning team was Dalton Urick, Emmalie Bybee and Charles Broughton. What a great (and exhausting) experience for our students and future marines (seen in red shirts)!
* Photos by Aaron Marecki
💙 Recognizing Responsibility 💙
Congratulations to Melinda Miller for being recognized by building admin for her commitment to North Mason high school students. Steve Hackett, assistant principal of NMHS, shared, "Melinda does a great job working with her case loads. She holds additional check-ins if her students need it. She has been a great addition to NM and truly cares for the whole child."
🎭 24 Hour Theater Project 🎭 This Saturday, November 16th @ 6:30 pm, NMHS theater students write, act, and build sets for an entirely original production created in one day. Always a fun evening! Only $5 at the door.
The theme for National School Psychology Week is, Spark Discovery,” recognizing the work that school psychologists do to help their communities seek out new ideas, effect change, and expand horizons for children and youth. One of our school psychologists, Chasity Johnson, shares what sparks her to do this important work. “I am driven by a passion for helping others, embracing teamwork, and honoring every person’s unique worth. I believe that joy is found in the little moments, and each day is a chance to make a positive impact.”
Thank you to all of our school psychologists, Chasity Johnson, Maria Gent, Annie Kuznik, and Anthony Wilborn, for supporting our students through your commitment to this important work.
Not pictured - Anthony Wilborn
NMHS students visited UW Tacoma today learn more about admission requirements and experience the campus first-hand. The 23 students were given an inside look at college life through the lens of three UW students who led the tour.
UW Tacoma is a part of the Washington Guaranteed Admission Program. To learn more, visit https://councilofpresidents.org/_admissions/guaranteed-admissions-program-gap/
Thank you, Deb Swaser, for sharing this information!
💙 Recognizing Responsibility 💙 Congratulations, Dan Inch, on being recognized by building administration for your contribution to the district. You make a difference to all of us, but especially to our students!
🎵 Congratulations to the marching band for finishing AA 2nd place in both the parade AND field show competitions at the 59th Auburn Veterans Day Parade earlier today. The band also won AA Best Music for their "Heart of the Gladiator" show. Congratulations to Band Director, Chris Drewry and all his band students for this amazing outcome.
To watch the parade portion, please click on this link from KOMO4 news: https://youtu.be/jrzLCNnQMlE?t=3690
Thank you SO much to proud Bulldog parents, Trina and Joel Galbraith, for sending us the news and pictures so we could share this great result with our community.
#GoBulldogs
A huge thank you to Staff Sergeant Travis Griffith and the US Army National Guard for donating a dozen brand new camo coveralls for Gavin Forseth's woodshop/core plus maritime students.
Travis Griffith is highly involved in our school with volunteering when asked and spending every other Thursday in our lunch room with the students.
Thank you, Staff Sergeant Griffith, for making a difference to our students through volunteering, and, to all of us, through your service.
(Thank you, Autumn Perry, for highlighting this to share with our community.)
💙Recognizing Responsibility💙
As part of our ongoing series of nominations by building administrators, Rene Winn is being recognized for RESPONSIBILITY. Congratulations, Rene, and a big thank you for your tremendous commitment to North Mason students!
“We would like to enthusiastically nominate Irina Bailey for Staff Member of the Month! Irina truly goes above and beyond. Despite the whirlwind of changes that come with new administration, she has embraced every new task with grace, humor, and unwavering diligence. Not only is she incredibly hardworking but Irina also brings a joyful and positive attitude to everything she does. Whether she’s handling new challenges or simply sending out one of her famously fantastic emails, she does it all with a smile and a sense of humor that brightens everyone’s day. Her commitment and energy are nothing short of inspiring, and we couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.” Jessica Collins, Principal, Sand Hill Elementary
NMHS students had the chance to tour the campus of Pacific Lutheran University on Thursday. Students heard about the admissions requirements and process, programs of study and student life as a Lute.
PLU is a Guaranteed Admission University for our students. Learn more here: https://www.plu.edu/admission-first-year/apply/aap-info/
🎃The Fall Festival at Belfair Elementary was the place to be last night! Our North Mason community brought next-level Halloween spirit, showing up for the highly-anticipated event decked out in super creative costumes. Families and friends enjoyed food, fun, and games against a backdrop of the most amazing Halloween decor.
Thank you, Belfair Elementary PTA for putting on this jam-packed night of fun for our community. Thank you to all the teachers and volunteers who made it possible. And, a big thank you to the businesses who sponsored the event: Shumaker Chiropractic, Gutter Boss, Scott McLendon's Hardware, Valley Feed, Watts Family Insurance, Watson Fitness, Rick Biehl Law, The Shumaker Real Estate Group.
Try-A-Trade Day
North Mason students from boat building, wood working, and other CTE courses joined in exploring career and apprenticeship opportunities from numerous trades at the "Try-A-Trade Day" yesterday. The interactive fair, sponsored, by Core Plus Maritime, gave students an incredible experience to meet with knowledgeable industry professionals in their field of interest.
Thank you, Autumn Perry and Deb Swaser for sharing these field trip photos!
(If you have questions about CTE pathways available to our students, please visit our counselors at tonight's "Beyond Bulldog Night." See poster attached for details.)
