A message from Superintendent Sweeting

Dear Arlington Families and Community,

We finished the 2024 school year celebrating our amazing seniors. 36 students graduated from Weston High School, and 338 students graduated from Arlington High School. It is the ultimate joy to cheer for the students accomplishing this important milestone and shake each of their hands. The successes of these graduating seniors, and every student in Arlington, is fostered by the commitment of our dedicated staff, supportive families and wonderful community.

We also finished the year filled with gratitude to our Arlington community for supporting the approval of two levies in February. These levies will support essential operational needs and selected capital projects, including new roofs at several schools. Another capital need, yet to be approved, is funding to replace Post Middle School. Post Middle School has talented staff and rich learning is taking place there, but the school facility is deficient and inadequate. The Arlington School Board approved bringing to voters a capital levy in November 2024 dedicated to replacing Post Middle School.

Each year, I honor a high school student who exemplifies being a servant leader. This year’s Superintendent Servant Leadership Scholarship Award was given to Camden Matters. Camden is a humble leader who serves others above self. In addition to Camden, we have so many talented and amazing students. Over $700,000 of scholarships were awarded to our students to continue their education after high school.

Among our successes and celebrations, we are continuing to address significant areas of improvement and challenges including:

• Increasing academic performance and closing gaps in all areas, especially in math
• Increasing support for student behavior needs
• Increasing support for social/emotional and mental health needs

As we look for ways to address these challenges, your perspectives, feedback and involvement are needed. We have several ways you can share your perspectives and get involved, such as volunteering in the schools, becoming a member of a district committee, participating in a “Voices” opportunity and attending board meetings. Please check out our district website for more information or contact the superintendent’s office at 360-618-6202.

Not only do we value and need your perspectives, but we also hear directly from our students. This year, over 25 students participated on district committees, including the Student Advisory Council. They have helped us better understand what is happening at their schools, and what is helping and/or hindering their learning.

The district’s strategic plan continues to guide and drive our mission, goals, actions and direction focused on supporting the educational success of every Arlington student.

I hope you enjoy summer!

Chrys

Dr. Chrys Sweeting

Superintendent

School board approves running Capital Levy in November election to replace Post Middle School

The Arlington Public Schools Board of Directors approved at its May 28 meeting a Capital Levy to replace Post Middle School and improve traffic flow onto the Post/Eagle Creek/Stillaguamish Valley Learning Center campus. Community members will vote on the Capital Levy during the Nov. 5, 2024 election.

“Even though a majority of Arlington voters have voted in favor of a Post Middle School bond five times during past elections, we have not been able to meet the 60 percent supermajority needed for bond passage,” said Brian Lewis, Executive Director of Operations. “Capital Levies only require a simple majority and have a much shorter duration compared to a bond – six years versus 20. Capital levies do not have interest costs like bonds, so it costs taxpayers less across the life of the levy. One drawback is that it takes longer to gather funds from a capital levy versus a bond, so the project would take longer to complete.”

The Post Middle School Bond provides for replacement of the obsolete and unsecure existing Post Middle School. The new school would correct the safety and security concerns of the existing Post Middle School. The new school would be earthquake resistant, have interior hallways for security, have larger classrooms to support Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) education, and be protected from fire with a fire sprinkler system.

Additionally, the Washington State Legislature made changes to state funding for school construction in 2024 session. “Our State Construction Assistance Program funding for Post has increased from around $5 million for past elections to around $25 million,” said Lewis. “This means that we’re asking for a smaller amount for Post from the previous election.”



The project cost is $106,284,827, minus $25,125,606 for the Schools Construction Assistance Program funds the district would receive from the state. The cost to taxpayers to replace Post Middle School is $81,159,221. This is down from the $95 million ($100 million minus $5 million construction assistance funds) that was put before voters in the February 2024 election. More information about the Capital Levy proposition will be available soon.

Cool Bus engaging students in learning this summer!

The Arlington Public Schools “Cool Bus” is traveling through the Arlington community and stopping at the locations listed below in order to support pre-school through middle school aged students. The bus is staffed by three teachers, a middle school library educator, and a Spanish Interpreter-Tutor who provides grade-appropriate books to check out along with giving an opportunity for the family to join in fun math games.

“This is a great opportunity to keep up with math and reading while having fun at the same time,” said Karl Olson, director of categorical programs.

The Cool Bus is visiting the locations listed below on Wednesdays between June 26 and Aug. 7.

Summer construction project

At its April 16 special board meeting, the Arlington Public Schools Board of Directors approved a contract with Woodridge Construction LLC for building improvements at Pioneer Elementary School. The project, titled Pioneer Elementary School Envelope Improvements, has the following scope of work:

• Remove and replace:
• Existing roofing materials with new roofing
• Siding and trim materials as needed
• Defective vinyl clad windows
• Building gutters
• Make roof decking repairs as needed 
• Repair defective downspouts
• Clean and repaint all wood or composite building siding, trim, and exposed structural steel components
• Apply sealant and anti-graffiti coating to concrete masonry unit walls

Work began in June and is scheduled to be completed in August prior to the start of the 2024-25 school year. The project, funded by the 2020 Capital Levy, has a value of $1,351,050.

“We are grateful to Arlington voters for their approval of the 2020 Capital Levy and other levies that support the wellbeing of the community’s children,” said Brian Lewis, Arlington Public Schools Executive Director of Operations. “These improvements at Pioneer Elementary meet the district’s Capital Levy goal of extending the useful life of school buildings and providing a safe environment for learning for the benefit of the community.”

There are sufficient funds remaining from the 2020 Capital Levy to accomplish one additional project in the summer of 2025, which is similar envelope improvements work at Presidents Elementary. District staff are also planning the schedule for projects funded by the 2024 Capital Levy, approved by Arlington voters in February 2024.

Due to the construction, the Pioneer campus and playground are closed until Aug. 19.

Community members, staff and students receive WASA Awards

Arlington community members, students and staff were recognized with Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) Region 109 school district awards on May 16 at Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center in Everett.

Community Leadership Award

Kimberly and John Meno received the WASA Community Leadership Award for their commitment and leadership on the Citizens Committee for Arlington Schools for helping the community understand the scope and need of three important ballot measures in February 2024. Through their leadership and dedication, two of the three measures presented to voters were approved.

District Student Achievement Leadership Award

Kerri Helgeson, Arlington Public Schools Director of Equity and Student Well-Being, received the WASA Student Achievement Leadership Award for Arlington Public Schools. Kerri is an avid advocate for removing barriers and increasing access to learning and achievement for all students. Through her leadership, the board, district leaders, and instructional staff are disaggregating and analyzing data at a deeper level and identifying gaps and barriers to learning for our students.

Student Leadership Award

Sera Sabol, a Running Start student at Edmonds College, received the WASA Student Leadership Award. She serves on the District Community Equity Team and Student Advisory Council. Sera provides valuable student perspective and leadership on these committees. She engages with other school staff, students, and community members to discuss equity issues and supports the refinement and implementation of the district equity plan.

Rachael Tanner from Weston High School also received the WASA Student Leadership Award. Rachael is an advocate for making things better for Arlington students, but specifically at her high school, Weston. She is keenly aware of the needs of her classmates and actively seeks solutions. She engages with other school staff, students, and community members to discuss important issues that students are facing every day.

“I would like to congratulate Kimberly, John, Kerri, Sera and Rachael for making positive contributions in our schools for all students,” said Dr. Chrys Sweeting, Arlington Public Schools Superintendent. “These awards highlight the impacts these individuals are making every day.”

Senior citizens! Come support the Eagles!

Our schools receive tremendous support from our community. To show appreciation of our senior citizens, we invite Arlington residents 65 and older to become members of our Golden Eagles Club. The Golden Eagles Club card is a partnership opportunity for senior citizens over the age of 65 living in the Arlington Public Schools boundaries to attend regular season “home” athletic events offered by Arlington Public Schools free of charge and to receive discounted admission to school performances (some restrictions apply). The card cannot be used for athletic playoff games or for any state-sponsored athletic events, even if they are hosted by Arlington Public Schools.

You can join the Golden Eagles Club by downloading and completing the form at this link.

School supplies for the 2024-25 school year

School supply lists for the 2024-25 school year are posted on the district and school websites.

Please click the link below to access each school’s supply list:

Eagle Creek Elementary

Kent Prairie Elementary

Pioneer Elementary

Presidents Elementary

Haller Middle School

Post Middle School

Arlington High School

Weston High School



Stillaguamish Valley Learning Center

Volunteers of America is hosting an Arlington End-of-Summer Celebration that will include school supplies, backpacks and other essentials for school. The event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024 at Presidents Elementary School from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please see flyer below for details.

New student registration and August School Hours

Do you need to register your child for the 2024-25 school year? The new student registration packet is available at this link. Information for kindergarten registration is available at this link. If your child is already enrolled in our district and moving up to the next grade level, no action is required. You will hear from your child's school before the start of the 2024-25 school year.

Following the summer break, school offices will re-open on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024 at the following times:

Elementary Schools

8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Middle and High Schools (Including Stillaguamish Valley Learning Center)

8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Arlington Public Schools staff had a great time participating in the Fourth of July Parade!

Congratulations to the 36 seniors who graduated from Weston High School, Open Doors, and the Arlington Online Program on June 11!

Congratulations to the 338 seniors who graduated from Arlington High School on June 13!

Arlington Public Schools provides equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of the academic and activities program without discrimination based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The District will provide equal access to school facilities to the Boy Scouts of America and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society. District programs will be free from sexual harassment. Auxiliary aids and services will be provided upon request to individuals with hearing, vision, or speech disabilities.

The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:                            

TITLE IX/SEX EQUITY OFFICER AND CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR

Mr. Eric DeJong

Executive Director, Human Resources

315 N French Ave.

Arlington, WA 98223

360.618.6212

eric.dejong@asd16.org

HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION AND BULLYING (HIB) COMPLIANCE OFFICER

Ms. Kerri Helgeson

Director of Equity and Student Well-Being

315 N French Ave.

Arlington, WA 98223

360.618.6228

kerri.helgeson@asd16.org

SECTION 504/ADA COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR

Mr. Dave McKellar

Director of Special Education

315 N French Ave.

Arlington, WA 98223

360.618.6209

dave.mckellar@asd16.org