10.12.26 Staff Blog

 Signatures for ELO assignments will be needed this week.  Please complete the corresponding google form once you have signed the paysheet provided by the members of the ELO committee.  As a reminder, October 15th is our date for The Great Shake Out and October 16th is picture re-take day (in the morning). 

Quick Look: 

Wednesday October 14th	Early Release- I
Thursday October 15th	Great Shake Out
Thursday October 15th	No Staff Meeting- Student Growth Goal Meetings
Friday October 16th	Picture Re-take Day
Wednesday October 21st	Early Release-P
Thursday October 22nd	No Staff Meeting-Student Growth Goal Meetings
Thursday October 22nd	Community Meeting- 6:30 p.m. Cascade Cafeteria
Friday October 23rd	Move-a-Thon!! Details to follow from Sheryl!! **If it is raining too hard on 10/23, the Move-a-Thon will be moved to 10/27 in the afternoon.
Wednesday October 28th	Early Release-I
Wednesday October 28th	Chipotle Fundraiser- If you like Chipotle and you like Cascade K-8, it’s a win win! Simply buy food from the Chipotle on Hwy 99 (near Town and Country and Marshalls) and Cascade K-8 will get some of the profit.
Thursday October 29th	Staff Meeting- SST/Referral Information
Friday October 30th	Character Day- Spirit Day!!!
Friday October 30th	Book Buddies (in the afternoon)

*for more information, see below

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CONFERENCE EVENING:  ACTION

Please vote on your evening of choice for conferences-

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzZIp_gmoKBcmnRTHYUMrebpcB8F3vkKreP9DkfCzmgsr5bA/viewform?usp=header (right now, it looks like Thursday evening until 8:00)

SAFE SCHOOLS: ACTION

Safe Schools training is due by November 30th.  Here is the link to log in: https://shoreline-wa.safeschools.com/login

EVAL SUPPORT:HELPFUL

eVAL 3.0 is a new platform with updated functionality. We recognize that the interface is new and it may take some time to become fluent in the new structure.

Drew Dillhunt will be joining Ann Hayes-Bell and Paul Witzel during their Tech Office Hours on Tuesday and Thursday for the next two weeks (10/13, 10/15, 10/20, 10/22) to provide direct support to any staff that has questions about the system.

No scheduling necessary - just jump in and ask your questions! 

As a reminder, Digital Learning Team’s Zoom office hours are 7:00-9:00am

Zoom Meeting Link

ELECTION GUIDANCE: HELPFUL

As we enter this election season, please take some time to review the election guidelines found in our employee handbook.  These points are intended to provide guidance and ensure that you have structure during these (sometimes) challenging conversations.  Please talk with me if you have questions after reviewing these guidelines. 

SNOKING SCHOOL RETIREES GRANT: HELPFUL

The SnoKing School Retirees (SKSR) group is now accepting applications for student-centered grant proposals of up to $400! At least 36 requests can be funded. Grant eligibility is not limited to those who are certificated, but includes all active SKSR members in good standing who work with students in some capacity.

Please check the SKSR website's 2026-27 Grant Information page to find information about eligibility, scoring criteria, FAQs, and the required 2026-27 application form. 

The application deadline is midnight, Thursday, November 5, 2026.

If you have any remaining questions, including whether you are currently eligible to apply for a grant, contact Karen McElliott with SKSR: ksmcelliott@gmail.com

PTSA GRANTS:HELPFUL

Grants are back!!  Here is the information you will need:

Here is a grant link.  Cascade K-8 PTSA Grant Application - Google Forms

This year we have $5K in grants available for use in the 24/25 school year budget.  Any staff that has interest in applying can fill out the application form.  It will be reviewed by the Finance Committee and recommendations will be presented to and voted on during RepBod meetings.  All funds must be used before the end of the school year.

The purpose of this program is: To nurture creativity and enthusiasm by awarding grants to members of the Cascade K-8  community to benefit the students in unique ways that improve or enrich their learning experience,  when funds are not otherwise available.  

SESPA EARLY RELEASE DATES: HELPFUL

Our district leadership is currently working to develop professional learning for SESPA members on 4 early release Wednesdays (see SESPA contract requirements below).  More information will be available soon, but I wanted to share the planned dates now so you have them for planning.

The dates are: 

• October 28

• December 9

• February 24

• April 28

Contract Language: Four times annually, building-based SESPA employees who work a schedule that results in them being on site during Early Release Wednesdays shall have the opportunity to attend professional development sessions developed by the District specifically to meet the needs of classified employees. Such professional development shall be offered after employee input regarding potential professional development opportunities has been sought by the district, and will be offered in such a manner as to facilitate job-alike professional development when appropriate.