Sedro-Woolley School District

Get to know our incredible team in the “Meet our Staff” Monday series! We hope you enjoy getting to know the faces behind the scenes! #MeetOurStaffMonday #BehindTheScenes #EmployeeAppreciation #GetToKnowUs #SWSDStrongerTogether Meet Our Staff: Joana Michaelson Joana Michaelson is a familiar face at Cascade Middle School, where she serves as the Wellness (PE/Health) teacher. Having dedicated nearly six years to the Sedro-Woolley School District, Joana brings a wealth of experience and a passion for education to her role. Originally born in the Philippines, Joana's journey took her to England at the age of four and later to the United States when she turned 12. Growing up in Olympia and later attending Western Washington University in Bellingham, Joana discovered her calling for teaching while coaching youth club soccer for Northwest United FC in Skagit County. It was through these connections that she fell in love with the tight-knit communities, including Sedro-Woolley, eventually leading her to pursue a teaching position at Cascade Middle School. Joana holds a BS and MS in Kinesiology from Western Washington University, later completing her post baccalaureate and earning a BA in Secondary Education. Initially drawn to a career in sports science research, Joana's path shifted towards education due to her experiences coaching club soccer. At the age of 12, she envisioned a career in nursing, reflecting her lifelong interest in the medical and health sector. One of Joana's most rewarding experiences is encountering former students in the real world who remember and appreciate the impact she made during their middle school years. Landing her first teaching job at Sedro-Woolley after college remains a standout achievement in her career. Outside of school, Joana indulges in various activities. She is an avid golfer, pickleball enthusiast, mountain biker, and skier. Her passion for golf and pickleball shines through as particular highlights. Looking ahead, Joana plans to pursue her administrative certification in the next five years with aspirations of becoming an assistant principal. Her advice to students is simple: "Enjoy the process of learning and lean into your challenges." Joana hopes that SWSD students will carry with them positive memories and a sense of preparedness for the next stages of their lives.

6 months ago, SWSD Communications

Reminder: Sedro-Woolley School District is closed today (Monday, January 15, 2024) in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. School will resume on Tuesday, January 16.

6 months ago, SWSD Communications

We are gearing up for Friday’s cold temperatures (9° to 20°F) and would like to encourage families to be proactive as well. If the forecasted temperatures are correct, we will have indoor recesses at the elementary schools; middle school students will remain in the cafeteria during lunches. Please dress students in extra layers of outerwear, including jackets, hats, gloves, and extra socks, to keep them warm and comfortable during transitions between buildings or while they’re waiting for the bus. With a lot of young drivers at State Street and Sedro-Woolley High Schools, we also want to remind families to remind their teens to prioritize safety while driving to and from school, especially in potentially icy conditions. The district’s transportation team will also be checking road conditions before the first buses leave the bus garage at 6 a.m. If conditions warrant a two-hour late start, families will be notified via FlashAlert, Facebook, the District Website as well as School Messenger messages via email, text and voice.

6 months ago, SWSD Communications

Mary Purcell Elementary School invites the community to attend their sixth-grade "Family Heritage Night" in the Mary Purcell gymnasium TONIGHT, January 11, from 6–7 p.m. Students will be completing a family heritage poster board, a written report, have a food sample representing one part of their bloodline and will be displaying family heirlooms. Audience members are invited to walk around, view the poster boards, ask students questions, sample food, etc. The 57 sixth graders are excited to host this fabulous event for the first time since 2019!

6 months ago, SWSD Communications

Mary Purcell Elementary School invites the community to attend their sixth-grade "Family Heritage Night" in the Mary Purcell gymnasium on Thursday, January 11, from 6–7 p.m. Students will be completing a family heritage poster board, a written report, have a food sample representing one part of their bloodline and will be displaying family heirlooms. Audience members are invited to walk around, view the poster boards, ask students questions, sample food, etc. The 57 sixth graders are excited to host this fabulous event for the first time since 2019! Mary Purcell librarian Lisa Soneda will be building a replica of a colonial home on the stage as well!

Attention SWHS students: second semester class schedules will be available for pick-up, in the auditorium entry, starting Friday, Jan. 19, before school and during lunch. Schedule change forms will be available at that time. A parent or guardian signature is required; acceptable reasons for requesting a change are limited. Forms are due no later than 3 p.m. Feb. 2. Late requests will not be accepted. Many classes are already full, so please give more than one option for possible changes.

6 months ago, SWSD Communications

Attention SWHS students: second semester class schedules will be available for to pick-up, in the auditorium entry, starting Friday, Jan. 19, before school and during lunch. Schedule change forms will be available at that time. A parent or guardian signature is required; acceptable reasons for requesting a change are limited. Forms are due no later than 3 p.m. Feb. 2. Late requests will not be accepted. Many classes are already full, so please give more than one option for possible changes.

Mark your calendars now to join the next "Coffee and Conversation" meeting on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 9:45 a.m., at the District Office (801 Trail Road). Bring your interests, comments, celebrations and concerns related to the district as a whole to chat over coffee. This will be an informal meeting and a time for the superintendent and other district leaders to make themselves available to you. If you have specific questions or concerns related to your students, we encourage you to reach out to your student's school. They are always willing and happy to hear your concerns.