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Minter Creek Elementary School

Home of the Dolphins

Superintendent Monthly Message - Heading into Autumn with Energy, Creativity and Gratitude

Posted Date: 9/30/24 (11:30 AM)

Graphic with photo of Krestin Bahr and PSD logo that says "Superintendent Bahr's Monthly Message"
Krestin Bahr, PSD Superintendent | (253) 530-1002 | superintendent@psd401.net
 
Heading into Autumn with Energy, Creativity and Gratitude
Highlights of the Month
  • Thank Your Principal During National Principals Month
  • October is National Bullying Prevention Month
  • We Welcome Transitional Kindergarteners Tomorrow
  • Launch of Eagle Quest Outdoor Learning at Evergreen 
  • AI Leadership in Our Schools and Around the Country
  • New Visitor Management System Streamlines School Check-In 
  • See You at PenMet Parks' Scarecrow Festival on October 5
Dear Peninsula School District Families and Staff,
As the leaves turn to vibrant fall hues and we welcome crisper mornings, our schools are abuzz with the energy of a new academic year. In my recent visits to each campus, I've witnessed an inspiring array of creative projects, fresh initiatives, and student achievements. The enthusiasm for learning is palpable, reflecting the dedication of our students, teachers, and staff.
Thank Your Principal During National Principals Month
October marks National Principals Month, a time to honor our dedicated school administrators who inspire and empower every child, every day. Thank you to all of our school principals for your exceptional leadership and direction in educating our students! I am proud of your work in creating safe and successful school cultures, and I encourage everyone to take a moment this month to personally thank your principal.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month
National Bullying Prevention Month underscores the critical importance of addressing bullying in our schools. We must unite as a community to raise awareness about the harmful effects of bullying and strengthen our prevention efforts. Earlier this month, I shared a letter addressing online bullying in our community and the district's steps to combat this issue.

To further our commitment, we are forming a Bullying, Awareness and Prevention Task Force to delve deeper into these challenges and enhance our responses. Look for more information later this month coming directly from your schools. For resources on discussing bullying with your students, visit www.psd401.net/digitalwellness. Thank you for helping support the safety and well-being of our students.
We Welcome Transitional Kindergarteners Tomorrow
Tomorrow is the first day of school for our transitional kindergarten (TK) classes! Our TK program allows all children access to high-quality early learning experiences before kindergarten at Discovery Elementary, Evergreen Elementary, Harbor Heights Elementary, Minter Creek Elementary, and Voyager Elementary. Outdoor TK programs, inspired by Norwegian education, also begin at Evergreen and Voyager. Welcome to our TKers, and we hope you have a fantastic first day!
TKers digging in the sandbox
TK students at Harbor Heights
Launch of Eagle Quest Outdoor Learning at Evergreen
Eagle Quest, our new program at Evergreen Elementary, is off to a fantastic start! Eagle Quest features two multi-age classrooms designed to immerse students in hands-on learning. The program places a special focus on outdoor learning, project-based exploration, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) integration, providing a unique opportunity for students to engage with nature and apply their knowledge in real world settings.

During the first few weeks of school, students got to experience their first math workshops, literacy blocks, and social studies and science lessons amongst Evergreen’s outdoor learning spaces. Students have also curated digital nature inspiration notebooks, engaged in math nature walks, and much more.
Students Learn Outside at Evergreen
Student at Evergreen's Eagle Quest Learns Outside
AI Leadership in Our Schools and Around the Country
I am proud that the Peninsula School District has been at the forefront in developing principles for using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our classrooms over the last two years. Under direction from Chief Information Officer Kris Hagel, we are expanding this leadership both locally and to groups around the country. 

Last month, we hosted an AI seminar for businesses at Swift Water Elementary, in partnership with the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce. This training helped business owners understand how to revolutionize their practices by using AI prompting tools to grow and enhance customer experiences. Looking ahead, we are currently working on exciting AI projects with Stanford University, Arizona State University, and Vanderbilt University.
Person Using Visitor Management System Checkin
New Visitor Management System Streamlines School Check-In
You may have seen the new visitor management systems in our schools, which digitally verifies each visitor by scanning their ID. Volunteers and visitors then receive a personalized sticker badge with their name and photo, increasing security for staff and students in our schools. The system also simplifies processing student late arrivals and early dismissals.

In case you missed it last month, we launched a new online volunteer application for all schools. The visitor management system allows volunteers to quickly and easily sign up online, streamlining the sign in process at schools. If you have applied to volunteer in the past, or are a current volunteer, please reapply through our new system at www.psd401.net/volunteer.
See You at PenMet Parks' Scarecrow Festival on October 5
My staff and I will be at the annual PenMet Parks’ Scarecrow Festival on October 5 at Sehmel Park. This event is always a family favorite, with a maker’s market, pumpkin launcher, live music, and a scarecrow contest. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please stop by our booth, say hello, and pick up some PSD swag with our new logo! And don’t forget to vote for PSD’s scarecrow in the scarecrow contest!

Sincerely,
Superintendent Krestin Bahr
 
College and Career Fair 2024
PSD College and Career Fair is Oct. 21
Join the Peninsula School District Career Center for this annual event! Explore more than 70 post-secondary options from local colleges, businesses, and more! 

Tom Taylor YMCA, Monday, October 21 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
A bright yellow flyer titled "Facing Fentanyl" invites community members to a candid conversation about fentanyl. The flyer highlights two event dates: October 7, 2024, at the Gig Harbor Civic Center and October 21, 2024, at the Key Peninsula Civic Center. Both events run from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. The flyer mentions free Naloxone (Narcan) kits for the first 100 attendees and life-saving training for all attendees. The events feature a townhall chat with local fire departments, police, school district opioid task force members, and treatment centers, followed by breakout sessions on topics like talking to kids about fentanyl and community safety. Sponsors include the Rotary Club of Gig Harbor, Pierce County Health Department, and the City of Gig Harbor. The tagline "One Pill Can Kill" is prominently displayed next to the Narcan kit offer.
Join PSD for an Important Discussion
The "Facing Fentanyl" event is a community-focused town hall discussion about the impact of fentanyl in our local area. The event will take place at two locations:
  1. Gig Harbor Civic Center – Monday, October 7 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
  2. Key Peninsula Civic Center – Monday, October 21 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Both events will feature a town hall-style conversation with local experts, including representatives from the Peninsula School District Opioid Task Force, local fire departments, police departments, the sheriff’s office, and treatment centers like Crossroads Treatment. Following the discussion, breakout sessions will cover key topics such as talking to kids about fentanyl, community safety, and treatment options.

Attendees will also receive free life-saving training and Naloxone (Narcan) kits (available for the first 100 attendees), with the goal of increasing awareness and response capabilities around fentanyl overdoses. The event is sponsored by organizations including the Rotary Club of Gig Harbor, the Pierce County Health Department, and the City of Gig Harbor.
In The News
Stories from PSD shared by our local media
 
Graphic with blue trees that says "Here's what's happening. Photos from across the district."
Voyager Selected as Oregon & Washington Farm to School K-12 Institute
Communication Devices Help Foster an Inclusive Community at Vaughn
At Vaughn Elementary, students are using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices as tools to help communicate with each other. The efforts at Vaughn align with our commitment to excellence and supports our goal of ensuring an inclusive community. Watch the video here.
Voyager student samples kale salad
Voyager Selected as a Washington Farm to School K-12 Institute
Voyager Elementary was selected as one of 10 teams to participate in the 2024-2025 Oregon and Washington Farm to School K-12 Institute.

As part of this initiative, students participated in this year's first taste test at their Meet and Greet, sampling Kale Salad. Read more here.
Four students celebrate being accepted to WSU
24 Students Accepted to WSU During Apple Cup Blitz
Congratulations to our 24 Peninsula High School and Gig Harbor High School students who were accepted to Washington State University during the Apple Cup Blitz.
Kindergarten class listens to their teacher
We Welcomed the PSD Class of 2037 on September 6th
Across the Peninsula School District, we welcomed our Class of 2037 on September 6. Purdy Elementary greeted their kindergarten students with smiles and warm welcomes.
 
Important Links
Peninsula District Website
2022-2026 Strategic Plan
2024-2025 School Year Calendar
Graphic with PSD logo that says "#EveryChildEveryDay"
 
The Peninsula School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, 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 in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to: the District’s Title IX and Compliance Officer, Dan Dizon, at (253)530-1041, email Dizond@psd40.net. or Section 504 and ADA Coordinator, John Yellowlees, at (253) 530-1081, email yellowleesj@psd401.net. Mailing address: 14015 62nd Ave NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332.