WE ARE FERNDALE

WINTER 2020 EDITION

A FERNDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLICATION

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IN THIS ISSUEP.3 Dear Ferndale CommunityA message from Ferndale School District Superintendent Dr. Linda Quinn highlighting the new year and the local levy.

P.4 How About Those Apples?A story of caring and connection between Ferndale School District’s Georgia Dellinger and Boys & Girls Club Director Kelsey Green. P.10 Program Feature: FHS Marching Band & Color GuardBand director Steve Menefee shares about the 3A State champion Ferndale High School Marching Band & Color Guard. P.12 Board of DistinctionThe Ferndale School Board has been named a Board of Distinction by the WSSDA, marking the seventh such honor since 2012. P.14 Ferndale Schools Levy InformationInformation about the proposed February 2020 school programs & operations replacement levy.

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DEAR FERNDALE COMMUNITY, I have worked more than four decades as a public school educator — as a teacher, principal and now as a superintendent. During my time in schools, I have helped ring in many new years and five new decades! A January highlight is always the chance to teach students about the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who we remember for his courage in leading society toward greater equity, harmony and justice.

January is also a month when we often experience winter weather. Weather impacted our schedules for five days — two delayed start days and three days when we canceled school. If you have suggestions about our weather-related communication, please let me know. We always value your feedback.

At the time this letter reaches you, Ferndale voters will be considering our District’s request to renew the local levy. This levy is a replacement for the levy that runs out at the end of 2020. Much like a magazine subscription, if levies are not replaced, they disappear. In Ferndale’s case, the levy constitutes approximately 13% of the total District budget. It pays for staff, extracurricular activities, athletics and technology. Please visit www.ferndalesd.org/levy for more information or, as always, reach me directly at linda.quinn@ferndalesd.org or 360-383-9207.

There are exciting things underway as we look to the remainder of this school year including Ferndale High’s production of My Fair Lady and the annual Math Olympiad Contest in February, our first-ever East Indian cultural celebration in March, the CTE flower sale in May and Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2020 in June.

As always, I welcome talking with members of the community who have questions or just want to have a cup of coffee.

Sincerely,Dr. Linda Quinn, Superintendent, Ferndale School District

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Two apples sit together on Boys & Girls Club Director Kelsey Green’s desk. A Mountain View Elementary School yearbook is open to the first grade class of 1997-1998. She is smiling and it is impossible to miss the joy in her eyes as she shares.

“When I was a student at Mountain View, each meal included red apples which I did not enjoy,” Green said. “My parents heard my complaints often enough that they finally encouraged me to write a letter to my school principal — Mrs. Dellinger. I remember producing several drafts of that letter before I was happy. When I presented the letter to Mrs. Dellinger, she supported me. She heard me. She made sure that there were green apples added to our lunch menu. That may sound like a simple thing but I walked away from that experience knowing that Mrs. Dellinger had listened to me and that my request had been honored. There are few experiences that mean more than being listened to.”

That principal, Georgia Dellinger, has been a touchstone in the Ferndale School District for over three decades. One of the things that she enjoys most is hearing from past students who come back to tell her where they ended up in life. As a school principal for all of her time in Ferndale, she has had the chance to see many students achieve great things — she delights in all of them.

Green recently took the helm of the Ferndale Boys & Girls Club and took the time to reconnect with her former principal by sharing a story.

Dellinger explains why it meant so much to hear Green’s story after so many years, “I remember Kelsey just like I remember so many of my students. I remember how important the apples were to her. I will say that (cont. on page 5)

How About Those Apples? Boys & Girls Club Director Says Caring Adults Helped Her Find Her Way

Dellinger (Left) and Green (Right) read a yearbook and share memories

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this is a wonderful example of what a caring adult can do to support a child. We just need to listen. I was so proud of Kelsey as a young student and I am proud of her today as she takes on this new role in our community. I know that she will be a caring adult for so many of our youth today and in the future, and that makes me very happy.”

Relationship building is at the forefront for the Ferndale School District as the District has increased its focus and efforts on caring relationships with students, staff and our community through FerndaleCARES.

Ferndale School District Superintendent Dr. Linda Quinn explains, “FerndaleCARES is our new way of talking about the mission of the Ferndale School District, which is bigger and broader than teaching reading, writing and arithmetic. Our goal is to work with families, businesses and members of the community to help every child and young person entrusted to our care develop into well-rounded, well-prepared, productive adults. To do so, we are renewing our emphasis on character, citizenship and career-focused learning. Kelsey’s story is a beautiful example of how important this work really is.”

Left: Red and green apples were both on the menu following Green’s requestRight: Dellinger (Left) and Green (Right) reconnected to share a story

Our athletic teams in Ferndale allow opportunity for student-athletes to learn about the meaning of camaraderie, the strength that comes from caring for one another and the critical importance of working together to achieve team goals. For Ferndale athletic teams, the commitment to caring extends beyond the field and court to encompass community outreach and service.

Fundraisers, themed game nights, camps, volunteer work and visits to schools are just a few of the ways this emphasis on caring and giving is put into action.

Ferndale High School Athletic Director Eric Tripp says that almost all FHS athletics programs do some form of community service, support and outreach. Many teams have longstanding community service efforts that have become traditional elements of their team culture. This focus on service supports the District’s FerndaleCARES emphasis in developing students who are civic-minded, character-strong and career-ready.

“I am encouraged to see the efforts throughout our school by classes, groups and individuals who show care for one another and the greater community,” Tripp said. “We have a great vehicle for community outreach and service through athletics. It is important because when we connect teams and community, it shows that we are all in this together.”

Serving in Action“We represent our community; we represent Ferndale when we put on the jersey,” Tripp said. “It’s a privilege, not a right, to participate, and we want to make sure we represent our school and our community well.”

Part of giving back takes place within our own District when high school athletes visit Ferndale elementary schools to take part in activities like reading to their younger counterparts.

“The first thing I think about when it comes to growth and impact for students through giving back is when [high school students] go to elementary schools to read and speak to younger students,” Tripp said. “You see the (cont. on page 7)

Ferndale Athletics: Beyond the Game Community service and support an integral part of athletic programs

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growth in that scenario because many of the younger students think highly of the high school students. The visits say: ‘I’ve got responsibility as a role model to our younger students.’ If that doesn’t leave an impact, I don’t know what does. It gets right to the heart and helps our students walk away from the experience feeling positive.”

Tripp noted one of the most successful and longstanding efforts highlighting program values is through annual Coaches vs. Cancer games, which give an opportunity to support those persons battling cancer and cancer research.

FerndaleCARES SpotlightThis year’s Coaches vs. Cancer volleyball game presented a special opportunity to honor one of Ferndale’s own paraeducators, Brenda Sims, a member of the District for more than 20 years, who is currently battling cancer.

“Brenda has impacted countless individuals through her work at Custer Elementary and is a fierce fighter in every sense of the word,” said Ferndale volleyball coach Patti Hoelzle. “She is a true inspiration and we are grateful to have the opportunity to honor Brenda this season. When we talk about FerndaleCARES as ‘You, Me and We,’ this night was important to highlight the commitment to ‘We’ and support Brenda.”

Coaches vs. Cancer is an annual event hosted by FHS volleyball and basketball teams. Over the last 10 years, the Northwest Conference has been able to raise more than $100,000 for cancer research according to Tripp.

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The Ferndale volleyball team with Brenda Sims at a volleyball game during the fall

My Fair Lady is a musical with many comic turns and grand musical numbers. The tale features Professor of Phonetics Henry Higgins’ comic endeavors to prepare fictional student Eliza Doolittle as a Duchess at the Embassy Ball. The musical will be presented at Ferndale High School for the first time this February with performances February 20th through 22nd and 27th through 29th.

The principal roles in My Fair Lady are Henry Higgins played by Noah Semu (senior), Eliza Doolittle played by Sarah Pringle (senior), Alfred P. Doolittle played by Rome Williams (senior) and Colonel Pickering played by Josiah Aho (junior).

The theatre program at Ferndale High School is led by dynamic duo Rachel Pringle and Crissy Ford. Pringle and Ford talk about what they are most looking forward to in the My Fair Lady production, “I am so excited about the grandeur,” said Pringle, who goes on to say, “the costumes and the music are absolutely amazing. I am so proud of our actors, orchestra, crew and supporters.”

Ford echoes Pringle’s enthusiasm. “I am enjoying this production. It is a classic with well-known music and story. We have the best kids involved in theatre every year and I am so proud of them. They are so talented and beyond amazing in this production. Attendees will not be disappointed.”

Ferndale School District Superintendent Dr. Linda Quinn invites the community to attend this exciting performance, “I look forward to attending each musical our talented student actors put on throughout the year. I respect and appreciate Crissy and Rachel, and I can’t wait to see My Fair Lady in February. Please join me in supporting our wonderful theatre program. I hope to see you there!”

Ticket prices are $10 for general admission and $8 for students and seniors.

FHS Theatre Set to Present My Fair Lady with Performances in February

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Students rehearse at the Ferndale High School Performing Arts Center

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A class of Ferndale High School students are heading to State competition after an incredible 80% of the class qualified at regionals. These students are part of DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), an advanced marketing club operating under the auspices of the Ferndale High School Career and Technical Education program (CTE.)

The mission of DECA is to provide students with hands-on training in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. They learn these skills by attending conferences, preparing to compete in events against other students from around the region, and bringing school-based businesses to life. One school-based business DECA students have taken on is selling Golden Eagle spirit wear through an online partnership with BSN Sports and through the ASB store.

DECA students qualify for State competition by competing in a variety of events across a range of business, marketing and accounting categories.

The success earned by the members of this year’s DECA class has a lot to do with the energy and enthusiasm of the person leading them, Ms. Michele Stern. Stern is a familiar face at Ferndale High School, where she has taught Freshman English and Honors English for several years.

The DECA program could not be a more natural fit for Stern, who holds a Bachelor’s of Business and worked in retail management for a decade before returning to school to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher.

“These students are fabulous,” Stern said. “They are smart, capable, industrious and creative. They are our future leaders, and DECA is truly back at Ferndale High School. I am so proud of them, and I look forward to many years of continued growth with this program.”

FHS DECA Students Build Business and Marketing Skills, Prep for State Event

The Ferndale High School DECA class

In November 2019, the Ferndale Marching Band & Color Guard was named the Washington State Classification 3A champion for the second consecutive year to conclude an outstanding competition season.

FHS Band director Steve Menefee, who has led the band for the last 22 years, shared his insights about the Golden Eagles’ band program for a program feature.

Starting in Summer: Band Camp“Band camp starts two weeks before school starts,” Menefee said. “That’s pretty much the standard in this area, that you start band camp two weeks before everyone else starts school.”

Beginning with early mornings and concluding with late evenings, students rehearse at the high school before spending the last three days of the two-week stretch at Camp Lutherwood on Lake Samish.

In addition to getting new members up to speed, band camp also represents a significant portion of the rehearsal time available throughout the season. (cont. on page 11)

Program Feature: Ferndale High School Marching Band & Color Guard

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The Ferndale Marching Band & Color Guard was named the 3A State champion for the second consecutive year to highlight a plethora of honors during the season

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Beyond the fundamentals of playing instruments and marching, Menefee sees key growth in other areas of students’ development.

“Time management is one — some students are involved in other activities, sports, etc., and have to fit band into the mix,” Menefee said. “Another important outcome is commitment to seeing a process all the way through to the end at a really high level — it is something that students today don’t get to participate in very often, and band provides that opportunity.”

The Competition SeasonAs back-to-back State champions at the 3A level, the Golden Eagles also placed 3rd overall, regardless of classification, among 23 teams in attendance at the state competition in Auburn. In addition, Ferndale won its classification at competitions in Everett and Tumwater and was 2nd (regardless of classification) at both events.

The placements reflect a commitment to process and achievement via a variety of judging components. Percussion, color guard, marching, music and overall general effect are among the judging categories.

“The kids are taught about the protocol for competitions,” Menefee said. “There are eight judges all scoring on a rubric that highlights eight different categories of achievement.”

Community SupportWith 95 students in band, support received from parents and community members is invaluable. From providing meals during band camp to helping prep uniforms for a special feature during the 2019 fall season, the support is felt in a variety of ways.

“We have parents who are just all-stars for us,” Menefee said.

This season, the band titled its show “Artificial Intelligence” and featured LED lighting on student uniforms. Parents worked to prep 95 band uniforms with the LED lights that were a highlight of the competition performance.

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The Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) recognized the Ferndale School Board as a 2019 Board of Distinction this past November, marking the seventh time the board has earned the honor since 2012.

WSSDA annually recognizes school boards for demonstrating alignment with the Washington School Board Standards. The program is designed to encourage boards to examine their practices as governing bodies, particularly looking at the way their actions and decisions impact the success of students. The selection process for Boards of Distinction is based on an application process. Boards who apply are judged against high standards by a panel of past or present board members and superintendents.

Ferndale was one of 18 medium (1,001-9,000 students) school district boards recognized this year, and one of 33 total school boards honored.

The Ferndale School Board has been composed of members Dr. Kevin Erickson, Lee Anne Riddle, Candice Wilson, Hugh Foulke and Andrew McLaurin, along with student members Noah Semu and Avneet Pannu. In November 2019, incoming members Melinda Cool and Jessie Deardorff began their terms in replacement of retiring members Candice Wilson and Hugh Foulke. Ferndale School District Superintendent Dr. Linda Quinn serves as Secretary to the Board. To find more information about the Ferndale School Board and Board of Distinction honor, please visit www.ferndalesd.org/school-board.

Ferndale School Board Honored as Board of Distinction by WSSDA

(L-R) Avneet Pannu, Linda Quinn, Lee Anne Riddle, Dr. Kevin Erickson, Andrew McLaurin and Melinda Cool (Not pictured: Candice Wilson, Hugh Foulke, Jessie Deardorff, Noah Semu)

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The Ferndale School District shares updates regarding the 2019 bond projects on a weekly basis. If you are interested in receiving those updates directly, or to read past updates, please visit www.weareferndale.org/updates.

A dashboard graphic to communicate progress throughout the building process of the new Ferndale High School has been created along with a schedule visual of critical maintenance and safety and security projects included in the bond. The resources are available at www.weareferndale.org/visualresources.

FHS Project Update: Building Site Plan We have determined the building site for the new Ferndale High School. The District met with neighbors, conferred with experts and facilitated review by the the Design Advisory Committee, Community Bond Oversight Committee and the Ferndale School Board.

After careful analysis, we can share that the new building will be located east of the current FHS building(s) with the stadium/field to the north of the current campus in the area currently occupied by practice fields. As with all things shared at this stage, there may be changes as we proceed.

Ferndale School Bond UpdatesWeekly updates are sent each week regarding the bond projects

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Schools Programs & Operations Replacement Levy Information

Proposed Replacement Levy Overview The Ferndale School Board is asking voters to consider a renewal levy in February 2020. The date of the election is February 11, 2020.

The renewal levy is for calendar years 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Why do we need a school programs & operations levy? The State has always required local districts to seek local funding for a portion of district operating budgets. All seven school districts in Whatcom County currently have a levy and will be requesting a levy renewal in February 2020. If we do not renew the levy, it goes away. Think of it like an electric bill — if you don’t pay for your lights, they go out. The current levy was passed in 2016 and expires at the end of 2020. What happens if the levy is not renewed?

If our levy is not renewed, we will lose 13% of our operating budget beginning on January 1, 2021. Since the levy pays for programs that serve students, and all programs require staffing, losing the levy funds will necessitate cutting both programs and staff.

What is the difference between a bond and a levy? A levy provides money to help the district fund day-to-day school programs and operations. It bridges the gap between State funding and the cost of current programs, and pays for people and services such as teachers, classroom materials and extracurricular activities. Our most recent levy was a four-year levy passed in 2016.

By contrast, a bond pays for capital projects, mainly new construction and remodeling of existing buildings. Our most recent school bond was passed in 2019. The majority of the money from the 2019 bond will fund a new Ferndale High School.

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The Local Levy Provides Funding For

Have Questions?

More information is available on our website at www.ferndalesd.org/levy or by contacting mark.deebach@ferndalesd.org or (360) 383-9203.

Election Day: February 11, 2020

Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day to count. Ballots were sent January 24 by the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office.

Athletics & Activities Extracurricular opportunities for students such as athletics, clubs, music and band are supported by levy dollars.

Staff In the Ferndale School District, approximately 20% of teacher salaries and approximately 50% of classified staff salaries are supported by levy dollars.

Academic Supports Lower class sizes, school supplies and the 8-period schedule, which provides elective classes for students at the high school level, are supported by levy dollars. Technology Our 1:1 student device program, providing grades 6-12 students with daily access to computers for learning, is paid for by local levy dollars.

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