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North Mason focuses on 'multitiered systems of support'

The North Mason School District is helping students and families meet the school year with new events, faces and positions within the district, all of which are intended to foster a sense of belonging between the schools and those they serve.

Amanda Marley-Clarke, communications specialist for the district, expressed pride in the district's back-to-school outreach event Aug. 25. The event's goal was to get school registration information, and resources from 17 of the district's community partners, into the hands of North Mason families.

Marley-Clarke noted the event coincided with the district's "Transportation Round-Up," where families met the transportation team to discuss bus schedules and routes, and tour buses.

"The district wanted that fun, laid-back, supportive, welcoming vibe to set the tone for the school year to follow," Superintendent Dana Rosenbach said.

Rosenbach and Marley-Clarke touted the district's "multitiered systems of support" for students, which is designed to meet them where they're at, first by identifying students' mental, emotional and social needs, then by responding through layers of intervention.

"The statewide MTSS initiative explicitly defines a number of practices that North Mason schools were already doing, but puts them into codified steps," Marley-Clarke said. "It's part of our commitment to our kids, and our measures to further foster our already diverse culture."

District staff has seen promotions from within and at least one new employee, and the creation of a new district department.

Jessica Collins, who's been with North Mason for 13 years, is being promoted from assistant principal of Belfair Elementary to principal this year. Rosenbach cited Collins' "strong existing relationships with the families and students" of Belfair Elementary as an asset to the district, and noted how well Collins "is aligned with the strategic direction" for the MTSS rollout.

Raymond Bonnell, who started with the district as a high school teacher in 2020, has stepped into the dual roles of dean of students and athletic director for North Mason High School. Rosenbach touted Bonnell's 20-plus years of coaching in the United States, Switzerland and Austria.

Amber Nygard, who started with the district in 2011, has worked the past five years as assistant principal of Sand Hill Elementary. This year, she's moving into the newly created role of assistant director of Inclusive Education.

Nygard will work with the schools on their MTSS plans to ensure all North Mason students have equitable access to education.

"Amber is passionate about this work and believes that when evidence-based systems are in place, and teachers and educators are supported, they can focus well on students and student achievement," Rosenbach said.

Rosenbach welcomed district newcomer Kyle Ehlis, former principal of Chimacum Creek Primary School, as director of Inclusive Education.

Rosenbach described Ehlis as "passionate about working toward student success (by) utilizing growth mindsets and place-based learning practices."

Rosenbach said the district also hired "strong, student-focused, effective leaders" as assistant principals, including Rosanna Lampano at Sand Hill Elementary, Kevin Pattison at Hawkins Middle School and Christine Mart at Belfair Elementary.

Alexia Hadfield was promoted from athletic director and assistant principal at North Mason High School to principal at James A. Taylor High School, as well as being director of both Career and Technical Education and the Alternative Learning Experience.

"Over the past few weeks, our staff have been doing great work to prepare for an amazing year with our students," Rosenbach said. "We have been taking a deep dive into our data, considering individual student needs, and developing plans for a positive, engaging year for all students."

Author Bio

Kirk Boxleitner, Reporter

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Shelton-Mason County Journal & Belfair Herald
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