Education Briefs

Art projects inspire Hood Canal students

Hood Canal School students are embracing creativity and culture through two art initiatives this quarter, the district said in a news release.

Supported by the community and guided by art teacher Max Cowdery, students have immersed themselves in the traditions of Indigenous mask carvers, studying the techniques and cultural stories behind this intricate art form. As part of their learning, students have been working on panels of Western red cedar donated by a resident. Next quarter, carvers will volunteer in the classroom and share their skills.

Also, students in grades three through eight recently submitted more than 100 original designs for the Mason County Forest Festival button design contest. Inspired by this year's theme of "Rooted in Wood. Strength in Water," students spent weeks in art classes learning about native trees of the Skokomish watershed and the county's waterways. The designs, now being reviewed by the Forest Festival committee, highlight the connection between nature and art.

The district states these art experiences are made possible by local funding.

Nominate teachers, classified staff

Educational Service District 113 is accepting nominations for the 2026 Teacher of the Year and 2025 Classified School Employee of the Year awards.

The district provides services for 44 school districts, one tribal compact school and approved private schools in Mason, Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor and Pacific counties.

The Teacher of the Year Award honors exceptional teachers who demonstrate excellence in teaching, inspire students and contribute to the improvement of education. Any certified teacher currently teaching and planning to continue for at least two more years is eligible.

The Classified School Employee of the Year award celebrates the contributions of classified school employees, including paraeducators, office staff, custodians and other support personnel. Any public-school classified staff member in a nonexecutive management position is eligible.

March 2 is the deadline to submit a nomination. Forms are available at Capital Region ESD 113's website.

Shelton students making grade at Oregon college

Two students from Shelton earned spots on the dean's list for the fall 2024 semester from George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon.

Ben Benson is a senior majoring in graphic design. Junior Jayden Lovingfoss is majoring in kinesiology.

To earn a spot on the dean's list, students must earn a GPA of 3.5 or better while taking at least 12 or more hours of graded work.

Gammons exceling at Washington State

For the third consecutive semester, Annabelle Gammons of Shelton earned a spot on the fall 2024 honor roll at Washington State University.