Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘Not sports? Tough!’ Category

Deb Sherman hangs out with one of her grandkids at a basketball game a few years back. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

She came from the big city and built a vibrant life on the prairie where her husband’s family has lived for generations.

Along the way, Deb Sherman, who ran at the state cross country meet for Everett High School back in her Deb Dire days, has become forever linked to Coupeville.

This is where she and husband Don raised their three sons, this is where her countless grandchildren now frolic, this is where her kindness and joy have taken root.

When the school year ends, she is stepping away after 27 years of guiding Cow Town’s children, retiring from the teaching profession she has honored, and which has given her so much in return.

Not that she’s going away anytime soon, just that she won’t be in a classroom at the elementary school anymore, one of the best to ever do the job.

As she prepares for the transition, Mrs. Sherman offers a fervent farewell:

 

These years have been filled with moments I’ll carry with me forever.

I’ll never forget standing at a Coupeville parade a few years back, watching float after float go by filled with students in various sports and activities.

They were shouting, “Hello, Mrs. Sherman!” from every direction.

The woman standing next to me finally turned and asked, “Who are you?”

That’s when it hit me — in Coupeville, we teachers are rock stars.

At games, at community events, even in the grocery store, we’re recognized and valued in a way that’s rare and precious.

I will deeply miss that connection.

I’ll miss the kids who grew up before my eyes, the families who trusted me with their children, and the colleagues who became friends.

This community has given me far more than I could ever give back, and I’m grateful for every moment — the challenging ones that made me grow and the joyful ones that reminded me why I chose this profession.

Thank you for 27 years of support, laughter, and shared purpose.

While I’m ready for what comes next, leaving this small district family will be bittersweet.

With gratitude and warm regards,

Debra Sherman

Read Full Post »

Free dinner and childcare, plus sage advice to battle the screens trying to sap the life from your child.

That’s what the Coupeville School District is offering next Tuesday, Feb. 24, when it will host author Katherine Martinko.

Katherine Martinko

Martinko is a professional editor and writer with a decade-plus of experience in digital publishing whose work has appeared on numerous platforms including the Huffington Post and CBC Radio and National TV.

As a freelance editor she has worked for major brands such as Martha Stewart and the Discovery Network.

Plus, fun side fact, Martinko is also a classically trained violinist.

For the pertinent details on her upcoming talk in Coupeville, scroll down to the photo below.

Read Full Post »

A simple yes vote can help fund the future.

The Coupeville School District has two replacement levies on the Feb. 10 ballot — the EP&O Levy Renewal and the Capital Technology Levy Renewal — and both earn my support.

They’re not new taxes but instead replace levies previously approved by local voters in 2022.

Keep them in place and they help shore the district up against shortfalls created by lawmakers in Olympia who continue to mouth platitudes to education while frequently leaving schools to save themselves.

Levies do NOT build new schools or fund major construction projects — that’s a bond.

Instead, levies “support the people, programs, and tools that make learning possible every day.”

So, what’s the breakdown on these levies?

 

Proposition 1: Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy Renewal

Supports day-to-day operations and programs including:

*Additional classroom staff to keep class sizes low
*Programs including advanced classes/Highly Capable, language services, and social-emotional supports
*Athletics, clubs, and extracurriculars
*Career and technical education and hands-on learning opportunities
*Music and performing arts classes

 

Proposition 2: Capital Technology Levy Renewal

Continues funding to ensure students have access to secure facilities and modern learning opportunities, including:

*Repairs and maintenance at every school
*Student, staff, and school technology, including devices, security, software, and accessibility
*Security updates, including cameras and entry access systems

 

Over the past couple of months, I have been part of a group which meets to discuss the facilities in the Coupeville School District.

During that time, I’ve seen some of the behind-the-scenes work, and it’s deepened my appreciation for what district employees, on every level, accomplish each day.

Every school system has its good points and bad points, but Coupeville overwhelmingly remains a positive place for your child to be educated.

Stand with our educators and administrators, with our para’s and our coaches, with the men and women down there in the trenches working their rears off to make sure Coupeville’s kids are successes.

Vote yes when you get your ballot in the mail.

It’s simple. It’s easy. It’s the right thing to do.

Read Full Post »

Bombs bursting in air? Not on their dime.

Two days before the event was scheduled to happen, the Oak Harbor Chamber announced Monday that its annual New Year Eve’s fireworks show has been cancelled.

Responding to comments on its Facebook page, the Chamber clarified the decision had been in place for some time.

“The decision was made months ago. Admittedly, we should have made an announcement sooner and unfortunately it got overlooked.

“An announcement was made today because we had multiple inquires and realized we hadn’t made our decision public.”

 

The Chamber’s complete statement:

 

After careful consideration, the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce has made the difficult decision to cancel the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks show for 2025.

The decision reflects a thorough review of available resources, funding limitations, and the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to serving its members and supporting the local economy.

A primary factor in this decision is the rising cost of producing the event, coupled with a continued decline in funding.

Rather than overextending resources, the Chamber will refocus its efforts on programs and initiatives that directly benefit local businesses and the broader Oak Harbor community.

Although the New Year’s Eve fireworks display will not take place, the Chamber is committed to providing a spectacular 4th of July fireworks show and is already planning for a larger show in celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

The Chamber remains committed to staying true to its core values. Our mission is to serve and promote the business interests of greater Whidbey Island.

We do not believe the New Year’s Eve fireworks drive tourism, helps our members, or strengthens the local economy.

Instead, we will invest in initiatives that provide long-term value to our community. At this time, redirecting our resources toward those goals is the most responsible choice.

The Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce appreciates the community’s understanding and continued support.

The organization looks forward to collaborating with partners and members on future initiatives that align with its mission and strengthen the region’s economic landscape.

Read Full Post »

Build the future, today!

Well, OK, things don’t actually get going until September, but you get the point.

Coupeville schools are putting a big push on robotics, with a two-pronged approach.

They want to expand their middle school team, which is open to students in grades 6-8, while also developing their first team at the high school (9-12) level.

For more info, take a gander at the photo above and contact Alison Perera at aperera@coupeville.k12.wa.us.

Read Full Post »

Older Posts »