Skyline, Sunnycrest principals report reading, math and attendance gains to Lake Stevens board

Principals and support staff presented building-level reports at the Lake Stevens School District board meeting on May 8, highlighting instructional strategies and measurable student gains.

At Skyline Elementary, Principal Tori Thomas and MTSS Specialist Kristen Smutz outlined literacy and math intervention structures: daily oral reading fluency, iReady Personal Pathway lessons, discrete phonics instruction and scheduled progress monitoring. Thomas reported a fall‑to‑winter vocabulary increase from 38% to 57% and a K–5 Number Sense & Operations increase from 32% to 49%. Counselor Nicky Dunn described an attendance intervention that improved attendance from 78% (23 absences) before intervention to 95% (2 absences) after intervention and raised on‑time attendance from 76% to 95%.

Sunnycrest Elementary Principal Mikey Trexel presented Sense of Belonging data (overall 60%; Asian and Black/African American 66%; Hispanic/Latino 61%; White/Caucasian 58%; Confidentiality Protected 56%) and described student clubs and new campus additions such as an all‑season covered outdoor area and a 'Feed Your Mind' checkout station. Trexel also highlighted a student‑led Brandall's Book LLC lending-library project that involved planning, design, and community communication.

Board members praised the presentations. Director Nina Hanson said she was grateful for the building reports and student recognitions; Director Lund described the presentations as "the full meal deal." The reports will inform ongoing intervention and curriculum planning as staff prepare for summer and the next school year.