Shelton district highlights Evergreen Promise, Choice online program and Olympic Middle School choir

Superintendent Jesse told the Shelton School Board that the Evergreen Promise partnership with Evergreen State College guarantees admitted graduates from the district’s three high schools tuition-free attendance, and that information and application help are on the Shelton School District website.

The Evergreen Promise opportunity, Jesse said, covers tuition and reduces expenses including room, board and books, and the program has waived the application fee. Jesse said a number of district graduates recently received acceptance and are ready to matriculate. He also said the district will post details on upcoming Evergreen-related events on the district website and expects to share more information at a future board meeting.

Jesse also described Choice High School’s online hybrid program, which the district offers for grades 7 through 12. He said Choice provides an on-site certificated teacher for drop-in assistance in addition to the online curriculum and that the program recently enrolled six or seven additional students.

The board paused its business for a recognition: the Olympic Middle School (OMS) glee club performed for members. Amy Kuyper, the music teacher who resumed the program in October, told the board the students chose a song tied to themes of change and equity and framed the performance with a message that young people can “be the change we want to see.” Assistant Principal Mike Craft introduced students Evelyn, Aubrey, Genesee and Dalton, who spoke briefly about why they enjoy singing.

The district’s presentation and recognitions were front-loaded in the meeting; no formal board action was taken on these items during the session.

The board also heard brief school reports from student representatives about upcoming assemblies and extracurricular competitions; those updates covered scheduling and student outreach but involved no formal votes.