Family News: Staff Celebrations and Time to Vote!

Posted Date: 02/02/26 (04:53 PM)

Students in a classroom engage in a science experiment with safety goggles.

In this Issue...

Time to Vote for Feb. 10 Election
Lighthouse Awards Celebration
Rebuilding Playgrounds Where Kids Learn and Grow - Video
Investing in Neighborhood Schools - Video
Renewal Levy and Bond Town Hall, On Demand
Staff Shout Out!

Time to Vote!

A person proudly displays an "I Voted Today" sticker on their finger.

As of Friday night, only 3,219 ballots - less than 7% - have made it to Snohomish County Elections. Is yours still hanging out at home? If so, make your voice heard and turn it in today!

Ballot drop boxes are conveniently located throughout the county. Drop boxes are open 24/7 until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Find a ballot box: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/5726/Find-a-Ballot-Drop-Box

Lighthouse Award Winners!

A group of smiling individuals pose for a photo, holding certificates and awards.

Five individuals smile while holding 'The Lighthouse Award' certificates and plaques.

Twice a year, we celebrate our amazing staff with the Mukilteo School District Lighthouse Awards.

The Lighthouse Award was established in 1990 to recognize the exceptional contributions of time, talent, and effort given by staff members to students and the community. Nominations are made by fellow employees and are judged by a team of seven staff members representing several areas of the district.

Thirteen staff members were nominated for the first semester Lighthouse Award, the highest honor that can be bestowed on a school district employee. The winners were revealed at the school board meeting held on Tuesday. Each nominee received a framed certificate and a folder with nominations, so they can read the wonderful words their colleagues had to say about them. The two winners received an additional honorary award to proudly display.

This semester's winners are Endeavour Elementary School Principal Tamara Skeen and Kamiak High School Paraeducator Shelle Brihn!

The nominations for these staff members were absolutely incredible - so good, in fact, that we had to share highlights:

A woman with long, wavy brown hair smiles at the camera, wearing a white t-shirt against a blue background.

Ruba Alawar, paraeducator at Columbia

“Through innovative strategies, calming tools, and thoughtful social-emotional support, Ruba helps students reduce anxiety, self-regulate, and re-engage in learning.”

“She builds strong, trusting partnerships with families, communicating with empathy and care - particularly during difficult conversations—so students are supported at school and at home.”

“Ruba exemplifies collective responsibility for student success by uplifting colleagues, encouraging shared problem-solving, and fostering a culture where every staff member feels valued.”

A woman with blonde hair smiles warmly in front of a brick wall.

Becca Anderson, director of special services

“Becca creates a true sense of belonging—staff feel heard, appreciated, and equipped to succeed, which directly improves outcomes for students."

“Her leadership blends vision with action: she sees the big picture, builds efficient systems, and supports people in meaningful, human-centered ways.”

“Becca leads with care, empathy, and professionalism—creating a culture where staff feel safe, valued, and supported, and where students and families are better served as a result.”

A smiling person with curly dark hair and glasses wears a gray t-shirt with "BOOK LOVER" printed on it.

Megan Boice-Keith, science teacher at Explorer

“She is always sharing new ideas and ways to connect with the kids through science. She is selfless in her willing to help any and all!”

“Megan is an encourager. She leads by example and celebrates the success of others.”

“Megan is the type of teacher I want to be when I grow up.”

A smiling woman with blonde hair wears headphones and holds a black and orange power drill.

Shelle Brihn, paraeducator at Kamiak and the Classified Lighthouse Award Winner

Across every nomination, Shelle is described as the heart of her school - a tireless advocate, connector, and educator who makes every student feel seen, safe, and valued.

“She builds deep relationships with students who often feel disconnected, supports families with compassion and persistence, and ensures no one falls through the cracks.”

“In the classroom and shop, she is a true instructional partner—co-teaching, mentoring, ensuring safety, and integrating real-world skills that empower students to grow in confidence and ability.”

“Simply put, she doesn’t just support students and staff—she changes lives and makes Kamiak a better place for everyone.”

A woman with dark curly hair and glasses smiles, wearing a blue and yellow floral top.

Eugenia Collins, administrative assistant at the District Office

“She is a strong advocate for students furthest from educational success… always looking at how to best support the students and families she serves, addressing individual needs swiftly and effectively."

“What truly sets her apart is her personal touch—checking in with students, collaborating with teachers and administrators, and connecting families to community resources.”

“She created a culture of belonging among attendance personnel by hosting attendance cafés—spaces where staff feel appreciated, supported, and connected as part of a work family.”

A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera against a blue backdrop.

Melissa Dean-Salyards, ML/LAP teacher at Explorer

“Melissa works hard to make sure every student in her classroom feels represented, can access class content, and knows they are valued.”

“She helps create a staff culture that is inclusive while pushing us all to learn and grow together.”

“Melissa makes connections with so many students—they love her class.”

A woman with glasses smiles warmly against a purple background.

Christina Drake, special education teacher at Fairmount

“Christina creates classroom communities where students feel safe, valued, and truly belong, building supportive environments that honor each student’s social, emotional, and academic needs.”

“She delivers high-quality, individualized instruction by thoughtfully aligning curriculum, assessments, and instructional tools to each student’s learning goals and IEP needs.”

“Christina is a trusted leader and go-to colleague, consistently using student data and evidence-based practices to guide instruction and support the success of both students and staff.”

A young woman with auburn hair smiles warmly against a blue background.

Margo Jensen, fourth-grade teacher at Discovery

“She has been a leader in our building of pioneering inclusion in her classroom by integrating lighthouse students seamlessly into her classroom community.”

“I bet every staff member in our building can identify a time where Margo Jensen has helped them.”

“Margo is such a go getter and highly efficient. Her dedication to achieving results is inspiring to all.”

A smiling older man with glasses and gray hair wears a white t-shirt against a blue background.

Joel Miller, custodian at Mukilteo Elem.

“It is rare to find someone who contributes so much with such humility and kindness. Joel’s behind-the-scenes work is essential to everything we do, and both students and staff see him as a trusted and respected member of our community.”

“Joel greets everyone with a warm smile and positive spirit, proactively solving problems and creating a safe, welcoming environment where learning can thrive.”

“Joel makes all staff, students, and families feel welcome and appreciated; his strong relationships and positive attitude truly define the culture of belonging at Mukilteo Elementary.”

A smiling woman with short, reddish-brown hair wears a black t-shirt with colorful text.

Holly Peregoy, special education teacher at Columbia

“There is a real sense of community among this special group… the environment that she has created is one of welcome and belonging.”

“She creates a learning environment where all of the staff and students can have fun while learning.”

“In a season that was the most difficult in my parenting journey, I knew that I had a partner in the school day.”

A woman with dark hair pulled back smiles at the camera, wearing a gray t-shirt.

Laurel Santos, paraeducator at Explorer

“Laurel goes above and beyond her role—working side by side with students, encouraging them to rise to challenges, and providing meaningful instructional support in the classroom.”

“She creates a culture of belonging like no other, opening her home to staff, welcoming everyone with warmth, and ensuring no one feels alone—especially during the holidays.”

“From leading WEB and supporting incoming sixth graders to showing up at after-school events, Laurel’s presence strengthens relationships and makes Explorer Middle School feel like a true community.”

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair and green eyes smiles at the camera.

Tamara Skeen, principal at Endeavour, and the Certificated Lighthouse Award Winner

Nominators consistently described Tamara as a visible, compassionate, and inspiring presence who builds a true sense of belonging within her school community.

“Not only does Tamara know the names of all 440 of the students at Endeavour, she makes the effort to connect and get to know each student personally.”

“Tamara has truly transformed the culture of our building.”

“The fact that students can’t wait to hug Tamara tells you everything you need to know about her.”

Bryan Stelling, counselor at Kamiak

“He consistently reinforces that students are students first, athletes second, helping young people stay academically eligible while believing in their potential both in the classroom and in life.”

“Bryan’s quiet, steady guidance helps students and families make confident decisions about college, careers, and life after high school - conversations whose impact lasts a lifetime.”

“Through open communication, community outreach, and unwavering positivity, Bryan builds trust with parents and strengthens the connection between school, students, and the wider community.”

2026 Renewal Levy and Bond

Rebuilding Playgrounds Where Kids Learn and Grow

Playgrounds help kids grow, learn, and connect—and many of ours are decades old. Passage of the February 10 capital construction bond would fund improvements at Picnic Point, Fairmont, Odyssey, and Columbia elementary schools.

Listen in as Picnic Point Principal Katie Pence and Capital Projects Director Shelley Henderson chat about what these projects could mean for local elementary schools.

Investing in Neighborhood Schools

Passage of the renewal learning levy and capital bond would sustain hundreds of positions—including school resource officers and safety staff—and fund safety upgrades like fire alarms, secure door hardware, and improvements at decades-old schools.

Approval of the Feb. 10 capital construction bond would also complete thereplacement of Explorer Middle School, originally built in 1972.

Take a look inside…

Missed the Renewal Levy & Bond Town Hall?

No worries—we saved you a seat. Watch it anytime on our website at www.mukilteoschools.org/events

Shout Out to Staff!

A woman in a yellow shirt holds a framed "Golden Feather Award" presented to Tomoko Kanno.

Congratulations to Endeavour Elementary School’s Nutrition Services employee Tomoko Kanno on receiving the school’s Golden Feather Award!

Receiving the Golden Feather award is quite an honor. The school presents the award to a classified staff member for going above and beyond for students and the school community.

Endeavour is very grateful to have Ms. Tomoko as part of the school team and for serving healthy meals to the students. One 5th grader said, “Thank you, Ms. Tomoko, for working hard to make sure our whole school is fed every day!” 💗

Want to see more?

The Facebook and Instagram logos side-by-side on a white background.

Mukilteo School District is active on social media and we invite our families, students, staff and the community to follow and engage with us! Follow us on social media.

Mukilteo School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator Robert Gallagher (425-356-1300), gallagherrm@mukilteo.wednet.edu, Section 504 Coordinator Becca Anderson (425-356-1277), andersonra@mukilteo.wednet.edu, and the ADA/Access Coordinator Karen Mooseker (425-356-1330), moosekerkw@mukilteo.wednet.edu. Address: 9401 Sharon Drive in Everett, WA. Inquiries regarding ADA/Access issues at Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center should be directed to Wes Allen, Director (425-348-2220) allenwr@mukilteo.wednet.edu. Address: 9001 Airport Road in Everett, WA 98204.