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Family Newsletter

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January 2026 Expedition Behavioral Education Family Newsletter

Partnering With Families for a Great Year

Hello families!

As we begin the new year, we want to take a moment to celebrate the growth, progress, and strong sense of community across Olympic Academy, Summit Academy, and Pathfinder Services. With the first trimester behind us, we are incredibly proud of the effort, resilience, and hard work shown by your students—and grateful for the dedication of our staff who support them each day.

This fall brought many meaningful milestones, including students successfully transitioning back to their home districts, new partnerships with community organizations, engaging learning opportunities for staff, and continued improvements to our programs and supports. As we move into January, our focus remains on creating compassionate, structured, and engaging environments where every student feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.

We’re excited to share this January update with you and to continue partnering with families as we move forward together in 2026.

Staff Highlight: Anjyl Biller, Career Development Teacher (Olympic Academy)

This season, we are excited to spotlight Anjyl Biller, our Career Development teacher for secondary students (grades 9–12) at Olympic Academy. Anjyl has been a dedicated member of the Olympic Academy team for the past five years and has played a key role in designing and growing our Career Development program.

In her role, Anjyl supports students by:

  • Teaching classes focused on post-secondary transitions, helping students plan for life after high school
  • Supporting students in developing personal finance skills and real-world money management
  • Leading our in-school jobs program, where students build responsibility, independence, and work-readiness skills
  • Creating structured, supportive learning environments that promote confidence and engagement
  • Collaborating with staff to connect classroom learning to meaningful, practical outcomes

This year, Anjyl also achieved an exciting personal milestone by earning her master’s degree from Western Governors University, reflecting her ongoing commitment to growth and learning.

Anjyl is known for her dedication, creativity, and belief in every student’s potential. We are grateful for the impact she has on our students and for the leadership she brings to our community each day.

What’s New This Winter

Community Connections: Growing Compassionate Supports Across the Region 

At Expedition Behavioral Education, we believe that students thrive when adults are supported with the right tools, understanding, and mindset. One way we do this is by helping educators across the region strengthen trauma-informed, compassionate, and relationship-centered behavioral practices.

This winter and spring, our teams are supporting regional learning opportunities that bring educators together to deepen their understanding of student behavior and create more supportive school environments.

February 17: Winter National Voices, Local Impact

Where: Hosted at Rochester Middle School. We are grateful to the Rochester School District for partnering with us to host this regional learning event.

Event information: We are excited to welcome Dr. Camille Kolu, who will present on Trauma-Informed Behavioral Interventions in Schools. This session will focus on practical, evidence-based strategies that help students feel safe, supported, and understood—especially those with complex behavioral needs. Dr. Kolu brings a unique perspective that blends behavior analysis and neuroscience, helping educators better understand how stress, trauma, and learning interact—and how schools can respond with care and effectiveness.

Note: There will be no student program on February 17 to allow staff participation in this learning opportunity.

May 26: Spring National Voices, Local Impact

Where: ESD 113 Tyee site in Tumwater 

Event information: We are also looking forward to welcoming Dr. Megan DeLeon, founder of the Do Better Collective, for a spring session centered on Connected Relationships as the Heart of Learning and Behavior Support. This session will explore how strong, trusting relationships support student growth and well-being, including:
How relationships influence learning and behavior.

  • Understanding positive and negative reinforcement in everyday settings
  • Creating meaningful motivators for students
  • Supporting play and leisure skills
  • Approaching behavior with curiosity, compassion, and care

Dr. DeLeon is known for her engaging, human-centered approach and her ability to make complex ideas practical and approachable for educators and service providers.

Note: There will be no student program on May 26 to allow staff participation in this learning opportunity.

Why This Matters for Families

By supporting ongoing professional learning in our region, Expedition Behavioral Education is helping ensure that students experience consistent, compassionate, and trauma-informed supports—not just within our programs, but across the schools and communities we partner with.

Registration information for both events will be shared by ESD 113. We’re proud to be part of this work and grateful to partner with districts and families as we continue strengthening supports for students.

Nurse’s Corner: Big Smiles Dental Clinic Coming to Expedition!

We’re excited to share that our school is partnering with Big Smiles to offer on-site dental care right at school on February 20. This program helps make dental visits easy, convenient, and accessible for families.

Why this is great for students

  • Dental care happens during the school day, saving families time and travel
  • Services are provided by licensed, local dentists in a familiar school setting
  • Care may include exams, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and, in some cases, fillings

Cost & insurance information

  • For most students with Medicaid/CHIP, there is no cost to families
  • Private insurance and affordable self-pay options are also available

Why regular dental care matters

Routine dental visits can help prevent issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and other health concerns that can affect learning and overall well-being.

How to sign up

We encourage families to take advantage of this opportunity to support their child’s health and wellness. If you have questions or need help with the form, please reach out to your school nurse or front office—we’re happy to help!

Winter Reminders

Meals

Daily breakfast and lunch are provided at both Olympic and Summit Academy programs. 

Important Dates

  • January 19: No Program
  • January 29–30: | 11 am early release: Winter Conferences
  • February 16: No Program (Holiday)
  • February 17: No Program (National Voices, Local Impact)

Please watch your email for weather-related schedule updates as we continue into winter.

Attendance Matters

Every school day counts! Consistent attendance helps students feel connected, build routines, and make academic and behavioral progress.

Please remember to:

  • Call the office if your child will be absent or late
  • Schedule appointments outside school hours when possible
  • Notify us of any changes in pick-up, drop-off, or transportation

Stay Connected

We encourage you to stay in touch with us throughout the year.

Our websites

Facebook

  • Follow us on Facebook for updates, events, and student celebrations!

We're Here For You

As we begin the new year, we want to thank you for being such an important part of our school community. Your partnership and communication play a vital role in supporting your student—and all students—as they learn and grow.

If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are honored to work alongside your family and grateful for the opportunity to support your child’s continued growth in 2026.

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