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Celebrating Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta 

March 31st: Cesar Chavez Day | April 10th: Dolores Huerta Day

Executive Leadership Opportunity with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Assistant Secretary of DSHS’s Aging and Long-Term Support Administration  Salary range: $150,000 - $160,000 annually

The Assistant Secretary of Aging and Long-Term Support Administration is a higher valued member of DSHS executive cabinet and leads an administration that empowers individuals and families to thrive through a variety of services and assistance. They are a nationally recognized leader in the delivery of long-term care services. Using strategic, yet visionary leadership, the Assistant Secretary will manage a $7.9 Billion biennial budget and leads a workforce providing critical services to over 130,000 Washingtonians.

Applications due April 11th, 2022

DSHS plans to hire an Assistant Secretary no later than July 2022 and as early as June 2022. Applications received by April 11, 2022 will be given full consideration. Applicants deemed to have the most relevant demonstrated experience will be contacted for further interview and selection. 

To be considered please submit a resume and cover letter addressing your interest and the knowledge, skills, and abilities to Tracie Kidd at Tracie.Kidd@dshs.wa.gov or apply directly to careers.wa.gov #2022-01278

EARTH DAY April 22, 2022 “Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.” – Dolores Huerta As individuals, we have the simple yet effective power to make our voices heard through our choices, our civic actions, and our personal interactions. What each of us does, and how we do it, has a huge ripple effect on our ecosystems, and on the pace of corporate and government action. Gen Z is providing inspiration, with 45% having stopped purchasing certain brands because of ethical or sustainability concerns. We have the power to lobby for and support businesses that take active steps to protect our environment through their practices and climate-friendly investments, and fight against those that don’t. Here are 52 actions and tips to make a difference, every day of the year. At a rally, a cleanup, with your vote, or your wallet, be heard however you are able. For all of us – today and for our future – let’s INVEST IN OUR PLANET!

REYKDAL: Legislature Makes Critical Investments in Students, Educators, Families OLYMPIA—March 11, 2022—Yesterday, the Legislature concluded the legislative session, committing to critical and timely investments that will support the long-term success of all of Washington’s young people Most notably, the Legislature made significant increases in the funding provided to schools for staffing to support students’ physical, mental, and emotional health. Funding for these additional staff will be phased-in over the next few years, and schools will begin receiving additional resources for these positions by next fall – having a near-immediate impact on our schools’ ability to support students in pandemic recovery. Prioritizing the need for all students to learn in a safe building, the Legislature also made a substantial investment to expand support for school seismic safety retrofits. They also provided funding for school construction needs in small school districts, as well as for schools damaged by natural disasters. Read the rest of Superintendent Reykdal's statement here.

For more information in receiving support, please contact Adam Powers, Program Manager, for more information. You can also email WSDOT directly at DBESS@wsdot.wa.gov or call 360-705-7090 for more information.

Ecology Welcomes Public to Offices Appointments no longer required On March 21, we are removing the requirement to schedule an appointment to visit our offices. We do encourage visitors to call ahead to make an appointment so we have the right staff available. To schedule an appointment, please visit the contacts page on our website. If unsure where to start, contact our main reception at 360-407-6000 or a region office reception desk. More information about requesting an appointment is available to at ecology.wa.gov/coronavirus. What to expect when visiting our offices We continue to take safety precautions within our offices. Here's what you can expect if you plan to schedule time with our staff or visit any of our facilities: You need to complete an online health screening at healthscreening.ecology.wa.gov before visiting our office Health screenings can also be completed on a kiosk at one of our office entrances or on your mobile phone; we have a QR code at our entryway for easy access to the health screen app Visitors are not required to wear a mask but are welcome to voluntarily mask For more updates on our COVID safety protocols and other updates, please visit COVID updates.

OLYMPIA – Results from the 2021 Healthy Youth Survey (HYS), a statewide survey of young people focused on their health behaviors, are now available. Data suggest mental health concerns remain with some signs of improved health behaviors, including a decrease in substance use.

The HYS is distributed to students in 6th through 12th grade every two years, providing representative data from Washington’s middle and high school students. Student participation is voluntary and anonymous.  

Among the 10th grade participants:

• 38% reported feeling sad/hopeless in the past 12 months
• 20% reported they seriously considered attempting suicide in the past 12 months
• 16% reported they made a suicide plan in the past 12 months
• 8% reported they attempted suicide in the past 12 months

The data show some student populations are more heavily affected than others, including students who identify as female, students who identify as LGBTQ+, students with disabilities, and students from lower income households.

For more information and resources click here.

Washington State Student Achievement Council

Getting Into College Just Got Easier

Colleges are making big changes to help Washington students access and apply for college. For this year’s seniors, the college admissions process is easier than ever:

Test-Optional Admissions: Most Washington colleges no longer require applicants to take standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Some colleges do require an alternative in place of test scores, such as a letter of recommendation or success in certain high school classes. For those who opt to take the tests, good scores can have some benefits. Learn more about test-optional admissions.

Guaranteed College Admissions: Some public and private four-year colleges guarantee admission to qualified students. Requirements vary but typically include meeting high school course requirements and graduating above a specified GPA level. Students still need to apply and complete the admissions process. Learn more about guaranteed college admissions.

Open Admission Colleges: Washington’s public two-year community and technical colleges are open access. Anyone with a high school diploma or GED can apply and attend. Test scores and GPAs are not considered. Registration is open year-round, so it’s never too late to get started! Learn more about open admission colleges.

Learn more and plan your future on the Washington Student Achievement Council website.