Improving Communication

Among All Staff 

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People on the Move

Two District Assistant Principals Step Up Two familiar faces are now appearing in different places! Karin Jones, assistant principal and district project specialist will be stepping up to assume the principal position at Southern Heights Elementary while Sarah Gill is on maternity leave. (A healthy Sophia Raye Gill was born January 4.) At Madrona, Principal Mike Fosberg is away on paternity leave and Educational Assistant Rudy Baca has stepped in to cover the duties.     Karin Jones and Sarah Gill “This is really the best of both worlds,” says Sarah. “The district has just been wonderful in giving me the opportunity to pursue both my passions, being an elementary school principal and a mom, simultaneously!” And, to make it even better, Sarah adds “the school will be in such good hands while I’m away. From the moment Karin stepped into the building, she was welcomed by the staff, students, and parents.” Karin has a long history at Highline Public Schools. She is a graduate of Highline High School and did her student teaching in the district. Her early teaching career was in other districts but she has been back “home” now for over ten years. Karin has been part of the Seahurst staff where she was a reading specialist and principal designee, and then served the latter part of last year as principal at Sunnydale where she took on the difficult task of closing the school. She came to Southern Heights this year as the part-time assistant principal. Karin says, “Principal partnerships can be incredibly enjoyable and interesting. This experience has provided me with one more way of looking at and thinking about the complexities of the work principals do each day.” Karin plans to continue the work she and Sarah have begun in professional development, focusing on the components of powerful instruction as they relate to literacy, math, and student achievement. At Madrona, Mike Fosberg echoes many of Sarah’s sentiments. The chance to be a part of his child’s early days is very special. And, knowing the school is in capable hands while he’s away means he can really relax and enjoy the time.     Rudy Baca and Mike Fosberg Rudy Baca, educational assistant at Madrona, has stepped into Mike’s role as principal for the next three months. Rudy is a long-term Highline employee; he was a K/1/2 looping teacher at Marvista for seven years prior to doing his administrative internship in the Federal Way District last year. Now, he’s back – and loving it at Madrona! Rudy is excited about both his regular role as educational assistant as well as the temporary principal position. Given that Madrona’s student population is 45% Hispanic, he feels he can really make a difference in connecting with the students and their families. He’s been on a number of home visits with the teachers and feels the extended families can identify with him because there is no language barrier and he was “one of these kids.” Madrona’s student population has the highest mobility rate of any of the Highline schools. When asked about goals for his stint as interim principal, Rudy replied, “I really respect Mike and the work he’s done here at Madrona. I want to support that and keep the school headed in the same direction.” Rudy would also like to increase the Hispanic family involvement in the school. He commented, “It’s their school and I want to make sure they feel welcome.” Charlotte Carr, a retired principal from the Tacoma School District, will be filling the long-term substitute position for Rudy during this period.   Back to Front Page

National Board Certification

Highline Teachers are notified of Achievement Four more district teachers were recently notified they have successfully earned certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The process, a year-long endeavor, is extremely rigorous and involves all facets of professional instruction.   Teresa Bond and Tracey Drum   Congratulations to Teresa Bond - Valley View, Tracey Drum - Valley View, Sharilyn Goodwin - Highline High School, and Diane Carlisle - Gregory Heights! Tracey, a nine-year veteran at Valley View, said, “I liked how it caused me to closely examine what I do in the classroom, forcing me to prove that what I do really does have a positive impact on student learning. I read the standards and knew that they described the kind of teacher I wanted to be.” Valley View kindergarten/first-grade teacher, Teresa Bond, echoes the comments of her colleagues. “As I truly believe that learning is a life-long experience, I decided to pursue the National Board Certification process in order to continue my own personal growth. It was very demanding, challenging, and rewarding, but I must credit my success to my support system. I owe a big thank you for the tremendous support from my own family, friends, students’ parents, and colleagues.”     Diane Carlisle “I feel that going through the certification process was the most worthwhile professional development I have ever participated in,” observed Diane Carlisle, a 20-year teacher with the Highline district. “I have definitely become a better teacher as I am constantly reflecting on my practice. I would recommend this process for any experienced teacher wishing to become an even stronger teacher.”     Shari Goodwin   These sentiments were echoed by Shari Goodwin, a 22-year teacher in her fourth year at Highline High School. She added, “It provided an opportunity for me to reflect and focus more on why I do what I do. Following the standards and protocols made my planning far more intentional and meaningful for the students.” “It’s really exciting to see the teaching staff embracing the board certification process. The standards and assessment skills are critical to effective teaching and provide tools for measuring deep student learning,” commented Superintendent Welch. NBPTS trains teachers who are dedicated to student learning and upholding high standards for professional performance. The National Board process establishes high standards for accomplished teaching professionals, then strengthens their educational preparation through the standards, and creates performance-based assessments that demonstrate accomplished application of the standards. National Board Certification has become a symbol of professional teaching excellence. Currently a voluntary process, National Board Certification complements, but does not replace, state licensing. While state licensing systems set entry-level standards for novice teachers, National Board Certification establishes advanced standards for experienced teachers who must have three years experience prior to beginning the process.   Back to Front Page

Student Advisory Council Formed

Superintendent Seeks Student Input Highline Public Schools Superintendent John Welch has issued a call to action to the students in the district. As part of his commitment to listen to the student voice, Superintendent Welch is forming a student advisory council. This council will meet quarterly to provide feedback on a range of district issues and initiatives including the high school experience, preparation for college and career, and improvements needed in our current system. An invitation has gone out to each high school urging the principals, teachers, and staff to encourage qualified students to apply for the council. Superintendent Welch will select approximately ten high school students by the end of February with the first meeting set for March. Selection for the council will be made based on the applicant’s thoughtful approach to issues and their desire to improve our high schools. Applications are available at each building office or on the district website www.hsd401.org. All candidates must complete the application and submit it along with a letter of recommendation from a teacher, principal or counselor to: Office of Communication and Community Relations 15676 Ambaum Blvd. SW Burien, WA 98166 Or by email to rogerscc@hsd401.org The deadline for submission is January 27, 2006.

School Board Recognition

Successful “After High School” Event Celebrated At the December 14 meeting, the Highline School Board and Superintendent John Welch recognized the organizers of the recent After High School event. Formerly known as College Night, the event has been refocused to include a broad array of potential career and educational opportunities available to students after high school. Reflecting the district’s commitment to prepare students for college, career and citizenship, the event offered a variety of continuing education options. Organizers emphasized ways to assist students with the process of researching their area of interest and seeking the financial means to pursue their dream. Congratulations to following for their work in putting together this very successful event: Kathy McCabe Eric Aasness Teresa Matthews Dave Cotlove Bill Crossman Barb Wilson Lynn Chamberlain Jacquie Chalmers Marianna Goheen Shauna Pierson Mauricio Ayón Julie Burr Spani Alan Spicciati Katie Carper Jeff Petty Ed Hiestand Jonas Compton Rick Harwood Brenda Day Julie Ausen Back to Front Page

Evergreen High School Marching Band Takes Second Place

On Saturday, November 5 the Evergreen High School Marching Band captured Second Place in the 2005 Auburn Veterans' Day Parade competition. Twenty-three bands participated in the event. Bands were judged on musicianship, marching technique and general effect. For its marching technique, the Evergreen band received 29 out of a possible 30 points…a near-perfect score. “The Evergreen community can be extremely proud of its band! What a terrific group of students and band boosters!” says band director Gary Ballou. Back to Front Page

Evergreen High School Student Honored

Tapped for All-State High School Choir Lynne Randall, a 9th grader at Evergreen High School, has been selected for the 2005-2006 Washington All-State High School Honor Choir. Over three thousand taped auditions were submitted to a state screening panel, and only 350 students were named to the all-state choir. The panel was made up of members of the Washington Music Educator Association. The top singers from around the state will rehearse in Yakima and present a top-notch concert for the public on February 20 at the Yakima Sundome. Lynne will sing First Soprano. Lynne is a member of the Concert Choir at Evergreen High School. Gary Ballou, director of vocal music commented, “This is such an honor for Lynne! She’s a wonderful student with a beautiful voice!” Back to Front Page

Food Bank Challenge

Senior Staff Work to Help Community       Superintendent John Welch and Highline Community College President Dr. Priscilla Bell boxing food at the Des Moines Food Bank On Monday, December 12, the senior-level staff from Highline Public Schools and Highline Community College joined forces to help out the Des Moines Food Bank. Superintendent John Welch wanted to participate with his staff in a community service event in recognition of the holidays. He also wanted to make it fun! So, he issued a challenge to Dr. Priscilla Bell, president of Highline Community College, to see who could muster the most staff members to serve. The group worked “behind the scenes” bagging bulk food items, sorting canned donations, and culling fresh items for the shelves. “We really do appreciate the support from your two groups. Projects that would have taken weeks for our regular volunteers to accomplish took just hours with your help,” said Kris Van Gasken, executive director of the Food Bank. Executive Assistant Jan May commented, “It was a great way to build camaraderie among the staff.” That observation was shared by several who attended the event and Superintendent Welch used this as an example in suggesting various team-building ideas during a recent meeting with principals. Sadly, Highline Community College won the challenge of fielding the most volunteers…they brought 21 to our 14! In reality, though, everyone wins through efforts like this. The group was excited by their ability to make a difference for an organization doing such great work in our community. Statistics about the Des Moines Area Food Bank: In November, 1,035 different families (representing 3,648 people) received food from this food bank. 20% of these families have disabled head of household, 33% are single parent households, 45% of the clients are children. Area families using this food bank average 3-4 visits to the food bank per year. They serve the cities of Des Moines, SeaTac (east of the Airport), and Kent (west hill). Hours for clients are Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9-11:45 am. In addition, to help working families, they are now open the third Tuesday of each month from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Volunteers are always needed! Contact the DMAFB at (206) 878-2660. Back to Front Page

Sonics Player Visits Seahurst Students

Seahurst Counselor Rosemary Paresa and Librarian Leanna Hauke accept the blanket and pillow that were donated to the school’s library reading corner.   Recognition for Read To Achieve Participation Sonics center Robert Swift recently visited Seahurst Elementary School to honor the school for their student participation in the 2005-2006 Sonics & Storm Read To Achieve Program presented by Starbucks Coffee. Seahurst Elementary boasted over 300 signed reading pledges to tip off the program in October. In recognition of this accomplishment, Swift paid special visits to three classrooms of Read To Achieve students in grades 1-6. During each classroom visit, he talked to the students about the Read To Achieve program and the importance of reading. He also shared his favorite books, the Harry Potter Series. The Seahurst students had the opportunity to talk with Swift about their favorite books.     Sonics center Robert Swift and Seahurst’s Armando G.-Z.       Diana M. won the drawing for the t-shirt.     During the Q&A session at the end of each classroom visit, some lucky students won Sonics prizes autographed by Robert Swift. In keeping with the mission of Read To Achieve, every student received a brand-new book of their own, including the popular Curious George and Spy Kids titles. Since 1996, the Sonics have partnered with local schools to ensure students become better readers. The Sonics worked with OSPI to help develop "Read To Achieve," which provides a consistent reading curriculum and offers incentives for students. Back to Front Page

Neighborhood House Offers Life Skills

Job Shadow Program Set to Launch Nancy Pappas Barnhart, director of Human Resources/Classified, has developed a partnership with the local Neighborhood House and together, they are about to launch a new internship program. Neighborhood House currently offers Employment and Education counseling, and helps immigrants, refugees, and low-income people develop their skills so they can find secure employment. Part of the employment program is a life skills course for their clients who demonstrate progress with their English language skills and a desire to better understand businesses in the United States. Participants are matched up with coaches who provide information about American business culture and protocol. Upon completion of the coaching phase, the students enter into a paid internship program. The internship is an opportunity to shadow an American worker on-the-job and help with the work for a few weeks. Keith Colee (Assistant Director/Facilities Services), Mary Carr (Director/Transportation), and Chris Neal (Director/Nutrition Services) have identified a few of their superstars who will act as mentors during these internships. "This kind of relationship is important in our communities. With Neighborhood House's business focus and paid-internship program, and the Highline staff coaching while getting a little extra help, this is clearly a winning situation," comments Pappas-Barnhart. The first internship is scheduled to begin late in January. The mission of the Neighborhood House Association, a multipurpose human service agency, facilitates leadership in communities, and assists individuals and families in improving their quality of life. Back to Front Page

United Way

Identifying Issues…Investing in Solutions…Improving Lives “Choose the Way” Our 2005 United Way campaign officially ended on November 15, 2005. As a district we donated just over $66,000. I’d like to thank all of the building/site United Way Ambassadors for all of their hard work with the campaign. Thanks again to this year’s ambassadors:   Elementary Schools   Beverly Park Bonnie Omura Bow Lake Maggie Lewis Cedarhurst Dacia Serrihini Des Moines Megan Parnell Gregory Heights Kaylynn Griffee Hazel Valley Barb Smith Hilltop Dan Davis Madrona Kathy Allen Marvista Sue Goheen McMicken Heights Pat Bale Midway Keitha Bryson Mount View Vivienne Alcantara North Hill Mia Burris Parkside Christie Brown Seahurst Rosemary Krsak & Lucy Taskar Shorewood Lara Davia & Margie Paynton Southern Heights Rosanne Jamison Valley View Georgia Bailey White Center Heights SeAnn Sivly Middle Schools   Cascade Kathy Webster Chinook Lynda Johanson Pacific Matthew Smith Sylvester Kathy Bledsoe & Phil Robinson High Schools   Aviation Nancy Flynn Big Picture Jeff Petty Evergreen Jackie Lewis Highline Alice Hammond Mount Rainer Ed Hiestand OSC Dave Estes Tyee – A.C.E. Lynda Maraby Tyee – Global Connections Debbie Melchior Tyee – Odyssey Gene Mineo Department/Off-Site   Admin/ERAC Upper Judy Balko Computer Services Barbara Enghusen Facilities Sharon DeWaele Human Resources Lynda Heimbigner Lower ERAC Pam Hallenius Security Suzie Junell Transportation Debbie Irving Waskowitz Sherri Richardson                                                                     Thank You, Dan Davis District Campaign Coordinator Back to Front Page

Kid-Made Ads Tout Healthy Foods

Local Buses Carry Student Art Keep an eye out for some unusual artwork on the city buses in our area…several of our student artists are being featured as part of a bus advertising campaign promoting consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. The Healthy Foods In Motion ads are sponsored by Washington State University Extension’s Food $ense Program through a grant from the King County STEPS to a Healthier US program. The ads are part of the ongoing health, nutrition, and gardening curriculum developed by WSU’s CHANGE (Cultivating Health and Nutrition Through Gardening Education) program. CHANGE is an innovative program that works to improve nutrition of limited-income residents through experiential cooking and gardening education. CHANGE teaches about stretching food dollars, provides hands-on learning and promotes self-reliance. In 2004-2005 school year, more than 2,000 students in eight schools in the Highline and Tukwila School Districts participated in the CHANGE program – nearly double the number of students served in the 2002-2003 school year. According to Holly Freishtat, manager of the CHANGE program, the ad campaign actually originated with the students. “We were teaching students what advertisements are and how to pay attention to their methods and what they are trying to sell. The lesson begins by teaching students about how flowers use bright colors, scents, and even mock female insects to attract pollinators. The students then created advertisements for fruits and vegetables. Proud of their own artistic achievements, some of the students suggested it would be cool if these ads could reach the public in their neighborhoods.” So, be on the lookout for these special ads and continue to encourage the students to make healthy choices! Back to Front Page

Author Visits Highline High School

Bethany B. and Kelsey D. at the autograph table with Chauni Haslet from All For Kids bookstore and author Brent Hartinger.   Students Learn About Life as a Writer Thanks to a PTSA grant, the Highline library hosted local author Brent Hartinger on Friday, December 9. Brent currently has three published young adult books; Geography Club, The Last Chance Texaco, and The Order of the Poison Oak. He has a fourth book coming out this month. Approximately 300 students were able to hear Brent discuss his life as an author and ask him questions about his books and writing process. Another 40 students were selected to have lunch with the author and were able to chat with him in a more informal setting. This is the second year in a row the library has hosted such an event. Highline High School Librarian Kirsten Gunn commented, “We hope to continue providing Highline High School students with opportunities to meet and interact with authors as it is such a valuable learning experience.”   Back to Front Page

District Partners with Institute for Systems Biology

Phase II of Middle School Science Study Highline Public Schools joins three other districts, Shoreline, Seattle, and Bellevue, in a four-year, $1,400,000 Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) educational research study of a new professional development model for science teachers. Approximately 90 middle school science teachers have already been involved in the previous six-year program funded by the National Science Foundation’s Teacher Professional Continuum grant program. Now, they enter phase II of the project, entitled “Observing for Evidence of Learning” (OEL). The study will address the primary research question: “To what extent does participation in the OEL professional development result in improved student science achievement at grades 6-8?” Teachers and facilitators work together to determine and then implement classroom strategies that have the greatest impact on students’ learning of the fundamental concepts and skills in the middle school science curriculum. Teachers from each participating district form teams for six annual cycles. Each cycle follows a protocol for deep study of students learning a new and challenging science concept. Teams will determine ways suited to each school, to help students engage more in their own learning. Resulting evidence of students’ deep understanding of these scientific concepts will be monitored and used as the basis for new investigations and classroom improvements. Previous studies show that “Observing for Evidence of Learning” process has improved student achievement in elementary mathematics through more effective classroom practices. Local teachers have provided design input for this project to ensure the model will support their needs as they work to strengthen the K-12 science program in their school districts – striving to help all students achieve science literacy. This study is a collaborative effort with the National Science Foundation, ISB, RMC Research Corporation, University of Washington, and Seattle Pacific University. The Institute for Systems Biology is a Seattle-based research institute dedicated to the integration of technology, computation, biology, and medicine. ISB is unique and progressive in its institution-wide commitment to education. The vision of ISB is to support science education as a whole – across grade levels and content areas – based on best practices identified through educational research. ISB believes all students should have access to inquiry science experiences, to ensure that we not only encourage future scientists and engineers, but also develop a scientifically literate society. The Center for Inquiry Science has partnered with Highline Public Schools since 1998 on middle school and high school grants, assistance with curriculum adoptions and subsequent support of implementation of the materials. According to Wendy Sayan, school improvement facilitator, “We are presently working together to develop end-of-course assessments that are aligned with state standards. Plans are also underway for co-sponsoring a series of science events on district waiver days.” Back to Front Page

School Board Appreciation Month

Highline Board Recognized L-R: Outgoing member Steve Denmark, newly elected President Phyllis Byers, newly elected Vice President Matt Pina, Tom Slattery, Julie Burr Spani, and Susan Goding. Governor Gregoire has proclaimed January 2006 as School Board Recognition month. In her proclamation, she noted: “School directors serve as a vital link between the community and the classroom, making policy, setting budgets, and exerting leadership to prepare our children for the opportunities of the future.” Our school board members contribute hundreds of volunteer hours each year making decisions aimed at promoting student achievement. They have a multitude of responsibilities, including vision- and goal-setting, establishing standards for what students should learn, and working as a team with administrators, teachers, parents, students, and the community to foster a safe and productive learning environment. At the January 11 school board meeting, Superintendent John Welch formally thanked each of the board members for their commitment and leadership of the Highline district. Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to each member. Back to Front Page

Students Recognized by Board of Directors

Program Teaches Leadership and World Citizenship Superintendent John Welch, along with the entire school board, recognized three students at the January 11 meeting. These students, all from Chinook Middle School, have been selected for participation in various aspects of the People to People Ambassador Program established by President Eisenhower. Standing in front of the superintendent and school board are the Chinook ambassadors and their families. Third from left – Sarah; center- Faiza; third from right Austin. Austin and Sarah were featured in last month’s District News. After press time, we learned of Faiza’s selection. Faiza, a seventh grader, will participate in the People to People World Leadership Forum. In September 2006, she will join a select group of students in Washington, D.C., to earn high school credit while studying leadership and exploring some of the United States’ most prominent monuments and institutions. The group will go where history is being made and recorded. They will have the opportunity to witness successful leaders develop strategies and foster change. As a delegate, Faiza will take part in daily small-group discussions and activities to build knowledge, self-confidence, communication skills, and leadership abilities. Back to Front Page

Highline Public Schools Recognized

Superintendent and school board with Business Services Director Melissa Patterson (third from left)   The Association of School Business Officials grants Meritorious Budget Award Highline Public School’s 2004-2005 annual budget has once again been granted the Meritorious Budget Award by the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). The award recognizes excellence in preparation and issuance of the school district’s annual budget. The criteria for the award are based on guidelines that encourage state of the art budget practices and sound fiscal management, and promote school districts’ short and long-term goals. The Meritorious Budget Award is only conferred on school systems that have met or exceeded these criteria. It was designed by ASBO and school business management professionals (including our own Superintendent Welch!) to enable school business administration to build a solid foundation in the skills of developing, analyzing, and presenting a budget. “We are very proud of our Business Services department,” says John Welch, superintendent of Highline Public Schools. “This award recognizes months of effort and clearly demonstrates their commitment to excellence. Thank you, especially, to Melissa Patterson, who has led this work.” Ms. Patterson and her staff were also recognized by the School Board at the December 12 meeting. ASBO is a nonprofit professional association serving more than 6,000 business officials. Founded in 1910, the organization promotes the highest standards in school business management practices, professional growth, and the effective use of educational resources. Back to Front Page

Funds from Playhouses to be Sent to Hurricane Victims

Two OSC Teams Partner to Help Children Students from the Human Resources Management and Construction Technology programs at the Sea-Tac Occupational Skills Center teamed up in December to build and sell playhouses to benefit children affected by the Gulf Coast hurricanes. Instructor Ken Pierson assigned his Construction Technology class to watch news coverage of the hurricanes and report back about how construction practices impacted the damage in the area. While they learned a lot about construction in the process, the students were most touched by the kids they saw on the news and wanted to help in some way. The Construction Technology students, Matt Moehrle, Damont Long, and Ricky Willers, designed and constructed the houses. The Human Resources Management students, Lakendra McKinley, Erica Woodward, Brenna Jenks, Andrew Jones, Karli Summers, Megan Buxton, and Miranda Figgins, were responsible for raising the funds needed for construction materials selling the houses. The students initially intended to ship the playhouses to children in the Gulf Coast area. However, they soon learned the logistics and expense were more than anticipated and opted to sell the playhouses locally, sending the funds to victims’ organizations. “This was a great learning experience,” commented Sherryl Gunnels of OSC. “The students learned a lot about being willing to re-think a planned project and not being invested in a specific outcome.” See the flyer... »

Sylvester Students to Serve as Pages for State House

Class Assignment Turns into Exciting Opportunity Leadership Class exposes students to many different challenges but, what started as a routine assignment to research the House of Representatives Page Program has turned into the opportunity of a life time for two Sylvester Middle School students. Once the research was completed, the students completed the application form and then several decided to submit their applications. Amber C. and Thomas B. were selected to Page for Representative Shay Schual-Berke. Amber and Thomas will attend classes and assist in the House beginning on January 22. “As you can imagine they are quite excited about this opportunity to learn about the legislative process and to spend the week in Olympia,” observed Phil Robinson, Sylvester principal. Congratulations, Amber and Thomas! Note for teaching staff: following are comments from Sylvester’s Claire Waistell about this assignment. We thought she said it best and wanted to share her insights in their entirety. “One of our goals at Sylvester is to prepare our students for current extension activities and future opportunities in high school. When we receive information regarding activities in the community we try to ensure students are not only aware of the opportunities, but that they have the necessary information and skills to apply for them. For example, we can’t assume middle school students automatically know that an application with a cover letter can be more persuasive than just sending the application. Persuasive writing is part of the Language Arts curriculum and our District’s emphasis on literacy allows teachers to make these real-life connections in all content areas. Also, activities outside school often have additional requirements with which families may not be familiar; such as, in this case, possession of a social security card. Creating an option for students to research the Page program and locate the social security card application on-line allowed some students who do not have internet access at home to apply for the program that may not have otherwise done so. Opportunities like the Page school allow students to apply academic and social skills they have already gained as they expand their knowledge of the State’s government and learn of future opportunities available to them in high school.”

Insights

Insights is “under construction.” Please watch for a new, revised Insights in the February 16 edition of District News.

Highline Health Matters

Find tips for surviving cold and flu season, meet Highline Schools' nurse Jodie Davila and get a recipe for chicken soup and the details on January's trivia contest in this month's edition of Health Matters. January 2006 Health Matters... »

Sixth Annual Gold Star Awards

Nominations now being accepted The Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence is seeking nominations for the 6th Annual Gold Star Awards. Awards are made in three categories: Outstanding Teacher, Outstanding School Volunteer, and Outstanding Classified Employee. Nomination forms are available on the District website under the Foundation for Excellence logo. Please send the nomination form, along with a one-page (500 words or less) write-up detailing why you are nominating this person. Include in your write-up specific examples of the nominee’s outstanding work. Nomination forms are due by April 24, 2006. The Awards luncheon will be held May 19 at the Holiday Inn, SeaTac.

Professional Development

To see the latest new courses being offered, changes and updated information in Professional Development, please go to this link: http://www.hsd401.org/StaffDevelopment/index.htm

Board Minutes

Click the date to read the minutes from the December 14, 2005 and January 11, 2006 board meetings.