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Volunteer Spotlight: Warren Smith |
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Mr. Smith and his lunch buddy, Kevin L. |
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White Center Heights Elementary
Mentoring comes in many forms. For retired engineer,
Warren Smith, finding ways to connect with young
people and get them engaged in productive work is quite
possibly the most fulfilling job he’s had. Warren can be
found at White Center Heights Elementary most days –
working on math problems with small groups of students.
Recently, though, he took a group of students on a very
special outing. Starting with their first-ever train ride,
the group took Amtrak to Tacoma for a visit to the
Washington State History Museum. The many interactive
displays caught the students’ attention. Of particular
interest was a Civil War diorama with choices that a slave
in Kentucky in 1863 would face. Once they make their
choice, they can lift the panel to see what the
consequences would be. Warren was so encouraged about the
students’ reaction to the museum, he jokingly reported
that now they would have something other than girls to
talk about!
“Whatever it takes” to engage the kids in learning…that’s
Warren’s goal.
Principal Greta Salmi says, “Warren is amazing with
the kids. He takes them on interesting field trips – on
his own dime – and shows them the world outside of White
Center. This man’s a STAR!”
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Culinary Arts Institute To Be ACF Certified |
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 Graduates to receive special recognition
by Leanne Jones/Culinary Arts program
Culinary Arts education is now one of the most popular
programs of choice for students around the country.
Because of the expanding hospitality industry, there is an
increasing job market for individuals who have been
trained in the field. The American Culinary Federation (ACF)
promotes the professional image of American chefs
worldwide through education among culinarians at all
levels, from apprentices to certified master chefs. The
ACF ensures quality education for the culinary arts and
food service professions.
The Sea-Tac Occupational Skills Center has been notified
that the Culinary Arts Program will be certified this
year! Students who meet all standards (set by the ACF)
will graduate with special recognition. To qualify,
students must demonstrate exemplary skills in the kitchen
and dining room. It is a significant undertaking to become
certified so students who complete the program will be
honored at OSC. This is just one way OSC fulfills its
mission “to prepare students for successful careers.”
As part of the celebration, the Culinary Arts Program will
host a special dinner – and you’re all invited!
Truffle Dinner
May 18, 2006 6:00 p.m. $45 per ticket
Did you know that truffles (similar to mushrooms) are a
delicacy served around the world? After World War I, much
of the abundant crop in the French countryside was
destroyed, wiping out most of the truffle production. Most
truffles served in the Pacific Northwest today are found
in Oregon. Truffles being served at this event were found
by Kevin Blaylock (a 1997 OSC graduate) and his specially
trained dog. He and a team of students will be preparing a
five-course meal, each course featuring truffles. Profits
will be used for student leadership activities and
scholarships. The menu for this event includes:
Appetizer: Gravlax and Fromage
Thinly sliced white peppercorn herb cured salmon, served
with a trio of Pacific Northwest cheeses.
Soup: Cream of Mushroom
Made with wild mushrooms and garnished with shaved Oregon
Black Truffle.
Salad: Spiced Spring Mix
Tossed in white truffle vinaigrette and topped with shaved
Oregon White Truffle.
Entree: Smoked Pork Tenderloin
Smothered in truffle herb beurre blanc ~ served with
saffron infused potatoes and spring vegetables.
Dessert: Black Truffle Chocolate Tart
Thin tart shell filled with black truffle ganache and
served with fresh seasonal berries.
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Long Awaited Health Center Opens |
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Remodeling of the Tyee Complex Health Center, which
includes the school nurse’s office, is complete and the
doors of the Health Center opened yesterday! Once the
clinic, located in building 900, is fully functioning, it
will be staffed each school day from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Between now and May 22, students may be seen between 12:30
p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
The Tyee Complex Health Center is available to all
students of Odyssey, ACE, and Global Connections. Students
may come to the Health Center with a pass during school
hours, or drop in during lunch or after school. Depending
on the nature of the situation, the student will be seen
by the nurse practitioner or the school nurse. The school
nurse will continue to attend to the kind of issues she
has in the past.
With Nurse Practitioner Alyssa Spingola on staff,
the Health Center can provide primary care services to
students, including physical exams, sports physicals,
diagnosis of injury or illness, prescriptions for
medicines, health education, and referrals to specialists.
Community Engagement Coordinator Colleen Brandt-Schluter,
one of the clinic’s earliest advocates says, “Without
immediate access to health care, Tyee students face
tremendous obstacles to meeting their academic goals. For
example, our students miss school for incomplete
immunizations, asthma, diabetes, simple sports injuries,
as well as typical viruses and bacterial infections that
worsen without medical attention. Additionally, our
students need access to appropriate preventative
adolescent health care. School-based/linked clinics
eliminate obstacles of transportation, scheduling, and
economics.”
Washington State law allows minors to consent for some
confidential services however parental permission is
needed for primary care visits. The Health Center staff
will assist with telephone consent from parents in urgent
situations, but will generally encourage students to bring
back a signed parental consent to keep on file.
The Health Center records are completely confidential.
Students and/or parents must sign a written release of
information prior to sharing any confidential information
with the school nurse, school staff, or other campus or
community service providers.
Fees for services provided at the Tyee Complex Health
Center are based on income and insurance status however
services will not be denied based on ability to pay. If
students do not have health insurance, the Tyee Complex
Health Center staff can help with applications for
insurance or other medical programs.
Plans are being made for informal student tours of the
Health Center and a faculty open house. A student advisory
board is conducting a “name the clinic” contest, and
assisting with on-campus publicity.
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Highline High Student Selected |
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 Preparing for College and Challenging Careers
Highline High School is proud to announce that Jesus G.
has been selected for the DO-IT Scholars program at the
University of Washington.
DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and
Technology) serves to increase the successful
participation of individuals with disabilities in
challenging academic programs and careers such as those in
science, engineering, mathematics, and technology.
When notified of his selection, Jesus said, “I am very
happy and thankful to Mr. Daniel, Mr. Gaul,
Mrs. Loomis, and Mrs. Dunn for supporting my efforts to be in the DO-IT
program. It will be a great experience and I feel
extremely fortunate because I will be attending U.W. this
summer.”
The DO-IT summer program provides an on campus living
experience combined with a variety of classes like
adaptive technology and career research. During the
two-week, live-in summer program at the University of
Washington in Seattle, DO-IT Scholars participate in
academic lectures and labs; live in residence halls; and
practice skills which will help them to be independent and
successful in a college setting.
Jesus participates in the ELL program at Highline High
School where he has been a student for two years.
According to Dwayne Olson of the ELL department, “Jesus
continues to show fantastic growth despite the language
challenges and being legally blind, the result of a
bullying incident.”
Jesus will work with staff and mentors, and upon
completion of the program, will become a valuable mentor
for next year’s participants. One of the most exciting
parts of the program is the chance to network with peers
and working professionals with disabilities.
DO-IT is a collaboration of
Computing & Communications and
the Colleges of
Engineering and
Education at the
University of Washington. Primary funding for DO-IT is
provided by the National Science Foundation, the State of
Washington, and the U.S. Department of Education.
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Representatives for Paraeducators Accept Recognition |
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| (l-r) Leo Castenada,
Pacific; Penny Wold, McMicken Heights; Kyra McKiver
Kelly, Highline; and Gary Armstrong, Cedarhurst,
accept the recognition at the April 26 School Board
meeting for all of the district’s paraeducators…”for
their outstanding efforts in meeting the highly
qualified requirements of the No Child Left
Behind Act." |
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Highline High School Places 10th in
National Math Contest |
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Do you know the answer?
Highline High School has some of the best high-school
mathematicians in the country, as demonstrated by their
10th-place finish in the 2006 Collaborative
Problem-Solving Contest, a national mathematics contest
administered by National Assessment & Testing (http://www.natassessment.com).
While most math competitions encourage rote memorization,
familiar problems, and quick mental reflexes, the
Collaborative Problem-Solving Contest presents schools
with fifteen unique, intricate problems to be solved over
the course of a week. Under the guidance of coach Darryl
Edmunds, students worked together using brainstorming,
collaboration, research, and technology to solve the
problems, gaining experience with skills that will be
critical in college and their careers.
The 2006 Collaborative Problem-Solving Contest included
creative problems accessible to students of all abilities,
such as one asking teams to find good approximations for
irrational numbers using the numbers one through nine at
most once each. For example, one school found that , a
terrific approximation for the square root of 7! Other
problems on the test started out simply, but progressed to
some very difficult conclusions. One such problem involved
storing a perishable substance so that a minimum amount of
it is exposed to air. The first part of this problem asked
for the minimum exposed area if the substance was placed
on a counter, which was fairly easy and required the
students to find the surface area of a hemisphere.
However, later parts of the problem asked about packing
the substance into a cone and a pyramid, which required
calculation of “solid angles,” a topic that would require
most high school students to do research to learn what to
do.
In addition to their overall 10th-place recognition,
Highline High School was commended for having the highest
score in the nation on problems 4 and 15, two of the most
difficult problems. Problem 4 had parts that were simple
logic problems regarding the arrangement of buildings of
different heights in a city, but progressed to a difficult
problem equivalent to the number of five-by-five Latin
Squares, a problem first solved by Leonhard Euler in 1782.
Problem 15 was a logic puzzle which involved determining
where a fence through a field was located based upon
knowledge of how many fence segments were adjacent to
certain locations in the field.
National Assessment & Testing administers high-quality
mathematics competitions throughout the year that high
schools can participate in through the mail. Their
2006-2007 schedule includes five contests in a variety of
formats, including individual and team tests, as well as a
variety of difficulties, from an easier 100 problems in 30
minutes to a more complicated 15 problems in one week. To
learn more about these contests, contact Tom Clymer at
(206) 433-7320 or
clymer@natassessment.com, or visit their website
http://www.natassessment.com.
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Math Night at Pacific Middle School |
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 First-Time Event Helps Parents/Caregivers
How many times have you heard a parent say, “I don’t even
understand my student’s math, so how can I help them with
their homework?” With increased focus on success in math
and science, it is critical that parents and caregivers
are engaged in the process to support and encourage
students’ work in this area.
The Math Team at Pacific Middle School is putting this
need into action. Working with the Pacific PTSA and
central office staff, the Math Team recently hosted a
“Math Night for Parents and Caregivers.” The event, a
first for the school, featured instructional and
curriculum presentations by the math staff and provided an
opportunity to address questions and concerns parents and
caregivers raised about how best to help their students be
successful. Organized to involve parents from the
elementary schools feeding into Pacific Middle School, the
hope is to reach out to parents and caregivers at an early
age.
Presenters included Math Improvement Facilitator Rick
Jennings, Math Specialist Sharon Hegewald, Sandy Gady of
the Puget Sound ESD, and the Pacific Math Team members,
Cindy Bennight, Michael Trochalakis, Galina Asaturova, Kim
Hoffman, Lisa Wilson, and Mike Biehn. Pacific Principal
Cecilia Beaman and Assistant Principal Chris Carter were
also on-hand to facilitate the discussions.
Among the 35 parents in attendance was Lora Bolding, the
Pacific PTSA president, who commented, “This program
provided a much-appreciated and timely opportunity for
parents/caregivers to have a better understanding of how
to help their student enjoy success in their math studies.
Another parent said, “We found it informative and gave us
hands-on experience so we know how to help our child. I
would recommend this event be repeated early in the fall
to help all parents of students entering middle school.”
Mrs. Bolding also shared, “On behalf of the Pacific Middle
School PTSA, I would like to extend our appreciation and
recognize the efforts of all who contributed their time
and effort in making this night a success. Pacific's Math
Team, with the support of Ms. Beaman and Mr. Carter, are
to be commended for their dedication and willingness to
take on this project and make it a reality for our
students and their families.”
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Pacific PTSA Receives National
Recognition |
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Events like the recent Math Night at Pacific Middle School
(see story above) have led to the Pacific PTSA receiving
the National Unit Achievement award.
In her letter recognizing the group, National PTA
President Anna Weselak wrote, “Our students and our public
schools are becoming stronger because of the vital work
your unit is doing.”
Lora Bolding, president of the Pacific PTSA, received the
award on behalf of the local unit saying, “The Pacific
parents have been tremendous – we’ve nearly doubled in
size this year with interested and involved parents
participating regularly.”
They have launched the PTSA Web site, issue a monthly
newsletter, and have increased the awareness level about
school activities and issues by increasing communication
between school and home.
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Miss SEAFAIR Visits Hazel Valley |
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 HV Alum Shares Love of Reading
As part of the Page Ahead Assembly on April 5, Miss
SEAFAIR visited Hazel Valley Elementary School. Melissa
Parks, who graduated from the school, returned to share
memories and experiences from her time at Hazel Valley,
her reign as Miss SEAFAIR, and to emphasize how much
reading has helped her.
Ms. Parks, whose mother, Lisa, is a paraeducator at
Hazel Valley, read from the book, What is Beautiful?
which she then donated to the library for the students
of Hazel Valley. When asked by a student how she got to
be so smart, she replied “It’s because I read a lot!”
Hazel Valley Elementary has been involved with the
Reading is Fundamental (RIF) Project at Page Ahead. RIF
provides three free books per year for each student.
They also support family reading activities organized by
Hazel Valley reading coaches, Darlene King and Sue Hohenthal, which help parents learn ways to teach
children readings skills.
Principal Annah Petersen-Benitez and Assistant Principal
Rose Ann Walker have made literacy their school’s focus.
Two-hour reading blocks in the student schedules as well
as tutors and classroom libraries are just some of the
changes they’ve implemented to highlight the importance
of literacy for all students. Inviting celebrities such
as Ms. Parks as well as professional sports figures to
talk with the students about reading has increased the
students’ interest.
Page Ahead collaborates with elementary schools,
tutoring programs, Head Start, and other preschool
programs, tribal libraries, migrant centers, homeless
shelters, and teen-parenting programs across Washington
State to improve the reading and language skills of
at-risk children.
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Bragging Rights |
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We are very pleased to share good news about the
educational accomplishments of staff members and their
families:
Morgan Dewey
2000 Graduate of Highline High School, Morgan recently
graduated from Western Washington University with a degree
in education, with a K-8 science major.
Daughter of Kathi Dewey, Pacific Middle School
James Etherington
Will graduate from Highline Community College in June with
a math minor. He has been accepted to Western Washington
University for pre-med beginning this fall.
Son of Edward Etherington, Sea-Tac OSC
Lauren Fernley
Graduated cum laude from Loyola Marymount University with
a degree in biology and a minor in business.
Daughter of Mary Fernley, Sylvester Middle School
Jehna Korakis
2005 Tyee High School graduate was just accepted to the
Pacific Lutheran University Nursing Program for this fall.
Jehna is currently a freshman at PLU and maintaining a 3.6
GPA in their rigorous program.
Daughter of Gail Korakis, A.C.E. office manager
Bryan Roberts
Graduated from Western Washington University winter
quarter with a general studies degree.
Cristina Roberts
Will graduate from Western Washington University spring
quarter with a special education degree.
Son and daughter-in-law of Julia Roberts, Marvista
Nephew and niece-in-law of Marsha Spreier, executive director of
elementary
learning.
Nick Thurber
Will graduate on May 21 from intensive training to be a
volunteer firefighter. He hopes to one day become a
full-time firefighter.
Son of Jean Thurber, Student Placement Office
Addison Tice
Will graduate from Inglemoor High School in June and plans
to pursue a career in law.
Grandson of Judith Tice, Sylvester Middle School
Jennifer Vanskike
Will graduate from Highline High School in June and is
headed for Eastern Washington University in the fall to
study physical therapy.
Daughter of Kathy Vanskike, Nutrition Services secretary
“Bragging Rights” shares educational accomplishments of
staff members and their families. We will also include
this column in the May 19 and June 2 District News. Please
e-mail your information to Judy Balko at
balkojl@hsd401.org.
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National School Nurse Day |
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| District nurses:
(l-r) Jodie Davila, Barbara Vail, Aimée Denver, Barb
Timeus, Mary Myers, and David Rickard. |
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Wednesday, May 10, 2006
The National Association of School Nurses, Inc. (NASN) has
proclaimed May 10, 2006 as National School Nurse
Day. National School Nurse Day was established in 1977
to foster a better understanding of the role of school
nurses in the educational setting. Today, school nursing
is recognized as a specialized practice that advances the
well-being, academic success, and life-long achievement of
students. To this end, school nurses promote health and
safety; intervene with actual and potential health
problems; provide case management services; and actively
collaborate with others to build student/family capacity
for adaptation, self-management, self-advocacy, and
learning. They provide these services to increasingly
large numbers of students, often at more than one school
building. A celebration of how much school nurses do to
keep kids healthy and ready to learn is a key component of
National School Nurse Day celebrations.
School nurses play a vital role in improving the health
and well-being of our nation’s children. NASN President,
Sue Will, adds that “more than ever, the value of school
nurses is recognized. More students have chronic health
problems that require safe care and management at school.
This is especially evident for students who have asthma,
diabetes, and severe allergies, along with chronic and
acute health problems. School nurses help children safely
manage a large variety of health problems. And all
children benefit from wellness activities which support
academic success. Children learn better when they are
healthy!”
Schools and communities are encouraged to join with their
school nurses in celebrating this important day. At the
April 26 School Board meeting, Superintendent John Welch
read a proclamation and commended district facilitator
Aimée Denver, the nurses in attendance at the meeting,
and the district school nurse staff. Most states have
identified a “School Nurse of the Year” award winner who
has made a significant impact on students, staff, and the
community. The 2006 Washington State School Nurse of
the Year is Mary Myers of the Highline Public Schools. Ms.
Myers is the School Nurse for several alternative high
school programs in the district. For more information
on National School Nurse Day, visit the NASN website at
www.nasn.org.
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Highline High School Student Honored at PICC Opening |
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New Home for Addicted Infants
(adapted from the Seattle Times, Carla Solomon, reporter)
The truth is, Amanda H. was scared to go back. She didn't
want to see all that shaking and screaming, as the
drug-addicted babies went through withdrawal.
But it was the right thing to do. Last year, she showed up
at the Pediatric Interim Care Center in Kent to see the
people who had once nursed her there.
"I wanted to say thank you," said Amanda, now 15.
Amanda, the first infant treated at PICC, was among dozens
of supporters and staff to celebrate a milestone for the
center on Saturday. After caring for nearly 2,000 infants
in a rented medical clinic, the center has now built a $3
million home and training center with support from the
community. On Saturday, the Kent fire and police
departments moved the babies in.
Amanda, a student at Highline High School, came to the
event with her sister. She lives with her father now in
Burien. Her goal is to become a nurse, and one day work at
PICC.
"That's such an honor to me," said Barbara Drennen,
executive director of PICC. "That just tickles me pink."
When Amanda came to visit for the first time last year,
Drennen recognized her right away. Something about the
shape of her face.
She gave Amanda a tour and showed the girl the crib where
she'd lain as an infant. Amanda ran her hand along its
wood. She cried.
On Saturday, at the celebration of PICC's new home, Amanda
had only hope for the children who live there. She said
she could see, by the way the PICC staff treats her today,
just how much she was loved all those years ago, when she
needed it most.
"As long as a child has love, I think they'll be OK," she
said.
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Transportation Department’s Safety Awards Banquet |
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Accident-Free Driving Honored
On April 29, the Transportation Department held its Annual
Safety Awards Banquet at the Clarion Hotel in SeaTac. This
event was sponsored by Rogers and Norman, our insurance
broker. Bus drivers were awarded certificates and pins for
their years of accident-free driving. We have a number of
drivers who have between 20 and 25 years of driving
without an accident! Bus monitors, vehicle maintenance
mechanics, and office staff were also recognized for the
work they do to make our district's students safe on the
school buses. All these people truly care about the
students in our district and transport them with safety in
mind. We appreciate and are proud of every single staff
member!
Contributed by Mary Carr
Director of Transportation
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After High School Informational Event |
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Don’t miss out on this
important opportunity!
Evergreen High School will be hosting a post-high school
night on Wednesday, May 10 – mark your calendars!
Students of all ages – but especially those in high school
– are encouraged to bring their parents and come learn
about all the options for continuing education and careers
after high school.
The Fifth Annual "Pathways to Your Future.” will be
Wednesday, May 10, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the
Evergreen Upper Gym. This informative event will help
parents and students answer important questions about
their future. Career Specialist Joy Milstid
observed, “With so many options for education/training
after high school, decisions making about the future can
be intimidating. This event will provide connections to
institutions and organizations that can offer new ideas
and possibilities, or confirm current plans.”
Representatives from public and private universities,
community and technical colleges, apprenticeship programs,
military and civil services, and others will be there to
answer questions and offer alternatives.
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