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Classified Employees Honored at Board Meeting |
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 Special Awards Announced
Each year, the district has the privilege of honoring the
important work performed by classified employees through
the Classified Employee of the Year Award. A few years ago
this process was expanded and classified employees may be
nominated in a variety of categories.
This year, there were 22 employees, representing a wide
array of departments and job categories, nominated by
their peers for Classified Employee of the Year. The
nominees were honored at the May 24 meeting of the
Highline School Board. During the recognition,
Superintendent Welch remarked, “The Classified Nomination
Review and Selection Committee enjoyed reviewing the
nominations. These folks represent the very best of the
nearly 1,100 classified employees in the district. Each
and every nominee should feel extremely honored by the
respect revealed in the letters from your co-workers,
students, and supervisors. I join the School Board in
saying congratulations to all of you – we are so proud of
you!”
Debbie Bedell – Engineering Data Technician/Information
Systems
Shawn Bennett – Paraeducator/Highline High School
Carol Brennan – Manager/Nutrition Services (retired)
Wealtha Deakings – Paraeducator/Highline High School
Janis Dingwall – Office Asst & Student Monitor/Cedarhurst
Elementary School
Kelly Fuller – Office Assistant/Des Moines Elementary
School
Jairo Garcia – ELL Paraeducator/Evergreen High School
Deborah Giza – Paraeducator/Mount Rainier High School
Nikki Knodel – Office Assistant/Evergreen High School
Tinmoa Mageo – Paraeducator/Evergreen High School
Paula McClurg – Paraeducator/Parkside Elementary School
Joy Milstid – Career Specialist/Evergreen High School
Brandy Mooney – Bus Driver/Transportation
Guy Morford – Lead Custodian/Midway Elementary School
ZZ Newman – ELL Program Assistant/ERAC
Gina Patterson – Paraeducator/Seahurst Elementary School
Barb Rodgers – Registrar/Evergreen High School
Elaine Sauro – Read Right Paraeducator/Evergreen High
School
Alan Schmidt – Facilities Director (retired)
Jayne Smith – Office Assistant/Seahurst Elementary School
Sheri Sutliff – Bookkeeper/Chinook Middle School
Marie Tayler – Paraeducator/Evergreen High School
Along with Nancy Pappas Barnhart, director of human
resources-classified personnel, Superintendent Welch named
recipients of awards in six categories:
EXTRA MILE AWARD
This award reflects an extraordinary and a daily “above
and beyond attitude” in service to students, parents,
co-workers, supervisors, and district neighbors; and a
consistency in “going the extra mile”.
Janis Dingwall / Office Assistant-Student Monitor;
Cedarhurst
POINT OF LIGHT AWARD
This award reflects a genuine caring nature toward
students, co-workers, and community; and is awarded to
someone who exemplifies an unending joy and remembers that
kindness and thoughtfulness can truly change lives.
Kelly Fuller / Office Assistant; Des Moines
EDISON AWARD
This award reflects a true effort to continually innovate,
and find new and unique ideas for enhancing programs,
streamlining processes, or saving time and/or money.
Sheri Sutliff; Bookkeeper; Chinook
INTEGRITY AWARD
This award reflects a complete understanding of and a
commitment to “live” the district’s mission to “educate
every student and expect excellence”; and, never falters
from a continued effort to do what is right.
Shawn Bennett / Paraeducator; Highline
LEGEND AWARD
This award reflects a strong tradition of excellence. As
well as being a district employee for at least 15 years,
its recipient exemplifies what we hope all district
employees strive to become — a catalyst for learning, a
change agent ready for new challenges— a true legend.
Wealtha Deakings / Paraeducator; Highline (hired by
district in 1978)
The review committee was impressed with two special
nominations and determined that “a legend is a legend,
even if they are retired!” Two Honorary Legend awards were
made this year. These award recipients spent many years
and worked in a variety of classified positions,
successfully moving through many levels into positions
managing classified staff members.
HONORARY LEGEND AWARDS
Carol Brennan (retired during 2005-06 from Nutrition
Services)
Alan Schmidt (retired during 2005-06 from Facilities)
CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
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Guy Morford |
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ZZ
Newman |
This award reflects a commitment to all those
characteristics mentioned in the other award categories
and is awarded to an individual who continues to impress
us with a true and selfless heart.
Guy Morford / Lead Custodian; Midway Elementary School
ZZ Newman / ELL Program Assistant; ERAC
Note: For the first time ever, there was a tie, and the
committee named two employees for this award.
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Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence |
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(l-r)
Dan Dundon, Bonnie Omura and Vicki Jimenez |
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Gold Star Recipients
Three service awards were presented to local education
professionals at the Highline Schools Foundation for
Excellence 6th annual Gold Star Awards Luncheon on Friday,
May 19, at the SeaTac Holiday Inn.
Honored for outstanding service to Highline schools and
students were: outstanding teacher Bonnie Omura, Beverly
Park Elementary School; outstanding classified employee
Vicki Jimenez, Gregory Heights Elementary School; and
outstanding volunteer Dan Dundon, Big Picture High School.
Each Gold Star recipient received a cash award along with
a Gold Star trophy.
The Parkside Orchestra, in its inaugural year, performed
at the awards luncheon. Earlier in the year, the
Foundation awarded the orchestra a $500 grant dedicated to
instrument repair.
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Evergreen Student Receives Governor’s Award |
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Jennifer V. with Governor Gregoire |
Volunteer Service Recognized
Jennifer V., a junior at Evergreen High School, was
selected by the United Way of King County to receive the
Governor’s 2006 Volunteer Service Award for her commitment
to improving her community through service.
Every year, the
Washington Commission for National and Community Service,
along with the Governor’s office, recognizes one
outstanding volunteer chosen from each Volunteer Center.
This year, Jennifer and the other recipients attended an
awards ceremony in the Governor's house in Olympia, where
they met Governor Gregoire and received their award.
“Volunteers perform countless acts of service and are one
of Washington’s most valuable assets,” said Governor
Christine Gregoire as she proclaimed Washington Volunteer
Week at the awards ceremony.
Jennifer has participated in United Way of King County's
Youth Planning Council for the National & Global Youth
Service Day the past two years. She is a member of
Evergreen High School's Service Learning Youth, National
Honors Society, Key Club, Youth Volunteer Corps, and a
volunteer at Cascade Middle School. This summer she will
be a T.I.P.S. (Teens in Public Service) Intern at Refugee
Women's Alliance.
Bill Basl, executive director of the Washington State
Commission for National and Community Service, the sponsor
of the event, stated, “We hope that Washington Volunteer
Week will motivate others to volunteer their time and
talent to help our state’s most vulnerable residents – the
homeless, the hungry, the elderly, at-risk youth, and the
disabled.”
Jennifer has certainly taken this message to heart!
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UW School of Medicine Summer Program |
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Global Students Participate
Three students from Global Connections High School have
been selected to participate in U-DOC, a high school
summer enrichment program offered by the University of
Washington, School of Medicine. Hewan Z., Michael S., and
Idel A., all completing their junior year at Global
Connections, will participate in the six-week program on
the UW campus.
The program, sponsored by the UW Office of Multicultural
Affairs, is designed “to foster, affirm, and encourage
high school students’ interest in the medical profession
by allowing them to further explore medical careers.” They
do this while getting a valuable introduction to college
life. Eight boys and eight girls are selected from the
field of applicants to participate each year. Students
from Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho (WWAMI)
may apply. Teacher Nancy Brannon observed, “It’s unusual
that three applicants from one school would be chosen but
it happened! It’s a real credit to these students.”
“Congratulations to these great students – doing great
things,” commented Rick Harwood, principal at Global
Connections. “They have a very bright future ahead.”
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Board Meeting Recognition |
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Reflections winners and Foundation Trustees recognized
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State
PTSA Reflections winners and their families were
recognized by the Superintendent and School Board at
the May 24 Board meeting at Shorewood Elementary.
(l-r) Erick A., Avery G., and Marie T.
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The
Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence Trustees
were also recognized for their positive impact on
educational opportunities for our students. Those
attending were (l-r): Dave Bush, Alan Sutliff, Holly
Moore, Ron Altier, Eric Aasness (back), Terri-Ann
Betancourt, Tom Russell (back), Tami Greene, Ann
Crossler, Kathy McCabe, John Welch, and Julie Burr
Spani. |
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And the Winners Are… |
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Caption: (l-r) Grace W., Disney V., Librarian Kathy Wessel,
Aubrey B., and Rilie N.
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The Gregory Heights Book Quest Team
Teams of students from around the district compete for
reading comprehension in the annual Book Quest. Each
student must read 12 books through the school year and
then demonstrate their mastery of the material. Judges,
including Superintendent Welch, assess the students’
skills and select a winner. This year, the Gregory Heights
team, made up of Grace W., Disney V., Aubrey B., and
Rilie
N., won the competition. The team is coached by Librarian
Kathy Wessel.
“What a great way to teach children about the value – and
fun – of reading,” said Welch. “It was delightful to
participate with these young readers!”
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Big Picture High Student Achieves |
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Justin C and Big Picture H.S. principal Jeff Petty |
Justin C. Awarded by Court System
Justin C. won an award at the 2006 Superior Court Academic
Awareness Award Ceremony. This award celebrates the
achievement of students who were once part of the truancy
court process and have turned around to be successful.
Click here to read Justin’s nomination for this award.
Submitted by Veronique Chevallier-Gruschow
Highline District Truancy Manager
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Chess - The Cerebral Sport |
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 Over 80 students and staff and participated in a Simul
chess Challenge and lesson on Tuesday, May 23, at
Highline High School. Dr. Leo Stefurak visited, gave one
rockin’ chess lesson, and challenged students and staff
to a simul chess game. Over 30 chess players played Dr.
Leo in continuous play, trying to beat the champ! Donnie
Stallman and Pieter Holboom outlasted all, and received
glass chess board awards.
Dr. Leo said, “Highline High students have a high level
of chess play – next year, I will expect to see them as
a club at regional tournaments, representing Highline
School District.” That challenge has been accepted, and
an after-school chess club will be formed for 2006/07.
Thanks to the Highline PTSA for making this fun event
happen!
Contributed Teresa
Matthews
Community Liaison
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Earth Heroes in Schools – follow up |
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Photos of Highline’s heroes
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Fred Ritsema, Bow Lake
Elementary |
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Sara Esrick, Evergreen High
School |
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Wanda Peters, Waskowitz
Outdoor School |
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Thank You to Musical Students |
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“Chief for a Day” Entertainment
The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission
staff and recruits, as well as the newest “Chiefs and
Sheriffs” of Washington State and their families, would
like to thank Natalie G. (fourth grader at Gregory Heights
Elementary) and the Evergreen High School Concert Choir
for participating in the recent Chief for a Day
celebration. At the opening of the ceremony, Natalie sang
the National Anthem, followed by the Evergreen Choir
singing “O Happy Day” from Sister Act II and “Sunshine in
my Soul.”
In partnership with law enforcement agencies and local
hospitals, Chief for a Day is a celebration of the lives
of children who have been diagnosed with chronic
illnesses. At this year’s ceremony, fifteen chiefs and
sheriffs, as well as one deputy chief, were appointed
“Chiefs and Sheriffs” by their sponsoring Chief and
Sheriff, Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen, and WSCJTC
Executive Director Dr. Michael Parsons. Ms. Gee and the
choir were a welcome addition to the swearing-in ceremony
bringing much cheer to the event.
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Apply Now for Head Start and ECEAP |
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FREE preschool programs through Head Start and ECEAP for
4-year-olds from
income-eligible families.
Apply NOW for the 2006-07 school year. Classes fill
quickly.
Call:
(206) 762-6070
(206) 433-2325
(206) 878-3710 x 3224 or x 6318
(206) 246-5641
OR
1-866-KIDZ 1ST (1-866-543-9178)
Click here for flyer.
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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:
Jeremy Bowman
Will graduate from the University of Washington School of
Business on June 10. Jeremy will receive an MBA and made
the Dean’s List several times. He plans to take the CPA
exam this fall and already has a job with a nationally
recognized accounting firm at their regional office in
Bellevue.
Son of Ron Bowman, Evergreen
Scott Colby
Awarded his Master of Arts degree in leadership in sports
and exercise from Seattle Pacific University this spring.
He is a 1990 Evergreen High graduate. Scott's previous
educational accomplishments include an AA degree in 1992
from Green River Community College, an advanced speech
certificate in 1993 from Green River Community College,
and a Bachelor of Arts degree in education: special
education and physical education in 1996 from Central
Washington University. Currently, Scott is a PE teacher,
special education teacher, and head baseball coach at
Liberty High School, Issaquah School District. In the
summer months, he is the head assistant coach and pitching
coach for the Kitsap BlueJackets of the West Coast
Collegiate Baseball League (WCCBL), the premier west coast
baseball league that showcases top collegiate baseball
talent.
Son of Jodi Colby, Evergreen High School
Kristen Germain
A 2002 graduate of Evergreen will graduate from Southern
Methodist University in Dallas on June 20 with a BA in
advertising/marketing.
Daughter of Diane Germain, Shorewood
Beth Milstid
A 1999 Tyee High School Grad and 2003 Cum Laude Graduate
from Western
Washington University, will be receiving her Masters in
Education degree from Antioch University on June 11. Beth
has been teaching with an conditional certification in the
Read Right program at Mount Rainier High School for the
past
two years and is thrilled to be continuing in that
position.
Daughter of Joy Milstid, Evergreen
Molly Ptacek
Graduated from Yale University with her masters in public
health.
Daughter of Margaret Mary Ptacek, Des Moines
Matthew Reardon
Will graduate in June with a BS in economics from Santa
Clara University. He accepted a position as a financial
analyst for a technology firm in the Silicon Valley.
Son of Roberta Reardon, Occupational Therapist
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Pacific's Band Rates Gold |
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And an invitation
This past weekend Pacific’s band went to competition in
San Francisco. Not only did Pacific win first place and a
category rating of Gold, but we have been invited to the
Festival of Music in Boston, with the Boston Pops! This is
very prestigious. In the eight years I have been going on
these band trips, this is the first time a middle school
has been invited to Boston!
Shine on Pacific!
Contributed by Cecilia M. Beaman, Principal
Pacific Middle School
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