Sixteen Highline teachers are among the 2008 National Board Certified Teachers announced by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and honored by Highline's Board of Directors at the January 14 meeting.

Highline Public Schools will host College Goal sessions at all four high school campuses on Sunday, January 25, from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Experts will be on hand to answer questions about ways EVERY student can go to college. They will also assist families in completing the necessary documents.

What is College Goal Sunday?
College Goal Sunday is a free, on-site program that helps students and families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the form that is required to apply for federal financial assistance for higher education. College Goal Sunday Washington is a three-hour event that takes place annually in January at several locations across Washington state.

Your help is needed! You can help Highline students get money for college by volunteering to staff the upcoming College Goal Sunday event on January 25. Training is available so you'll be a great resource to students and families.

Health Sciences and Human Services High School (HS3) was honored by the School Board for being the first of four Washington schools to be chosen for a new global health program developed by the Washington Global Health Alliance (WGHA).

Highline's United Way campaign was a big success this year, thanks in large part to campaign chair Rexanne Forbes. United Way of King County has nominated Rexanne for Campaign Coordinator of the Year, and the school board recognized her efforts at its January 14 meeting.

The Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month comes from Global Connections High School. Ravyn Guy is a senior at Global Connections where she has taken Introduction to Marketing, Advanced Marketing, and Retail Entrepreneurship.

The ASKME (Applied Science Knowledge via Mentoring & Exploration) program gives students the opportunity to understand difficult science concepts through inquiry- based investigations. They apply science ideas to design and analyze solutions through hands-on activities and projects. The students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to do scientific inquiry. Guest scientists and community members will be invited to assist as mentors in the various sessions.

Congratulations go to two Mount Rainier High School band students who have been selected by the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) audition committee as members of the 2009 All-Northwest Band and Orchestra.

On January 29, a percentage of any purchase you make at the West Seattle Barnes and Noble will benefit New Start, one of Highline's alternative high schools. You must mention New Start's number when making your purchase: 423327.

The proceeds will be used to buy books and materials for New Start's new library.

Bow Lake Elementary began the Green Team in 2008 with the purpose of anchoring our community in an Eco-Green Zone! So at Bow Lake, we pass around Greenie Awards to honor the commitment the staff has made to lead and teach by example. On January 7, Tracey Drum was honored for getting the staff on board with all of the green advances that technology holds for education and communication. Fred Ritsema was recognized for inspiring young stewards through our school's Environmental Club, which has been a fun part of Bow Lake for years!

The inauguration of Barack Obama as President of the United States will be televised next Tuesday, January 20, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Information on viewing sites is available here. Please remember to use Cable TV as the viewing medium when possible. Individual Internet viewing of the event is discouraged, as it will impact business operations throughout the district.

Presidential inaugurations represent the culmination of our democratic election process. Teachers are encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity for students to see civics in action.

Several work areas and their safety representatives were recognized recently for their "no employee injury accidents" at their sites during the 4th quarter of 2008.

Courtesy of the Seattle Arts & Lectures' Writers in the Schools Program, Korean-American author Nami Mun visited the students at Big Picture High School January 6. Mun read from her new novel, Miles from Nowhere and spoke with the students about her writing and life experiences.

King County has a new centralized information and referral point for free civil legal services. The 2-1-1 Community Information Line has been expanded and now includes a legal services specialist to assist with the legal referral process. Tax services are now available as well.

The 5th Avenue Theatre is offering a special educators ticket price of $20.00. This offer is good for best available seats for any performances January 27 - February 4. Following is a review of the current show:

Memphis
"A rockin' crowd pleaser"- San Jose Mercury News

The Washington State Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking (RUaD) needs your help in keeping Washington's children healthy and safe. RUaD is a coalition of many community and statewide organizations, including the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

White Center Community Development Association is looking for 20-30 volunteers (counters) for the night of Friday, January 30, 2009, starting at 2 a.m. to help count the number of homeless people in the White Center area. Counters will be trained. Breakfast will be provided.