College Bound Scholarship

Do you know any 7th or 8th graders who don't think they can afford college? Check out the College Bound Scholarship program available through the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board. Students who qualify (maintain good grades, graduate from high school, and demonstrate good citizenship) and meet the family income requirement can receive college tuition for up to four years! Eighth graders must apply by June 30, 2008 (extended from June 1).

Superintendent Welch has challenged district employees to help ensure that 700 of our 750 eligible students submit applications this year. Spread the word so no one misses out on this amazing opportunity for a college education!

Application forms are available at www.hecb.wa.gov/collegebound.

Get the letter...

Bobbi Giammona Appointed as Principal of Cedarhurst Elementary

Bobbi Giammona has been named principal of Cedarhurst Elementary School where she will succeed retiring principal Leslie Perry.

Ms. Giammona taught sixth grade in the Shoreline School District for six years before coming to Highline in 2005. As a math coach at Midway Elementary for the last three years, Midway students have experienced strong growth. In addition to her results-minded orientation, Ms. Giammona brings a strong commitment to Highline students and the community, having turned down a similar job offer from a neighboring district.

Ms. Giammona has a BA degree in Zoology and a master's degree in elementary education from the University of Washington. Her administrative credential is from Western Washington University, and she has interned under our lead elementary principal, Ben Gauyan. Bobbi possesses a reputation for building strong teams and effective communication. People say that Bobbi leads by example; she is frequently seen modeling a lesson or demonstrating effective instructional practice.

Ms. Giammona and her husband, Joe, have two children: a preschooler, Luke, and a third grader, Nicholas, at Des Moines Elementary. Superintendent Welch remarked at the May 14 board meeting, "We are delighted to welcome Bobbi to the principalship."

2008 Gold Star Winners Announced

This year Highline Public Schools and Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence worked together to honor employees and volunteers for going above and beyond in their positive influence in the lives of students. We are pleased to announce this year's winners of the Gold Star Awards, honoring excellence within the Highline Public Schools.

Outstanding Teacher of the Year: Scott McComb, Aviation High School
Outstanding Administrator: Diana Garcia, Bow Lake Elementary (left in photo above)
Outstanding Classified or Professional Support Staff: Mike Castro, Chinook Middle School
Outstanding Volunteer: Alice McGregor, Bow Lake Elementary (right in photo above)

Pictured clockwise from above: Scott McComb, Diana Garcia, Mike Castro (center) and Alice McGregor

These individuals will be honored at the Foundation's 8th Annual Gold Star Awards Luncheon, which will take place on May 30 at the Doubletree Suites in Southcenter. Winners will receive a trophy and $1,000 cash award.

Scott McComb was nominated for his ability to engage his students in relevant and engaging curriculum as well as his service to Aviation High School. He will now go on to compete in the Regional Teacher of the Year contest.

Diana Garcia was recognized for her professional and caring leadership and for her work on opening the new Bow Lake Elementary School. She effectively led the merger of Valley View and Bow Lake elementary schools and successfully opened the new facility under difficult circumstances caused by weather-related construction delays.

Mike Castro, security officer, is a major presence at Chinook Middle School. He meets regularly with parents and encourages all students to do their best and make good decisions. When it was time for him to move to another school, students, staff, and parents flooded School Board meetings asking that "Officer Mike" be allowed to stay at Chinook.

Alice McGregor has served as a classroom volunteer first for Valley View and now Bow Lake Elementary for over 19 years. She is an unsung hero who has given countless hours to help students.

For the first time this year, HPS teacher of the year and classified employee recognition merged with the Foundation's Gold Star awards, creating a true district- and community-wide recognition of excellence. Nominations were submitted by employees across the district, as well as community members. Gold Star Winners were selected by a panel of school district employees and community members, including administrators, retired teachers, PTSA representatives, and Foundation trustees.

To reserve a spot at the luncheon, please contact the Foundation at 206-248-5196.

Budget Shortfall Update

As you know, Highline Public Schools is facing a budget shortfall of $3.5 million for 2008-09. Preliminary recommendations went to the school board on Wednesday, May 14.

Among the cuts are one principal and one assistant principal position, both at the high school level.

• The position of transition principal at Evergreen High School was designed as a one-year position to aid with the transition to three small schools on the Evergreen campus. It will be eliminated at the end of this school year.
• One high school assistant principal position will be eliminated.

A report in the Highline Times named a number of other principal and assistant principal positions as possible cuts. There was never any intent to eliminate all those positions; however, state law requires that any positions that might be cut must be named.

The shortfall is largely the result of two things: The first is increased fixed costs such as fuel, food, and insurance.

Secondly, the legislature granted a well-deserved increase in staff salaries and benefits. The unintended consequence is that school districts across the state face shortfalls. That's because the state funds only a portion of our staff; the raise only goes to positions funded by the state. The district must find the dollars to give raises to staff funded through local levy dollars. That means cuts must be made in other areas in order to generate funds for those raises.

Final recommendations for budget reductions will be submitted to the school board on May 28.

South African Delegation Visits Highline Community Schools

On May 6, the Community Schools Collaboration (CSC) hosted an international team from South Africa. The team visited White Center Heights Elementary, Tyee Educational Complex, Cascade Middle School, and Mount View Elementary. They came to South King County to learn more about the successful community school initiatives in Highline and Tukwila School Districts. In Highline, the team had the opportunity to observe programs to keep middle school students engaged in learning, parent education programs, and elementary school enrichment activities.

Community schools organizations partner with other community-based organizations, public schools, and municipalities to provide academic enrichment, community outreach, and health services. Programming is typically provided in school facilities after school and in the evenings.

Highline Public Schools recently partnered with Community Schools Collaboration (CSC) to provide afterschool programs in SeaTac and White Center.

CSC is recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in the movement to develop and sustain community schools. Learn more at: www.cscwa.org

Photo: Visitors from Capetown, South Africa, observe Highline's community schools programs.

Summer Internship Awarded to Stephanie Mora

Stephanie Mora, student at Arts and Academic Academy, was awarded a paid summer internship at the law firm Forsberg & Umlauf. Stephanie and five other students, all from the Evergreen campus, were involved with the Future Law Institute this school year. Participants of this institute had the opportunity to join judges and lawyers for lunch, visit Seattle University and University of Washington law schools, and sit in on some court cases. Also participating were Iran Ismail from Arts and Academic Academy, Kaitlin Charles from Technology, Engineering, and Communications, Neelofer Vahora, Mahlet Assefa, and Suzan Arellano-Rodrigues from Health Sciences and Human Services.

"We are so proud of Stephanie and her accomplishment," said Jennifer Fichamba, college and career specialist at Evergreen campus.

McMicken Heights Participates in Math Bonanza

Congratulations to the fifth- and sixth-graders from McMicken Heights Elementary who participated in the Second Annual All-City Math Bonanza on April 26. The students answered a series of challenging questions in the areas of geometry, probability, and algebra for individual and team competitions. The fifth-graders from Natalie Miller's class were Jaceleen Vailoa, Jashanpreet Kaur, Leyla Sufi, and Hector Dominguez-Maceda. The sixth-graders from Jerald Goo's class were DeShawn Green, Ayda Kedirkhan, Eyerusalem Dessie, Elemo Mussa, Katherine Chounla, Jimmy Padua, and Anthony Chu.

Science, Technology, and Math Excellence Recognized

Eleventh-grade high school girls were recently honored for their outstanding achievement in science, technology, and math by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Highline Branch. The sixth annual reception was held at the Highline Public Schools' administration building to recognize these young ladies who had been recommended by their teachers and counselors at the Evergreen Campus, Highline High School, Kennedy High School, Mount Rainier High School, Tyee Educational Complex, Aviation High School, and Seattle Christian High School.

AAUW is a national organization that promotes equity and education for women and girls and gives over $3 million annually in grants and fellowships. The High School Scholar Program encourages girls to become interested in careers in science, math, and technology.

Pictured in photo l-r:
Awarded for Science (back row)
Marisol Rosado, Molly Heath, Anh Le, Heather Gee, Mariah Eneliko, Carrie Sherman, Tawny Fajardo

Technology (Middle row)
Kara Strand, Ami Benson, LyChou Touch, Lisa Pham

Math (front row)
Aakriti Gaur, Julia Vigen, Stephanie Quinn, Rachel Krueger, Angela Pak, Nicole Chan

Not pictured
Math Cynthia Pham
Technology - Ne'kole Kelleppan Ana Zapata

Contributed by Eva Parks, AAUW

Highline Big Picture Mentor Appreciation

Tom Erdmann, Highline Public Schools Facilities Services, and Melissa Goldman, architect and interior designer with Ankrom Moison Architects, were chosen as Highline Big Picture High School's 2007-2008 Mentors of the Year. They were honored at Mentor Appreciation Night on May 1.

Tom was selected for his work with Travis Brewer(Class of 2009). Tom is a master welder and shares his craft with Travis, holding Travis to high professional standards. Tom has also been there for Travis on a personal level, providing Travis consistent support to succeed in both school and life. Melissa was selected for her inspiring work with Big Picture student Laura Smith. Congratulations and thank you, Tom and Melissa!

The event featured speaker Larry Wright, executive director of Washington State Mentors, who provided the audience with a perspective on how Highline Big Picture High School fits into the mentoring picture statewide. Mr. Wright explained how social capital, or connectedness, is a key factor in the health of a community and the success of an individual.

See a complete list of all the 2007-2008 mentor sites recognized at the event.

Absolute German Auto Aki Kurose Middle School Ambaum Family Dental Ankrom Moisan Architecture Banfield Animal Hospital Bassetti Architects Big E Auto Rebuild Bow Lake Elementary Burien Fire Department Cascade e-Commerce Solutions Chinook Middle School Chinook Tree Service Clear Image Automotive Cycle Works Dave Lipe Construction Finnish Line Auto Detail Frenzi Thrift Shop Georgetown Drum School Gregory Heights Elementary Hilltop Elementary HSD Facilities Services HV Hair and Nails Kari Christy Documentary Film Kristal Dilley Horse Barn Madrona Elementary Mark's Expert Auto Service

Millenium Ford Mount View Elementary Odyssey High School Pacific Middle School Pacific Science Center Parent and Family Resource Program Premier Capital Associates Pretty Paws Dog Grooming Ramos Records ReLoad Baggage Hugo House Literary Arts Rox Hill Elementary Seahurst Elementary SeaTac Community Center Seattle Ghost Hunters Seattle Young People's Project Seattle Youth Garden Works Seattle YWCA Starbucks Corporate Headquarters The Nature Consortium Transition Films LLC Tyee Complex University of Washington Police Department University of Washington Astronomy Department Waskowitz Environmental Learning Center Writers in the Schools (WITS)

Hazel Valley Student Places in Seattle Aquarium Art Contest

Fourth-grade student Benjamin Siev won 3rd place in the Seattle Aquarium Art Contest. Benjamin will receive a one-year family pass to the aquarium and a $1,000 college savings account. Congratulations Benjamin!

Last month, Kevin Plough's third- and fourth-grade challenge students from Hazel Valley Elementary entered the contest, "Your Ocean--Our Home". The theme was "Wolf Eel Wonderland." Students were asked to create a piece of artwork that showed wolf eels in their natural habitat of Puget Sound..

Highline Senior Receives Washington Scholar Award

Jeff Koch, Highline High School senior, received the Washington Scholar Award.

Pictured here with Principal Mike Fosberg in Olympia for the ceremony.

Bow Lake Team is Book Quest Champion

The Highline Book Quest competition was held on May 7 at ERAC with Superintendent John Welch presiding and special guest author Linda Johns. Twelve elementary schools participated. The students were quizzed about details from ten books, including Hannah West and the Belltown Towers written by Ms. Johns. The winning team was from Bow Lake Elementary. The team members are Monica Young, Zuhra Amini, Austin Sharma, and Alexis Minser.

Superintendent Welch reads a question to the Marvista team.		"Putting their heads together" for an answer.

Contributed by Librarian Deanna Bell, Bow Lake Elementary.

Pacific and Midway Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Midway Elementary and Pacific Middle School celebrated Cinco de Mayo a few days early - on Friday, May 2. As mariachi music played throughout the school, families lined up for food, face painting, and photographs. Student work about Mexico was on display. Students and adults played games such as lassoing, soccer, boliche, Bingo and Limbo. The hallway became a showcase for crafts including pinatas and necklaces. Students created a mural, which told their family stories. The Mount Rainier Latino club handed out candy, and the Children's Health Initiative booth attracted many parents.

Kindergarten students sang songs and wore ponchos they had made on their own. Intermediate students performed dances wearing colorful, traditional costumes. Pacific Middle School's band played festive Mexican tunes.

Hours of volunteer time and student involvement make this annual party a success!

Beverly Park's Family Cultural Fair and Literacy Night

On April 2, Beverly Park Elementary School hosted a wonderful Family Cultural Fair and Literacy evening. Parents enjoyed a community dinner with live music from Marco Cortes for entertainment who sang fun Spanish interactive songs for those who attended. Two students performed a traditional Ethiopian dance and some sixth-grade students presented their family history and culture reports. After good food and entertainment, families visited the school library to hear Marco Cortes tell Spanish stories and taught families how to say some Spanish phrases. Each child left with a brand new book courtesy of the Page Ahead program. It was a wonderful night for all!

Submitted by Principal Kathy Anderson

Midway Parents Receive Leadership Training

A group of Midway Elementary parents are better equipped to support their children's education, thanks to a program designed to educate and empower parents in leadership and student advocacy. Midway's Latino Family Advocate, Samuel Paredes, recently trained parents in parents' rights & responsibilities, parent/teacher conferences, structure & function of schools and the school district, and the path towards a university education.

The six-week parent leadership program was developed by the Mexican American Legal Defense & Education Fund (MALDEF). Selected staff, parents, and community-based partners received MALDEF training this past December with the goal of training more parents in our district.

The training concluded with 13 parent participants receiving certificates of completion. "I think it was completely successful," says Mr. Paredes of the Midway training. "I think [the parents now understand] why they have to be involved in their kid's education."

Marvista Hosts the Seattle Mariners

Earlier this week, the students at Marvista Elementary hosted members the Seattle Mariners' baseball team at an all-school assembly. Jamie Burke (#15), Raul Ibanez (#28), Jose Lopez (#4), Kenji Johjima (#2), and Miguel Cario (#13) taught the students about the DREAM principles:

Drug-free
Respect
Education
Attitude
Motivation

Submitted by Principal Rebecca Kim

Love Your Veggies!

Seahurst Elementary is one of about 50 elementary schools nationwide to be awarded a $10,000 nutrition grant to encourage kids to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Highline's Nutrition Services department is pleased that Seahurst was awarded this grant for the second year in a row. Thanks to the grant, the Seahurst lunch room features a salad bar every day.

http://www.schoolnutrition.org/Index.aspx?id=2831

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

The month of May has been designated as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AA/PI) Heritage Month to honor the accomplishments of AA/PI and to recognize their many contributions to the United States.

More than 21 percent of Highline Public Schools' students are Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders and two of the district's top languages are Cambodian and Vietnamese. During the month of May several schools will be holding special activities to celebrate the event. Additionally, community events will commemorate this heritage month in various ways. More information can be found at http://www.seattlecenter.com/news/detail.asp?ME_MediaNum=1280