Families and community members are invited to join staff and students of Shorewood Elementary School in a grand opening celebration! The event will be from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 18 in Shorewood's multi-purpose room. In addition to the dedication program, there will be tours and a dinner courtesy of Hutteball & Oremus Architecture and Berschauer Phillips Construction.

Students, families, staff, and community members joined together to celebrate another successful construction project for Highline Public Schools - Midway Elementary. Principal Ben Gauyan and Educational Assistant Karen Kovach emceed the event in both English and Spanish. Superintendent John Welch thanked the community for their support of Midway and invited families to partner with the school in helping prepare all students for college, career, and citizenship. He also praised the Port of Seattle and state legislators for their work in garnering funding for Midway's noise mitigation features. Following the dedication program, TCF Architecture and Berschauer Phillips Construction hosted a barbeque dinner for the community.

When students returned to school last Wednesday, they were greeted not only by their teachers and school staff. Dozens of central office administrators were on school campuses, too, to assist with first-day activities. At the request of Superintendent John Welch, administrators put their own work on hold for a day in a show of support for students and school-based staff.

Principals and district leaders got a sneak peak at Highline's new data warehouse at the annual administrative retreat in August. Administrators had an opportunity to see first hand how quickly they will be able to access information about student achievement - looking at individual students as well as groups; current information as well as progress over time.

This past summer, seven students from neighboring school districts served as interns at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The summer high school internship program was revamped recently to offer more paid openings and an enrichment program designed to give interns a glimpse into the variety of careers at an airport.

Highline is one of a small number of districts participating in an exciting pilot project sponsored by LEAP (Latino Educational Achievement Project). Participating students will benefit from regular meeting with their mentors and a potential scholarship to pursue a degree in education. For more information about the program, view the brochure at: http://www.hsd401.org/parentinfo/fc_partnerships/btmpflyerhighline%202008.pdf

The district's new electronic system for student information is in place at three schools now. Seahurst Elementary piloted the new system last spring. This fall, Highline High School and Sylvester Middle School are also using the system for attendance, class rosters, demographics, and achievement data. "The data is easier to read and follow," says Director of Technology Services Mark Finstrom.

There have been a few bugs as staff is learning to use the system, but no major problems. By next fall, all schools will be using eSIS. In 2010, parents will be able to access their students' grades and assignments online using eSIS.

Children may be eligible for free or low-cost medical coverage through DSHS.

In 2003, 21,000 injuries from overloaded backpacks were treated at hospital emergency rooms, doctors' offices, and clinics (Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2004). Muscle pain from poor body posture and injuries can result from a backpack improperly fitted or too heavy.

Youth and young adults ages 16-21 gained insight into well-paying careers, earned income, and preserved the earth through King County's "Opportunity Greenway" July 7-August 15.

Are you interested increasing ELL families' participation in your school? The Title III Parental-Community Involvement Grant provides funding for a range of activities. You are invited to work with your principal and other staff in your building to apply for the grant. Click to get the application.

If you have other questions or need assistance, contact Secondary ELL Coordinator Bernard Koontz at 206-433-2389.

Wielding a blow torch might not be a part of the job description for school counselors, career specialists, and career and technical education teachers, but during the August 19 "College, Career and Citizenship: The Right Fit for Everyone" workshop, they did just that. Participants tried their hand at welding, taking math exams required by construction and plumbing trades, and drawing up plans for venting systems.

Thanks to a boost from the Norcliffe Foundation, donations to the New Start library have surpassed $12,000. Of the $37,000 goal, $10,000 from Norcliffe significantly propels the campaign. In line with the school's goal of partnering with community members, a community volunteer discovered and pursued the grant.