On Monday, September 16, a small group of parents gathered at Highline Public Schools offices to learn more about the district's algebra curriculum. Math teachers and specialists introduced parents to the Discovering Algebra textbook series and the online support materials available to parents and students.

As Midway Elementary students line up on the first day of school, there is excitement in the air --something beyond the typical first-day anticipation. It doesn't take a visitor long to notice what is different: the children are dressed alike! This year, Midway joined the small contingent of public schools with uniforms.

Mount Rainier senior Harrison Wray has been named a National Merit Semi-finalist. Selection of semi-finalists is based on scores earned on the PSAT exam taken during students' junior year of high school. Semi-finalists scored in the top one percent of students taking the test nationally. Only 15,000 students nationwide achieve this honor.

The Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence will hold its annual dinner, dance, and auction on October 10 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Normandy Park Cove. The Foundation for Excellence is the only non-profit in the district that raises funds for all Highline schools.

Hazel Valley Elementary School has been named a 2009 School of Distinction by Phi Delta Kappan and the Center for Educational Effectiveness. The award recognizes schools across Washington for sustained improvement in student achievement as measured by seven years of WASL test scores in math and reading. Hazel Valley is one of 51 elementary schools in the state - one of 21 in large school districts -- to receive the award.

Several science, environmental, and technology grants are now open for application.

TEC High School is one of ten academies nationally chosen to receive the Kelly Engineering Resources Award in partnership with the National Academy Foundation (NAF).

Thomas Malchodi, Andrew May, Andrew Reece, and Michael Thompson of Aviation High School are graduates of the 2009 Washington Aerospace Scholars Summer Residency hosted by The Museum of Flight in Seattle. Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) is a competitive educational program for high school juniors from across Washington State.

Marvista Elementary welcomed students to their new building on the first day of school. The main components of the building -- classrooms, lunchroom, and common areas -- were completed on time and on budget. Finishing touches, such as landscaping and playfields, will be completed in the next few months.

Barbara Wilson has received the Outstanding Career Guidance Professional Award by the Guidance Division of the Association of Career and Technical Education. Her award will be presented at the national ACTE convention in Nashville on Thursday, November 19, 2009.

World Vision, a major supporter of the event, distributed 1,350 backpacks filled with schools supplies. In addition, there were 450 personal hygiene bags distributed, valued at roughly $20,000.

The Des Moines Library is offering free SAT preparation classes on October 3 and October 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

October 19-20, 2009

Essence of Success is a two-day, overnight conference for African-American high school seniors who are interested in attending the University of Washington-Seattle. 'Essence' was created to encourage African-American students to pursue higher education as well as give them a closer view of the UW through the eyes of academic excellence and diversity enhancement.

In late August 2009 World Vision teamed up with the Westwood Village Target to provide $100 gift cards to some Highline Public Schools teachers and families. Families bought school clothes and teachers stocked up on school supplies. Given that teachers spend on average $500 of their own money on school supplies each year, this was a much appreciated gift.