One of Highline's most significant strategies for pushing all students to high levels of learning is to continuously improve the quality of classroom instruction. Research shows that the single most important factor for improving student achievement is to have excellent teachers. Highline teachers are constantly learning and getting better at what they do by participating in a practice modeled on the way physicians train while serving in residency.

Charles Rose, General Counsel for the United States Department of Education (ED) visited Aviation High School (AHS) on October 14 representing Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

More than 1000 students and parents from our middle schools and high schools attended the annual, district-wide Life After High School event on October 7 at the Tyee Educational Complex. The four high school college and career specialists coordinated the event. Eighty-five representatives from colleges, universities, community and technical colleges, apprenticeship programs, military recruiters, green collar careers, and civil service opportunities were on hand to answer questions and provide literature on their programs.

Thirty-seven middle and high school math teachers attended an optional professional development session on Highline's newly adopted algebra curriculum. They learned about how to integrate technology with the lessons, and shared ideas for helping students "get it."

Cascade Middle School teacher Christine Oberloh received the OfficeMax "A Day Made Better" recognition on October 6 at a school-wide assembly. She was part of a nationwide recognition program where 1,300 teachers received a surprise visit by local OfficeMax staff laden with gifts worth over $1,000 for each classroom.

Global Connections High School principal Rick Harwood has received the 2009 Molina Healthcare Community Champions award for his work with connecting students and community supports. Harwood also received a $1,000 grant to donate to the organization of his choice, which he designated to the SeaTac Rotary.

The following is an open thank-you letter from the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence.

Highline Public Schools has been awarded a grant to expand community schools programs at Chinook and Cascade middle schools and establish programs at Sylvester and Pacific middle schools. The initial $200,000 award is part of a five-year $1 million grant funded by The Seattle Foundation and the Raikes Foundation.

Recently, volunteers from the Real Estate Staging Association teamed up with students and staff members to give Cascade Middle School a make-over. They weeded and spread beauty bark, gave the main office a new coat of paint, and transformed the staff lounge. All materials, furnishings, and labor were donated.

Highline Public Schools has a strong partnership with the White Center Early Learning Initiative (WCELI). White Center Heights Elementary (WCH) is adjacent to the center and teachers work regularly with the WCELI team to develop transition activities and WCELI provides staff development for WCH kindergarten and first-grade teachers. With the addition of a preschool at White Center Heights, ties between the two groups will expand. Additionally, WCELI staff will assist in creating the Early Learning Integration section of the WCH School Improvement Plan for 2009-2010.