March is Irish American Heritage Month!
Aviation High School Receives $4 Million Donation
 Raisbeck Engineering, James and Sherry Raisbeck, and their foundation have pledged $4 million to Aviation High School. Three million dollars of the donation will go toward construction of a new facility on the campus of The Museum of Flight in Tukwila. The school will be renamed Raisbeck Aviation High School.
James Raisbeck is a world renowned aerodynamicist and entrepreneur. He is most well known for founding Raisbeck Engineering Inc., which engineers and manufactures performance improvement systems for thousands of business and commercial aircraft worldwide.
"The technical world needs the graduates of Aviation High School to form the basis for future aviation experts in order for the United States to maintain its lead in advancing the application of advanced and ever more complex technologies," said James Raisbeck. "By concentrating on the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), Aviation High School is accomplishing what others can only dream about. Sherry is an educator. I am an engineer. We have both worked hard to achieve the means to help here, and we are proud and humbled to do so."
Aviation High School is an innovative public school that teaches a college-preparatory curriculum through an aviation theme. The school is administered by Highline Public Schools but accepts students from across the Puget Sound region.
"Aviation High School is an innovative model for how a public-private partnership can push students to higher levels of academic achievement," says Superintendent Welch. "When government, schools, and the private sector come together to support young people, students and our economy both benefit."
The Museum of Flight has invited AHS to be part of the expansion of its campus. The Museum has long had an active partnership with Aviation High School, providing robotics classes and free access to The Museum for students. "Education is central to the vision and mission of The Museum," says its President and CEO Dr. Bonnie J. Dunbar. "Our mission is well aligned with that of Aviation High School: to help address a state and national crisis in STEM education."
Completion of the school’s new facility at The Museum will cost $43.5 million. Currently, about $18 million has been raised from both public and private sources.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn is enthusiastic about the school and the Raisbeck contribution. "It’s reassuring in these tough economic times to see a private group stepping up to help our schools," he said. "We need schools that deliver a practical approach to learning, where students can see how to apply their education in real-world situations."
"What I most appreciate about my high school experience is that I am applying math and science. I like the hands-on projects that we do in all our classes," says Cole Miller, an AHS senior from Federal Way. "My classes are challenging, and my teachers have high expectations of me. I think I’m well prepared for college studies, and I’m planning on a career in engineering."
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| (l-r) Aviation students Faiza Diriye & Navid Shafa, Principal/CEO Reba Gilman, The Museum of Flight President/CEO Dr. Bonnie Dunbar, James & Sherry Raisbeck.
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Aviation student Jenny Gao shows her project to State Superintendent Randy Dorn.
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| Highline Superintendent John Welch with State Superintendent Randy Dorn.
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James Raisbeck with Highline Board Members Julie Burr Spani, Sili Savusa, and Susan Goding.
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| Former Highline Superintendent Joe McGeehan and Jane McGeehan.
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Ten Administrative Positions Eliminated in Budget Cuts
Superintendent John Welch has presented the school board with a plan to eliminate 10 administrator and managerial positions and make other reductions in central administration. The move is in response to an anticipated budget shortfall for the 2009-10 school year. The plan will save $1.1 million.
Due to state funding cuts, the district must reduce its budget for next year by $5 to $8 million.
One of the reductions was to eliminate salary increases and cost of living adjustments for all employees in administrator and management positions. In addition, hiring for two positions in Teaching and Learning have been postponed.
The positions to be eliminated are:
- One executive director of elementary and middle schools
- Director of Recruitment and Retention
- Principal on Special Assignment managing activities, athletics and student development
- Nutrition Services Manager
- Security Investigator
- Assessment and Evaluation Manager
- Coordinator of Budget and Financial Reporting
- Two elementary assistant principals
- One secondary assistant principal.
The district must make several million dollars in additional cuts. A slate of budget reduction options is being developed by the superintendent’s leadership team with input from staff and community. The options will be posted on the district website in mid-April.
The public is invited to participate in budget forums where participants will be asked to prioritize budget reductions. The budget forums will be held:
April 23, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Pacific Middle School Cafeteria
April 27, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Evergreen Campus Cafeteria
In addition, an anonymous comment form is currently on the district website. Staff and community members are invited to provide comments regarding budget reductions.
The state faces a budget shortfall of nearly $9 billion. State lawmakers have indicated that school funding will be reduced. The extent of cuts to individual districts won’t be known until the state budget is finalized in late April.
A federal stimulus package will make up for only a small fraction of anticipated state cuts and is targeted for specific uses, such as special education and technology.
High School Fair for all Evergreen Service Area Middle Schoolers
The Arts & Academics Academy, Health Sciences and Human Services High School, and Technology, Engineering, & Communications School will host a second High School Fair for service area middle school students and their parents to learn about the options available for high school. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the Evergreen Campus Library. Refreshments will be served and child care provided. There will also be daytime activities on April 7, held at Cascade Middle School, to introduce students to the high schools.
Get the flyer...>
Pacific Students Demonstrate College-going Skills
 
Families gathered at Pacific Middle School this week, and students demonstrated for their parents how they are getting ready for college. The students are enrolled in AVID class, a course that teaches study skills, critical thinking, and other college-prep skills to students who will be the first in their families to attend college.
Caption: Students demonstrate a discussion format known as Socratic Seminar.
White Center Heights Students Visit UW Pen Pals
from University Week by Alicia Van Der Veen
Forty-eight fifth- and sixth-grade students from White Center Heights Elementary visited the UW campus on Wednesday, March 11, to meet international students from around the world through the Foundation for International Understanding Through Students (FIUTS) Pen Pal Program.
The Pen Pal Program connects UW internationals with local K-12 students for an eight-week period of email exchanges, which culminates in a face-to-face meeting at a FIUTS Wednesday Lunch. The program provides an opportunity for K-12 students to learn more about the world by meeting someone from another country and practicing their reading and writing skills. They can also get a glimpse into higher education by visiting a college campus.
"The students are so excited to meet their pen pals in person at the UW, which also gives them a bigger picture of college life and perhaps a goal to strive for," says White Center Heights teacher SeAnn Sivly. "It is so rewarding for these kids to have a connection to college life and someone else that they can talk to on a weekly basis."
Sivly's fifth-grade student Amadea Dyrhsen praised the program too, saying, "I like it because you get to learn about other people's culture and what they do in their countries."
White Center Heights teacher Karen Lai says there are many benefits to having international pen pals from the UW. "My students are eager to learn about their pen pal's country and culture, and they are inspired to set goals for themselves to do well in school because one day they would like to attend the University of Washington."
"You get a head start of what it's like being a college student," says Anthony Tram, one of Lai's students. "You know that anything could happen if you try, because my pen pal, Hande, is a student there, but she's from another country."
UW international students also find the program rewarding.
"I learn a great deal from my pen pal," says UW education graduate student Sharon Chang, from Taiwan. "She reminds me of myself back in fifth-grade and the fact that I was once a kid, too. Together, we have built this friendship across national as well as age boundaries."
UW graduate student Paul Britz, from Germany, says, "I wanted to participate in the Pen Pal Program, because I think that education is essential for a child's development and chances in life. Many children do not have the opportunity or an incentive to choose higher education. A lot of kids are intimidated by 'smart university people,' but knowing somebody personally will create a link and positive association with higher education. I hope that I am able to create this sort of link for my little pen pal."
This quarter, the 11- and 12-year-old students have been matched with 48 UW students from 14 different countries, including the UK, Thailand, Taiwan, Turkey, Korea, Germany, the Netherlands, India, Japan, Libya, Burma, Australia, Vietnam, and Singapore. The White Center Heights students are also very ethnically diverse, including backgrounds of Latino, Hispanic, Somalian, Vietnamese, and Cambodian, which gives UW students insight into the cultural diversity of Seattle.
To learn more, call 206-616-7025 or e-mail alicia@fiuts.org.
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| UW senior bioengineering student Sid Sinha, from India, gets ready to spin the globe and show White Center Heights students Jeremiah Fernandez and Destiny Ouk where he lives. | Public Affairs Masters student Hande Ayan, from Turkey, and her White Center Heights pen pal Anthony Tran finally get to meet after weeks of exchanging e-mail. |
Aviation High Senior Appointed to Air Force Academy
 Molly Heath, a senior at Aviation High School, has been appointed to the Air Force Academy. Nominated by Representative Jay Inslee, Molly's list of awards and accomplishments is impressive. With a cumulative GPA of 3.94, she is a member National Honor Society, has participated in NASA's Aerospace Scholars program, was named to the American Association of University Women for her achievements in science, and has earned her private pilot's license. "Molly has been a leader at Aviation High School since she arrived," commented Principal Reba Gilman. She has held student office, chaired the Community Service Committee, and represented AHS at the Governor's Aerospace Summit and The Museum of Flight's Women Fly event. Outside of school, Molly is active in her Civil Air Patrol unit.
FIRST Robotics Competition This Weekend
Teams from TEC High School and Aviation High School will be among the 64 regional teams competing in the FIRST Robotics competition at Key Arena March 26 - 28.
FIRST Robotics is an International organization that encourages kids of all ages to experience science and technology by organizing competitions in which teams from all over the world compete against each other. Each high school team is charged with building a robot in six weeks with help from professionals in the science and technology fields. Both TEC and Aviation High School teams have engineers from The Boeing Company who mentor the students in the design and building process of the robots. In addition, there are volunteers who mentor students through building the website, image building, and other organizational and administrative tasks required for this project. Tamara Wierks, a Boeing engineer involved in TEC's project says, "This competition is a great way for students to learn from professionals about science and technology and to learn other important skills like team work and professionalism that will help them tremendously in the future."
Winners in this competition will move on to national-level competition in Atlanta
For more information on FIRST Robotics, visit their website: http://www.usfirst.org/.
Sixth Graders Visit Mount Rainier High School
 
Mount Rainier High School recently hosted 177 sixth-grade students and staff for a "Leap Into Your Future" field trip.
The students from Marvista, Midway, and Des Moines Elementary Schools explored their future school with an emphasis on being prepared for high school and beyond. MRHS Leadership students led groups on a campus tour and then to various information stations including: AVID student panel, Alumnus/careers, Science is Fun, Art is Cool, IB is Tops, CAD/engineering is Wild, Library Arts, and Leadership Rocks. The final stop was for refreshments and to hear closing statements.
 "The sixth-graders were attentive and well-behaved, and many asked relevant questions of panel members," observed College and Career Specialist Teresa Matthews. "The purpose for this field trip was to help students prepare for high school, by giving them a 'roadmap' through middle school. We at MRHS look forward to seeing these students again, in a few years."
PSSC Students Win Regional Chef Competition
 
Two PSSC students, Sandra Moua and Tim Chambers, recently competed in the International Culinary Schools' Best Teen Chef event. Sandra won first place and Tim won second place. Sandra moves on to the national competition to be held in Charlotte, North Carolina, in May.
The competition required students to submit an original recipe plus an essay about cooking. A cook-off took place on March 14 with students preparing their original dish.
Both students won scholarships in the regional competition, and the national winner is eligible for a full-tuition scholarship and an opportunity to be intern of the day on the Food Network.
Outstanding Employee - Teacher of the Year Deadline Extended to April 7
Here's your chance to shine the spotlight on someone whose work you've admired. Highline Schools Foundation will host the Gold Star Award Luncheon to showcase top performers in the following categories: teacher, administrator, classified/professional support staff, and volunteer. The employees recognized are nominated by their co-workers, students, parents, or community members.
Recognition of outstanding employees is a cooperative effort between the district and Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence. Each year, the Foundation organizes and hosts the Gold Star Award Luncheon to showcase top performers in the following categories: teacher, administrator, classified/professional support staff, and volunteer. The employees recognized are nominated by their co-workers, students, parents, or community members. So, here's your chance to shine the spotlight on someone whose work you've admired. Send the completed nomination form to the Foundation for Excellence by April 7, 2009. (Deadline has been extended due to Spring Break.)
The outstanding teacher selected will represent the district as our Teacher of the Year in the recognition program sponsored by OSPI.
This year, the Awards luncheon will be May 29 at the Doubletree Guest Suites in Tukwila.
For more information, contact the Foundation at 206-248-5196.
AAA Students Perform at Arts Conference
 
The Fusion Dance Crew, from Arts & Academics Academy, recently performed at the OSPI 2009 Arts Time Conference. The Arts Time Conference is held biannually to support and promote arts education in the State of Washington. Along with performing, students taught teachers during a hip hop workshop for educators from all over the state. One of the highlights of the conference was a meeting with Fusion Dance Crew members and Anne Rene Joseph, the Arts Program supervisor for OSPI. Students presented Ms. Joseph with a Fusion Crew t-shirt, and she expressed interest in visiting the Arts School.
During the workshop for teachers, Hip Hop You Don’t Stop!, students took on the role of teacher as they helped adults learn the dance moves. Then students created short dances with the teachers and performed them in a birthday circle. About 40 teachers were in attendance during the workshops (mostly non dancers). Students found it very empowering to be in the role of teacher and share their knowledge and passion with adults who wanted to learn from them.
Last summer, work was completed on the new Dance Studio on the Evergreen Campus as part of the Arts and Academics Academy. Under the inspired leadership of instructor, Maya Soto, hundreds of students participate in Dance, Yoga, and Conditioning in the Arts School every day. Ms. Soto also runs an after-school program that is open to all students on the Evergreen Campus and includes the student performance group, Fusion.
Foundation Selects New Leader
 Nancy Paré is the new Executive Director for the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence. Nancy has been employed in health and human services for over 25 years, with 17 years in the United Way system and 8 years at the Utah Department of Health. She has also been a licensed mental health therapist.
Nancy received her BS in psychology from Washington State University and has completed all coursework and internship for a MS in counseling. She has served as board chair for the Utah Nonprofits Association and has been a member of the Board of Directors of the American Immunization Registry Association (AIRA). She is also a graduated scholar with the Great Basin Public Health Leadership Institute.
Hilltop Students Receive Gift of Books
 Hilltop Elementary was selected by the Southcenter Barnes and Noble as a recipient of their annual book drive effort. Store manager Ralph Anderson and Community Relations Manager Mandi Holstrom, along with their friend Elmo, surprised the students of Hilltop during a recent assembly. They delivered over 1,600 books including one for every student, a selection for every classroom, and the library.
The drive, held between November and January each year, encourages Barnes and Noble customers to purchase an extra book for donation to a charity.
Principal Rick Wisen commented, "The assembly was held to celebrate Hilltop's love of reading. As principal, I am extremely honored by the community's generosity. It's powerful to see the impact a book can have on a child. I saw so many bright eyes and smiles as students became excited about the journey these books hold for them. Thank you, Barnes and Noble, for your support!"
 
 
Earth Day - April 22
Earth Day is coming...April 22. Check out the resources available at http://earthday.gov/ and learn ways to get involved at work - and at home.
Focus on Financial Literacy
With all the news about the financial meltdown, the focus is beginning to shift to prevention. Gary Davis of KPLU recently aired a segment, which featured Maryann Yamaguchi of Mount Rainier High School, discussing financial literacy among students. Yamaguchi teaches a course called Independent Living, which raises awareness of family finances, how interest works, student loans, and how to plan for personal financial stability. You can access the podcast from KPLU's website. Select the Listen MP3 icon.
Bow Lake Students Study Ancient Egypt Up Close
 Thanks to a grant from Target, 105 Bow Lake 5th and 6th graders attended a play at Seattle Children’s Theatre set in ancient Egypt. Students in the Bow Lake Explorers program are studying Egypt, and seeing the play brought their studies to life.
"The play reinforced much of their in-class study of Egypt," said their teacher, Carlyn Roedell.
The Explorer program offers multi-age classrooms for students with high academic potential. Students are nominated for the program by their teachers. The program is offered Bow Lake, Mount View, and Cedarhurst.
Food $ense CHANGE Makes a Difference for Students
Working in public schools where at least half of the students are food stamp recipients, Food $ense CHANGE, a King County Extension program, teaches students how to make healthier food choices, how to grow food, how to prepare healthy snacks and meals, and encourages them to remain physically active. Students also learn where their food comes from and make connections between what they eat, their health, and the environment. The curriculum is currently offered at Madrona and Shorewood Elementary Schools.
A popular feature of the program is Market Night, like the one recently held at Shorewood Elementary, which combines math activities with nutrition.
The program also teaches parents to prepare nutritious meals from items available at the food banks. There is also a Summer Food Academy, which features a week-long camp focusing on havesting fresh vegetables and using them to cook breakfast and lunch.
For more information, visit their website at: http://king.wsu.edu/nutrition/change.htm
Gregory Heights Wins Book Quest Competition
by: Trina Samson
 On March 11, Book Quest finals were held at ERAC. Book Quest is a competition where 4th, 5th, and 6th graders read the same ten books and answer questions about them. The best team from each participating school goes to district finals. There were 11 teams participating this year. Superintendent John Welch was there to read the students questions, and author David Patneaude, whose book was in the competition, was there to sign autographs, say a few words, and hand out the prizes. The winning team was from Gregory Heights Elementary, with Library Assistant Julie Shields coaching her team to victory! The Gregory Heights team only missed one question in the whole competition. This was the 10th year the district has done Book Quest. It was created and organized by Mount View Librarian Trina Samson.
 
Environmental Science Center's Spring Courses
The Environmental Science Center, located in Seahurst, has released their spring course offerings. In addition, they have posted the 2009 schedule for beach field trips. Interested teachers may contact Nicole Starr Killibrew, school programs coordinator, at 206-274-9524 or via email at kilnic17@aol.com.
ACT Discount Subscription for Educators
ACT has an amazing deal for you.
ACT’s Apple Series offers educators six evenings of spirits, hors d'oeuvres, conversation, and theatre for only $99!
Apple Series: Educator Program
Our Apple Series includes a ticket to each Wednesday preview on the 2009 Main Stage season and features a pre-show conversation with the artistic staff and guest speakers on topics including themes in the show, production elements, collaborating with artists, and more that will have every educator's mouth watering.
The 2009 season's Apple Series events begin at 6 p.m. on these dates:
* April 15, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher
* May 27, Below the Belt, by Richard Dresser
* June 17, the break/s, by Marc Bamuthi Joseph
* August 5, Das Barbecü, book and lyrics by Jim Luigs
* September 23, Runt of the Litter, written and performed by Bo Eason
* October 14, Rock 'n' Roll, by Tom Stoppard
The Apple Series is for current Washington State teachers and administrators. So pick your favorite colleagues or treat that deserving classroom teacher today!
To order: call the ACT Ticket Office at 206-292-7676 and mention the Apple Series.
Please feel free to pass this along to other educators who may be interested.
Contact:
Kristina Sutherland
Education Associate
ACT - A Contemporary Theatre
700 Union St
Seattle, WA 98101
206.292.7660 x1338
www.acttheatre.org
Leading, Learning, Living in a Digital World Conference
ESD 123, in conjunction with Walla Walla and College Place Public Schools, Whitman and Walla Walla Community College, and PocketINet, will host an HD-L3 conference at Whitman College in Walla Walla on Thursday, April 16. The conference begins at 4:00 p.m. with 10 inspiring speakers from K-12, higher education, and business. Dinner will be provided, followed by Ian Jukes speaking on the topic of "Living on the Future Edge".
APRIL 16, 2009
4:00 - 8:30 P.M.
REID CENTER BALLROOM
WHITMAN COLLEGE
WALLA WALLA
WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKER IAN JUKES - "LIVING ON THE FUTURE EDGE"
For more information, go to http://www.esd123.org/hdl3/ or contact John Kelly at 509.544.5730 or jkelly@esd123.org.
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