May 25, 2007   

Staff Climate Survey

Don't forget to complete the online staff climate survey by May 30. Your feedback helps district leaders know where we need to change and improve. For those without email, contact your department director for a paper survey. Please make sure high school students have a chance to take the Student Survey in their Advisory class. Survey access is located on the district homepage - or paper copies are available through each school's main office.

Classified Employee Awards Announced at Board Meeting

r   Gail Korakis   Superintendent Welch awarded the Classified Employee of the Year to Gail Korakis - Office Manager/Academy of Citizenship and Empowerment at this week’s board meeting. This award reflects a commitment to excellence and is made to an individual who continues to demonstrate a true and selfless heart. Each year, the district has the privilege of honoring the important work performed by all classified employees through this award process. Originally, this recognition went to just one person but was expanded a few years ago and now, classified employees may be nominated in a variety of categories. Following are this year’s nominations: Mike Castro – security officer/Chinook Middle School Sharon Colby – office manager/Global Connections High School Judy Balko, Lora Giboney, Jan May, Alice Porter, Wanda Skoog - executive Assistants/ERAC Administration Carol Fusaro – paraeducator/Marvista Anne Hockley – LPN/Health Services Gail Korakis – office manager/Academy of Citzenship and Empowerment Deb Marbet – office manager/Mount View Jan Neely – paraeducator/North Hill Jeri Rickard – paraeducator/North Hill Alice Salter – paraeducator/Highline High School Lenore Stark – administrative assistant/Aviation High School   Superintendent Welch commented, "These folks are nominated from the nearly 1,100 classified employees in the district. Each and every nominee should feel extremely honored by the respect revealed in the letters from their co-workers, students, and supervisors. I join the school board in congratulating each and every one of them." Other awards announced at the board meeting follow. EXTRA MILE AWARD This award reflects an extraordinary and a daily "above and beyond attitude" in service to students, parents, co-workers, supervisors, and district neighbors; and a consistency in "going the extra mile." This year, for the first time, there was a three way tie for this award: Mike Castro - security officer/Chinook Middle School Sharon Colby - office manager/Global Connections High School Lenore Stark - administrative assistant/Aviation High School POINT OF LIGHT AWARD This award reflects a genuine caring nature toward students, co-workers, and community; and is awarded to someone who exemplifies an unending joy and remembers that kindness and thoughtfulness can truly change lives. Mike Castro - security officer/Chinook Middle School EDISON AWARD This award reflects a true effort to continually innovate, and find new and unique ideas for enhancing programs, streamlining processes, or saving time and/or money. Alice Salter - paraeducator/Highline High School LEGEND AWARD This award reflects a strong tradition of excellence. As well as being a district employee for at least 15 years, its recipient exemplifies what we hope all district employees strive to become — a catalyst for learning, a change agent ready for new challenges— a true legend. Jan Neely - LAP paraeducator/North Hill (hired by district in 1987)     Back to eHighlights

Gold Star Awards Honor Outstanding Education Professionals

l-r: Bobbie Daligcon, Lora Bolding and Rick Healy  Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence recently honored four education professionals at its annual Gold Star Awards luncheon. Bobbie Daligcon from Cascade Middle School received honor as the Outstanding Teacher of the Year, Rick Healy, Facilities service grounds Lead, was named Outstanding Classified Employee of the Year and Lora Bolding, PTSA president at Pacific Middle School took the award of Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. A Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded posthumously to Carl Jensen, former Superintendent of the Highline Public Schools from 1953-1971 and founder of Camp Waskowitz.   The Gold Star Awards Luncheon is the primary fundraiser for the Foundation and was attended by 300 local business, education, government and community leaders raising over $75,000. "It was very inspiring to see such a great turnout at this year’s luncheon," said Board of Trustee’s President Sandra Eliason. "We would like to thank everyone for their support of the Foundation." With a theme of, "I Can’t Wait!" the program included students who have benefited by the Foundation’s Excel Grants and scholarship programs. Students featured were Tanner Schatz from Bow Lake Elementary School, Claire Downhour and Claire Fernandez of Sylvester Middle School, Stephanie Hoag from the Aviation High School and Kristen Boyovich, a Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Scholarship recipient currently attending Highline Community College. The Drums of Des Moines provided pre-event entertainment.     Back to eHighlights

Former Executive Director of Highline Foundation Honored

Kathy McCabe and Superintendent Welch   Kathy McCabe, former executive director of Highline Foundation for Excellence received the Community Leadership Award at a recent Washington Association of School Administrator’s (WASA) luncheon. Selected from a field of nominees from 15 districts, Kathy received the WASA – Metro Chapter Award. In his nomination of Kathy, Superintendent Welch cited her contributions as executive director, "Kathy has done a tremendous job in growing the Foundation and its board. The students and teachers of our district are the grateful recipients of those results." Under Kathy’s leadership, the Foundation has distributed over $600,000 to the students and teachers of Highline Public Schools. In addition, Kathy helped develop the new teacher welcome program that provides a bag stuffed with coupons and gifts from local businesses to every teacher joining our staff. She established a partnership with the Puget Sound Youth Foundation, a non-profit that supports the district-owned Camp Waskowitz, our outdoor education site. Kathy has worked enthusiastically with our district’s leadership team to coordinate communication efforts and programs. For example, last year she worked with district staff to plan and execute a series of community conversations – small, round-table discussions with the superintendent—to gather input from community members on their expectations for our district’s high schools. She has partnered with our district leaders in implementing a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation community engagement grant.    Back to eHighlights

Students named as WAVE Winners

Three students were honored May 17 for their selection as winners of the Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE). They are: Rachel Reynolds of Puget Sound Skills Center, Tessa Lageson of Evergreen High School, and Wendy Kim of Highline High School. The students, along with their instructors, Taija McClure, Vickie Potter, and Dave Craig, were feted at a breakfast celebration, held at the newly renamed Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC). The annual event is an opportunity for the district and local legislators to celebrate the work of the skills center and other high school vocational staff and students. In her address, Assistant Superintendent Carla Jackson congratulated the students on winning the WAVE awards amid stiff competition. She commented, "This is precisely the kind of competitive world we anticipate you will encounter both in college and as you pursue your career – and that’s the driving force for our district staff as we work to implement rigorous and relevant curriculum that prepares you for this 21st century world. These awards are proof-positive of your ability to excel in this environment."     Back to eHighlights

Congratulations Science Decathletes!

Students from Aviation High School recently won first place in the National Science Decathlon competition! Teams from across the country convened at Seattle Pacific University to test their knowledge and skills in ten events. The 9th grade team (Team 16) consisted of Paalyn Branson, Lamond Le, Michael Mondragon, Ryan Sanders, Mary Shipley, and Ted Tagami. The 11th grade team, the Golden Pegacorns, consisted of Shelby Cramer, Drew Collins, Stephanie Hoag, Dawn Keenhel, Stanley Ong, and Zach Wydick with special assistance from Andrew Ely. Both teams did extremely well. Team 16 Ryan & Lamond: 2nd place Entomology Mary & Michael: 2nd place Topography Paalyn, Ryan & Ted: 2nd place Scientific Method Golden Pegacorns Stanley Ong: 2nd place Ichthyology Andrew & Drew 2nd place Ornithology Drew & Shelby 3rd place Robotics Dawn & Zach: 2nd place Rocks & Minerals Dawn & Shelby: 2nd place Red Planet Stephanie & Zach: 1st place Water Rocketry – National Championship! We salute the decathletes for their time, efforts, and the awesome outcome!       Back to eHighlights

Evergreen Students to Girls State

Two Evergreen High School students, Carly Dunn and Karina Tupou have been selected as delegates to Girls State. The week-long session will be held on the Central Washington University campus in June. Evergreen Counselor Karen Kirchoff said, "This is quite an honor for these girls." It will also be a great opportunity for the students to learn leadership skills and experience life on a college campus – both of which will serve them well into the future.     Back to eHighlights

Chinook Student Receives Science Award

Chinook Middle School student, Nina Arranza-Riley, has been named a National Science Award winner by the United States Achievement Academy (USAA). Selection is based on academic performance, interest and aptitude, leadership qualities, responsibility, enthusiasm, motivation to learn and improve, citizenship, and attitude and cooperative spirit. Nominations are made by teachers, coaches, and counselors. Nina was nominated by her science teacher, Jennifer Smith, who said, "Nina is a wonderful young woman with an unusually sharp wit. She is extremely creative and always willing to keep her mind open to new solutions to old problems. That’s the mark of a great science mind!" The United States Achievement Academy was founded to recognize outstanding students in America's colleges and secondary schools and has granted over $980,000 in scholarships. Visit their website for more information.     Back to eHighlights

Learning Celebrations at Gregory Heights Elementary

On May 18 fifth graders at Gregory Heights presented Puss In Boots to the school community following a four-day intensive residency with the Hi-Liners adapting a work of literature to musical theater.  With the help of Kathleen Edwards, Hi-Liner’s artistic director, and Mara Ostrand, musical director, the fifth graders enjoyed the rigorous experience of taking a script through rehearsal to performance. Thanks to a generous grant from the Hi-Liners and from the Gregory Heights PTSA, the entire school had the opportunity to participate in musical theater. The staff and students capitalized on the attendance of family and community members at the performance to exhibit the 5th graders’ math, writing, reading, and art learning outside their classrooms. On the evening of May 24 all other grades at Gregory Heights will display learning exhibits from science, social studies, writing, art, math, and other disciplines.      Back to eHighlights

Evergreen Student Receives Boeing Scholarship

Charles Loeffler     Charles Loeffler, a senior at Evergreen High School, has received The Boeing Company's National Merit Scholarship. Congratulations, Charles!.             Back to eHighlights

Over 100 Elementary Students Participate in Chess Tournament

by Teresa Matthews, community liaison, Marvista The 12th Annual Highline Elementary Team Chess Tournament was held on Wednesday May 9, and was hosted by Marvista Elementary. Eight Highline schools participated in this scholastic and fun event. The schools were Beverly Park, Bow Lake, Cedarhurst, Des Moines, Gregory Heights, Marvista, Seahurst, and Shorewood elementary schools. Over 100 students participated as did parents and staff. Five students from each school participated as a team and the chess teams prepared all year for this event. There was a recreational competition as well, preparing students for next year’s event. Many schools support chess clubs and activities, because playing the game of chess develops math skills, focus and discipline, while instilling gamesmanship. Marvista took first place, Gregory Heights took second place, and Beverly Park took third place. First through third place winners take home individual trophies, with first place taking the traveling trophy for one year. Every participant took home a medal. Thanks to Marvista PTSA for hosting this event! Next year Beverly Park will be hosting the 2008 Highline Tournament.   Pictures of the event may be viewed on the web at: http://highlinetimes.mycapture.com/mycapture/index.asp     Back to eHighlights

High School Math Graduation Requirements Change

State lawmakers recently made changes to the state’s high school graduation requirements.   Beginning with the class of 2008, students who meet the reading, writing and mathematics high school standards will earn a Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA) or Certificate of Individual Achievement (CIA). A certificate, however, is not required for graduation. The mathematics graduation requirement is delayed for the graduating classes of 2008-2012. The graduating class of 2013 will now be the first class required to meet the state’s reading, writing, mathematics and science standards. For more information and frequently asked questions, visit the OSPI website.   The complete text can be found in Engrossed Substitute Bill 6023 (ESSB 6023).     Back to eHighlights

District Social Worker Breaks National Swim Record

Jean Blackburn, a social worker for the district, knows it’s important to include healthy activities and personal goal-setting in her life. When she’s not at work, Jean swims competitively with the Pacific Northwest Aquatics team. She just broke a national record for age 55+.   Way to go, Jean!     Back to eHighlights

Valley View Elementary Remembers

In anticipation of the school closure at the end of this school year, staff at Valley View Elementary will host two events for current and former students, families, and staff to walk down memory lane together. On Saturday, June 2, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., the school will be open to celebrate familiar traditions. That evening, adults are invited by the staff for a program at the Doubletree Hotel SeaTac Airport. The event includes dinner and a RSVP is required. For more information or to RSVP, go to: http://valleyview.myevent.com.     Back to eHighlights

Understanding One Another

"Sentenced Home," a program featuring the stories behind Cambodian American families – including two families from the Highline area – as they struggle to maintain their family in the U.S., will be shown on PBS May 27, at 11:00 p.m. The film features a former White Center Heights student and a cameo appearance of one of our teachers. It was partially filmed in White Center and focuses on an issue that that is important to some of our immigrant families. For more information, see: http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/sentencedhome.     Back to eHighlights

$10,000 for Schools that Act as Community Centers

This award recognizes design and educational excellence in "schools as centers of community," and the winning school will receive a $10,000 prize. Schools that serve as centers of community provide a rich array of social, civic, recreational, and artistic opportunities to the broader community and to students, often clustering educational and municipal buildings together. Get the whole story...>>   Back to eHighlights

Legislative Youth Advisory Council Seeks New Applicants

Lt. Gov. Brad Owen is encouraging Washington youth who may be interested in advising the state Legislature on legislation and policy matters of importance to them to apply for a seat on the Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC). "This council of 14 to 18-year-olds was established to give the Legislature advice on critical issues related to education, health and fitness, test reform, school safety and other topics related to youth," Owen said. "Members of LYAC have an important voice in speaking for Washington youth and at the same time get a great education on civic involvement." LYAC consists of twenty-two members who serve two-year terms and if eligible, may be reappointed for subsequent two-year terms. They can meet up to six times a year. The 2005 legislation that created the council was set to expire this June but was extended through June of 2009 by legislation sponsored by Rep. Dave Upthegrove (D-Des Moines) and Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe (D-Bothell). Under the new legislation, final appointments are made by the lieutenant governor based on recommendations and selection criteria developed by the council itself. The legislation also instructs the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to provide administration, coordination and facilitation assistance to the council, with the state Senate and House of Representatives to provide assistance with fiscal and policy briefings. New member applications are now being accepted through July 2, 2007. The application includes a section for teacher recommendations. The application form can be downloaded from the "Youth and Communities" section of lieutenant governor’s Web site at http://www.ltgov.wa.gov/. More information about the council can be found on the Web site or by sending an email to lyac@leg.wa.gov.     Back to eHighlights

Music Students Successful at Competitions

by Dan Fosberg, Mount Rainier High School band instructor The Mount Rainier Wind Ensemble had an extremely successful tour of Anaheim, California, in late March. The group won first place, a Gold Superior rating, Judges Trophy for performance of distinction, Outstanding Soloist award (Matthew Kent, Alto Saxophone), and was awarded the trophy for being the "Best Band of All Bands" by having the highest composite score at the Heritage Music Festival, which was held at Fullerton College. The group also dazzled the people and production crew with their performance in Disneyland on the afternoon of March 29. The staff at Disney made special comment on the comparative outstanding quality of our group. The Mount Rainier Jazz Ensemble won the Bellevue Jazz Festival last Saturday, May 5, for the second year in a row. Matt Kent won the award for Outstanding Soloist. The Ensemble also had seven solos/groups perform at the Washington State Solo-Ensemble contest on April 27 and 28. Six of the entries received Superior I ratings, which is very hard to achieve. They were: Matt Perry, Sarah Davis French Horn Duet Hillary Layer Clarinet Matt Perry French Horn (solo) Aaron Smith Snare Drum Aaron Smith Piano Andrew Reusch Flute Senior Aaron Smith achieved the high honor of third place in the piano division in receiving the Bronze Medal at state level.     Back to eHighlights

Puget Sound Skills Center Students in Master Builders Competition

Students from Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC) participated in the Master Builders "Building Your Future" student Competition and Career Fair on Friday May 11. Students compete in four events. Computer Competition in which students: applied for a building loan, designed a home, addressed environmental, neighborhood and building code concerns, built and sold their homes for a profit - having assessed the buyers credit worthiness on loan application forms, following the standard loan processes. PSSC students Anthony Wede and Rachelle Unrau won first and third place respectively. Dog House Design /Build Competition The PSSC team made up of Viktor Gruy, Brian Shaw, and Ryan Klienmann won second place for their ingenuity, design, and build green concepts( they used 70 % recycled materials). Teaming Skills Competition Students from PSSC were a dominant presence with the team made up of Viktor Gruy, Setelo Veetutu, Charalyn Easton, John Barron, Mario Covarrubias, plus four students from various other high schools taking first place. Second place was a team led by the Brian Shaw ,Jamaar Smiley, Alan Thao, plus six students from other high schools, Third place was a team led by Justin Aird, Alex Cataeno ,Wes Reynolds, and six other students, Tied for fourth place were teams led by Ty Heuman ,Andy Reynolds, Kevin Sodano, Edgar Gonzalez, with additional students from other schools. Lastly, the students were involved in a unique Career Fair in a speed-dating format, in which small groups met for 7-8 minutes with seven major employers and industry leaders to learn first- hand the opportunities each company offered. This exposure resulted in immediate employment for summer part-time and during college work for several of our students. Cathy Feole, executive director of the Master Builders Education Foundation and President-elect of the MBA, Mike Tenhulzen, both had favorable comments about the PSSC students, their communication , leadership, skill levels, and enthusiasm for the event and the construction industry.     Back to eHighlights

Bragging Rights

We are very pleased to share good news about the educational accomplishments of staff members and their families: Betty Albright of Hazel Valley Elementary and Scott Albright of Operations are proud to share their news! Daughter, Christine Whitney is graduating from Central Washington University with a double major in Early Childhood Development and Elementary Education. Carissa Bedell, daughter of Debbie Bedell, of the Department of Technology Services – Woodside, will graduate from Central Washington University with a double major in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. She is a 1999 graduate of Evergreen High School. Tracie Strelow, 2003 graduate of Tyee High School and daughter of Karen Strelow, PE specialist at Hazel Valley, graduated with her BS in Wildlife Ecology from WSU on May 5. Tracie is on the Dean’s List and was recognized by the Department of Natural Resources as their outstanding senior. Tyee graduate, Amanda Dorough, daughter of Linda Dorough, bookkeeper at Pacific Middle School is graduating from Liberty University in Virginia with a BA in History. Kevin Moorehead, son of Tami Moorehead, of the counseling office at Highline High School, will graduate from Central Washington University with a degree in Geography with an emphasis in Land Use Planning. Lesa Oestreich, bookkeeper at Sylvester Middle School tells us her son, Andrew Oestreich, will graduate with honors from Mount Rainier and is heading across the country to Boston College. His father and I are very proud of him! Professional Development Program Manager Pat Kelley’s son, Thatcher Kelley, has graduated from Biola University with a BA in Film Production. Kathryn Culbert, daughter of Martin Culbert, Digipen Instructor at PSSC and IB Music at Mount Rainier and Julie Sutherland of Marvista Elementary, graduates from Mount Rainier High School June 20. She will attend Western Washington in the fall. Carlyn Anderson, special education paraeducator at Midway Elementary is proud to announce the graduation of her son Keith Anderson from Mount Rainier High School. He is planning to attend Saint Martin's University. Shawn Lamoureux, son of Parkside Principal Robin Lamoureux, has graduated from Washington State University’s Edward R. Murrow School of Communications with a BA in Communication and a minor in English and an emphasis in Advertising. Ryan Davis, Tyee graduate and son of Bev Irvin, Madrona office assistant, will graduate in June from Central Washington University, Ellensburg, with a BS in Chemistry. He will be pursuing his PhD in Chemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara, beginning in October. He has been awarded full tuition, benefits and a monthly stipend to participate in this program. Ryan credits Warren Levenhagen, former Tyee Chemistry teacher, for creating his interest and drive in achieving this goal.     "Bragging Rights" shares educational accomplishments of staff members and their families. We will also include this column in the June 15 District News. Please e-mail your information by Tuesday, June 12, to Judy Balko at balkojl@hsd401.org.     Back to eHighlights

Board Minutes

Click the date to read the minutes from the May 9, 2007 board meetings.       Back to eHighlights