Outstanding Seniors

As the school year draws to a close, there are many outstanding seniors preparing to graduate. Featured here are a few of those amazing young role models: Stephanie Hoag, Kianna Leafaitulagi Fola, Jose Lopez, and Anngelina Gage (not pictured).

Stephanie Hoag - Aviation High School
"A leader in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education. She is remarkable." That's how Principal Reba Gilman describes Stephanie Hoag.

Stephanie has been accepted at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts. She will major in robotics engineering and also participate in their music program, where she will play cello.

Stephanie has participated on the FIRST Robotics Team for the past two years. She says, "It has changed her life." She originally hoped to be accepted to the Naval Academy and be a fighter pilot. Through FIRST, she has committed to becoming a robotics engineer. Gilman believes "she will most definitely model the way for women in science, engineering, math, and technology!"

Through FIRST, Stephanie was eligible for a very prestigious scholarshipshe applied and was awarded $135,000! She also won the Entrepreneurship award this year by writing a business and marketing plan for the team. She was in charge of the electrical system for building the robot. Her coach and teacher, Robert Steele, gives Stephanie credit as being the "glue" that has kept the team together and achieving successes at local, regional, and international levels where the team finished 5th out of 360 teams.

Stephanie is also an athlete - she played soccer for Highline High School her first two years of high school, and she has continued to take music lessons.

Gilman notes, "I think she has participated in every activity and event we have ever held at this school! She appreciates the value of small schools and the rigor of the learning that she has received."

Stephanie attended elementary school at Marvista Elementary School and Sylvester Middle School. Thankfully, she developed a love of math and science in elementary school.

Kianna Leafaitulagi Fola - Academy of Citizenship and Empowerment
Kianna tell us that, "First and foremost, I live by my motto which is, 'live life like every day is the best day of your life because you only live once so you shouldn't waste it.'"

Kianna comes from a family of eight; three brothers, a sister, her parents, and grandmother. She's been a Highline student from the beginning, starting at McMicken Heights Elementary, then Chinook Middle School, Tyee High School, and now graduating from ACE.

"Since I started school, I have always found it easy to connect with others and be a leader in my classes," says Kianna. "But it wasn't until I got to ACE that I realized my full potential. In my sophomore year, my teachers really pushed me to become the leader I am today."

After graduation, Kianna plans to work full-time to save for college - with plans to attend school starting either in the fall or winter quarter.

Jose Lopez - Global Connections High School
"Jose impressed me from the very beginning as an extremely bright young man with great leadership and academic potential," said Principal Rick Harwood in reflection about Jose Lopez. His academic and personal achievements led to his selection for the Phyllis Gutierrez-Kinney Leadership Award, which includes a $5,000 college scholarship.

Jose has a 3.7 Cumulative GPA and has taken rigorous academic courses to achieve that GPA. He has taken math and science courses all four years and is currently in trigonometry and AP physics. Teacher Suzanne Welch, commented, "You amaze me with the passion and dedication you apply to all of your work. You are genuinely becoming an agent of change, and no one has pushed you to that more than yourself. You are truly inspiring!"

As a leader, Jose has also distinguished himself among his peers and impressed the adults in the school community and beyond. He and several friends formed a Latino club. Since the formation of Latino Stand Up Movement (LSU), Jose has lead the organization to encourage Latino/a students to take school seriously and plan to go to college. He and another Global student chose as their required junior activism project to focus on educating Latino parents about the importance of encouraging their children to go to college. He and members of LSU planned and organized an event for parents of Latino/a students to learn more about college and find financing for tuition. Harwood observed, "It was the most successful event ever held for Latino parents at our school and one we plan to make an annual event."

The latest effort Jose is leading within LSU is to establish a mentoring program. This will pair up older, successful Global Latino/a students with younger, struggling students to help them find their way to success in school.

Jose has demonstrated in many ways his skill, passion, dedication, and capacity for success and community leadership. He plans to pursue a four-year degree and some day, maybe even a law degree.

Anngelina Gage - Puget Sound Skills Center
Taking a variety of classes at PSSC, including criminal justice, culinary arts, and leadership and management in business, led Angie to discover her passion which is culinary arts.

Angie describes herself as a fast learner who, once she learns the task works to improve proficiency - a skill she sees as valuable to any employer. She loves working on a team and is seen as a motivator.

Through her internship at Stanley and Seaforts in Tacoma, Angie learned many of the essential techniques and knowledge needed to pursue her career.

While she sees the technical aspects she's learned at PSSC and through her internship as valuable, she's learned life skills in the Leadership and Management in Business program. The teaming skills and leadership abilities will be invaluable in any working environment.

Angie plans to attend the Western Culinary Institute of Le Cordon Bleu and pursue her passion to become an executive chef.

DECA Chapter Awards

Global Connections DECA placed 3rd at the DECA International Career Development Competition in Atlanta, Georgia. This international award was earned for the DECA chapter's Chapter Awards Program, which documents all the activities a DECA Chapter does in one year. In essence, this is a "DECA Chapter of the Year Award" based on the chapter program of work. Global Connections' student coordinators for this project were Lou Vargas, Crystal Rivera, and ToVan Nguyen. Highline High School's DECA students Nicole Sowers and Kendra Jones placed 5th in this same category.

Also competing at the event were GC students Ravyn Guy, Cortney Hines, and Sara Flores in the DECA Learn and Earn event. These students placed first at our Washington DECA competition for their project showcasing our Holiday Bazaar. Senior Jovhanna Byers also attended the International Leadership Institute. Additionally, Raj Signh represented the Global Connections DECA Chapter as a Washington DECA State Officer.

Global Connections DECA students held an Italian Dinner and Auction to raise money to travel to the DECA International Career Development Competition. Over 200 people attended the event, enjoyed dinner, and bid on over 200 items and gift certificates. The event raised $6,000 and was an excellent learning experience for all the students who coordinate the many aspects of a large scale project such as this. Thank you to Holland America for the lead auction item, a seven-day cruise.

Top photo: Chapter Awards Project team receiving their 3rd place award (l-r: Alana Vinther, Paul Stoltenberg with DECA, Lou Vargas, ToVan Nguyen and Crystal Rivera)

2nd photo: Learn and Earn project team (l-r: Ravyn Guy, Cortney Hines, and Sara Flores)

Lang Mao, Lou Vargas and Josefa Angel-tuxpin setting up the dessert table	Parent volunteer, Rebecca Byers and district Cook Juila preparing the dinner
Community members enjoying dinner	Niki Hem preparing auction items for table presentation
The dinner/auction in full swing - eating, bidding, visiting	The line up to get in
GC Math Teacher AJ Campanelli plays the "Wheel of Wow" with student volunteer Raj Singh

Lupita Ayon Receives Community Leadership Award

Lupita Ayon has been recognized by Highline Public Schools as its outstanding community leader for 2007-08.

Pictured: (l-r) Mauricio Ayon, Teresa Wallace, Anita Ramos, Lupita Ayon, Bill Hopper, Rebbeca Richards, Geno Amador.

Lupita is the founder of Para Los Ninos, a nonprofit organization established to serve the educational needs of Latino children in the Highline community. Under her leadership, Para Los Ninos has developed programs that serve the needs of Latino students and families.

Aprendamos Juntos is an early-learning program serving Spanish-speaking families. In this evening program held at Mount View and Bow Lake Elementary Schools, children learn kindergarten-readiness skills while their parents are in another room learning English.

Last fall, Highline was awarded a Toyota Family Literacy grant due in part to the work Para Los Ninos has done in the district. With funding from Toyota, Para Los Ninos has expanded Aprendamos Juntos to two additional schools, Beverly Park and White Center Heights, providing the curriculum to both parents and kindergartners during the school day. The English instruction provided to parents specifically focuses on the language and knowledge they need to understand and function within the American school system.

Each July, Para Los Ninos hosts a summer school program that connects students with their Mexican heritage. Para Los Ninos works with the Mexican consulate to bring guest teachers from Mexican schools to teach academics and cultural activities in Spanish. Highline teachers serve as instructional aides, thus strengthening their Spanish language skills.

"Lupita is a true asset to Highline, and our students have benefited much from her dedication and service," says Highline Superintendent John Welch.

Gold Star Luncheon Celebrates Award Winners

On Friday, May 30, 2008, the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence honored five outstanding individuals in the field of education. Honored were Scott McComb, Diana Garcia, Mike Castro, Alice McGregor, and former Superintendent Joe McGeehan.

Scott McComb from Aviation High School received honor as the Outstanding Teacher of the Year, Diana Garcia, principal at Bow Lake Elementary School, received the Administrator of the Year award, Mike Castro, security officer at Chinook Middle School, was named Outstanding Classified Employee of the Year, and Alice McGregor, volunteer at Bow Lake Elementary School took the award of Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. A Lifetime Achievement Award went to Joe McGeehan, former superintendent of the Highline Public Schools. The event was emceed by John Curley, host of Evening Magazine on KING TV.

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 $80,000. "The highlight for me was seeing what our community's effort could yield in terms of classroom enrichment, student learning, and access to higher learning," said Board of Trustees President, Dr. Holly Moore.

With a theme of "What if?" the program showcased the Foundation's many programs and feautured students from throughout the district. Sisters Maren and Olivia Gibson from Marvista Elementary School sang the National Anthem, the Seahurst Honors Choir led by Theresa Fornalski performed three songs, and Giovanni Del Toro, currently attending the University of Washington, spoke about the benefits that he received from winning the Seattle Tacoma International Airport Scholarship. Guitarists from Tyee High School, Kyle Calamion, Arturo Oregon and Uriel Palaxios-Chavez, provided pre-event entertainment and Philip Thelin, an 8th grader from Sylvester Middle School, played the bagpipes to conclude the event.

In a spinoff of "Evening Magazine," the program featured "Highline Magazine" and showed video clips from four classrooms that benefitted from the Foundation's Excel Grant programs.

The Executive Event Sponsor was Powell Homes and Event Sponsors were Countrywide Home Loans, Rogers & Norman Insurance and The Boeing Company. Robinson Newspapers served as the media sponsor.

Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence was established in 2001. With a mission "To develop community resources to help students succeed," the Foundation is the only 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting all Highline public schools. The Foundation supports academic achievement, classroom grants, scholarships, and the arts.

Pictured are (l-r) Holly Moore, Foundation Board President; Alice McGregor, Volunteer of the Year; Scott McComb, Teacher of the Year; Diana Garcia, Administrator of the Year; Mike Castro, Classified Employee of the Year; and John Curley from KING 5's Evening Magazine.

Photo courtesy Photography by Steven.

HHS Students Selected for UW Climate Quest

Two Highline High School sophomores, Marckus Jacobs (left) and Andy Vorn (right), have been selected to participate in the University of Washington's Climate Quest this summer. This is a 7-day intensive course that introduces high school students to the issue of climate change. Students will create videos to translate what they learn about the basic science of climate, the impact of climate change on the Pacific Northwest and efforts to curb greenhouse emissions. Marckus and Andy are part of Nanci Leonard's AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) class which prepares students for college admission. Climate Quest will put these students in direct contact with college mentors and will allow the students to earn college credit.

Highline Council PTSA Presents Awards

The Highline Council PTSA honored staff, administrators, parents, and volunteers at its annual awards presentation on June 3. Highline Council (HCPTSA) is the umbrella organization for all school PTSA groups in our school district. Recipients of the Community Service Award were Fred Meyer Redondo, Round Table Pizza, community volunteer Ray Prentice, and Ed Kion, a volunteer at Seahurst Elementary.

The Advocacy for Youth award went to retiring Cedarhurst Principal Leslie Perry.

Karen Cody, a Mount Rainier High School volunteer and co-president of HCPTSA, received the Golden Acorn award.

The Outstanding Service award was given to former Highline School Board members Phyllis Byers, Matt Pina, and Tom Slattery.

Chris Wilder, a teacher and International Baccalaureate coordinator at Mount Rainier High School, was named Outstanding Educator.

The Rising Star award was presented to Karen Boshear, HCPTSA Vice President for the Tyee service area.

HCPTSA Treasurer Tracy Yorker received the President's Award.

Congratulations!

Highline Students Named Governor's Scholars

Two Highline Public Schools students have been named Governor's Scholars. Mary Magdelene (Madel) Rogulj of Global Connections and Byron Maye of HS3 have received four-year scholarships to any public or private university or college in the state of Washington. In addition to the education, they will also get a mentor to help them along the way.

Six former Washington governors joined forces to support youth in foster care when they created the Governor's Scholarship program. Former Governor Gary Locke stated, "Only 3% of foster kids ever make it to college - primarily because they can't afford to support themselves and go to school at the same time." The state foster care system support for youth ends at age 18.

Trina Hickey, a recipient of the Governor's Scholarship early on, has graduated from UPS and is working to help transition foster youth into adulthood.

In the seven years since its inception, the Governor's Scholarship has been awarded to 144 foster care youth from around the State.

District Retirees Celebrated

Superintendent Welch and the School Board honored this year's retiring employees at a reception held June 11 prior to the board meeting.

The cake and coffee reception provided an opportunity for the retirees to mingle with the board members, staff, and guests. Superintendent Welch thanked the retirees for their years of dedicated service to the students of Highline saying, "The lives of so many have been improved by having known and worked with each and every one of you."

2007-2008 retirees include the following:

Pictured top row: Tim McShane, Gloria Pasquan, Sally Penney, Leslie Perry
Middle row: Joeleen Baker, Helen Ewings, Mary Newby, Victor Tang
First row: Diana Crosby, Rebecca Casperson, Gloria McBeth

Aviation High School Students Team with Boeing Engineers

Ninth-grade science students at Aviation High School have been working with a group of Boeing engineers to design and test wing beams. The assignment was to design and build a cantilever wing beam (in the shape of a 2x4) out of papier mache and test it to destruction. Pictured below are steps of the static test of the papier mache wing beam design entries from the Flight Test Structures and Stability and Control Analysis groups. The 'grade' was determined by an efficiency factor that is calculated by dividing the max bending moment by the mass of the beam. Only newspaper and starch could be used as materials. There were additional dimensional requirements that also had to be met.

AHS student Miranda Sita is shown briefing the Boeing team on how to set up the test rig. The black, five-gallon bucket at the bottom is filled with water and is pulling down on the beam in the fixture. The data system is two data-loggers (in grey), one for beam deflection and one for water height. The beam is attached to the test rig by a C clamp.

The beam is in the fixture and being tested. Scott McComb (left), AHS science teacher, and one of the Boeing engineers add more weight to reach ultimate load. Note, that with a full bucket of water and about six diving weights inside, in total, this beam supported over 170 lbs.

Sylvester Students Raise Funds and Food

Students at Sylvester Middle School held their third annual Fun Walk for Philanthropy on Friday, June 6. At an assembly kicking off the walk, students celebrated their participation in projects that benefit the community.

Over the past few weeks, students brought in 929 cans of food, which will be donated to the Burien food bank.

Last fall, they conducted a penny harvest that was matched with a grant from Rebels with a Cause. At Friday's assembly, a check for $1,200 was presented to Ruth Dykeman Children's Center for their work with youth.

Principal Vicki Fisher and teacher Claire Waistell present a check to a Ruth Dykeman representative.	Students cheer on walkers.

LSU hosts Parent Outreach Event

Latinos Stand Up! Movement students at Global Connections High School planned and facilitated their second annual Parent Outreach Spring BBQ on Sunday, June 1. The event was held at Angle Lake Park in SeaTac.

Over 50 parents, family members, and community members attended the event. Students served a delicious parent-prepared feast of chicken fajitas, tortillas, beans, and rice, and then broke the attendees up into three rotating groups who attended student-led workshops on parent involvement, gang prevention, and the Dream Act.

This is the third LSU parent event this school year. The LSU club members plan to continue their parent outreach efforts next school year, and hope to involve more parents in the sessions.

Washington's First Gentleman Visits Bow Lake

Mike Gregoire, husband of Governor Chris Gregoire, paid a visit to Bow Lake Elementary on June 3. The "First Mike," as he prefers to be called, came to the school in response to an invitation emailed by fourth grader Matthew Forbes.

Matthew's mom, Cheryl Forbes, learned that Mr. Gregoire likes to visit schools and libraries promoting literacy. She encouraged Matthew to invite Mr. Gregoire to Bow Lake. Matthew did, and the invitation was accepted.

Matthew greeted Mr. Gregoire and his staff as they arrived at Bow Lake and escorted them to the school library, where they chatted with librarian Deanna Bell. Matthew then took them to his classroom to meet his teacher, Erika Larson, and his classmates.

Mr. Gregoire read the class "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs" by Jon Scieszka. He answered students' questions, which ranged from "what is the most interesting place you have traveled?" to "does your wife have control of the laws and if so, can she outlaw puppy mills?"

Mr. Gregoire encouraged the students to keep reading. He also urged them to honor the soldiers, police officers, and firefighters who serve the country and the community.

Pictured above: Mike Gregoire with Bow Lake Librarian Deanna Bell.

Mr. Gregoire reads to Erika Larson's fourth-grade class.	Mike Gregoire with Bow Lake fourth-grade student Matthew Forbes.

Global Connections DECA Clothing Drive Funds Third-World Families

Global Connections DECA held a reusable Clothing Drive, which collected over 3,500 pounds of reusable clothing from our community. Road signs created by Howard Graphics were seen in front of the school for several weeks, letting the community know about the clothing drive. Each person donating clothing was given their choice of a reusable Fred Meyer shopping bag, a CFL light bulb, or a water-saving shower head. These "give away" items were funded in part by Fred Meyer and a grant from the Sustainable Seattle organization. All clothing was "sold" to Value Village and a "profit" of $657 was earned. Global Connections DECA will be donating the money to the Heifer Foundation to provide farm animals for families living in third-world countries.

Aviation High School Presents Aviation Story Celebration Evening

Aviation High School AP Language students have completed a story project based on interviews with various volunteers from the aviation and aerospace industry and community. Their final project is a book containing all the stories that will be distributed to the students and mentors. A celebration ceremony was held June 11 to honor the project participants. Guests enjoyed a reception during which they met the story project participants and viewed exhibits relating to the stories.

Aviation High School students first read biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs by famous aviators, astronauts, and others in the industry, such as Charles Lindbergh, Beryl Markham, and Neil Armstrong. In their studies they realized that there are many more stories to tell from people who have made a difference in the industry but are not famous. Thus, they found volunteers in the aviation industry and community to interview and write their stories which were compiled into a book entitled Aviation and Aerospace Stories: A Time Capsule in Print.

"Our goal with this project was to recognize the hard work, experiences, and accomplishments of a diverse group of people who are united through their passion for aviation. In addition, the project allowed the students to learn more about the aviation industry and to use their writing skills in a different genre besides essays and research papers," says teacher Mary Ciccone-Cook.

Bragging Rights

We are very pleased to share good news about the educational accomplishments of staff members and their families:

STAFF Stephanie Nichols, sixth-grade teacher at North Hill, would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Gerri Goss, North Hill educational assistant and Madrona ELL facilitator. "Gerri finished her Principal's Course this year, and after many years teaching is off to become an administrator. She has been a backbone of support for me this year after I took her class over in October. I want to acknowledge her for this reason. She has been a mentor for me this year getting me started with my first year as a sixth-grade teacher. All while completing this course and working at two schools!"

FAMILIES Lynn Anderson will graduate from Mount Rainier High School. She will be continuing her education at Pacific Lutheran University, where she will be majoring in communication. Lynn is the daughter of Midway Special Education Paraeducator Carlyn Anderson.

Emily Dorough is graduating from Puget Sound Skills Center in both the Leadership and Management program and the Vitals program. Emily is the daughter of Linda Dorough, bookkeeper at Pacific.

Cole Gravel will be graduating from Central Washington University with a bachelor's degree in paramedic and a minor in business. He plans on working in either Yakima or Wenatchee after spending a month in Europe.
Laura Gravel will be graduating from Highline High School and plans on attending Renton Tech or South Seattle Community College in the culinary arts program.
Cole and Laura are the children of district nurse Debbie Bosch-Gravel and Casey Gravel.

Niccolo Locati was named valedictorian of senior class at Kennedy High School and will attend Yale University in the fall. Niccolo is the son of Bow Lake Principal Diana Garcia.

Jamie Nichols is a member of the first graduating class from New Start High School. Mom, Trudie Nichols of New Start, Career Link, and CHOICE, writes, "He is SPED and passed all four parts of the WASL."

Nina Paasche, Mount Rainier 2004, will graduate from Seattle University in June with a degree in psychology. Proud parents are Stein and Bonnie Paasche, Madrona counselor.

Dr. Cheris Paresa, DC, daughter of Seahurst Counselor Rosemary Paresa, graduated from Life West Chiropractic College in Hayward California on December 9, 2007.

Ashley Schindel graduated from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, on May 5 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Children's Ministries. She will enter a nine-month internship program in the fall at Camp Timber-lee in East Troy, Wisconsin. Ashley is the daughter of Cheryl Schindel, executive assistant in the teaching and learning department at ERAC, and Darrell Schindel.

Rafika Shibly graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration from George Washington University with magna cum laude. Mohamad Shibly will be graduating on June 14 from Chief Sealth High School as one of their top ten graduates and in the 10% of seniors graduating in Washington State. He will be attending the University of Washington next year.
Rafika and Mohamad are the children of Gregory Heights ELL Teacher Marianne Shibly.

Catherine Tart, daughter of Hilltop Office Assistant Vivienne Tart, is graduating from Mount Rainier High School and is the recipient of a National Merit Scholarship. Catherine has been awarded a four-year Honors Undergraduate Scholar Award at University of Washington.

Peter Watkins received a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Washington. Peter is the son of Bobette Watkins, Bow Lake, and Clyde Watkins, Transportation.

Market Night at Seahurst Elementary

Seahurst Elementary School hosted a "Market Night" on May 15, a fun-filled night where the Seahurst gym was transformed into a Farmer's Market of fresh fruit and vegetable produce stations. Seahurst students were cashiers at the stations while Seahurst children and families came to "purchase" food with play money, building math skills, and at the same time strong, healthy bodies! Families brought home delicious fresh fruits and vegetables, and learned about the importance of consuming a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables for lifelong health. This event was a great success with over 300 in attendance.

The event was funded by the Love Your Veggies Nationwide School Lunch Campaign grant, sponsored by the makers of Hidden Valley Salad Dressings in collaboration with the School Nutrition Foundation and Produce for Better Health Foundation. Seahurst Elementary will use the $10,000 in grant funds to offer a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits to students and provide a part-time wellness coordinator to work with teachers to create hands-on, experiential nutrition exercises in the classroom. Family nights will continue to be held to encourage healthy family mealtimes and nutritious foods.

"The Love Your Veggies grant will allow us to take students on the adventure of learning to love fresh fruits and veggies," said Highline Public Schools Nutrition Services Manager Brianna Smith, RD. "We hope to spark their interest and develop lifelong habits of eating nutritious, delicious foods."

Class Act Summer Schedule

Mark your calendars... the Class Act Restaurant at Puget Sound Skills Center is open a number of days this summer. Plan to join the summer-school students for lunch between 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on one of the following dates: June 26 or 27 and July 1 - 3, 8 - 11, and 15.

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