Highline Holds Parent Math Academies Designed to Help Parents Support Student Learning
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.
The Discovering series was adopted by the school board last spring.
At the parent math academy, parents learned what students will learn in the new curriculum. They were shown how to access online help for students who are stuck on homework problems, and how to find the actual text online so a student can complete his homework if he leaves his book at school or is home due to illness.
"I've been pretty confused about the math and the way they have been teaching it previously, but this new program has a lot of tools," says Valerie Constantino, who has a son in middle school and one in high school. At the parent academy, "I really learned how to help my kids with their math."
The next parent math academy will be held September 28 at 6:00 p.m. at Highline Public Schools central office, 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW in Burien. Additional academies are scheduled for October 12 and October 24.
School Profile - First in a Series...
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.
It's really more of a dress code than a strict uniform: navy or tan pants with navy or white tops. At Midway, they call it "dressing for success." Last February, parents voted to establish a uniform policy by a 70% margin.
Principal Ben Gauyan says the uniforms have changed more than the way students dress. "The students have a new sense of purpose. They're serious about learning and making progress. They are developing goals and beginning to see themselves as successful."
The students file through the hallway of their spacious school, a facility that opened just two years ago and still has that "new" feeling. These children act like they are focused on learning. They are cooperative and eager to get started, and the halls are quiet and orderly.
The students separate into their respective classrooms, stash their backpacks, and find their way to their desks. But before they dive into learning, they join in the daily school-wide "success chant," led over the intercom by Educational Assistant Karin Kovach:
I am a Midway student. I am safe. I am helpful. I am positive. I am respectful. I am responsible. I am college-bound. I am proud to be a Midway student!"
There are many reasons for these students to be proud. For starters, their WASL scores are up for the second year in a row. Reading scores have improved at every grade level with an average increase of 13 points. In math, the scores have jumped tremendously since 2005-06. Growth in math proficiency from fall to spring exceeds expectations when compared with peer schools across the nation. For example, last year Midway sixth graders experienced math achievement growth equivalent to an extra half year of school.
The story behind the numbers has many factors: a stable and committed staff, a federal Read First grant, after-school programs, a parent leadership program, and full-day kindergarten.
And last year, Midway's sixth graders began AVID, a program that introduces college-readiness skills to students who might not otherwise be thinking about going to college. AVID teaches study habits and organizational skills, and helps student connect with professionals in the community to learn the educational requirements of various occupations.
Pacific Middle School, where Midway students go for seventh and eighth grade, recently interviewed students for entrance into its AVID classes. Pacific staff found that Midway students were "in a league of their own."
"I never dreamed the impact on the student population would be that powerful that fast!" says Pacific teacher Schell Ross. "Midway students were amazingly well spoken about their learning: what they did well... what they needed to improve on. Not only that, they were already looking past sixth grade, [to] middle school and high school, and beyond."
Midway has a diverse student body. Nearly half of Midway students are Latino. Forty-five percent of students are not proficient in English. Thanks to grant funding, Midway has had a Family Advocate/Academic Coach focused on providing extra support to Latino third and fifth graders. As a result, these students have improved in academics, attendance, and behavior.
Latino parents have also become more involved in the school as a result of a ten-week family academy that has helped parents learn how to navigate the school system. The academy also includes a college-readiness component for students ages 10 to 18.
Midway is a school in relentless pursuit of success for every student. Gauyan summed it up with, "These past few years have been about building the processes and structures to create sustainability by our staff. This group now has a clear picture of where we are going - and they're ready to fly. And, the great part is, we know we don't have to do this work alone. From the custodian to the classroom teachers, from the office staff to the nutrition services group, we are all here to work together for the good of our students." He went on to say, "I am so proud of the accomplishments of this team. We are on a great trajectory of progress"
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(l-r) Princess Loto and Mirelis Veguilla settle in with independent reading
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Ernestgreen Sigrah hard at work.
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Office staff always ready to help - (seated is Office Assistant Pam Keller with Office Manager Janelle Hrisko standing).
| Educational Assistant Karen Kovach leads the morning announcements - including the Success Chant.
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Principal Ben Gauyan joins teacher Stacey Gehrke with her class.
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Caption for top photo: Kristina Cazarez leads her class into their room for Kindergarten.
Mount Rainier Student Named National Merit Semi-finalist
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.
As a semi-finalist, Wray is eligible to compete for finalist status and higher honors, which include a one-time scholarship of $2,500 from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, a National Merit Scholarship from a participating corporation, or a National Merit Scholarship from a participating college, which is renewable for up to four years.
Congratulations, Harrison!
Foundation For Excellence Hosts Annual Oktoberfest
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.
This year the Foundation is partnering with the Burien Brat Trot. Adults who are winners in the Brat Trot race will receive their awards at the Oktoberfest dinner.
Dinner features beer from Elliot Bay Brewery and bratwurst from Dan the Sausage Man. Fernwood at the Park is sponsoring authentic hot German potato salad and a special door prize. The Burien Fred Meyer is also a sponsor, helping to cover costs for the event.
A major portion of the proceeds from the auction will be used to support scholarships to cover participation fees for middle and high school athletic programs.
"Athletic fees, while necessary, might exclude some students from participating in sports," says Executive Director Holly Moore. "The Highline Schools Foundation wants to help all students stay engaged and in school." The Foundation is developing a scholarship fund to cover some of the costs for students who need financial assistance.
The evening will feature a fundraising auction. "We have some great live and silent auction items for you to get a jump on holiday shopping," says Moore.
Dance music will be provided by Foremost DJ. Beer and wine will be half price during happy hour from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $30.00 each in advance (half price to Highline Public Schools employees) or $35.00 at the door. Seating is limited to 300.
Hazel Valley Named One of State's Highest Improving 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.
Hazel Valley has improved significantly in its reading scores, but its improvements in math are especially impressive. Seven years ago, less than 30 percent of students met the state standard on the math WASL; last year, 60 percent of students met standard.
"This is only the beginning!" says Principal Johnathan Letcher. "The Hazel Valley staff, parents, and community are working to effect results, not simply effort." Letcher credited his predecessor Annah Petersen-Benitez for her service at Hazel Valley prior to his arrival there in September 2007.
Hazel Valley and other award winners will be honored at a Great Schools 2009 luncheon on September 26.
Grants Open for Application - Teachers
Several science, environmental, and technology grants are now open for application.
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
Science Principal & Teacher Awards
link here for full descriptions: http://www.nsta.org/about/awards.aspx
Deadline: November 30, 2009
National Semiconductor
Science in Action Awards Contest
link here for details and entry forms: http://www.national.com/analog/community/scienceinaction
Deadline: November 8, 2009
Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge invites students and teachers to address environmental issues.
link here for details and entry forms: http://wecanchange.com/
Deadline: Elementary level - January 31, 2010
Middle School - March 15, 2010
Vernier Technology Award for Individual Teachers
link here for details: http://www.vernier.com/grants/nsta.html
or info@vernier.com; 800-837-6437
Deadline: November 30, 2009
TEC High School Awarded Engineering Grant
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).
Each academy will receive support for a specific engineering project to be implemented in the 2009-2010 school year. Projects will range from the creation of robotics models to the design of non-motorized simple machines.
Kelly Engineering Resources, in awarding these grants, explained, "It can be said that the future of engineering lies in the knowledge and talents of today's students. In order to prepare current high school students for a successful college experience within the discipline of engineering, a strong high school foundation must be established."
Tim McAward, KER vice president, is hoping to support engineering academies and students well into the future. "Currently, there is a large shortage of talent within the engineering industry," said McAward. "By consciously educating today's youth and inspiring students to develop a passion for the field, the future of engineering will be bright for years to come."
JD Hoye, president of NAF, supports the partnership's goal of enriching the educational experiences of interested engineering students. "High school students should have an opportunity to develop their career interests and breadth of knowledge well before college or careers," said Hoye. "With the help of grants, high schools are able to provide their NAF Academy students with opportunities to experience their career interests first-hand."
Aviation High Students Participate in Washington Aerospace Scholars
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.
They were among the 150 students who qualified for the Washington Aerospace Scholars Summer Residency program from 260 students who applied last November. To qualify for the residency program, they spent six months studying a NASA-designed, distance-learning curriculum via the Internet. Based on their academic performance on the distance-learning lessons, they were selected to attend one of the four residencies hosted at The Museum of Flight in Seattle this summer. During the residency experience, they collaborated with the other student participants on the design of a human mission to Mars. WAS scholars are guided by professional engineers, scientists, university students, and certified educators as they plan these missions. The WAS program is designed to inspire students to pursue degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); but the students are divided into teams, which also require them to learn about mission management, budgets, the legal aspects of space exploration, and medicine.
In addition to the design of the human mission to Mars, they and the other WAS scholars participated in a number of hands-on engineering challenges. These challenges included design, construction and deployment of robotic rovers, model rockets, lander devices, and payload lofting systems. Summer residency participants also received briefings from experts in the fields of engineering, science, physics, medicine, project management, risk management, and space exploration, such as Dr. Bonnie J. Dunbar astronaut and CEO of The Museum of Flight. They also visited Everett, Washington, for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Boeing Commercial Airplane assembly plant, (including the new 787) and toured engineering laboratories at the University of Washington. As graduates of WAS, Thomas Malchodi, Andrew May, Andrew Reece, and Michael Thompson join over 380 alumni representing 170 different Washington high schools.
All expenses (including travel, meals, and lodging) are provided to students by the Washington Aerospace Scholars Foundation. The program has been supported through generous grants from The Apex Foundation, The Aldarra Foundation, The Boeing Company, Microsoft, Battelle, and individual donors. The Museum of Flight hosts both the program administration and the summer residency sessions. Additional partners include NASA Johnson Space Center for curriculum development, the Washington State Governor's Office, Washington State Legislators, and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Washington Aerospace Scholars began accepting applications in early September for the 2009-2010 program cycle; visit www.museumofflight.org/washingtonaerospacescholars to download an application. WAS participants must be high school juniors with 3.0 minimum grade-point-averages, United States citizens and Washington State residents. The deadline for student applications is November 6, 2009.
Click for WAS Student Application Form 2009-10 (pdf) ..>
Click for WAS Teacher Application Form Summer 2010 (pdf) ..>
Click for WAS Fall 2009 Newsletter (pdf) ..>
New Marvista Elementary Opens - Thank You, Voters!
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.
The community is invited to a Grand Opening Celebration scheduled for Thursday, September 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There will be a short program beginning at 5:45 p.m., with tours and dinner following.
Principal Rebekah Kim commented, "Our students and staff are so excited about the new building. It provides space for great learning opportunities and for our community to gather - with the school as the centerpiece."
Marvista, located in Normandy Park, is the twelfth new school to be completed in Highline since 2004. The construction projects have been financed by bonds approved by voters in 2002 and 2006. Prior to 2002, no school construction bond had been approved since 1986. During that 16-year period, the district was unable to replace aging buildings.
"We had a long list of old and outdated schools that needed to be replaced," said Superintendent John Welch. "We are grateful that the community saw that need and approved the funding to allow us to build schools that are safer and provide the current technology our students need to compete in today's world."
Barbara Wilson Named Outstanding Career Guidance Professional
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.
This award is presented to a career guidance professional for outstanding work in career guidance and counseling at any level from junior high school to postsecondary and adult. The recipient must have been a member of the ACTE (Association of Career and Technical Education) Guidance Division for three years or more and be a practicing technical/career guidance professional whose work at the local, state, or national level is deemed worthy of recognition.
Here is what they had to say about her:
Barbara Wilson, Highline Public Schools, Seattle, Washington
Barbara Wilson currently works for Highline Public Schools as a College and Career Specialist where she oversees career guidance in ten high schools. She works with educators in the high schools to provide guidance, professional development, and career exploration. Prior to her work at the district level, she provided career guidance and counseling at Evergreen High School in Seattle, Washington. One of her colleagues reports that she has been a tireless advocate for CTE and does all things with a CTE flair. At Evergreen High School, she implemented Navigation 101, Washington State's premier career guidance program. She did this in record time and with great success. She has also received many awards and honors including Washington ACTE's Outstanding Service Award (2006-2007) and Washington ACTE's Outstanding Career Guidance Counselor (2004-2005). Barbara has also served on the ACTE Guidance and Career Development Division Policy Committee from 2005 to the present time. We are honored to recognize her for her professionalism, dedication, and vision.
White Center Block Party a Success
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.
There were several community organizations on hand to share information with families; including King County Public Health, Southwest Youth and Family Services, and White Center Community Development Association.
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.
FREE SAT Prep Classes Available
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.
The library is located at 21620 - 11th Avenue South in Des Moines. Call 206-824-6066 for more information.
Get the flyer...>
Essence of Success Conference October 19-20
Essence of Success
Date for 2009-2010 School Year
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.
There are only 100 slots available. Registration for the conference will be on a "first-come, first-served" eligibility and availability basis. Mail in your application and a copy of your high school transcript ASAP, but no later than Wednesday, October 7, 2009.
Essence of Success Application
An unofficial transcript is required.
World Vision and Target Help Teachers and Families
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.
