Focus on Great Teaching: How Highline Strives to Move Teaching from Good to Great
One of Highline's most significant strategies for pushing all students to high levels of learning is to continuously improve the quality of classroom instruction. Research shows that the single most important factor for improving student achievement is to have excellent teachers. Highline teachers are constantly learning and getting better at what they do by participating in a practice modeled on the way physicians train while serving in residency.
Highline's approach was recently profiled in the "Journal of Staff Development." Read an excerpt...>
U.S. Department of Education Team Impressed by Aviation High School
Charles Rose, General Counsel for the United States Department of Education (ED) visited Aviation High School (AHS) on October 14 representing Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.
"Arne says it only takes five to ten minutes to get a sense of a school. I can tell already - this is a top-level school," said Rose. "This is the kind of school that we should be shining the light on at the federal level. I'm not aware of any other in the country doing what you're doing here. I'm struck by the innovation."
Eighteen AHS students participated in a "listening session" with Rose and his teams from ED. Federal education officials are conducting listening sessions around the nation to learn about successful schools and programs.
In the listening session, Rose asked how AHS had successfully attracted low-income and ethnically diverse students. One aviation professional who mentors an AHS student responded, "By engaging mentors from business and industry, it doesn't matter the size of the parents' bank accounts, all kids have opportunities here - and mentors connect the learning to real jobs."
Rose praised Highline Public Schools and Aviation High School for partnering with business, industry, and philanthropy. He said he supports legislation and policies that empower local leadership to take risks and inspire community members to get involved with schools for the benefit of all students.
Rose expressed concern that our nation is falling behind the rest of the world in education, and warned of the devastating impact on the nation's economy. With only 67% of students graduating from high school and 40% of adults completing college, he said the U.S. is losing its ability to be a global leader.
Rose cited federal education goals that mirror Highline's vision of graduating every student prepared for college, career, and citizenship. President Obama has established a goal for 60% of American adults to have either a two- or four-year degree by 2020. Rose said that will require fundamental changes in how public education is structured.
"We're looking for transformative models in public schools," said Rose. "The kind of things happening here are precisely what should be happening around the country."
Photo captions: Aviation High School Principal Reba Gilman and Department of Education General Counsel Charles Rose. Education General Counsel Charles Rose learning about the robot design and construction process from members of Aviation High School's Robotics Team.
Parent and Students Benefit from Life After High School Event
More than 1000 students and parents from our middle schools and high schools attended the annual, district-wide Life After High School event on October 7 at the Tyee Educational Complex. The four high school college and career specialists coordinated the event. Eighty-five representatives from colleges, universities, community and technical colleges, apprenticeship programs, military recruiters, green collar careers, and civil service opportunities were on hand to answer questions and provide literature on their programs.
The evening started with a keynote address from Polly Stansell, the director of product development at McGraw-Hill. Representing the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, she described the skills that are critical for student success in the 21st century global economy.
Well attended workshops included "How to Pay for College," "Completing the College Application," and a parent-student panel presenting tips about preparing for college during high school (all the things they wish they knew before their students headed off to college).
The Tyee pep band provided the spirit for the middle school rally. With the help from the NELA Center for Student Success, students got into the "spirit" of preparing for their post-secondary education and were encouraged to sign up for the College Bound Scholarship.
For more information go to http://www.hecb.wa.gov/paying/waaidprgm/CollegeBoundScholarship.asp.
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Melissa Lang participated on a parent/student panel and shared information on how to keep records during grades 9-12 of all the things that will help students complete college and scholarship applications.
| | Beth Ahlstrom from the Higher Education Coordinating Board helped middle school students and their parents complete the scholarship application for the College Bound Scholar.
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| Jennifer Schoen from the University of Washington provided helpful hints for completing the college application, including SAT scores, essays and personal statements. | | Saint Martin's University was one of 80 different colleges and training facilities that answered questions and provided information to students and parents. |
Math Teachers Get Schooled on New Algebra Curriculum
Thirty-seven middle and high school math teachers attended an optional professional development session on Highline's newly adopted algebra curriculum. They learned about how to integrate technology with the lessons, and shared ideas for helping students "get it."
Cascade Middle School Teacher Surprised at Assembly
Cascade Middle School teacher Christine Oberloh received the OfficeMax "A Day Made Better" recognition on October 6 at a school-wide assembly. She was part of a nationwide recognition program where 1,300 teachers received a surprise visit by local OfficeMax staff laden with gifts worth over $1,000 for each classroom.
Ms. Oberloh was nominated by Office Manager Jeni White and Bookkeeper Tricia McGuire. "Although all of our staff deserves to be recognized, we kept coming back to Christine for many reasons," they said. "She is a tireless advocate for student success - she often spends her lunch time tracking down students to follow up with them. She makes phone calls to homes and comes in early or stays late to help students with assignments."
In addition Ms. Oberloh is seen as a great team player. "She is the first person to volunteer to cover when there's a shortage or picks up a ringing phone when the office staff is busy helping other students," said White. "Christine is an amazing teacher and co-worker."
Included in the enormous prize box were lots of pens, colored pencils, Sharpies, Post-it notes, and many other basic supplies. There was also a digital camera and a label maker. Ms. Oberloh also received a leather, ergonomic, desk chair.
OfficeMax has declared educators as its companywide cause and is mobilizing 3,500+ employees to support teachers nationwide. "A Day Made Better" is derived from the concept that OfficeMax can make at least one day better for educators, providing 1,300 teachers with essential classroom supplies. Through this event, OfficeMax seeks to educate and motivate the public to take action and partner with educators and schools in their community to make donations to Adopt-a-Classroom, funding more than 10,000 classrooms.
Global Connections' Rick Harwood Named Community Champion
Global Connections High School principal Rick Harwood has received the 2009 Molina Healthcare Community Champions award for his work with connecting students and community supports. Harwood also received a $1,000 grant to donate to the organization of his choice, which he designated to the SeaTac Rotary.
Harwood has been principal of the Tyee Campus of Global Connections High School since it was founded four years ago. He has created numerous opportunities for the new SeaTac Community PTSA to be introduced to parents, teachers, educators and community supporters. One of Harwood's goals is to help graduates of Global Connections enter two and four-year colleges. Many students who typically wouldn't have been able to afford college have received college scholarships.
"Molina Healthcare is proud to recognize the outstanding individuals and groups who serve our community," said Glen Bogner, president of Molina Healthcare of Washington. "Community Champions is not only an opportunity for Molina to give back to the community but to say thank you to each recipient for making Seattle a healthier and safer place to live."
Community Champions was created by Molina Healthcare to recognize the everyday heroes in our midst. The program's goal is to honor individuals and support agencies that inspire others through selflessness, extraordinary service and contributions that positively affect the health, well-being and lives of those around them.
"Thank You" from the Foundation
The following is an open thank-you letter from the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence.
The Foundation wants to thank Highline district families, friends, and staff for the support of Oktoberfest. We made nearly $25,000 for students in the district and had a great party at the same time! The committee is already looking forward to next year and an even bigger event.
The Highline Schools Foundation is working with Barnes & Noble on a Book Fair occurring December 7 to the 13th. We will have wish lists from the schools and some friendly competition between schools. This is a perfect opportunity to purchase holiday gifts for teachers, family, and friends and at the same time give to all the schools in the district. We will be sending out shopping vouchers that can be used in any Barnes & Noble in the country (December 7-13) so folks across the country can help support our schools! The Southcenter store is our central location with the Westwood Village store also involved in the benefit. Just an additional note - educators get a 20% discount and the sale is still recorded in our total.
We are looking at a wide variety of ways to raise funds to support all the schools and students in the district. Another is through "Good Search" and "Good Shop" and on-line service. The "Good Search" engine pays us a small amount every time a search is conducted using our name in the charity line (Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence). In much the same way, "Good Shop" pays us when you shop on-line using our name. There are thousands of on-line vendors that participate in this program and they often have special discounts available only through "Good Shop." So whether you are shopping for home furnishings, remodeling materials or holiday gifts keep the Foundation in mind - it will benefit our kids.
One final way to support the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence is through your United Way contribution. If you or a family member works for an organization that has a matching program or even a combined fund drive, you can name the Foundation for all or part of your donation. These funds, once received, go directly to support our mission of providing community resources to help Highline Public Schools succeed.
Sincerely, Holly Moore, executive director
Highline Receives Grant for Community Schools Programs at Middle Schools
Highline Public Schools has been awarded a grant to expand community schools programs at Chinook and Cascade middle schools and establish programs at Sylvester and Pacific middle schools. The initial $200,000 award is part of a five-year $1 million grant funded by The Seattle Foundation and the Raikes Foundation.
Highline partners with the non-profit Community Schools Collaboration to provide academic and enrichment programs to students after school, as well as other support services to student and their families. The partnership will use the grant funds to create a support system that will help students achieve their maximum potential in school, work and life, including programs that ease the elementary school-to-middle school and middle school-to-high school transitions.
"This initiative helps schools connect to nonprofits and other neighborhood resources in ways that really make a difference for middle-schoolers in our community," Michael Brown, vice president of community leadership at The Seattle Foundation.
"We are grateful for the Seattle Foundation's investment in Highline and the prospect of a long-term partnership," said John Welch, superintendent of Highline Public Schools. "Thanks to the Foundation's funding, many of our students will benefit from academic support and enrichment programs that will effectively extend their school day and their opportunities for learning."
The Seattle Foundation is the oldest and largest community foundation in the region. Its mission is create a healthy community through engaged philanthropy, community knowledge and leadership.
The Raikes Foundation is a private family foundation focused on support for young adolescents so that they can grow up to be healthy, contributing members of society.
Cascade Middle School Gets a Facelift
Recently, volunteers from the Real Estate Staging Association teamed up with students and staff members to give Cascade Middle School a make-over. They weeded and spread beauty bark, gave the main office a new coat of paint, and transformed the staff lounge. All materials, furnishings, and labor were donated. Check out the before and after photos!
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Staff Lounge Before 1
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Staff Lounge After 1
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Jacob Ellis Assistant Principal
| | Ramona Grove, 8th Grade Science
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Judy Cullen and her sons Rolando and Felix Culen. Judy is an ELL Teacher.
| | Chris Kennon - registrar
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Mike Castro - Security Officer
| | Felix and Rolando Cullen
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Lauren Wilson - 8th grade LA/SS teacher
| | Jacob Ellis - Asst. Principal
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Highline Partner WCELI Announces New Director
Highline Public Schools has a strong partnership with the White Center Early Learning Initiative (WCELI). White Center Heights Elementary (WCH) is adjacent to the center and teachers work regularly with the WCELI team to develop transition activities and WCELI provides staff development for WCH kindergarten and first-grade teachers. With the addition of a preschool at White Center Heights, ties between the two groups will expand. Additionally, WCELI staff will assist in creating the Early Learning Integration section of the WCH School Improvement Plan for 2009-2010.
The White Center Early Learning Initiative partners are very pleased to announce that Leilani Dela Cruz has been appointed the new director of WCELI. The selection was made following an extensive search and application process, which included a community forum to meet the candidates.
Leilani Dela Cruz brings unique qualifications, enthusiasm and proven commitment to her new position. She has been integrally involved with WCELI since 2006, when she served as the WCELI Planning Coordinator, working to assure that White Center residents and stakeholders played a key role in designing WCELI. For the past year, Leilani has volunteered as the co-chair of the WCELI Community Advisory Committee, building community engagement in WCELI's programs and broader early learning work in the community.
Dr. Monte Bridges, superintendent of Puget Sound Educational Service District, which serves as the lead agency for WCELI, stated, "We are elated that Leilani will be expanding the span of her leadership for WCELI. She has the vision, organizational skills, and relationships to help move this work forward for children, families, and the community."
"We are looking forward to working with Leilani in her new role," added Brenda Blasingame, director of Programs and Evaluation at Thrive by Five Washington. "Her knowledge of early childhood, connection to the White Center community, and commitment to the vision of WCELI will be a winning combination." Thrive by Five Washington and the Gates Foundation are major funders of the WCELI work.
In addition to her work with WCELI, Leilani has been a program manager for the King County Early Intervention Program since 2007 and an early childhood program planner for Spokane County Community Services. She holds an MSW from Eastern Washington University and a BA in social work from the University of Guam.
Leilani will begin work as the WCELI director on Monday, October 26. "I am very excited about returning to WCELI full-time and look forward to building upon the foundation that has been laid by the WCELI partners, staff, and Community Advisory Committee. I am eager to work very closely with all of the stakeholders, particularly community members, to establish strong and meaningful partnerships. I hope to increase WCELI's outreach efforts and learn from the expertise that already exists in the community in order to create a truly cohesive, community-based initiative."
The White Center Early Learning Initiative is a partnership of community members and public and private organizations working to help all children in White Center/Boulevard Park begin school ready to succeed. The partnership is supported by grants from Thrive by Five Washington and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Learn more about the White Center Early Learning Initiative at www.wceli.org.
