FYI: Your schools
Published 10:53 pm Monday, December 17, 2007
The word from:
Marysville-Pilchuck High School
“We are doing smaller learning communities, which is good for interaction with other students, but sometimes it’s difficult. I’m waiting for the new learning schools to open up so I can get into some new classes, like bio-med.”
— Danelle Osborn, sophomore
Arlington foundation looking for new projects
The Arlington Education Foundation, which played a pivotal role in raising money to build the Linda Byrnes Performing Arts Center at Arlington High School, is looking for suggestions on new projects that would help improve student achievement.
Proposals must relate to education and may address topics such as academics, vocational training, being a mentor, health and fitness, fine arts, citizenship, interpersonal skills and lifelong learning.
The AEF is reviewing submissions of special projects that are consistent with its mission.
Those with ideas to improve the quality of public education in Arlington or who would like to contribute time or talent can call 360-435-1337 or go to: www.arlingtonedfoundation.org.
Edmonds to seek tech levy renewal in May
The Edmonds School District is planning to ask voters to renew its technology and capital projects levy next year.
The proposal will be placed on the May 20 ballot.
Renewal of the levy is projected to be 28 cents per $1,000 or about $84 on a $300,000 home. The expiring levy passed by voters in 2004 now has a 52 cents per $1,000 rate of assessed value.
More information is at www.edmonds.wednet.edu/electioninfo/boardreading.cfm.
Liberty students test their taste buds
Liberty Elementary School students in Marysville recently had the opportunity to sample several different healthy foods that they normally wouldn’t eat.
Staff from a Washington State University nutrition study brought fruits and vegetables for kids to try.
The cafeteria set up four food stations; Salmon, Raven, Eagle and Orca. WSU Extension staff served five different vegetables and fruits at each station.
Students traveled from one station to another sampling foods such as bok choy, pineapple, jicama, kiwi, dates, blueberries, kidney beans, radishes, Asian pears, snap peas, papaya and red peppers.
They then filled out scorecards with choices for each food item: I tasted this, first time I tried this, I do not like this, I like this a little or I like this a lot.
EvCC accepting scholarship applications
Everett Community College is accepting applications from current students and recent alumni for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation scholarship.
The nationwide undergraduate transfer scholarship program offers grants of up to $30,000 per year to help students and recent alumni from community colleges earn four-year degrees.
Applicants must have a 3.5 GPA, a high financial need, a commitment to public and community service and a strong appreciation for the arts. They must also plan to enroll at a university starting Fall 2008.
For an application and details about the scholarship, go to www.jackkentcooke foundation.org and click on the scholarships page.
Completed applications must be given to EvCC’s Student Financial Services Office by Jan. 14.
For more information, contact Laurie Franklin, EvCC director of Student Financial Services, at 425-388-0935 or e-mail lfranklin@everettcc.edu.
Marysville has students from nearly 100 tribes
Nearly 1,000 students in the Marysville School District — nearly 9 percent overall — are American Indian, according to a recent district report.
Of those, 64 percent are members of the Tulalip Tribes.
The remaining 36 percent represent 94 other tribes.
Draft report suggests changing math standards
A preliminary draft of proposed revisions to Washington’s kindergarten through high school math standards has just been published on the Web and now is ready for review and public comment.
The draft is the result of work by the Charles A. Dana Center, which is serving as the state’s consultant in readying recommendations for Terry Bergeson, state superintendent for public education, to present to the Legislature by the end of January.
The full draft report and a feedback form are at www.utdanacenter.org/wamathrevision/standards.php.
The deadline for submitting comments is Dec. 30.
New preschool program offered at Little Red
Everett Community College and the Little Red School House are offering a new parent and toddler class for children ages 18 months to 3 years old.
The class will be offered from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays at The Children’s Village, 14 E. Casino Road in Everett.
The cost is $35 per month.
Parents and children are invited visit The Children’s Village from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 9 for an open house and additional information about the class.
Parents attend and participate with their children, receiving two credits from EvCC. The class is staffed by an experienced children’s teacher and a parent educator fluent in Spanish.
The play-centered class is for children of all skill and developmental levels, said Barbara Yasui, EvCC’s child and family education faculty coordinator.
“We are excited to welcome all parents and children to this new class,” Yasui said. “Classes will include children with and without developmental disabilities — a partnership that will benefit every parent and child.”
For more information, call Yasui at 425-388-9016 or Susan Hanson at 425-513-1663.
Arlington School Board picks 2008 officers
The Arlington School Board has elected its officers for next year.
Kay Duskin was re-elected as board president and Jeff Huleatt will be the board’s vice president. Board member Erickson was re-elected as the board legislative representative.
District offers details on carpentry program
Parents and students who are now sophomores and juniors interested in the building trade can learn more about the Edmonds School District carpentry program at in information session in January.
Students get to build a new home from the foundation to the roof, and next year’s classes will work on the 33rd home built by carpentry students over the years.
The session is from 6 to 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at the district service center, 20420 68th Ave. W., Lynnwood.
What’s up at your school? Call us at 425-339-3036 or e-mail schoolfyi@heraldnet.com.
