Mallory Gruben

Tanya King, left, looks to where Hailey Newton, right, ask to hang her project Thursday afternoon at Beverly Elementary in Lynnwood, Washington on September 14, 2022. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

2 ‘extraordinary educators’ honored nationally for success in classroom

Tanya King in Edmonds practices “controlled chaos.” Zachary Pfrimmer in Stanwood is orderly. Data shows both have been wildly successful.

Tanya King, left, looks to where Hailey Newton, right, ask to hang her project Thursday afternoon at Beverly Elementary in Lynnwood, Washington on September 14, 2022. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Tribal members dance to start an assemble on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day Friday evening at Tulalip Gathering Hall in Tulalip, Washington on September 30, 2022.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

‘Still here’: Tulalip boarding school descendants celebrate resilience

On Orange Shirt Day, a national day of remembrance, the Tulalip Tribes honored those who suffered due to violent cultural suppression.

Tribal members dance to start an assemble on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day Friday evening at Tulalip Gathering Hall in Tulalip, Washington on September 30, 2022.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
People gather outside of the new Northwest Carpenters Institute building prior to a grand opening celebration Thursday, Sep. 29, 2022, in Burlington, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Building a workforce: Northwest Carpenters expand training center

About 160 Snohomish County tradespeople take the apprentice classes in Burlington center. There’s ample room to grow.

People gather outside of the new Northwest Carpenters Institute building prior to a grand opening celebration Thursday, Sep. 29, 2022, in Burlington, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Meadowdale High School Principal Dave Shockley laughs while touring his school’s temporary space for the new school health center on Wednesday, Sep. 28, 2022, in Lynnwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

First school-based clinic in Snohomish County opens at Meadowdale High

School and health officials said the new on-campus center should boost wellness and grades for Lynnwood students.

Meadowdale High School Principal Dave Shockley laughs while touring his school’s temporary space for the new school health center on Wednesday, Sep. 28, 2022, in Lynnwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Michael Adams is trying to navigate the school district's procedure for addressing complaints about racism after his son was the subject of some racist Snapchat messages sent by Granite Falls High School students in May. 

Photographed in Granite Falls, Washington on September 20, 2022. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

After threat to ‘lynch’ Granite Falls boy, father says school fell short

Michael Adams helped craft the district’s diversity policy. Then his son became a target of racism. He now wants more changes.

Michael Adams is trying to navigate the school district's procedure for addressing complaints about racism after his son was the subject of some racist Snapchat messages sent by Granite Falls High School students in May. 

Photographed in Granite Falls, Washington on September 20, 2022. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Challenger Elementary School staff chats with bus drivers before school lets out on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Snohomish County bus driver shortage creates ripple effect for schools

Widespread job vacancies mean doubling up on routes or shifting staff members to backfill for missing drivers.

Challenger Elementary School staff chats with bus drivers before school lets out on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Smoke from the Bolt Creek fire silhouettes mountain ridge and tree layers just outside of Index on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Wildfire smoke closes schools in Index, Sultan

Unhealthy air prompted the first wildfire-related closure in Sultan. Power was cut to Index, where students were told to evacuate.

Smoke from the Bolt Creek fire silhouettes mountain ridge and tree layers just outside of Index on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Liberty Elementary (top) and (bottom, L-R) 10th Street Middle, Cascade Elementary, Marysville-Getchell High and Shoultes Elementary schools. (Marysville School District)

Failed levies slashed Marysville sports; now, county will fund some

Through a county grant, the Boys and Girls Club and YMCA will host on-campus athletics for grades 6 to 8, but not in the WIAA.

Liberty Elementary (top) and (bottom, L-R) 10th Street Middle, Cascade Elementary, Marysville-Getchell High and Shoultes Elementary schools. (Marysville School District)
Kindergarteners from around the school district wait to change classrooms at Woodside Elementary School during Everett Ready, a program that helps kindergarteners get familiar with school routines on Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, near Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Hundreds of Everett kindergarteners get a dress rehearsal for school

Everett Ready, a transition program, helps students learn what to expect in class. About 78% of incoming students signed up.

Kindergarteners from around the school district wait to change classrooms at Woodside Elementary School during Everett Ready, a program that helps kindergarteners get familiar with school routines on Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, near Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
People board a Community Transit bus bound for Smokey Point Thursday, Sep. 1, 2022, at Everett Station in Everett, Washington. Thursday marked the first day people 18 and under can ride Community Transit routes for free. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

‘Just get on the bus’: Kids can ride for free now in Snohomish County

Community Transit leaders expect young ridership to grow as schools distribute ORCA cards in fall.

People board a Community Transit bus bound for Smokey Point Thursday, Sep. 1, 2022, at Everett Station in Everett, Washington. Thursday marked the first day people 18 and under can ride Community Transit routes for free. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Wary optimism as students, educators embark on new school year

There’s a sense of normalcy. There’s also concern about the pandemic’s toll on students and its impact on staff shortages.

Liberty Elementary (top) and (bottom, L-R) 10th Street Middle, Cascade Elementary, Marysville-Getchell High and Shoultes Elementary schools. (Marysville School District)

Bigger class sizes, smaller staffs await Marysville students

After two levies failed, this year’s budget includes 45 fewer full-time positions. Most reductions were at the elementary level.

Liberty Elementary (top) and (bottom, L-R) 10th Street Middle, Cascade Elementary, Marysville-Getchell High and Shoultes Elementary schools. (Marysville School District)
Brad Holden, left, and Peter Blecha, authors of a new book about Prohibition-era roadhouses photographed Friday morning in Shoreline, Washington on August 26, 2022.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

‘Decadent and debaucherous’: Looking back at Edmonds’ lost roadhouses

Historians Brad Holden and Peter Blecha explore dozens of local Prohibition-era roadhouses in their new book.

Brad Holden, left, and Peter Blecha, authors of a new book about Prohibition-era roadhouses photographed Friday morning in Shoreline, Washington on August 26, 2022.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
The Snohomish School Board, pictured here, recently appointed Sarah Adams, fourth from the left, to fill a vacant position. (Courtesy of Snohomish School District)

Mental health professional appointed to Snohomish School Board

Sarah Adams wants to emotionally and academically support students as schools “rebuild after COVID.”

The Snohomish School Board, pictured here, recently appointed Sarah Adams, fourth from the left, to fill a vacant position. (Courtesy of Snohomish School District)
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Small school districts find special ed ‘safety net’ can be tangled web

Lake Stevens lost about $140K in special education refunds due to clerical errors. Avoiding a repeat will consume staff resources.

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President Joe Biden speaks about student loan debt forgiveness in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Student loan forgiveness a ‘Band-Aid’ for big wound, say locals in debt

Up to $20K in debt will be erased for millions. In Snohomish County, reactions were mixed: elation, frustration, calls to go further.

President Joe Biden speaks about student loan debt forgiveness in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Diane Tillman, left, with Susan Kasch, her kidney donor, at Jennings Memorial Park on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

‘Life-changing’ gift brought 2 Marysville school coworkers together

Susan Kasch donated her kidney to Diane Tillman in 2019. The women share their story to inspire more live kidney donors.

Diane Tillman, left, with Susan Kasch, her kidney donor, at Jennings Memorial Park on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Zion Wright, 6, makes a face as Cecilia Guidarrama starts to massage cold facial cleanser onto his face during Evergreen Beauty College’s annual back-to-school beauty event on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Dozens of kids get free back-to-school haircuts in Everett

For hours on Wednesday, training beauticians pampered families at the Everett campus of Evergreen Beauty College.

Zion Wright, 6, makes a face as Cecilia Guidarrama starts to massage cold facial cleanser onto his face during Evergreen Beauty College’s annual back-to-school beauty event on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Members of Casino Connect line up to stow luggage Tuesday morning aboard the Adventuress in Everett on August 9, 2022.  The teens will go on a four-day sailing trip where they learn about maritime skills and environmental science. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Casino Road teens on tall ship Adventuress set sail for 4-day voyage

The Everett at Sea program offers outdoor, on-the-water lessons that “underserved youth” might not get otherwise.

Members of Casino Connect line up to stow luggage Tuesday morning aboard the Adventuress in Everett on August 9, 2022.  The teens will go on a four-day sailing trip where they learn about maritime skills and environmental science. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Heritage High Principal Dr. Nathan Plummer and Tulalip Education Division Executive Director Jessica Bulstad stand out front at Heritage High School on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Marysville school’s new approach embraces ‘Indigenous ways of learning’

Educators are redesigning Heritage High’s education model to support Indigenous students in a culturally competent way.

Heritage High Principal Dr. Nathan Plummer and Tulalip Education Division Executive Director Jessica Bulstad stand out front at Heritage High School on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)