FYI: Your Schools

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LAKE STEVENS HIGH SCHOOL

“Right now, I’m taking AP Euro (Advanced Placement European history) and we are learning about integrating religion and such. The drama department is also getting ready to start tryouts for the play “Sugar.” I’m trying out for the lead role.”

— Kaitlyn LaVelle, sophomore

Arlington looks for help in superintendent search

The Arlington School Board has begun a search for a new superintendent to replace Linda Byrnes, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

The board has hired a con­sultant to assist in the search.

School and community input is being sought to help the board to find the right match for Arlington. Meetings with employees, parents, students, residents and business and civic leaders to gather input are under way. Those wishing to provide input may do so anonymously in writing.

Applications for superintendent are being accepted until Jan. 14, 2008.

Candidate interviews are planned for February with selection set for March 1. The new superintendent will begin July 1.

Monroe seeks instructors for kids’ conference

Your interest and expertise in music, art, drama, dance, science, writing, crafts, problem-solving, inventing or other aspects of creative thinking are needed for Monroe Public Schools’ annual “Kids Create” conference.

Last year, more than 350 students took part in the all-day event for students in kindergarten through seventh grade. At the conference, students spend the day at Monroe High School trying new creative experiences and projects. This year’s event is scheduled for March 15, 2008.

Creative workshop instructors are needed for the 21st annual event. Instructors receive $55 for each 75-minute session taught and are responsible for all materials.

Three sessions are scheduled. Instructors should plan to work with 20 students per session and a volunteer will be assigned to help in each workshop. From those interested in sharing their talents, organizers will devise a list of creative experiences for students in all age groups. Student interest and registration will determine final workshop instructor selection.

Call conference coordinator Tess Thompson at 360-804-2575 or e-mail thompsont@monroe.wednet.edu to receive an instructor registration form. Deadline for interested instructors is Jan. 15.

Edmonds district to discuss transitions

The next monthly Edmonds School District superintendent’s roundtable will focus on bridging student achievement expectations between grade levels and college.

The conversation is to take place from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday at the Educational Service Center, 20420 68th Ave. W., Lynnwood. Everyone is welcome to attend and encouraged to bring a lunch. Water, coffee and cookies will be provided.

Assistant superintendents Ken Limon and Tony Byrd will lead the discussion.

State senator wants students’ education input

State Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, invites middle and high school students to participate in a 2008 Youth Forum Dec. 12.

The forum comes as McAuliffe and other lawmakers prepare for the 2008 legislative session.

The town-hall style forum is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the University of Washington-Bothell and Cascadia Community College North Creek Events Center, and is open to the public. Campus parking costs $3.

McAuliffe, chairwoman of the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee, said students deserve a voice, and often bring unique viewpoints and great ideas to lawmakers.

“Students have a lot on their minds, from graduation re­quirements, the Washington Assessment of Student Learning, to global climate change and life after high school,” she said.

For more information, call 360-786-7600 or e-mail ­schaefer.carolyn@leg.wa.gov

Meadowdale food drive goes around the clock

Meadowdale High School is hosting its annual food drive.

Every year, the school collects about 100,000 items for the community.

On Thursday and Friday, student body officers will stand outside the QFC on 196th Street SW and 76th Avenue W. for 24 hours in order to fill a whole truck with food.

Granite Falls students get high school preview

Granite Falls High School students will explore their new campus Dec. 19 to become acquainted with the layout and then return from winter break for classes at the school Jan. 3, 2008.

In May 2005, voters approved a bond to build the $40 million high school.

A dedication for the new high school will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 19, 2008. The ceremony will include tours and guest speakers U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen and past school district superintendents Jim Maw, Gale Hogan and Gary Wall.

Parents eager to help at Glacier Peak High

The campus might be more than nine months from opening, but there is plenty of interest in the new Glacier Peak High School.

About 200 parents attended the school’s first parent meeting Nov. 13 and showed a great deal of enthusiasm and interest in future school projects and activities, Jim Dean, the school’s principal, told the Snohomish School Board.

EvCC sets ORCA open house for next week

High school students and their families are invited to attend an open house at Everett Community College’s Ocean Research College Academy planned for 6 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Applied Technology Training Center, 2333 Seaway Blvd., Everett. Visitors will learn about the program, meet the faculty and see student work.

ORCA is an early college academy for high school students who can earn up to two years of college credit for free while completing their high school education. Most students graduate with an associate’s degree in addition to a high school diploma.

The program is the only early college academy of its kind in the country. ORCA uses the local marine environment as the unifying theme for all academic disciplines.

ORCA is sponsored by Everett Community College and was initially funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

For more information, contact ORCA director Ardi Kveven at 425-267-0156 or visit www.everettcc.edu/orca.

What’s up at your school? Call us at 425-339-3036 or e-mail schoolfyi@heraldnet.com.