FYI: Your Schools

Lakewood High School

“School ending – that’s what I’m looking forward to. … We have a half-day (today before winter break starts). We usually get out on Friday. I wouldn’t think it’s that big of a deal, though probably everyone would like to be home.”

Alex Evanson,

11th grade

Major haul at Meadowdale

Meadowdale High School recently collected more than 94,000 items of food, including about $5,500 in cash donations from students, parents and area residents.

It was the second biggest food drive in school history.

The food is being donated to Concern for Neighbors, which serves Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace.

More drops of water for the buck

A new cooperative agreement will cut water-testing costs by more than half in Everett Public Schools, saving the district well more than $10,000.

Board members voted last week to join the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 Water Testing Cooperative, which gets it a discounted $9-rate from the Department of Ecology for each water-test sample.

Everett typically performs 1,000 such tests per year, checking such things as lead levels. The district has never tested above the national limit of 15 parts per billion, said Jeff Riddle, associate superintendent for finance and operations.

Mukilteo, Edmonds and South Whidbey are also part of the cooperative, ESD Superintendent Jerry Jenkins said.

Parents, community build playground for kids

A colorful play structure and picnic tables are to be installed starting today at Martha Lake Elementary in Edmonds, thanks to the school PTA.

It is the second phase of the playground project. The first phase last year cleared the property and installed a climbing wall and a set of bars.

In all, the new and improved play area cost about $60,000. Two PTA auctions helped raise the bulk of the cash. A $5,000 Snohomish County Parks and Recreation grant and donations from such businesses as Wal-Mart and Starbucks also helped.

“It’s been a really big community effort,” said Cynthia Sarrett of the PTA.

“It’s kind of neat to see the (kids’) eyes light up,” added Dan Sarrett, her husband. “They enjoy going to school – but they enjoy recess, too.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for 9:30 a.m. Jan. 3.

Parent information nights for Northshore

Learn more about Northshore School District’s Parents Active in Cooperative Education (PACE) program for elementary students at information nights:

* 7 p.m. Jan. 10, Lockwood Elementary School,

* 7 p.m. Jan. 11, Kokanee and Woodmoor elementary schools, and

* 7 p.m. Jan. 12, Wellington Elementary School.

School seeks panelists

Cascade High School is seeking parents, professionals and other community members to serve as panelists to judge seniors’ culminating exhibitions, which are required for graduation.

Opportunities are in January and May. Panelists must be at least 21 years old and willing to volunteer for about 31/2 hours. If interested, e-mail Linda Hanson at LM.Associates@ verizon.net.

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