Schools FYI

“We just got done doing a fund-raiser for tsunami relief. We just put jars out and you could put dollar bills and change in. We sent it to the Red Cross. There are so many sports going on right now. Boys’ basketball is doing really well.”

Kristin Drake,

10th grade

Marysville prepares bond proposal

The Marysville School Board continues to discuss a May bond measure to build a new high school and elementary school and to improve other campuses.

An advisory committee is studying costs and what to include in the proposal.

In a recent briefing to the school board, Superintendent Larry Nyland discussed a recent consultant’s report that found:

* New homes in the district are selling at a rate of 40 or more a month;

* About 473 homes are expected to sell within the next year;

* 1,679 lots are being developed and are likely to sell within three years, bringing in an estimated 1,200 new students.

The district already has 117 portable classrooms.

Monroe offers help with English and math

Students who are still learning English or who are struggling with math will get help from two new programs in Monroe School District.

The Portable Assisted Study Sequence program helps high school students catch up on credits. No computer is needed and materials are offered in Spanish, so the program is especially helpful for migrant students. But anyone can enroll. The cost to families is $125 per course with some financial aid available.

The second program offers extra math help to middle school students with basic skills and drills. A CMP Skills Intervention Kit from Prentice Hall will be purchased for each middle school.

Two districts open up highly capable program

Snohomish and Monroe school districts are accepting applications for highly capable programs.

Applications for Snohomish’s highly capable and middle school honors programs are available this week at elementary and middle schools and at www.sno.wednet.edu. A parent night at 7 p.m. Feb. 7 in the Snohomish High School cafeteria will give more information and answer questions.

Parents also can contact specialist Linda Varner at linda.varner@sno.wednet.edu or 360-563-7296.

Applications for Monroe’s “Excel Plus” program for students entering second through sixth grades are at schools and the administration building. Deadline is 4 p.m. Friday. For more information, contact coordinator Robin Fitch at fitchr@monroe.wednet.edu or 360-863-4123.

Northshore district taking transfers

Northshore School District is taking transfer requests from families inside and outside its boundaries. Early consideration is given to waiver applications received by March 31.

Applications are available in the districts where students reside. Faxes and copies are not accepted. More information is at www.nsd.org.

Notification of acceptance or denial will be given by the end of April for most early requests and by the end of August for others.

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