School Briefs

Edmonds school dates finalized for 2007-08

Dates for the 2007-08 school year, which begins Sept. 4, have been finalized in the Edmonds School District.

Dates include the first day of school, Sept. 4; Thanksgiving Break, Nov. 22-23; winter break, Dec. 24 to Jan. 4, 2008; Presidents’ Day Break, Feb. 18-19, 2008; Spring Break, March 31 to Apr. 4, 2008; last day of school, June 17, 2008.

Non-Student/teacher professional development days are Sept. 21, Oct. 12, Nov. 9, Dec. 7, Jan. 25, Feb. 15, March 14, May 9, May 23. Early release days are Jan. 24 and June 17.

In light of the weather conditions this winter of 2006-07, the Edmonds School District took steps to prepare a plan in case winter weather affects the 2007-08 calendar in a similar manner. These dates have been designated as possible snow makeup days and are listed in the order that they would be implemented if necessary: June 18, June 19, June 20, May 23, June 23. Any additional days would be made up after June 23.

The district recommends students avoid scheduling vacations in June 2008.

Scriber Lake students travel to D.C.

Nineteen Scriber Lake High School students developed their knowledge of government and citizenship at Close Up, a seven-day program May 6-12 in Washington, D.C. Two Lynnwood High School students and Scriber Lake teachers John Christensen and Tina Vinnick also attended.

The trip was to help students understand government. Students saw monuments and memorials and met with Congressional representatives.

The McNaughton Foundation of Edmonds gave Scriber Lake a $20,000 grant to support the trip to Washington, D.C. for Close Up. In addition to this grant, The McNaughton Foundation has also given Scriber Lake $40,000 in grant funding to support Challenge Day, the Men of Valor group for male students, after-school functions and more.

MTHS newspaper wins national awards

The Hawkeye, Mountlake Terrace High School’s student-run newspaper, won a first place award from the American Scholastic Press Association, or ASPA, and the First Amendment Free Press Award, co-sponsored by the Journalism Education Association, National Scholastic Press Association, Quill &Scroll Society, and Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

The First Amendment award was given to just five recipients for actively supporting First Amendment rights for high school students in practice and policy.

Staff members also were recognized. Photo/graphics editor Ji Mun earned an “Outstanding Overall Photography” award from ASPA.

The JEA/NSPA Spring Convention awards were given based on performances during on-site write-offs, in which 1,479 students participated and were judged against national standards:

Sophomore news editor Sharon McClintock earned an “Honorable Mention” in news writing; junior opinion editor Kendra O’Halloran earned an “Excellent” in news magazine layout; senior tech editor Corina Cheever earned an “Honorable Mention” in copy editing/caption and headline writing; senior sports editor Jordan Gisler earned an “Honorable Mention” in sports writing and junior photo editor Ji Mun earned a “Superior” in advertising.

Alderwood student wins math award

The Unites States Achievement Academy has announced that Brandon Choate of Alderwood Middle School has been named a United States National Award Winner in math.

He was nominated by his teacher Alem Haile-Meskel. Winners are chosen from the recommendations of teachers, counselors, coaches and others on the basis academics, leadership, enthusiasm, motivation, attitude and more.