June 1 , 2007

School Board approves elementary math curriculum

On May 30, the School Board approved the Chief Academic Officer's recommendation to adopt a combination of "Everyday Math" and "Singapore Math" for elementary schools across the District. This important step means that Seattle Public Schools will have a fully aligned curriculum across Grades K-8.

Last year, CMP2 was adopted as the middle school math curriculum. Together, the two programs provide a strong balance. The recommendation to adopt these two programs was made after a year of intense study, analysis and discussion. "All the community, family and staff input to this decision has been invaluable," said Chief Academic Officer Carla Santorno. "Specific ideas and suggestions presented in public testimony and through other discussions have been incorporated in our plan and will lead to more successful implementation."

Implementation has been carefully planned to fully support teachers and students to achieve success with the new curriculum. A full complement of teacher and math coach professional development is planned for the summer, with ongoing collaboration and training throughout the school year. One of the many benefits of these programs is the availability of tools that help parents and guardians support student progress. A detailed report on the math adoption is available on the District's Web site.

500-book independent reading libraries to be placed in every K-2 classroom

On May 30, the Board also approved a motion to fund an exciting step that will support the academic milestone. "Every child reading on grade level by 3rd grade. "By fall 2007, 500-book independent reading libraries will be placed in every K-2 classroom across the District. The books selected are about 60 percent nonfiction and 40 percent fiction, and include a wide array of interesting and relevant topics.

"Classroom-based libraries will put powerful learning tools in the hands of student and teachers," said Dan Coles, the District's literacy program manager. Research shows that the use of classroom libraries increases student fluency and comprehension. Students will have at their fingertips, and learn how to choose, books that are "just right," "easy," and "challenging," for their reading level and strength. During independent reading time, teachers monitor progress in mastering reading skills, and work with students to help every child become a confident reader.

Principal appointments announced for 2007-08 school year

Superintendent Raj Manhas and Chief Academic Officer Carla Santorno recently announced a series of principal appointments for the 2007-2008 school year. Complete information on the appointments, including biographical information, is contained in the District's news release.

A rigorous, phased process was followed and included an enhancement this year. For the first time, candidates participated in an educational walk-through of classrooms. They then provided written observations as part of their interview process. This enhancement reflects the critical importance of the principal's role as instructional leader at the schools.

"I am very impressed by the caliber of the individuals appointed to principal roles for 2007-2008," Manhas said. "We have promoted a number of talented individuals from within the district, and attracted several excellent leaders from surrounding districts."

School Board reviewing Student Assignment Plan

The Seattle School Board is reviewing the Student Assignment Plan - a policy that determines where students go to school. Staff and community are invited to visit a Web site that explains the process. The goal is to adopt a simplified Student Assignment Plan for 2008-09 that supports academics, is easier for families to understand and manage, and results in cost savings. There will be no changes in the plan for the 2007-08 school year.

The Web site, which will be updated regularly, will include board information and working documents. During the last two weeks, a series of community workshops and drop-in meetings were held at the John Stanford Center auditorium. Important upcoming dates include:
■ 6-9 p.m., June 6 -- School Board Meeting, Introduction of the Framework Motion;
■ 5:30-7 p.m., June 13 -- Public Hearing on Framework; and
■ 6-9 p.m., June 20 -- School Board Meeting, Action on the Framework Motion.

Chief Sealth accredited as International Baccalaureate World School
 
As part of a concerted effort to expand high quality academic offerings to Seattle students, Chief Sealth High School was officially designated as an International Baccalaureate World School, accredited to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program to high school students.

After two years of intensive staff and program preparation, Chief Sealth is ready to serve its diverse community with this academically rigorous, internationally recognized program. “We were attracted to the IB program because it gives us an opportunity to provide an elite education without being elitist,” said Chief Sealth Principal John Boyd.  “Our staff has worked well to make sure we provide pathways for all students to participate, and we continually communicate our high academic expectations to all students.” 

Chief Sealth joins Ingraham High School as the second school in the District to earn an IB accreditation as an IB World School, and will be one of only 14 schools in the state to offer the diploma program.

Famed Tuskegee airmen visit Wedgwood Elementary

The Tacoma Sam Bruce Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen conducted an educational visit to Wedgwood Elementary School May 25 in conjunction with special Memorial Day weekend programs at the Seattle Museum of Flight. In 1941, 13 men became the first African-Americans to train as military airmen. Over the next five years, 945 pilots graduated from the "Tuskegee Army Air Field" in Tuskegee, Alabama. The outstanding record of these men during WWII became legendary.

 
Four elementary schools earn seed awards for environmental programs

Laurelhurst, Lawton, John Muir and West Woodland elementary schools received cash awards at the state capitol this month for their outstanding environmental programs. The Terry Husseman School Awards, presented by the Washington Department of Ecology, recognizes schools for developing and implementing innovative curricula, sustaining ongoing waste reduction efforts, or starting new environmental programs. The schools received their awards in the category of Seed Awards for the 2006-07 school year, which assist schools with the costs of starting up programs.

Lawton, Laurelhurst and West Woodland elementary schools earned $1,000 and will use the funds to:
■ help other schools adopt their model for a student-run, lunchroom composting program; and
■ offer other schools a “start-up kit” that includes money, step-by-step instructions, training and support. 

John Muir earned $1,350 and will use the funds to:
■ start a lunchroom composting program;
■ train fourth- and fifth-grade students on recycling and composting;
■ have the newly trained students teach the rest of the student body about recycling and composting; and
■ put the fourth- and fifth-graders in charge of making sure that the composting and recycling is done correctly.

Student Celebrations

Lawton Elementary students, staff launch Fuel Free Fridays
More than 125 students help reduce pollution, traffic congestion by walking to school

On May 4, Lawton Elementary, a leader in the Green Schools movement, launched the first of many walking school by participating in Fuel Free Fridays. Parents, teachers, and staff escorted the students from five separate locations about a mile from the school. On the inaugural day, there were more than 125 students who walked to school – up from an average of about 50.

The walk not only reduced the amount of pollution and traffic congestion around the school, but the students also arrived at school refreshed and ready to learn. Before the day started, students already had 20 minutes of exercise. Calculations indicated that there was a fuel savings of at least 125 gallons in one morning. Lawton Elementary students will continue the walking school buses for the rest of the year. Next fall, students may include Walking Wednesdays to the Fuel Free Fridays. For more information on the program, contact Lyon Terry, second-grade teacher at Lawton at 252-3130.

View Ridge Declared Global Reading Champion for 2007

After winning a very exciting and extremely close Global Reading Challenge city final in April, the View Ridge “Killer Dolphins” went on to win the championship at the Global Reading Challenge Video Conference May 11 at the John Stanford Center. The team competed against teams from Kalamazoo, Michigan; and Coquitlam and Langley, British Columbia. Watching each other on a big screen TV, teams waited anxiously as a librarian from each region took a turn asking a round of eight questions. 

When the scores were tallied, View Ridge had answered all but one question correctly and was declared the “Global Champion” for 2007.  Team members Elizabeth Cox, Eric Huynh, Jeff Kelly, Menaka Narayanan, Carter Nelson and Cassidy Shamseldin were greeted with cheers as their win was announced back at school.  Forty schools were involved in this program, sponsored by the Seattle Public Library, that encourages students of all reading abilities to engage in the “sport of reading."

Students receive Seattle Schools Scholarship funds

The Seattle Schools Scholarship Committee awarded college scholarships each worth $2,000 to 22 Seattle Public School students in a ceremony May 23, at the John Stanford Center auditorium. Approximately 70 people attended the event, including family members, friends, school counselors and principals.

Students and their schools are: Damon Arrao, Ballard; Bereket Ayele, Roosevelt; Shannon Braswell, Ingraham; BreAnna Cal, Summit K-12; Diego Cortez, Chief Sealth; Jia Fu, Roosevelt; Elaine Green, Ballard; Dmitri Groce, Garfield; Aradna Gutierrez, Chief Sealth; Amber Healy, Marshall; Debbie Huynh, Cleveland; Rashunda Johnson, Nathan Hale; Talia Jordan, Rainier Beach; Henry Liu, Cleveland; Andrew Lyon, Nathan Hale; Lan Pham, West Seattle; Chanell Robinson, Franklin; James Stone, Rainier Beach; Cindy Torres, Ingraham; Chadd Tripp, West Seattle; Jordan Veasley, Franklin; Wanda Ward, Garfield. Donations to the Seattle Schools Scholarship Fund may be sent to Erma M. Hill, Comptroller's Office, MS 33-343, PO Box 34165, Seattle, WA  98124-1165

National Merit Scholarship Corporation names winners  

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has selected several Seattle Public Schools students to receive scholarship awards. Scholarship categories, names of winners, their high schools and probable career fields are:

College-sponsored Merit Scholarships:
■ Pranoti G. Hiremath, Garfield High School at Lincoln, Medicine (University of Washington)
■ Jacqueline Lin, Garfield High School at Lincoln, Neurology (University of Washington)
■ Kazimer L. Skubi, Garfield High School at Lincoln, Science/Research (Carleton College)
■ Matthew S. Yelin, Roosevelt High School, Engineering (Lewis and Clark)

National Merit $2,500 Scholarships:
■ Abraham C. Bae, Roosevelt High School, Education (College Professor)
■ Jian H. Chu, Garfield High School at Lincoln, Medicine
■ Adam C. Hesterberg, Garfield High School at Lincoln, Mathematics

Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarships
■ Shelly K. Najjar, Ballard High School, Dietetics (Boeing)
■ Nigel R. Peltier, Nathan Hale High School, Science/Engineering (Boeing)
■ Alexander N. Rudee, Garfield High School at Lincoln; Wildlife Conservation (Boeing)

Photos by Keron Psillas Students from Chief Sealth High School, Denny Middle School, and Gatewood Elementary School team up to revitalize the Pelly Place ravine in West Seattle as part of Project Earth Care.

Seattle schools team up to improve environment

Chief Sealth High School's Sports and Events Marketing Class has created a unique environmental project called Project Earth Care, in which Sealth students work with Denny Middle and Gatewood Elementary school students on a project to improve the environment. 

Working in conjunction with world renowned nature photographer Art Wolfe, the pilot project focuses on the revitalization of Pelly Place ravine, a natural area in West Seattle. Upon completion, the Pelly Place ravine will be a key link to future trails, pedestrian greenways and boulevards – complementing and connecting features of the Green Crescent, both within Morgan Junction and to other West Seattle neighborhoods. The final piece of the project is a 20-minute, living history video documentary on the ravine and surrounding community that traces its evolution over the last 200 years.  A companion photographic exhibit, focusing on the site, will be presented along with the video upon completion of the project.

The eight Sealth students who are producing the event have been working with, and mentoring, eight students from Denny Middle school and more than 100 students from Gatewood Elementary on various aspects of the project. For more information, contact Gary Thomsen, teacher at Chief Sealth High School at 252-8598.

Ballard students’ videos win student television awards

Two productions by Ballard High School video students have been selected for honors by the Regional 2007 National Student Television Awards.  A project of the National Association of Television Arts & Sciences, the awards serve to promote the best in television production in a variety of categories. The students will be honored at an award presentation June 2 at the Northwest Regional Emmy Awards Ceremony.

The productions are:
■ "Bittersweet" by Coburn Erskine, Becca Rice, Devan Sizemore and George Westberg, which won the Writing category; and
 ■ "Ave Rats" by Clinton Carucci, Ian McKagan, and Mixtli Zavaleta, which received an Honorable Mention in the Documentary category. 

Northwest Regional Emmy Awards
5-10 p.m., Saturday, June 2
Jonas Jensen Fremont Studios
155 N. 35th Street, Seattle
Reservations and Information: 575-3444

Staff Celebrations

Ingraham teacher named Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction

The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) has selected Tami Brewer, a teacher at Ingraham High School, as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction. Ingraham student Michelle Bahnick nominated Brewer as a role model to pupils and for outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence in teaching. The award recognizes teachers who have made a lasting difference in their classrooms by encouraging students to strive for excellence.

NSHSS student members have the opportunity to nominate the one educator who has made the most significant contribution to their academic career. This award allows the students themselves to recognize the commitments, strengths, and gifts of their teachers and provides an opportunity for them to recognize and thank their academic mentors. For more information about the society, visit www.nshss.org.

Around the Community

FAEW to honor Filipino American high school graduates

The Filipino American Educators of Washington will hold a special celebration June 9 to honor and recognize our 2007 Filipino American high school graduates of both public and private schools in the greater Seattle area. The celebration will also honor parents, educators and organizations who have dedicated their time and effort toward the success of the graduates.

This annual event is celebrated as a part of the " Pagdiriwang," a Filipino festal celebration at the Seattle Center. Refreshments will be served. Families and educators interested in attending this celebration should call Nolette Serra at 851-3893, Tessie Herrera at 252-3880 or e-mail to eleanorserra@msn.com.

Celebration of Excellence in Education
2:15-4:15 p.m., June 9
Seattle Center House, Room H (Second floor)
305 Harrison St.

Youth coalition members decided to organize a community-wide, alcohol-free prevention activity, using skills they have learned, while honoring their ancestors and highlighting the events of this historic week. Additional goals are to increase the community’s awareness about the impacts of alcohol and the current health epidemic of underage drinking. For questions about the celebration and the coalition, contact Community Coordinator Renaé Gaines at 252-9179.

Juneteenth Celebration
1-6 p.m., Saturday, June 16, 2007
Delridge Community Center
4501 Delridge Way S.W.
Free event

Legislative Youth Advisory Council seeks new applicants

Lt. Gov. Brad Owen is encouraging Washington youth who may be interested in advising the state Legislature on legislation and policy matters of importance to them to apply for a seat on the Legislative Youth Advisory Council before July 2. “This council of 14 to 18-year-olds was established to give the Legislature advice on critical issues related to education, health and fitness, test reform, school safety and other topics related to youth."

The application form can be downloaded from the “Youth and Communities” section of the lieutenant governor’s Web site at http://www.ltgov.wa.gov. More information about the council can be found on the Web site, or by sending an e-mail to lyac@leg.wa.gov or contact Judi Best, Senate Civic Education Coordinator, at (360) 786-7451; Kate Berry, council chair, at  lyac@leg.wa.gov; or Brian Dirks, Office of the Lt. Governor, at (360) 786-7707 or dirks.brian@leg.wa.gov.

Coming Up

Coe Elementary School to celebrate 100th anniversary on June 2

Coe Elementary School is inviting the community to celebrate its 100th anniversary beginning 11 a.m., June 2 with a schedule of events that includes: a vintage fashion show; alumni procession; carnival games and activities; staff appreciation and recognition of retirees; time capsule dedication; and cake and refreshments. For more information, contact Jeanette Thebeau Enright at 427-7551 or e-mail jeanettethebeau@comcast.net. A beautiful renovation of Coe Elementary was accomplished through the Building Excellence levy.

Coe Elementary's 100th anniversary celebration
11 a.m., Saturday, June 2
Coe Elementary
2424 7th Ave. W.

Pathfinder K-8 Community runs to make wishes come true on June 11

The Pathfinder K-8 school community is joining together for fitness -- and to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish foundation. Students, staff and parents have solicited pledges based on the number of laps they run. In its fourth year, the event is the creation of Pathfinder K-8 PE teacher Lou Cutler, who in honor of his 56th birthday, will run 56 laps, or nearly 10 miles. The run will start Friday, June 11 at 9:45 p.m. and conclude around noon.

Make-A-Wish Birthday Run
9:45 a.m., Friday, June 11
Pathfinder K-8 School
5012 S.W. Genesee St.

Drug/Alcohol Advisory Committee to salute students, staff on June 12

Members of the Seattle Public School's Drug/Alcohol Advisory Committee are sponsoring the 20th annual "Salute to Students and Staff” June 12 to thank students and staff who have contributed to helping our schools become free of violence, tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. Pizza, pop and the use of the Fun Forest Amusement Park at the Seattle Center will be provided. For more information, call Celia Arriaga at 252-0858 or e-mail at carriaga@seattleschools.org

Salute to Students and Staff
Fun Forest Amusement Park
3-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 12
Seattle Center, Center House
305 Harrison St.

Submit Your Ideas

The Communications Office is always looking for stories on interesting classroom projects, inspirational people or events in our schools to share with the greater Seattle community. We often highlight stories from school staff for potential media coverage as well district and community publications. For examples of stories we have published in the past, please visit this link. We would like to hear from you. If you have a unique story to share please send your ideas directly to goodnews@seattleschools.org.

For a sampling of this week?s local newspaper stories on Seattle Public Schools, please click here.