A Web-based newsletter for the staff of Everett Public Schools
Jan. 29, 2010 (NewsLinks articles are now archived on Docushare)
IN THIS ISSUE –
STUDENT TECHNOLOGY & LEARNING CELEBRATION – Kudos for its success!
At their meeting on Tuesday evening, school board members said “thank you” to all who were involved in the massive effort to stage the event.
Over 3,000 community members visited Cascade High School’s gym on Jan. 20 to participate in the annual Student Technology and Learning Celebration. Ken Toyn, information systems and technology department director, noted that “one of the biggest highlights of this year’s celebration was the participation of classroom teachers and staff at all levels and content areas, K through 12.”
Student exhibits showcased authentic classroom practices, so rather than displaying a project, teachers and students were able to share and often demonstrate the actual work in which they have been engaged. The event also highlighted using technology as a critical thinking tool and the importance of putting learning in students’ hands.
The information systems and technology department thanks everyone who helped with the event. Toyn commented, “It took a team from across the district to make the event such a successful night. Our thanks go to everyone who had a hand in making this year one of our best!”
CORRECTIONS TO EVERETT HERALD LETTER TO EDITOR – inaccurate information may mislead voters
Contrary to what was implied in a letter printed this week, local school property tax rates will NOT increase if voters approve both district levies on the ballot on Feb. 9. The two levies, if approved, will maintain the same tax rate as is in effect for 2010 – that is $4.65 per $1,000 of property value.
The letter writer alleges that renters pay no property taxes, and argues that those who choose to have children should pay for the costs of education.
· Landlords factor the cost of their property taxes into the rent they charge tenants.
· The basis of the United States’ system of public education recognizes the benefits to everyone of a well-educated populous.
ELECTION AND LEGISLATIVE SEASON CAUTIONS – the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) regulates election advocacy and lobbying efforts
Recently, a state organization used district e-mail to urge staff members to contact legislators about an issue impacting them.
Using the district e-mail system for such lobbying efforts is illegal and could subject staff members to personal fines for violating PDC regulations. Kudos to those who questioned whether the letter was appropriate!
We are also prohibited from using taxpayer supported time or equipment to urge people to vote for the district levies. We can share factual information (or correct misinformation as was done above), but we cannot use our systems or our paid time to urge people how to vote.
District e-mails are archived electronically for two years as was explained in the Jan. 12 issue of NewsLinks. Our e-mails are public documents.
NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION – Washington teachers take a lead
A recent news release from OSPI reported that Washington state ranked second in the nation in number of new national board certifications and fifth total with 3,974 national board certified teachers. Over 90 teachers in Everett Public Schools have their national board certifications and will be honored on Friday, Jan. 29 in the Longfellow Annex from 4-5 p.m. at a reception to acknowledge their professional accomplishments and the time and dedication they have given to hone their professional skills.
UNITED WAY SUCCESS STORY – United Way honors our own Drs. Gary & Susan Cohn
United Way of Snohomish County recently recognized Drs. Gary and Susan Cohn for their ongoing support of education and United Way. United Way’s news release highlighted that for every tax dollar invested in early child care and education, $16 is returned to society through better graduation rates, workforce readiness and reduced crime. More than 7,800 children are enrolled in early learning programs funded in part by United Way of Snohomish County.
NEWS FROM THE FOUNDATION – a cost-savings request
The Everett Public Schools Foundation would like to keep you updated on what is happening at the Foundation to support our Everett Public Schools. We are publishing monthly e-news articles on a variety of topics from Classroom Grant news to our events and functions throughout the year. If you would like to receive these monthly updates, please e-mail your preferred e-mail address to kmckenzie@everettsd.org. Thank you!
NEWS AROUND THE DISTRICT – great things happening everywhere
The Middle School Art Show will be open for public viewing from Feb. 9 to March 4, 2010 at the Educational Service Center (ESC). The Awards Reception will be held on Monday, March 1, 2010, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the ESC.
The High School Art Show will be open for public viewing from March 29 to April 26, 2010. The Awards Reception will be held on Monday, April 19, 2010, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the ESC.
The Elementary School Art Show will be open for public viewing from May 6 to May 28, 2010.
Recent news stories published on our district Web site:
01.27.2010 Gateway becomes certifying org. for president's Vol.
Service Award
01.26.2010 JHS student's
artwork selected for poster contest
01.26.2010 Organ Lady visits Jefferson
Elementary
01.26.2010 Rep. Hans Dunshee
tours JHS library
01.25.2010 Everett
students are finalists in Prodigies for Peace essay
contest
01.24.2010 Everett High School's
grand old hall turns 100
01.22.2010 CHS
coach and athlete both recognized for sportsmanship
01.21.2010 JHS students win highest honors in WordMasters
Challenge
01.19.2010 Teamwork key to CHS
Bruins success
01.19.2010 EHS athlete Will
Brown recognized for sportsmanship
01.17.2010 Former EHS drama teacher Bob Henry
retires
01.13.2010 Seattle Opera comes to
Evergreen Middle School
01.13.2010 MLK Day
assembly hosts guest speaker from OSPI
01.13.2010 Cascade High School Athletics Hall of Fame
Students and staff across the district are organizing relief efforts for Haiti. Please continue to send descriptions of those efforts to the communications department. Using information you supply, we will compile a summary of the amazing ways you are stepping forward on behalf of others.
YOUR SCHOOL BOARD AT WORK – upcoming & recent events
Board says “thanks” for levy endorsements
The district’s two ballot issues have been endorsed by the 44th Legislative Democrats, the Snohomish County NAACP and the Everett Herald. Thank you to those organizations for recognizing the importance of these finance issues for all students. Board President Ed Petersen thanked North’s Principal Kelly Shepherd for spending Tuesday evening discussing the levies with the NAACP members. “Because this meeting conflicted with the school board’s meeting, Dr. Cohn asked Kelly to step in, and she did a stellar job of making the case for supporting these issues.”
YMCA Minority Achievement Program gala a success
The YMCA Minority Achievement Program (MAP) gala was held last Saturday and featured students whose school success can be attributed to good work happening every day in classrooms and to the enrichment and connection opportunities afforded by MAP. Dr. Cohn was invited to address those attending the MAP gala. In doing so, he spoke of his passion to support learning for all students and of how his background led him to a career in education advocating for all students.
Students will travel to Olympia with school board members
Dr. Cohn and board members Andrews, Dutton, Petersen and Russell will be in Olympia on Feb. 7 and 8 for the annual Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) Legislative Conference. For many years the board has attended this conference to advocate for legislative action that supports K-12 education.
The venture is different this year in that students representing the leadership of each of the district’s four high schools will also be part of the legislative advocacy process. “I have always found that students in Olympia have a profound impact in our discussions with legislators,” said Dr. Cohn. “It is a learning experience for them and a time for legislators to meet those whose futures depend upon the decisions they are making.”
On Jan. 30, 2010, Everett High School will be 100 years old!
Last Sunday’s Everett Herald included a marvelous story about Everett High School. Whether you are an Everett native or a newcomer, there is much to learn about the school’s place in the city and the state by reading that article.
Principal Catherine Matthews invited board members to attend the Saturday event. “A highlight of the day will be a presentation at 2 p.m. in the Civic Auditorium. Everett’s own Larry O’Donnell will show archival photos, tell the school’s story and the stories of some of its illustrious grads. Attendees can buy commemorative pavers for the school’s courtyard and take a trip through time by visiting the various “decades” exhibits on display in the grand old “A” building. The event starts at 1 p.m.
Board approves protocol for working together and with the superintendent
Beginning with their first school board/superintendent workshops in August, the district’s leadership and governance team began clarifying how they will work together on behalf of student learning. Work to create and understand such a working protocol concluded on Tuesday night with approval of the Board/Superintendent Operating Protocol.
RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT
Kathy Fitzpatrick, information systems field technician for many years, has retired as of Dec. 31, 2009. Please join her colleagues in giving her a send-off party on Feb. 5, 2010, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Large Annex at the Longfellow Building located at 3715 Oakes Ave, Everett.
OPPORTUNITIES – for students and staff
· Inputting master schedules, student schedules and teacher catalog
· Accessing and printing the new elementary progress reports
· Changes ahead for reporting demographic data
· Online volunteer registration
· Connect-ED security measures
· Signing up for InTouch, the district’s e-subscription service for staff and parents
All training sessions are at the Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave. in downtown Everett. Two sessions each day – one from 9 a.m. to noon, and the second from 1 to 4 p.m. Space is limited to 500 people per session. RSVP to kreardon@ci.everett.wa.us to confirm attendance.
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Date |
Topic |
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Feb. 16 |
Russian/Ukraine |
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March 16 |
African American |
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April 20 |
Native American |
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May 18 |
Latin American |
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June 15 |
Asian Pacific |
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July 20 |
African Refugee |
OPPORTUNITES IN BRIEF – quick reminders from past issues
1. Eight-week paid summer internship for high school juniors and seniors ‑ Looking for students with a passion for improving their community, Bank of America is sponsoring the Student Leaders Program offering community‑minded high school juniors and seniors an invaluable opportunity to help shape their community. Those selected will receive:
a. An eight-week paid internship at a local nonprofit/charitable organization
b. A week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC (July 2010) to gain valuable civic, social and business leadership skills
Application available online; apply by Feb. 17, 2010 (9 p.m. PST).
2. The Art of Being a Military Child, sponsored by Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC), is collecting entries from U.S. military children from around the world. Artwork, writing, and film/video are the three categories. Entry details on the Web. Entries are due Feb. 26!
3. Census 2010 will become more visible starting in March. The U.S. Census Bureau has created an interactive Web site and compiled thousands of lessons for teachers K-12 to use to help students become familiar with the census and its history in this country. The Snohomish County Complete County Committee is working with district representatives to help the public understand the census process and leverage this historic process into learning experiences for students. Watch for more details, and check out the Web site for lessons and to test your own census knowledge.
4. A $100,000 federal grant funds free marine workshops for teachers and field experiences for students, April 17 – 18. For more information call or e-mail Amy Johnson at Edmonds Community College’s Center for Service-Learning at 425-640-1882, or go to www.serviceeducationadventure.org.
5. Create original glass designs – Children 12 and under are invited to create an original design to be turned into a glass object as part of the Kids Design Glass program at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma.
6. USA Today's SAMMY Awards mean $7,500 scholarship for scholar athletes – applications due March 5, 2010. Twenty-five students will earn the award and receive a $7,500 scholarship, a chance to be featured in a "milk mustache" ad and a trip to Disney World. A 2008 winner was from Snohomish. The rules, forms and history of winners back to 1999 are online.
LEGISLATIVE NEWS – WSSDA updates and related news articles in Docushare
POLICY & PROCEDURE INFO – links to all policies and procedures are online
Everett Public Schools complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, or disability. This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular school activities. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district's Affirmative Action Officer, Title IX Officer, ADA District Coordinator, or Section 504 Coordinator. Affirmative Action Officer, Carol Stolz, 3715 Oakes Ave., Everett WA 98201, 425-385-4106, Title IX Officer, Randi Seaberg, 3715 Oakes Ave., Everett WA 98201, 425-385-4104, ADA Coordinator, Kristine McDowell, 202 Alder St., Everett WA 98203, 425-385-5250, Section 504 Coordinator, Becky Ballbach, 4730 Colby Ave., Everett WA 98203, 425-385-4086.
From www.everett.k12.wa.us, sign up for InTouch e-mail messages; choose the school information you want most.