A Web-based newsletter for the staff of Everett Public Schools
Feb. 19, 2010 (NewsLinks articles are now archived on Docushare)
IN THIS ISSUE –
LEGISLATIVE NEWS and planning for budget reductions – WSSDA updates and related news articles in Docushare
As last week’s issue of NewsLinks emphasized, news and legislation about the state’s economic issues and the resulting impact to schools is rapidly evolving. To help you stay in touch with the issues and legislative action, we are gathering and archiving updates and news articles in one location for you.
Some of you have been asked, “School district levies around the state have been approved; why is there now so much discussion about school district budget cuts?”
The answer is, “Because the state is faced with a $2.8 billion shortfall. Cutbacks the state has said will happen include funding for class size, elimination of what has not already been cut from I-728 funds which also impact class size, professional development and extended learning opportunities.
These state cutbacks, combined with rising local costs, mean Everett Public Schools will face a $7 million shortfall for 2010-11. Although the cutback needs vary from district to district in Washington, the situation is similar for all school districts in the state as the legislature looks to reducing funding for K-12 education as a way to mitigate the state’s budget shortfall.”
As Dr. Cohn said in his message last week:
We know legislators will be making difficult budget decisions this session, and it is unreasonable to think that public education funding will remain untouched by those decisions. ...
As was necessary last year, this district must prepare for cost containment and budget reductions coming to us as a result of state decisions. In the aftermath of good news about our community’s support of our levies, news about budget cuts coming from the state is difficult to send and understandably difficult to hear.
What we know now about the district budget:
· Over the last eight years, the district has reduced expenses $16 million – $9 million was last year alone.
· Based upon information available now, we are faced with possible budget reductions for next year of another $7 million.
· Even though both levies passed, we must face the harsh realities of legislatively imposed budget reductions today. The good news is that the amount to cut is a projected $7 million instead of more than $40 million which would have been necessary if the Replacement Levy had failed.
What we are doing about the district budget:
· Making our case in Olympia as described earlier. We have also been meeting with legislators individually since last fall, and will continue this effort.
· Meeting with the Fiscal Advisory Council that includes staff and community representation. They are learning about the scope and complexity of school funding and will give valuable perspectives about efficiency and priorities.
· Preparing for public budget meetings and ways to share budget information with you as quickly as there is clarity from Olympia – and in ways that honor negotiated contracts and our relationships with all school staff.
· Update! Those public meetings are likely to happen the first and second weeks of March. Watch for announcements of exact times and locations. Also watch for news and analysis of a Senate or House budget proposal expected to be announced sometime during the week of Feb. 22.
Please note! A link to your legislative representatives is on the home page of the district Web site under “In the Spotlight.”
MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT AND YOUR SCHOOL BOARD – district launches community engagement sessions – please encourage those you know to take part
The district has launched a series of
community engagement sessions,
which is the beginning of a long-range process inviting a cross section of
voices to gather at round table discussions focused on renewing the district’s
strategic plan. March 2, 2010, is the first in a series of four such
conversations.
Community engagement process – what it is
Information and perspectives gleaned from the series of four, focused, community conversations help develop the next in the district's series of strategic plans. The community conversations will lead to a larger two-day event in October 2010.
Community process – how to be involved or get more information
“To garner the widest perspective, the process must bring together people who are closely linked with schools and those who are not directly tied to our schools. Everyone’s voice matters,” Board President Ed Petersen emphasizes.
Those wanting to join the sessions or learn more about the process can do so by:
· Calling 425-385-4048 (this is a message line; please leave your contact information so event organizers can get back to you quickly).
· E-mailing rreese@everettsd.org. Bob Reese will contact you to learn more about the perspective and voice you bring to the table and to discuss which session or sessions will fit into your schedule.
· Writing to Community Engagement Process, Everett Public Schools, 4730 Colby Ave., Everett, WA 98203. Be sure to include your contact information, and indicate which session or sessions will fit into your schedule.
Event dates and topics
Based upon what they heard in community meetings and the challenges ahead for schools of the future, the school board has established four topics for sessions in March, April, June and August. “Each of these topics is critical for us to explore and understand. Each will be an opportunity for deep and rich discussions about the role of schools, the future expectations for students today and how schools and community can partner to ensure that students are well prepared for their futures,” explains Petersen.
1. Tuesday, March 2, a discussion of Global Perspective from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Eisenhower Middle School at 10200 25th Ave. SE in Everett. In this session, participants will share their thoughts and opinions about the impact of an increasingly global society on education in general and Everett in particular. The results of this event will help set the context for a definition of an education for the 21st Century.
2. Tuesday, April 27, a discussion of Partnerships from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cascade High School at 801 E Casino Road in Everett. In this session, participants will discuss the role of public and private partnerships in supporting Everett Public Schools, paying particular attention to how the community (business, social services, social and civic organizations, public and private agencies and families) can support the district’s mission. What should be the primary focus of community and family partnerships? The results of this engagement event will help set the context for a definition of partnerships that support each student learning to high standards and graduating on time.
3. Tuesday, June 29, a discussion of Equity and Access from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Garfield Elementary School at 2215 Pine St. in Everett. In this session, participants will explore how the district and community can best embrace, welcome, learn from and support the success of students and families with diverse backgrounds. Participants will also consider how schools and the community can best foster open access and opportunity for all. The results of this session will help build a common understanding of the issues informing the work of the district’s Equity and Access Advisory Council.
4. Wednesday, Aug. 25, a discussion of Work, Career and College Ready from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Forest View Elementary at 5601 156th St. SE. In this session, participants look at what it means for a student to be work, career and college ready. The results of this session will help define what work, career and college ready means and what support structures must be in place for students to become flexible to adapt to a rapidly changing world and to succeed in the futures they choose.
What to expect at each session
· Each session will include small group discussions and time to summarize and share comments from those discussions with the large group. Skilled facilitators will present questions and provide guidance during each session.
· Each session may vary depending upon the topic. Some may include knowledgeable guest speakers; some may include short video presentations or other means “to provide a baseline understanding of the topic at hand,” notes Petersen. “We know there will be many perspectives, viewpoints and thoughts about each topic, and we expect the conversations to be lively and to help the board have a better understanding of what the community thinks about each topic.”
· Between 40 and 60 people are expected to gather for each discussion. “We ask that people RSVP their attendance intentions before each event so that we have room, supplies and space for everyone,” explains Petersen.
How to follow the process – even if you don’t attend a discussion session
· Throughout the process, during their regularly scheduled school board meetings, the board will either be discussing the sessions and/or receiving reports about the community engagement process from district staff and the superintendent. This information will be reported in school board minutes available on the district Web site.
WELLNESS MESSAGE – February is American Heart Month
Read the Feb. Hope Health Newsletter online for inspiring stories from our own employees, healthy recipes, research findings about nutrition and lifestyle choices, and tips and suggestions to improve your mental and physical wellness.
NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION RESOURCES
If you are a teacher and would like information about becoming a National Board Certified (NBC) teacher, please visit the OSPI Professional Education Web site. They have information on state and national certification programs, eligibility and financial assistance through WA State National Board Conditional Loans. The deadline for conditional loans for 2010-11 has been extended until Feb. 19.
NEWS FROM THE FOUNDATION – Annual Benefit Breakfast invitation
The Everett Public Schools Foundation will be hosting its 16th Annual Benefit Breakfast on Thursday, March 18 at 7:15 a.m. in the Hansen Conference Center at the Comcast Arena at Everett. Our theme this year is "25 Years, Making Dreams Real!" This breakfast will celebrate our 25th anniversary of providing service to the staff and students of Everett Public Schools. Guest speakers include Bev Robertson, 2009 EPS Teacher of the Year from H.M. Jackson High School; Deb McCollum, teacher at Evergreen Middle School and a Classroom Grant recipient for many years; Dr. Gary Cohn, EPS superintendent; and our keynote speaker, Dr. Elson Floyd, president of Washington State University. This is the marquee event for the Foundation each year and we look forward to welcoming 350 business, community and school partners to join us in the celebration. Funds raised from this event go to our Classroom Grant, All Day Kindergarten and Summer School tuition assistance programs.
NEWS AROUND THE DISTRICT – great things happening everywhere
Salvation Army honors local schools
On Feb. 25, Salvation Army will be dedicating a perpetual wall in their facility to those organizations that have contributed significantly to their mission over the past five years. In all, 32 organizations will make up this first year group of honorees, Henry M. Jackson High School and Heatherwood Middle School among them. There will be an open house from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to honor these organizations.
12th annual district art shows
The Middle School Art Show is open for public viewing Feb. 9 to March 4, 2010 at the Educational Service Center (ESC). The Awards Reception will be held on Monday, March 1, 2010, 6-7:30 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, 6‑7:30 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:
02.18.2010 PTA making a difference
02.16.2010 District responds to burrito recall
02.16.2010 Eric Marks - CHS wrestling
02.16.2010 Whittier food drive
02.11.2010 District launches a series of
community engagement sessions
02.10.2010 Everett schools participate in The Great Money
Challenge Literacy Initiative
02.09.2010 Tim Walters - JHS swimming
02.08.2010 During campus visits, middle school students see
college possibilities
02.08.2010 JHS
musicians qualify for state competition
02.08.2010 North MS Cultural Dance Team part of Diversity Week
celebrations
02.04.2010 Graduation rates
for Everett Public Schools tops 90 percent
02.04.2010 EHS girls bowling team to compete at state
tournament
02.04.2010 Jackson Elementary
School Counselor of the Year award
01.31.2010 Graduates gather to celebrate 100 years of Everett
High
01.30.2010 Cascade High inducts first
six into Hall of Fame
OPPORTUNITIES – for students and staff
1. Tech Ease – Do you want to ease on down that technology road by taking a course for clock hours? Do you want a class that is easy to get to and at a time you prefer?
The technology department is offering three classes that can come to you!
· Building Your Own Web site,
· Moodle Magic, and
· Collaborative Research using Google Tools.
Find some friends who want to take one of these classes and then contact LauriBeth Hull (lhull@everettsd.org) to arrange the details.
These classes will be open to all district staff, so keep checking the Course Registration System calendar for a class at a school near you.
2. Future Teachers of Color Conference, sponsored by Everett Community College’s Teacher Education Advancement program and Key Bank, on Wednesday, March 24 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Everett Community College. High school students thinking about a career in education can see the linked flyer or contact Director Veronica Garaycoa at vgaraycoa@everettcc.edu or 425-388-9040 for more information.
3. Museum of Flight is looking for teachers who are interested in sharing their knowledge and skills with some of the state’s brightest and most determined students as a summer residency counselor. Application deadline is March 12.
Counselors are provided $500 stipends and all travel, room and board are paid for by the Washington Aerospace Scholars Foundation. Counselors are also eligible to apply for 60 free clock hours upon the successful completion of their summer residency session.
Applications are available online or contact Melissa Edwards, WAS Administrator at medwards@museumofflight.org or 206-764-5866.
OPPORTUNITES IN BRIEF – quick reminders from past issues
1. Snohomish County Parks and the Adopt A Stream Foundation have created a great winter/spring lineup of low cost environmental education classes that will be conducted at the NW Stream Center at McCollum Park. Visit www.streamkeeper.org for a complete list of classes.
2. Scholarships available for creative patriotic art - Students in grades 9 through 12 are eligible to participate in the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Awards. Contest rules, entry form and helpful hints are available online.
3. Hands on Diversity 2010 is a series of FREE cultural trainings brought to the community by Everett Diversity Advisory Board in partnership with a number of regional organizations, including the school district.
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.
|
Date |
Topic |
|
April 20 |
Native American |
|
May 18 |
Latin American |
|
June 15 |
Asian Pacific |
|
July 20 |
African Refugee |
4. What schools can do to save energy – an art contest sponsored by Snohomish County PUD. Open to K-12 students in Snohomish County and Camano Island. Entries due no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, March 19. Details and entry forms on the PUD Web site.
5. The Art of Being a Military Child, Entry details on the Web. Entries are due Feb. 26!
6. 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. Watch for more details, and check out the Web site for lessons and to test your own census knowledge.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. USA Today's SAMMY Awards mean $7,500 scholarship for scholar athletes – applications due March 5, 2010. The rules, forms and history of winners back to 1999 are online.
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.
Diane Lindenstein
Communications Dept.
Everett Public Schools
425-385-4040
From www.everett.k12.wa.us, sign up for InTouch e-mail messages; choose the school information you want most.