...NewsLinks

A Web-based newsletter for the staff of Everett Public Schools

April 12, 2010 (NewsLinks articles are now archived on Docushare)

IN THIS ISSUE –

MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – Welcome back!

I hope your first day after spring break was a great one, that your break time was restful and relaxing and that you were able to spend it in ways that re-energized your mind and spirit.

Spring break always seems to bring with it the reality that the last day of school is just two months away. During these next two months, I’ll continue to make weekly visits to schools throughout our district and look forward to learning more about how you help ensure that each student’s day is a good day for learning and growing. Thank you for doing your part and for saying “hi” when you see me on one of those visits.

Legislative status

Monday is supposed to be the last day of the legislative session, although it could run into the wee hours of the morning. As of Monday afternoon, it seems legislators are nearing agreement on tough budget decisions. We expect our district budget reductions for 2010-11 to be between $3 million and $5 million, which is no small amount, but better than $7 million which would have been the impact in the governor’s December budget proposal.

Thank you, Karen Madsen! Please remember that Thursday, April 15, 5-7 p.m. in the commons of Evergreen Middle School is when we say an official “goodbye and thank you” to Karen Madsen for a dozen selfless years on the school board and even more years as a dedicated school volunteer and advocate for staff, students, families and funding for public education.

In the last twelve years, Karen has:

· Worked tirelessly as a volunteer and then as chair of the Citizens Levy Committee, orchestrating community support to build Penny Creek and Forest View, to modernize Cascade, Evergreen, Eisenhower, Emerson, Garfield and Silver Lake. She helped make possible the work now being done at Jefferson and Whittier, and for future work planned at Monroe and View Ridge.

· She also helped pass levies that paid for technology that is the envy of most districts in the state and region. She ensured there was community support for maintenance and operations levies that have been key to the district’s economic stability even in tough economic times.

· Karen was an original visionary behind the district’s determination to raise graduation rates, and we owe her a huge thank you today for governance decisions that helped pave the way for the impressive 90.2% graduation rate featured today on the district’s homepage.

· She is a respected voice for education at the state and national level and frequently asked to testify before the legislature about the challenges and successes of public education.

I look forward to seeing you at Thursday’s event when we honor a woman who has inspired and supported our work.

Kudos to Cheryl Plumb!

Check out today’s Everett Herald story about our own Cheryl Plumb of the HR department who will compete a week from today in the Boston Marathon. Way to go, Cheryl! We will be cheering for you!

Back to the top

NEWS AROUND THE DISTRICT – great things happening everywhere

04.12.2010 Cascade High's Reg Scodeller remembered

04.11.2010 HR's Cheryl Plumb to run Boston Marathon

04.09.2010 Everett students get to see a slice of police life

04.02.2010 Four Everett schools earn WA Achievement Awards

04.01.2010 Everett schools earn big in Safeway's fundraising program

04.01.2010 CHS Jodi Galli named Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction

03.26.2010 District advisory group publishes budget recommendations

03.24.2010 JHS student to play at Kennedy Center

03.24.2010 JHS students compete in WordMasters Challenge

03.23.2010 Volunteers help install Silver Firs' new playground equipment

03.19.2010 Community engagement - what are they talking about?

03.19.2010 CW student acts in Diary of a Whimpy Kid movie

03.17.2010 Jefferson Elementary neighborhood meeting April 14

03.11.2010 JHS Sean Roe helps at Everett memory care center

03.11.2010 NAACP honors Betty Cobbs for her 37 years of contributions to Snohomish County

03.10.2010 Sequoia shows district key to higher graduation rates

Back to the top

OPPORTUNITIES – for students and staff

1. H.M. Jackson High School presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. April 15-17 and April 22-24 at Everett Civic Auditorium. Belle and Me Tea on April 17. See details online.

2. Hawthorne Elementary is continuing with its annual tradition of hosting a 5K run/walk through the city of Everett called the Hawk Hustle. The money raised from the June 5 race will go directly to Hawthorne Elementary. We are asking for your support in our efforts to make the Hawk Hustle a great success. Last year, we had several teachers, principals, and families from other schools participate in this fun event for adults and kids. Register for the Hawk Hustle online!

3. The Arts Council of Snohomish County provides many resources to support visual arts instruction in our schools including:

· Spring continuing education classes - Art Basics: Elements, Principles and the CBPAs, registration deadline April 9

· Field trips - 2010 exhibit: The Art of Asia, May 10-21

· Outreach suitcases - 2010 suitcase topics are Africa, China, Japan, Northwest Coast Native Americans, Philippines and book arts.

For more information about each of these programs, see the Arts Council of Snohomish County Art Is For Every Educator newsletter or contact Nancy Bell at the Arts Council at 425-257-7372.

Back to the top

OPPORTUNITES IN BRIEF – quick reminders from past issues

1. A $100,000 federal grant funds free marine workshops for teachers and field experiences for students, April 17–18. For more information call or email Amy Johnson at Edmonds Community College’s Center for Service-Learning at 425-640-1882, or go to www.serviceeducationadventure.org.

Back to the top

POLICY & PROCEDURE INFO – links to all policies and procedures are online

1450 Board of Directors - Minutes

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 Bradford (previously 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.