Waggoner, Mary
From:
Lindenstein, Diane
Sent:
Friday, September 25, 2009 12:56 PM
To:
EPS.MailList
Subject:
NewsLinks Sept. 25
Page 1 of 6
9/25/2009
...NewsLinks
A Web-based newsletter for the staff of Everett Public Schools
Sept. 25, 2009 (
NewsLinks
articles are now archived on Docushare)
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IN THIS ISSUE:
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2009-10 district calendars to arrive next week
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Services for Allen Osmonson on Saturday
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Get ready now to thank the community for past support of technology
levies
•
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School bus ridership week begins Oct. 12 – do you know how school
transportation funding works?
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United Way campaign begins Sept. 30
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District now using Twitter!
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Early release Friday; Connect-ED message to parents and early release
times
for each school on the Web
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Your school board at work – planning for Feb. 9, 2010, ballot issues and
celebrating highest ever high school graduation rate
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High school graduations on June 19 – a change from previous plans
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News from around the district
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Opportunities for students and staff
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DISTRICT CALENDARS – to be delivered next week
Each school year’s calendar dates are established in negotiations with the
Everett Education Association. Once the 2009-10 school year contract
was agreed upon, final work to insert the dates began immediately
thereafter. The next available open time at the printer was Sept. 23. On
Friday, Sept. 25, 26,000 calendars will arrive at the maintenance offices
for distribution to schools for families and staff during the week of Sept.
28.
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FUNERAL SERVICE FOR ALLEN OSMONSON – Saturday, Sept. 26
Services for Allen Osmonson, district master maintenance mechanic since
2002, will be Saturday, Sept. 26, at 2 p.m. at Floral Hills Cemetery, 409
Filbert Road in Lynnwood.
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ANNUAL STUDENT TECHNOLOGY AND LEARNING CELEBRATION – a
demonstration and “thanks” to the community, Jan. 20, 2010
In 2002, district voters overwhelmingly said “yes” to supporting technology
that has transformed how students learn, how teachers teach and how the
district operates more efficiently and cost-effectively. On Feb. 9, 2010,
voters will again be considering a levy supporting technology and capital
projects to preserve the community investment in schools.
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Even though it’s only September, it’s not too early to start thinking about
celebrating technology and learning at the district’s annual demonstration.
The annual Student Technology & Learning Celebration at Cascade High
School is Jan. 20, 2010, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This year, we’ll showcase
examples of students gaining insight and solving problems through
technology and teachers using technology to enhance their professional
practice. Submit your presentation ideas to Tracy Manspeaker
by Oct. 30,
2009.
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ARE YOUR STUDENTS ELIGIBLE TO RIDE THE SCHOOL BUS? – ridership
count week begins Oct. 12; counted riders “set” the transportation funding
for the year
The state fall “nose count” of school bus riders determines how much
money each school district is paid to safely transport students to and from
school each day. Students who are eligible to ride the bus, but not
“counted” that week, are not factored into what the state pays toward the
cost of transportation here. As it is, Everett Public Schools receives less
than 60 cents for each actual transportation dollar cost. The remaining
amount comes from the general fund which is the fund used to cover
classroom costs.
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UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN AHEAD – a chance to do a “good thing”
The United Way campaign for the district will start Sept. 30 and run
through Nov. 20. Please watch for meeting opportunities at your school
and department site. The Foundation is also running our "Write-in-for-
Kids" campaign that encourages families and community members to
designate a portion of their United Way donations to the Everett Public
Schools Foundation. Dollars raised during this effort will help to fund the
Classroom Grant program.
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FOLLOW DISTRICT NEWS ON TWITTER – have notices sent to home e-mail
or phone
We’ll use Twitter for quick news announcements and as an additional way
to send emergency notifications.
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FRIDAY EARLY RELEASE – announced in Connect-ED
On Wednesday night, Sept. 23, district parents received the following
Connect-ED
message from the communications department:
(schools which
sent a similar message to their own parents were not included in this message)
This is Diane Lindenstein with Everett Public Schools reminding you that
Friday, September 25 is an early release day for all students. Please
check with your child's school for their exact release time.
Also, did you know that you can register to vote at your child's school?
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9/25/2009
You can also register to vote online from our district Web page under the
Community tab.
Lastly, if you would like to volunteer in the school district, you can now
apply online in just 5 to 10 minutes. Visit our volunteer page under the
Community tab on the district Web site. Thank you for your time.
Goodbye.
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YOUR SCHOOL BOARD AT WORK – Feb. 9, 2010, ballot issues and
celebrating high school graduation
Considering two ballot issues
At their meeting on Sept. 22, the board discussed the possibilities of
asking voters to consider two finance issues in February 2010.
1.
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A maintenance and operations replacement levy to continue local
support to the district’s general fund. Putting the significance of a
potential M&O levy into perspective for the board, Business and
Operations Executive Director Jeff Moore noted that if all central
office staff ($8.5 million), all school office staff ($8.9 million), all
maintenance and custodial staff ($11.4 million) and all school bus
transportation were eliminated ($6.8 million), those cuts would not
equal the cuts necessary if there were no M&O levy funding
available – projected to be about $37 million in future years.
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During discussion of the M&O levy funds, Dr. Cohn noted hearing
how challenging it was for this district to cut $9 million last spring.
“Having to cut $37 million is unimaginable. Fortunately, Everett
Public School students have benefited tremendously by past voter
support for school levies and bonds.”
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2.
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A technology/capital levy that would continue the district’s
technology plan and history of facility maintenance that protects the
community investment in school buildings.
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Although plans are not final, and the board has not approved ballot
resolutions, they are intensely dedicated to a finance proposal that
would maintain a flat tax rate for residents rather than a tax increase.
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Celebrating graduation rates
Six years ago, the district’s high school graduation rate was dismally close
to just 50 percent. Today it’s the highest it has ever been – topping 80
percent. This year’s graduation class was 1,189 students, the largest class
ever. Cascade High School won the “super senior” prize by graduating a
student whose original graduation year was 2005, but who stayed with the
program to graduate in 2009. “When they graduate is not as important as
graduating, and keeping students engaged is part of our mission,” said
Board President Sue Cooper as she congratulated staff for good work.
The high school principals’
On Time Graduation
efforts are paying off, but
the work still continues to get the next 20 percent across the stage.
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Summer school programs designed specifically for freshmen and
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9/25/2009
sophomores already off graduation trajectory were successful this
summer. Twenty-seven whose diplomas were at risk in just the first two
years of high school are now back on track after a summer of
concentrated work to change that trajectory. “This work changes lives!”
said Chief Academic Officer Terry Edwards during his presentation.
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“On time” graduation refers to those who graduate during their designated
graduation year – usually four years after entering as freshmen. (It can be
a longer time for special education students who may be students until the
age of 21.) “Extended graduation” refers to those students who remain or
return to school after their designated graduation year and who graduate
later.
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The high schools are continuing to work with students who did not
graduate “on time.” “We are connecting individually with them, providing
incentives and relevancy to encourage them to continue. We are finding
out exactly what they need to graduate and providing those learning
opportunities,” said Edwards.
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HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION TO BE JUNE 19 – a repeat reminder for all
staff
To comply with the state-required number of days, high school seniors
must be in school and to allow a bit of “wiggle room” in case of school
closures from winter weather, the graduation dates for Cascade, Everett
and Jackson high schools has moved from June 12 to June 19. Sequoia
High School’s graduation will take place on Thursday, June 17.
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE DISTRICT – extraordinary work happening
everywhere
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Each day, the cooks in Everett Public Schools prepare more than 2,000
breakfasts and 9,000 lunches. They do so on a shoestring budget and
manage to serve healthy and nutritious foods. Just how this is done
successfully was the focus of a Sept. 22 article in the
Everett Herald,
with
an interview of Food and Nutrition Services Manager Debbie Webber and
a host of her satisfied school nutrition program student customers.
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Some of the state’s best girls’ soccer players
are coming from this
region’s high schools. See who they are and how the sport is generating
high caliber players whose high school talent will help them gain entry into
college. The story first appeared in the Sept. 22 issue of the
Everett
Herald.
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Everett High School’s volleyball star, Molly Burton
is featured in the Sept.
22
Everett Herald Timeout
sports feature.
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The district’s community services department received hearty “thank you”
for the support they gave to the Seattle Breast Cancer walk which involved
2,200 participants and raised more than $5.5 million.
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Schools welcomed and benefited from dozens of United Way Day of
Caring volunteers on Friday, Sept. 18.
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CHS Wind Ensemble continues its winning streak
, learning of an award
from last spring’s trip to New York City.
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EHS hosts second annual College Day to jump start students’ attitudes
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9/25/2009
that
college is a plan, not a dream.
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Silver Lake Elementary highlights its
African Experience Project.
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H.M. Jackson HS music department
is
Making Magic
this weekend.
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OPPORTUNITIES – for staff and students
1.
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Fall tech classes
– check them out online!
A full slate of workshops is available for you as you begin your new
classes with new ideas and renewed energy and commitment. Workshops
will help you learn new technology skills to use throughout the curriculum.
Classes will give you time to prepare materials and lessons you can use
all year.
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Check out the Course Registration System or look through this listing of
workshops
to find one or several that meet your needs!?You'll begin this
school year with powerful new tools in your "teacher's toolbox" to help you
manage your classroom and make learning even more exciting!
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For more information, contact Tracy Manspeaker.?
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2.
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Attention all Everett School District office support professionals
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Oct. 9-10 is the WAEOP Fall Summit in Yakima
, a great way to earn PSP
hours.
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For more info, e-mail Pam James, CEOE or call 425-385-6610.
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3.
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Math is Cool championships
are held throughout the state for students
in grades four through twelve. If you are a teacher or coach, register
online. If you are a supervisor or administrator, encourage your colleagues
to start a club. For more information, contact Annie Bouscal or call 509-
738-7000.
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4.
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Third Annual Staff and Faculty Arts and Crafts Show
– open to all
district staff. Take this opportunity to show your arts and crafts talents to
the public. We are looking forward to a lobby decorated with paintings,
photography, ceramics, sculptures, quilts, carvings, drawings and more.
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Art will be displayed for public viewing at the Educational Service Center
on Colby from Oct. 6, 2009 through Nov. 13, 2009.
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Entry forms are on the Web site
. Forms and artwork are due by Monday,
Sept. 28. Deliver or send them to Theresa Webb
(extension 4060) in the
curriculum office.
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5.
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There is a
Sno-Isle Libraries levy measure
on the Nov. 3 ballot, which
combined with additional library budget cuts, would offset a projected $2.5
million shortfall in 2010. Information on the levy measure is available at
www.sno-isle.org.
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Briefly, OPPORTUNITIES from past issues
(for details see
NewsLinks
archives)
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Classroom grants from Everett Schools Foundation are due Oct. 15. Last
year, 63 classroom grants were funded?to all 26 school sites for over
$31,500. The Foundation would love to have the same reach as last year
Page 5 of 6
9/25/2009
and look forward to reviewing all of the wonderful ideas for bringing extra
funding to our students’ classroom experiences.
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Be sure to
Write-In for KIDS
during the United Way drive this fall. When
you sign your pledge form, you can
write-in
the Everett Public Schools
Foundation as a designated agency.
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Ticket discounts to Sept. 26
Silvertips vs. Vancouver Giants
are
available to district staff. Deadline for ordering tickets is Friday, Sept. 25.
Use the form online.
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Search and Rescue classroom presentations
offered by Deputy Bill
Quistorf. For more information or to schedule a presentation, e-mail
Deputy Bill Quistorf or call 425-754-5489.
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The
Seattle Times Newspapers in Education (NIE),
Program and
Outreach Specialist is available to conduct trainings at your school or to
host trainings for a cohort from your school at The Seattle Times. Visit the
NIE Web site or e-mail nie@seattletimes.com.
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Lights! Camera! College
!
Student film contest open until Oct. 19.
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Adopt-A-Stream events
between now and November.
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POLICY & PROCEDURE CHANGES – links to existing policies are online;
revisions or additions to be listed here.
To save the cost of printing and distribution, district policies and
procedures are stored on Docushare.
NewsLinks
will include periodic
notices of policy changes.
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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.
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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.
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9/25/2009