headlines
March 16, 2010 - Parkside Elementary Grand Opening
Students, staff, families, and the community helped celebrate the completion and grand opening of the new Parkside Elementary on March 16. Superintendent John Welch and Principal Robin Lamoureux hosted the event, thanking the voters for the continued support of creating quality learning environments for the students of Highline. Read more...
March 15, 2010 - Free Workshops for Parents
The Office of the Education Ombudsman (OEO), an agency within the Governor’s Office, will be offering small-group classes for parents, family members and other adults caring for public school students.
Read more...
March 15, 2010 - School Profile - Hazel Valley Elementary
As buses and cars pull up to Hazel Valley Elementary on a sunny early spring morning, teachers and the principal are out front on the sidewalk, waving to parents, opening car doors, and welcoming students to another school day. No, it’s not a special occasion. They are out here every morning and every afternoon, rain or shine. Read more...
March 15, 2010 - School Board Develops Equity Policy
The Highline School Board is developing a district policy aimed at ensuring equity for students of all races and ethnicities in Highline schools. As part of this work, the board and staff are participating in a series of work/study sessions facilitated by a national anti-racist training organization. Community members are invited to attend the next session on April 12, at 6:00 p.m. at the district office. Read more...
March 15, 2010 - High School Students Take State Test This Week
High school students take the new state standardized test this week. Testing started Tuesday, March 16, with the reading portion of the High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE), followed by the writing exam on March 17 and 18. The tests will be taken by all tenth graders and by juniors and seniors who did not pass the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) last year. Read more...
March 15, 2010 - Arts Council Seeks Input
Parents and community members will have an opportunity to voice their views about arts programs in Highline schools on Wednesday, March 31, at 7:00 p.m. at the school district central office. Read more...
March 11, 2010 - In Memoriam
Richard Stephenson passed away recently. He taught at Sunset Junior High (1967-1975), Puget Sound Junior High (1975-1980), and Highline High School (1980-1989).
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March 11, 2010 - Students Take State Exam for Medical Interpreter Certificate
Four students from the Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC) Translation and Interpretation program traveled to Olympia on February 26 to take the Washington State DSHS Spanish language written medical interpreter test. Read more...
March 11, 2010 - Two Proclamations Issued by Superintendent Welch
At the March 10 School Board meeting, proclamations were read by Superintendent John Welch for Classified School Employee Week (March 8-12) and School Retirees Appreciation Week (March 15-21). Read more...
March 11, 2010 - Two Middle Schools in Line to Receive Influx of Federal Funds
Highline Public School has applied for a federal grant that would fund changes at Cascade and Chinook Middle Schools. The grant opportunity is part of new federal regulations that identify high-poverty schools with large numbers of struggling students. In order to get the funds, districts must agree to restructure the schools by next fall. Read more...
March 11, 2010 - PSSC Involves Students in Strategic Planning – Vision 2020
This year, the Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC) staff and students have been involved in a year-long process of creating a strategic plan that will guide their growth over the next decade. Read more...
March 11, 2010 - Big Picture Schools Cited by President Obama in Reducing Drop-Out Rates
Highline Public Schools has incorporated this model in the array of high school options available in the district. Highline Big Picture High School is a small school (less than 200 students) offering personalized learning environment with an emphasis on internships and hands-on learning.
Read more...
March 11, 2010 - Two Highline High Students Receive Act Six Scholarships
Congratulations to Highline High School seniors Devanta Black and Hodo Hussein, winners of the Act Six Scholarship. The Act Six Leadership and Scholarship Initiative selects promising urban student leaders, like Devanta and Hodo, and fully funds their university education. In addition to the monetary award, the students will receive training and mentorship in leadership and service throughout their four years of university attendance. Read more...
March 11, 2010 - Two Named Student of the Month for Chamber of Commerce
Two Highline students have been selected by the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce as Students of the Month - Joslynn Vasques of Highline High School and Bryanna Sloan of Big Picture High School. Read more...
March 11, 2010 - Puget Sound Skills Center Open House for Juniors / Seniors
Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC) will host an Open House on March 24 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Prospective students and families are invited to meet the instructors, hear about the 18 unique programs available, and see the 21st century classrooms where students learn by doing.
Read more...
March 11, 2010 - Building for the Future - Progress Update on McMicken Heights
Progress on McMicken Heights Elementary Replacement Project continues. Construction Enterprises and Contractors (CE&C) is completing the foundation and under-slab work for the administrative and activity portions of the building. The classroom portions of the building now have the first floor in place and the structure is beginning to take shape. Read more...
March 11, 2010 - Gang Resistance Training Catching On
More students, this group from Chinook Middle School, have completed the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) program offered in cooperation with local law enforcement. Read more...
March 11, 2010 - Homeless Students Get a Helping Hand from Acura
Highline Public Schools’ McKinney-Vento Program was selected by Acura of Seattle at Southcenter for their monthly community outreach work. The dealership hosted a coat drive and donated $35 for every Acura sold. By month’s end, the McKinney-Vento Program received $2,765 and a carload of coats that will re-supply the district’s small, but well-used, social service clothing bank. The funds will be used to help students-in-need with the basics - from school clothing and supplies to school fees. Read more...
March 11, 2010 - Highline Middle Schools Emphasize STEM Classes and Careers
Darrell Chase, a middle school Science/Technology/Engineering/Math (STEM) instructor, was recently published in the Association of Career and Technical Education national magazine, "Techniques." His article describes work being done at Sylvester, Chinook, and Cascade middle schools encouraging students to enroll in more math and science courses by emphasizing STEM and career exploratory options.
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March 11, 2010 - Superintendent Welch Profiled in Professional Publication
The American Association of School Administrators featured Highline's Superintendent John Welch in their recent publication. School Board President Bernie Dorsey says, "John's non-traditional background allows him to combine powerful organizational and finance skills with an intense concern for students." Read more...
March 11, 2010 - Somali Families Invited to Share About Raising Daughters
Community Schools Collaboration (CSC) will host a SeaTac Schools Family Night event on March 23 from 5:45 - 8:00 p.m. at Chinook Middle School. The event will feature a presentation for Somali families entitled Learn Ways to Communicate with Your Daughter. There will also be a health presentation. Come, be a part of the learning community!
Read more...
March 10, 2010 - Nurse Camp 2010 - for Sophomores and Juniors
Do you know a high school sophomore or junior interested in learning what the nursing field is all about? Someone who wants to know how to get into nursing school? Help them apply to participate in the University of Washington School of Nursing's Nurse Camp 2010! This FREE, week-long camp is geared toward increasing access and opportunities in nursing to minority and low-income high school sophomores and juniors. Read more...
March 10, 2010 - Midway Elementary Celebrates Dr. Seuss and Reading
Midway Elementary held their annual birthday party in honor of Dr. Seuss which featured a cake-walk with 70 donated cakes. There were also craft activities including face painting and a contest for students to create hats like the one from the Cat in the Hat. Read more...
March 10, 2010 - Bow Lake Hosts Deaf and Hard of Hearing Family Night
Bow Lake’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Program hosted the first DHH Family Night of this school year on February 25 in Bow Lake’s Rainforest (one of the five biomes represented in the building). The event provided a welcome opportunity for families to gather and share their experiences. Read more...
March 9, 2010 - Arts & Academics Academy Student Performs at Moore Theater
Arts & Academics Academy (AAA) student David Sanoy and his sister, Sky, were among 30 young musicians selected to perform in the 9th annual More Music @ The Moore on March 12. The event featured up-and-coming musicians, representing diverse musical styles such as Jamaican reggae, bluegrass, Zimbabwean marimba, R&B, and hip-hop, with a focus on cross-cultural collaboration and the fusion of musical cultures. Read more...
March 8, 2010 - Educare Early Learning Center Grand Opening Celebration
Educare Early Learning Center, a partner of the White Center Early Learning Initiative (WCELI), invites the community to celebrate their grand opening - Saturday, March 27.
Read more...
March 8, 2010 - Kindergarten Registration for 2010 - 2011 School Year
If your child will be five years old on or before August 31, he or she is eligible to register for kindergarten now. To register your child, please go to your neighborhood school during regular school hours. Read more...
March 5, 2010 - Highline Students Hold Coin Drives for Haiti
Highline students continue to raise funds for children impacted by the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Read more...
March 3, 2010 - Two Highline Schools Identified for School Improvement Grant
Two Highline middle schools, Cascade and Chinook, have been preliminarily identified by the state for a school improvement process that would bring significant changes to both schools. They are two of 40-some schools across the state identified for the process, which could trigger an influx of federal dollars aimed at improving student achievement. Read more...
March 2, 2010 - Highline Student Selected as Alternate in National Youth Science Camp
Mahlet Assefa, a senior at Health Sciences and Human Services High School, has been selected as an alternate representative for the State of Washington at this year’s National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) in Charleston, West Virginia, this summer. Read more...
March 2, 2010 - Highline Students Recognized in Regional Art Show
Britni Geraghty and Duy Hunh, two Highline High School seniors, have been selected to receive an Outstanding Achievement Award in the 2010 Regional High School Art Show sponsored by Puget Sound Educational Service District. Read more...
March 2, 2010 - School Profile - Puget Sound Skills Center
This is Highline’s Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC), one of 13 skills centers in Washington State. PSSC draws students from Federal Way, Tahoma, and Tukwila school districts, as well as Highline. It offers college preparatory and career education in 18 fields from instructors who all have real-world experience in the fields they are teaching. The equipment available in each program is state-of-the-art, and each program has an advisory board made up of industry leaders to ensure programs stay on the cutting edge. Read more...
February 26, 2010 - State Budget Shortfall Will Impact Highline Schools Again
For the second year in a row, Highline Public Schools is bracing for significant cuts in the funding it receives from the state. Washington is facing a $2.8 billion revenue shortfall, which translates to cuts to many state programs and services. Since public school funding makes up the biggest chunk of the state budget, schools will take a major portion of the cuts. Read more...
February 25, 2010 - Read Across America Celebrates Dr. Seuss' Birthday
At the February 24 School Board meeting, Superintendent John Welch called upon the citizens of Highline Public Schools to assure that every child is in a safe place reading together with a caring adult on the evening of March 2. The proclamation supports the National Education Association's Read Across America, celebrating Dr. Seuss' 106th birthday.
Read more...
February 25, 2010 - Safety is a Priority at Highline
Eleven Highline schools and departments are being commended for outstanding safety records for the 2008-09 school year-- all completed the year with no workplace accidents. One goal of the district safety committee is to help employees understand the importance of preventing injuries -- not only for the well-being of staff, but to protect district finances. Because Highline is self-insured, a reduction in workplace injuries means a reduction in the district's financial liability. Read more...
February 24, 2010 - In Memoriam
Howard Haworth, custodian with the district from 1971-1991, passed away on March 1. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 6, at the Burien Free Methodist Church, 520 S 150th St, Burien, at 10:00 a.m.
Olga Price passed away on January 24 at the age of 95. She was the school cook at Riverton Heights from 1955 to 1975. Olga substituted from 1976-1978.
Read more...
February 23, 2010 - Pacific Middle School Student Wins State Reflections Competition
Clara McMichael of Pacific Middle School won the Reflections competition at the Washington State level. She will be receiving the State Reflections award in May for her composition "Fantasia to Life". Read more...
February 23, 2010 - Speak Up on the Arts
The Superintendent's Council for the Arts is inviting students, staff, parents and community members to visit its social networking site and share their views on arts education. Read more...
February 23, 2010 - Pacific Middle School Student Strikes the "Write" Chord in Essay Contest
Pacific Middle School student, Elizabeth Lyon, was honored at a February 18 assembly for winning first place in the eighth-grade, statewide VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) essay competition. "Elizabeth Lyon is paving the way to college with award money from her essay in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriot’s Pen competition," said Barbara Moore of the VFW. Read more...
February 23, 2010 - Four Highline Schools Recognized for Conservation Efforts
Four Highline schools have been recognized as Green Schools for their work in conservation. They are: Beverly Park, Gregory Heights, Madrona, and North Hill Elementary Schools. Read more...
February 23, 2010 - Sylvester Students Participate in Gang Resistance Education and Training
Burien Police Officers BJ Myers and Robell Ghrmai graduated 181 seventh-graders at Sylvester Middle School in the G.R.E.A.T. program. G.R.E.A.T is a 14-week program taught by police officers on a variety of gang-related topics to help students make good choices for their future. Read more...
February 23, 2010 - Cedarhurst Recognized for Recycling Efforts
Through a school-wide information campaign, Dee Miller’s fifth and sixth graders at Cedarhurst Elementary are reducing the amount of recyclables thrown into garbage bins. Activities include delivering presentations to classrooms throughout the school and conducting a recycling competition that will focus on putting litter in its place. Read more...
February 23, 2010 - Marvista Circus Club Performs for Madrona Assembly
A one-of-a-kind Circus Club from Marvista Elementary entertained students from Madrona Elementary at a recent school-wide assembly. P.E. teacher Alex Samaraev said, "They learn while having fun! The program teaches useful physical skills and children become more confident and competent in their body management." Read more...
February 23, 2010 - Graduation Ceremonies Set for June
Graduations ceremonies for all of Highline Public Schools' high schools and graduating programs have been scheduled. Read more...
February 23, 2010 - Shorewood Fifth Grader Sings in All-State Honor Chorus
Bailey Ormsby, a fifth-grader at Shorewood Elementary, was chosen by audition to participate in the All-State Youth Honor Chorus on February 13 in Yakima. Bailey was one of only 150 fifth and sixth graders from throughout Washington to sing in the all-day event. Read more...
February 17, 2010 - New Parkside Elementary Welcomes Students
Buses arrived and students streamed into Parkside Elementary for the first day of classes in their new building on February 17. Parents enjoyed a welcome reception and a quick chance to look around at the new facility. A grand opening event will be held on Tuesday, March 16 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Families and the community are invited to attend the celebration and tour the new school. Read more...
February 15, 2010 - School Profile - TEC High School
Students huddle around a computer in a classroom, their advisors—professional engineers from Microsoft—look over their shoulders. The students are diagramming plans for a robot. In the coming weeks, they will build the robot from scratch and run it through the paces of the exercise it will perform in regional and national competition Read more...
February 15, 2010 - Increasing Numbers of Highline Students Going to College
The number of Highline Public Schools students heading to college is up significantly over the past four years. And more Highline graduates are going to four-year universities.
In 2004, 52.5 percent of grads went directly to college. That number was up nearly five percentage points to 57.5 percent in 2008.
Read more...
February 12, 2010 - Mount Rainier Swim Team Receives Awards
Mount Rainier High School boys swimmers are Seamount League Boys Swim and Dive Champions, and Omar Crowder, head swim coach for Mount Rainier High School swim and dive team, was awarded Coach of the Year at the Seamount League Championships on February 6, 2010. Read more...
February 11, 2010 - Highline Schools Foundation Honors Major Donors
The Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence held a “Gifts of the Heart” luncheon on February 10 to recognize and thank major donors. Read more...
February 11, 2010 - Boeing Engineers Share Their Expertise at Two Highline Schools
Boeing staff recognized National Engineers' Week with visits to Global Connections High School and Pacific Middle School. Students at both schools had the opportunity to connect their classroom learning to real-world careers. Read more...
February 11, 2010 - Work of Two Highline Teachers Published
Two teachers with Highline Public Schools have recently had articles published in professional publications. Derek Byne, elementary P.E. specialist at Madrona Elementary, and Jessica Towbin of Health Sciences and Human Services High School. Read more...
February 11, 2010 - Cedarhurst Celebrates Hispanic Night
On February 5, Cedarhurst celebrated their 4th Annual Hispanic Night. Families came dressed in their traditional dress for their culture and prepared dances to share with the community. Their cafeteria was filled with color from costumes, the stage was filled with dancers, and there was food brought by parents from all cultures to share. Everyone enjoyed the full two-hour program. Read more...
February 11, 2010 - Submit Your Nomination for Gold Star Awards and Teacher of the Year
Now's your opportunity to tell the world about that outstanding coworker you admire - or the teacher who brings about amazing results with students. Nominations are now being accepted for this year's Gold Star Awards, sponsored annually by the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence and Highline Public Schools. Read more...
February 11, 2010 - Latino Parents Learn How to Support Their Students' Education
School Board member Angelica Alvarez is helping to organize Latino parents at Highline High School. Parents gathered on February 8 for a second session on how to support their students' education. Read more...
February 11, 2010 - Highline Students Show Their Hearts and Empty Their Pockets
Many students around Highline have been touched by the recent events in Haiti and responded generously to help those in need. Read more...
February 11, 2010 - Midway Students Showcase College-going Skills for Visiting Educators
Administrators and teachers from school districts in Vancouver, Everett, Federal Way, and Bellingham visited Midway to see how AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) works in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. AVID is a class that helps prepare students to be successful in college by teaching study habits, organizational skills, time management, and college awareness. It is typically used in secondary schools. This is Midway’s second year of using AVID Elementary. Read more...
February 11, 2010 - Mount Rainier Student Serves as Legislative Page
Mount Rainier High School ninth grader Samuel Oppong, Jr. was chosen to serve as a legislative page in Olympia where, for one week he had the opportunity to learn first-hand about the democratic process, working on the floor of the Washington State House of Representatives. Read more...
February 10, 2010 - CHOICE Student Honored as Washington's Top Youth Volunteer
Megan Johnson, a Running Start student from CHOICE Academy, has been selected as Washington’s top high school youth volunteer in the 2010 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. She will travel to Washington, D.C., on May 1-4 to receive her award. Read more...
February 9, 2010 - Family Dictionary of Education Terms is Now Available
In response to parent requests for tools to better understand the terms used in schools, the Office of the Education Ombudsman (OEO) has created a dictionary of K-12 education terminology. Read more...
February 9, 2010 - Puget Sound Skills Center to Participate in SeaTac Anniversary
The City of SeaTac has invited Construction Technology students from Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC) to participate in the city’s 20-year anniversary celebration. As part of SeaTac’s anniversary, PSSC students will cut out materials needed to assemble bird houses, which will allow the youngest members of the community, along with their parents or guardians, to go through a simulated process of building a home in SeaTac. Read more...
February 5, 2010 - Global Connections High School Student Named Student of the Month
Cathy Jimenez, a senior at Global Connections High School, has been named Student of the Month by the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce. "Being a part of Global Connections DECA has been one of the biggest life changing experiences I have had," said Cathy. "It has helped me to become a more confident person who believes in myself and in the power of youth." Read more...
February 5, 2010 - Mount Rainier Staff Learns New Ways to Communicate
A team of Mount Rainier High School staff members are becoming "web masters" as a means to increase the communication capabilities with students, parents, and the community. "The intent is to begin shifting to web-based communication," said Principal Julie Hunter. "Not only is that the expectation of our students and community, it's also a smart way to provide more timely information and save money on printed material." Read more...
February 5, 2010 - TEC High School Student Awarded Act Six Scholarship to Gonzaga
Mohamed Sambou, a senior at TEC High School, has been awarded the Act Six scholarship to attend Gonzaga University. Mohamed was one of just 19 students from the Puget Sound area chosen to participate in an on-campus experience. Read more...
February 3, 2010 - It’s Time for Eighth Graders to Look at High School Options
In February, eighth-grade students and their families will learn about the choices open to them for high school. Students can apply for one of three district-wide high school options. Or they can move up to the high school campus in their neighborhood service area. On any of these campuses, students are assigned to a small learning community in which they’ll spend at least two of their four years in high school. The Tyee and Evergreen campuses each house three distinct small high schools; Mount Rainier and Highline High School are organized in academies. Read more...
February 2, 2010 - Des Moines Elementary Planning Night
Des Moines Elementary held their second annual School Improvement Planning Night on January 28. Parents were invited to participate in learning about the work being done at Des Moines Elementary to educate all students - and how, as parents, they can be more involved in the process. Principal Karin Jones said, "Over 200 parents and students enjoyed a spaghetti dinner and then rotated through the learning stations." Read more...
February 1, 2010 - Parkside Elementary Schedules Move to New Building
The new Parkside Elementary School building is almost complete and students will begin the transition from their temporary site at Manhattan soon. The last day for classes at the Manhattan site is Thursday, February 11. Classes will begin at the new Parkside Elementary on Wednesday, February 17.
Read more...
February 1, 2010 - Feature School: Beverly Park Elementary
It's the third Thursday of the month, and Beverly Park Elementary School is brimming with 250 students and their families who have come to participate in the monthly Family Night. Children and parents rotate between fitness stations, going from the climbing wall to jump ropes to tumbling.
This crowd isn’t unusual. “We may not have the largest PTA, but families come out in droves for our monthly events,” says fourth-grade teacher Erik Wise. “Our parents are deeply involved in their children’s education.”
Read more...
February 1, 2010 - ELL Services Input Meetings and ELL Symposium
As 2010-2011 approaches, the ELL Department is planning its overall strategy and approach in supporting Highline's schools to deliver ELL services. Ongoing data analysis and research informs that work. And, importantly, your perspectives from across our schools and community matter. A series of meetings will be held to gather your input about ELL strategies and planning for 2010-2011. Read more...
February 1, 2010 - Highline ELL Research Symposium
The Highline ELL Department will present a symposium to support Highline's schools in refining and developing their ELL service plans for 2010-2011. The ELL Research Symposium will occur at Cedarhurst Elementary on March 9, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Read more...
February 1, 2010 - Big Picture Outpaces the State on Writing WASL
Big Picture High School was recognized by the school board its January 27 meeting for outstanding scores on the writing WASL.
Last year, 87.5 percent of all Big Picture tenth graders passed the writing WASL, higher than the state average of 86.7 percent. In addition, 100 percent of Big Picture’s African American, Latino, and special education students passed the writing WASL.
Read more...
January 28, 2010 - Aviation High Students Selected for Washington Aerospace Scholars Program
Nine juniors from Aviation High School have been accepted to participate in Washington Aerospace Scholars program for 2009-2010. They are: Jordan Cros, Matthew Eaton, Tyler Escott, Laura Hixson, Banks Hunter, Spencer Noble, Olivia Pham, Franco Spadoni, and James Stone. Read more...
January 28, 2010 - Pacific Middle School Teams Score at Future City Competition
Three teams of students from Pacific Middle School competed in the Future City competition at the Seattle Center on January 23. All three teams placed in the top 10 and will go on to compete at the State level. Future City is a national competition for design and engineering. National Board Certified Teacher Sandy Gady guided the students' work for the competition. Read more...
January 27, 2010 - Beauty Is...Seeing Reflections Artists Shine
Student artists from around the district were honored for their work at the annual Highline Council PTSA Reflections Celebration, held on January 25 at the Highline Performing Arts Center. Reflections is a National PTA- sponsored arts-enrichment program that encourages students in K-12 to create art in six different categories of visual arts, photography, literature, music, film, and dance. Their artwork is created to reflect a yearly theme, which for 2010 was, “Beauty is…” Read more...
January 27, 2010 - Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence to Recognize Donors
Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence is having their first annual donor recognition event, Gifts of the Heart, on February 10, 2010. This luncheon is designed to thank and honor HSFFE donors. Read more...
January 27, 2010 - Learn More About Financial Aid at UW
High school students, families, and community members are invited to learn more about financial aid opportunities at the University of Washington. The event, hosted by MECHA, will take place on February 3 and will feature a student panel discussion. Read more...
January 27, 2010 - World Vision Recognition
At the January 27 school board meeting, World Vision recognized Highline Public Schools for its contributions to the Samoan relief efforts. Read more...
January 26, 2010 - Summer Institute in Physics and Physical Science for Teachers
The Center for Physics Education in the University of Washington Physics Department offers a five-week, ten-credit summer institute in physics and physical science for full-time teachers. The 2010 institute is tentatively scheduled for June 28-July 30 at the UW in Seattle. Read more...
January 26, 2010 - Highline AVID En Espanol
Highline High School AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program hosted a parent information night in Spanish. Newly elected school board member Angelica Alvarez presided at the event and explained how parents, staff, and students can work together to improve student performance and open lines of communication between home and the school. Read more...
January 26, 2010 - Global Connections Student Recognized with Leaders and Achievers Scholarship
Lisa (Sandra) Campos, a senior at Global Connections High School, has received the 2010-2011 Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship recognizing high school seniors for their commitment to community service, academic achievement, and demonstrated leadership. Read more...
January 26, 2010 - Nominate an Educator for IslandWood Award
IslandWood, located on Bainbridge Island, is a unique 255-acre outdoor learning center designed to provide exceptional learning experiences and inspire life-long environmental and community stewardship. Nominations are currently being accepted for an award to recognize K-12 teachers who actively use the environment/community for learning. Read more...
January 26, 2010 - See a Play - at a Discount!
During the month of February all students have access to reduced ticket prices for Burien Little Theatre’s production of Arne Zaslove’s 1950s rock and roll version of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Read more...
January 25, 2010 - In Memoriam
Jean Iverson was a teacher in our district. She passed away on January 2 at the age of 93.
Everett Woodward was 91 years old when he passed away on January 7. Everett taught health & PE and coached gymnastics at Highline High School from 1956 to 1958.
Read more...
January 19, 2010 - Feature School : Bow Lake Elementary
The gavel falls. The legislature is in session. The “chamber” is filled with excited fourth- through sixth-graders, members of the Bow Lake House of Representatives. “Governor” Diana Garcia gives the annual state-of-the- school address. Then the students begin introducing bills to improve their school. Read more...
January 19, 2010 - Highline Plans for Facilities for the Next Decade
Highline has built 14 new schools and made significant capital improvements during the first decade of the 21st Century, giving students a learning environment that supports today’s education. That’s thanks to voters, who approved capital improvement bonds in 2002 and 2006. Today, nearly all Highline’s aging elementary schools have been replaced. Read more...
January 18, 2010 - Twenty-six Highline Teachers Honored for National Board Certification
Twenty-six Highline teachers were honored by Highline's Board of Directors at its January 13 meeting for achieving National Board certification. These teachers join nearly 8,900 other new National Board Certified Teachers across the country. Read more...
January 15, 2010 - Haitian Families of Highline
News of the devastating earthquake and the frightening conditions for survivors in Haiti is impacting some of our Highline families. Many staff members have inquired about ways to help provide aid to those affected. Read more...
January 14, 2010 - State Budget Shortfall Likely to Mean More School Budget Cuts
Highline is bracing for major budget cuts for a second consecutive year, as the state faces at $2.6 billion revenue shortfall. This year the state cuts to Highline could be as high as $8.3 million. Read more...
January 14, 2010 - New Procedures for School Transfers
A new process and set of criteria for student transfers went into effect on January 4, 2010. The new procedures will affect students who request a transfer to a school outside their neighborhood service area for next year. Read more...
January 14, 2010 - Advisory Councils Convene on Arts Education and Athletics
Superintendent Welch has convened two community advisory councils, one on school athletic programs and the other on arts education. The two councils will develop recommendations to the superintendent and school board on the future of sports programs and arts education in Highline schools. Read more...
January 14, 2010 - Superintendent Welch Speaks Out About Education Funding
Superintendent John Welch spoke about the impact of the state revenue shortfall on KUOW-FM's Weekday on January 13. Along with superintendents from the Edmonds and Renton school districts, Superintendent Welch was asked to describe how schools are dealing with recent budget cuts and the prospect of more to come. Read more...
January 13, 2010 - Resources and Grant Information
There are a number of good resources surfacing for teachers, staff, and students for project grants and scholarships. Here are a few that have come to our attention. Read more...
January 13, 2010 - Educator Appreciation Week at Barnes & Noble
The Southcenter Barnes and Noble will host their annual Educator Appreciation Week starting Saturday, January 16 through Sunday, January 24. There will be an Educator Reception on Thursday, January 21 at 4:00 p.m. in the B&N Junior department. Read more...
January 12, 2010 - New One-stop Shopping for Scholarships
The Washington Scholarship Coalition, comprised of the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB), Independent Colleges of Washington (ICW), and other Washington State public and private partners, announces the launch theWashBoard.org. Free of cost for both students and providers, theWashBoard.org is a web-based scholarship clearinghouse that matches scholarship seekers with scholarship providers. Read more...
January 12, 2010 - Two Highline Schools Make U.S. News Best High Schools List
Health Sciences and Human Services High School (HS3) and Aviation High School were both named on the 2010 list of America’s Best High Schools published by U.S. News and World Report. HS3 earned a bronze award and Aviation High School earned a silver. They were the only two South King County schools to make the list. Read more...
January 8, 2010 - Madrona Teacher Michele Brees Honored with National Award
Madrona teacher Michele Brees was honored on January 6 for excellence in mathematics and science teaching. The event was featured in the Highline Times.
Read more...
January 7, 2010 - Highline Recognized for Participation in Relief Efforts
Highline Public Schools was among those partners recognized by World Vision for their contribution to disaster response over the last few years and particularly for the work done to support the Samoan community following the devastating tsunami in September. Read more...
January 6, 2010 - A Letter from Highline's United Way Campaign Chair
2009 was an incredible year for giving for our District. Through your generous donations and caring hearts, we raised $96,313.00 for our combined United Way/Highline Schools Foundation 2009 Campaign Drive.
Read more...
January 6, 2010 - Important Highline Partner Seeks New Leadership
One of the district's key partners, New Futures, is seeking an Executive Director. New Futures provides after school academic help, youth programs, and other support for families at community learning centers located in four low-income apartment complexes in Highline. Read more...
January 6, 2010 - Madrona Students Participate in Veterans of Foreign Wars Essay Contest
Asked to write an essay using the theme of "What makes our country great," students at Madrona Elementary participated in the annual Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) contest. Read more...
January 6, 2010 - Academic Placement Testing for Math - College Prep
The Academic Placement Testing Program’s Mathematics Placement Test (MPT) is required for many students who plan to attend the state’s public universities this Fall. Read more...
January 6, 2010 - CHOICE Academy Parent Information Night
If you and your student would like to learn more about the Highline CHOICE Academy, please attend the upcoming parent information event on January 20 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Anyone interested in CHOICE for the second semester or for the 2010-2011 school year is encouraged to attend. Read more...
January 6, 2010 - Student Leader Award Applications Open
Do you know some special high school juniors and seniors who are creating a positive impact in King County and the community? The Bank of America Student Leaders Award program is looking for students who demonstrate leadership and extraordinary volunteerism. The program offers first-hand opportunities to discover how young adults can help shape their communities now and in the future. Read more...
January 4, 2010 - Shorewood Elementary Family Math and Nutrition Night
Shorewood Elementary held their annual Family Math and Nutrition Night on December 10 with over 250 family members participating. The event is designed to educate parents and students about nutritional content of various foods and use math skills to purchase items that represent the best value. Read more...
December 20, 2009 - College Goal - Financial Aid Events at all High Schools
Every high school in Highline Public Schools will host a College Goal Financial Aid event in January. Experts will be on-hand to assist families in preparing the financial aid application forms (FAFSA) and to answer questions about the college application process. Read more...
December 17, 2009 - Mount Rainier Science Classes Make the News
Why was a Puget Sound Energy worker dropping things from the top of a cherry picker on the Mount Rainier High School campus yesterday? Physics! Read more...
December 15, 2009 - Puget Sound Skills Center Students Participate in Lakewood Memorial
Students in the Criminal Justice and Fire Services programs at Puget Sound Skills Center participated in the memorial service for the four Lakewood police officers killed in the line of duty in December. Read more...
December 14, 2009 - Focus: Creating a Culture of Positive Behavior
“PBIS is invaluable!” says one Hazel Valley Teacher. “It has helped me improve my skills in handling and working with all my students. Read more...
December 14, 2009 - School Profile - Health Sciences & Human Services High School (HS3)
A bulletin board in the hallway at Health Sciences and Human Services High Schools (HS3) displays seniors’ college applications under a banner reading “Where We’ve Applied.” As college acceptance letters come in, they are posted for all to see. Read more...
December 13, 2009 - Highline Passes $8 Million Savings to Taxpayers
Highline Public Schools has refinanced 2002 bonds, resulting in a savings to taxpayers of more than $8 million over the next five years. Read more...
December 13, 2009 - New School Board Members and Officers Seated
Wednesday night, Angelica Alvarez was sworn in as a new member of the Highline School Board. Alvarez was elected last November. Board member Susan Goding was sworn in for her second term. Read more...
December 13, 2009 - Bleak Budget News from the Governor
More budget cuts are likely for Highline Public Schools, based on Governor Gregoire’s preliminary budget proposal. The governor’s budget proposal, released this week, paints a bleak picture for school districts for the 2010-11 school year. Highline’s Executive Director of Finance and Business Services Susan Smith Leland predicts funding cuts for Highline of $8 to $10 million under this proposal. Read more...
December 12, 2009 - Several Students Recognized in National Merit Scholarship Program
Several Highline students have been named Commended Students with the National Merit Scholarship Program: Rebecca Pham, Ryan Sanders, Michael Thompson, Bertha Vo, An Nguyen, and Paige McCleary. Harrison Wray of Mount Rainier is continuing in the competition to become a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Read more...
December 12, 2009 - World Vision Partners with Community Schools to Provide Gifts
World Vision and Community Schools Collaboration (CSC) are partnering with PTSAs at three Highline schools to provide gifts for students. The organizations anticipate distributing as many as 400 gifts each at White Center Heights Elementary, Mount View Elementary, and Beverly Park Elementary. Read more...
December 12, 2009 - Student Journalists Briefed on H1N1 Flu
In early November, Public Health-Seattle and King County offered a unique opportunity for student journalists. Dr. Jeff Duchin held a media briefing on H1N1 exclusively for high school journalists. Two students from Highline's CHOICE Academy, Esah Kennedy and Dane Ernst, took advantage of the opportunity and co-authored this article on the subject. Read more...
December 12, 2009 - Beware of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
When the weather turns cold, some families turn to potentially dangerous sources of heat. King County Public Health has made available posters in many languages to help educate people about the dangers. Read more...
December 12, 2009 - Sylvester Celebrates Poetry and Learning
On Friday, December 11, students in the Beginning English Language Learners (ELL) class at Sylvester Middle School celebrated a day of poetry and learning with Dr. Arun Jhaveri, the first mayor of Burien. Long-term substitute, Ms. Thelxie Eaves, arranged the event as a way to honor the ELL students for the exceptional work they did while she was their teacher. The project was first inspired after three students in the class received first place awards in the PTSA Reflections contest for Literary Arts. Read more...
December 11, 2009 - Noted Author / CNN Executive Speaks About Women in Leadership
Gail Evans, noted author, speaker, and retired CNN vice president, spoke with a group of 60 Highline girls on the issue of women in leadership roles. She emphasized the importance of women mentoring one another. Read more...
December 11, 2009 - Shorewood Hosts Family Math and Nutrition Night
Shorewood Elementary School hosted its second annual Family Math and Nutrition Night where families participate, "shop" in the market for nutritional choices, learn how to determine the nutritional value of items, solve some math problems together, and get recipes for use at home.
Read more...
December 11, 2009 - Highline High Drama Student Wins Young Playwright Award
Highline High School student Joslyn Vasquez won one of the ACT Theatre awards for the Young Playwright Program (YPP). Her play will be given a staged reading at the ACT main stage in March 2010 and will be directed, acted, and provided dramaturgy by theater professionals from Seattle. Her play will also be published in an anthology of student work called PLAY! These will be on sale in June of 2010. Becca Morris and Alex Lopez Wilson received Honorable Mention awards. Read more...
December 10, 2009 - Human Resources Staff Recognized
Kim O’Neil, assistant director of employee services, was recognized at the recent board meeting for completing the certification as a School Human Resources Professional. Janet Hodson, assistant director of total compensation, recently recertified as a School Human Resources Professional. Read more...
December 9, 2009 - Christmas Tree Sale at HS3 to Fund Scholarships for Senior Retreat
This Friday, December 11, Health Sciences and Human Services High School (HS3) will sell Christmas trees from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the west side student parking lot. The trees were donated and funds will go to provide scholarships for the senior retreat held annually at Camp Waskowitz to jumpstart seniors with their college planning and application process. Read more...
December 9, 2009 - Thank You from Highline Schools Foundation
The Highline Schools Foundation wanted to take this opportunity to thank the district employees for their generous contributions during the United Way campaign. Your donations totaled more than $15,000.00 in direct contributions to the Foundation. Read more...
December 8, 2009 - Tyee Bazaar - Joint Effort with DECA and SeaTac Rotary - a Success!
The Tyee Holiday Bazaar, held on December 5, was a huge success! Over 2,600 community members turned out to visit the 125 booths of hand-made and commercial items. This was a record number of shoppers and vendors. The Holiday Bazaar was coordinated by Global Connections DECA and SeaTac Rotary. Read more...
December 8, 2009 - A Merry Olde Christmas by ChoralSounds Northwest - FREE Youth Tickets
Many of your favorites are included in A Merry Olde Christmas, including Ding Dong, Merrily on High, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Deck the Hall, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and many others. Clever choreography and staging add to the festivities, rounding out a show that is sure to delight young and old alike. Read more...
December 8, 2009 - The Night Before Christmas December 11 - Under 17 Free With Paid Adult
KidSounds, YouthSounds and TeenSounds join forces with a program that will give families a fun-filled kickoff for the holiday season, in The Night Before Christmas on Friday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center. Read more...
December 8, 2009 - In Memoriam
Read more...
December 8, 2009 - Water Cooler
Q: I have a question concerning holiday decorations...
Q: What is the school policy and/or city code for dogs in the track and field area? Read more...
December 7, 2009 - Lutheran Community Services Drive to Bring Joy to Children of SeaTac
You can help bring joy to the children of SeaTac families by contributing a new toy to the Lutheran Community Services Gift a Kid program. Drop off your contribution at the LCS office on 188th Street - directly across from the new YMCA. Read more...
December 7, 2009 - Northwest Boychoir Auditions February 6
Boys ages 6 - 9 are invited to schedule an audition appointment for the Northwest Boychoir to be held Saturday, February 6. Call 206.524.3234 or go online to www.nwchoirs.org.
Read more...
November 20, 2009 - Panasonic Partnership Supports Success for All Students
Highline Public Schools is beginning its seventh year of partnership with the Panasonic Educational Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Panasonic Corporation. The mission of the Foundation is to assist school districts in their reform efforts aimed at educating all students. The Foundation’s mantra is all means all. The values of equity, excellence, collaboration, and accountability guide the Foundation’s work to assist school districts to meet their most important goals. Read more...
November 18, 2009 - Aviation High School Kicks Off Capital Campaign
Raisbeck Aviation High School kicked off a major capital campaign at an event on November 17 at the home of James and Sherry Raisbeck. The Raisbecks and their foundation have pledged $4 million toward the effort to construct a facility for the school at The Museum of Flight. Read more...
November 18, 2009 - Conversion to Online Student Information System Nears Completion
The electronic student information system (eSIS) funded by the 2006 bond is nearly fully operational. Conversion from the outdated system has been a massive undertaking. Now all schools are operating on eSIS for attendance, emergency contact information, and most other student data. Read more...
November 18, 2009 - Board Recognizes Julie Burr Spani as Term Ends
Highline Public Schools board of directors recognized board member Julie Burr Spani during the final meeting of her term. Superintendent John Welch said, "We are grateful for Julie's contribution. During her four-year tenure, the district has created – and grown - a college-going culture.” Read more...
November 18, 2009 - How Are We Doing?
Each year Highline Public Schools provides an update to the community on its progress in a variety of areas including Systemwide Measures of Success (SWMS) and five areas of strategic focus: Learning Environment, Excellent Staff, Academic Achievement, Resource Stewardship, and Neighbors and Community (LEARN). Read more...
November 18, 2009 - Global Connections High School Honored
At its November meeting, the school board recognized Global Connections High School for dramatically increasing the number of students taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams. Sixty-nine juniors and seniors took AP classes last year, up from 13 the previous year. Read more...
November 17, 2009 - Meet Mohammed. He's College Bound!
Did you know that students who meet income eligibility and sign a pledge during their 8th-grade year to stay in school, maintain good grades, and stay out of trouble with the law are eligible for full college tuition and fees at Washington public colleges? Read more...
November 17, 2009 - School Profile - Academy of Citizenship and Empowerment - ACE
Shauna Pierson, a counselor at the Academy of Citizenship and Empowerment (ACE), was working late one evening. Walking down the hall, she recognized a student at his locker and stopped to talk. Seeing the hopelessness in his face, she probed and learned that he was planning to run away from home that night. He said he had friends in Connecticut and had just met a man who said he’d drive him there. Read more...
November 17, 2009 - American Education Week Celebrated
American Education Week is being celebrated November 16-20 in Highline Public Schools and across the nation. Read more...
November 16, 2009 - 2009 - 2010 Budget Overview Available Online
In addition to the budget presentation (PowerPoint), the 2009-2010 budget overview (pdf) is now available online. Both documents may be viewed from the Business Services page of the district website.
Read more...
November 16, 2009 - A Community Screening and Discussion of the Documentary Papers
The community is invited to a screening and discussion of the documentary Papers on Friday, November 20, at the University of Washington. It will be hosted by OneAmerica, an immigrant and refugee rights organization in Seattle, and is an opportunity to learn about the DREAM Act, Comprehensive Immigration Reform, and how immigrant youth are affected by current immigration laws. Read more...
November 16, 2009 - Big Picture Student Featured in Northwest Gold Coast Business Forum
Wesley Redding, a freshman at Highline Big Picture High School, was recently featured in Northwest Gold Coast Business Forum with a story about his internship at Cascade e-Commerce Solutions, Inc. (CeSI). Wesley is the second Big Picture student to intern with CeSI. He joins senior Colby Klein. Read more...
November 15, 2009 - Don't Miss Tyee's Annual Holiday Bazaar December 5
The Tyee Holiday Bazaar will be held on the Tyee Campus December 5, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. There will be over 100 booths of hand-made and commercial products for your shopping fun. All proceeds benefit Tyee student activities. Vendor spots are still available. Call Alana Vinther at 206.433.2128 or vintheam@hsd401.org for information.
Read more...
November 15, 2009 - In Memoriam
Inez Schaffer, Cascade Middle School's librarian from 1967-1992, died from cancer November 6 in Virginia Mason Hospital. Since her retirement, Ms Schaffer has been active in the South King County Retired Teachers' Association, attending conventions, recruiting new members, and publishing its annual directory and monthly newsletters. She also established "The Happy Bookers" club for retired librarians who meet for lunch monthly. Read more...
November 14, 2009 - Veterans Honored at Assembly
Many of the schools around the district hosted Veteran's Day assemblies to honor community members and celebrate their contributions to our freedom. Southern Heights Elementary School students recited poems, shared stories written by students, and entertained the crowd with singing. Read more...
November 13, 2009 - Para Los Ninos Wins People's Choice Award
CityClub's 2009 Community Matters Campaign (CMC), in partnership with The Seattle Foundation, has announced the winners of the People's Choice Awards for organizations who make educational and economic opportunities available in King County by involving families and communities in student achievement and aspirations and increasing support for high-quality public schools.
Read more...
November 13, 2009 - Construction Technology Program First in State with New Curriculum
Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC) unveiled a new Building and Construction Trades curriculum at an event hosted with the Building Trades Leadership. This pilot program, dubbed “multi-craft core curriculum,” was originally developed by the Building and Construction Trades, AFL-CIO, and has been refined and received curriculum approval over the last 18 months under the guidance of PSSC’s Construction Technology Instructor Ken Pierson. Read more...
November 12, 2009 - Outstanding Turnout at Valley View Early Learning Center’s Harvest Festival
Valley View Early Learning Center offers monthly family events to foster a strong home to school connection, and present community resources. Our October Harvest Festival featured free family portraits, face painting, games, prizes, popcorn, and pretzels. Three hundred forty four people attended an evening of family fun, teacher bonding, and meeting new neighbors. Read more...
November 12, 2009 - Highline Schools Rally Support for Samoan Survivors
Highline students, staff, and families have been instrumental in lending support for tsunami-ravaged Samoa. Many Pacific Islander families here have family and friends affected by the storm. Efforts have been coordinated through World Vision. See the story below from the World Vision website: Read more...
November 11, 2009 - Water Cooler
Q. What lights should be turned off and on during the day, and which should stay on all day? Staff bathroom? Classrooms during 15-minute recess? ELMO during recess? Read more...
November 10, 2009 - HS3 Students Participate in Dia de Los Muertos Gallery
The students of Asociacion Latina de Accion y Servicio (ALAS) recently presented an altar at El Centro de La Raza’s annual Dia de Los Muertos Gallery. This was the first time students from ALAS participated in the event, and they chose to theme their project around a social justice issue that affects many of the students at Health Science & Human Services High School and the entire Evergreen Campus - the DREAM Act. Read more...
November 10, 2009 - Students, Teachers, Parents and Administrators Speak Up!
Speak Up is a national online survey where students, parents, and educators can participate in the national, state and local dialog about key educational topics. Read more...
November 9, 2009 - CHOICE Staff Receives Welcome Gift
The staff of Highline CHOICE Academy at Woodside wants to extend their thanks to their Parent/Student Organization (PSO) for the new refrigerator! Staff member Donna Smith observed, "This replaces an ancient "beast" that either froze everything or didn't stay cold enough!" She went on to say, "We have an extremely supportive parent organization and are so grateful for all they do to support our students, staff, and program."
Read more...
November 2, 2009 - Bernadette Merikle to Lead Highline's Community Engagement
Highline has hired Bernadette Merikle as Community Engagement Manager. Merikle replaces Jackie Martinez-Vasquez, who has accepted a position at the YMCA of Greater Seattle. Read more...
November 2, 2009 - Survey Shows Improvements in Highline Public Schools
Highline Public Schools is improving in a number of key areas, according to results from the 2009 student and parent surveys conducted by the district. Read more...
November 2, 2009 - School Profile - Cascade Middle School
It’s lunch time at Cascade Middle School. Clusters of young teens are gathered around cafeteria tables munching on pizza, burgers, and other typical school lunch fare. What you notice immediately is the many varied ethnicities represented at each table – there is not an African American table, or a Vietnamese table, or a white table. It seems every table is a mini United Nations. Relationships easily cross ethnic and racial lines – there’s a feeling of “family” here. Read more...
November 2, 2009 - Community Responds Generously to Call for Musical Instruments
In a school where strengthening community relationships is a top priority, students and staff just got a powerful lesson on the impact of partnerships. White Center Heights (WCH) Elementary had a larger than normal turn-out for the band program this year; however, there weren't enough instruments to go around. Considering the cost of instruments, the music program faced what appeared to be a huge obstacle - but the solution turned out to be surprisingly easy. Read more...
November 2, 2009 - Bus Safety a High Priority at Highline
A recent report on KOMO-TV mentioned Highline’s stellar record of school bus maintenance. The district has received exemplary ratings in State Patrol bus inspections for the past decade. Read more...
November 2, 2009 - Marvista Students Partner With Starbucks to Support Troops
Ginnie Brossard's fifth-grade class at Marvista partnered with the Normandy Park Starbucks store to collect over $600 worth of instant coffee donations for American troops in Afghanistan. Care packages, including the donated coffee, will be shipped to the soldiers this week. Read more...
October 29, 2009 - ACE Hosts Family Night
ACE staff, students, and families gathered on October 21 for a chance to meet one another, learn more about what's happening at their child's school, and share a meal together. Teachers, advisors, and ACE's new principal, Terrance Mims, were on-hand to review class syllabus, school expectations, and best practices for partnering in education.
Read more...
October 27, 2009 - Washington Aerospace Scholar Applications Due Soon
High school juniors can now apply for the Washington Aerospace Scholars program, which gives students an opportunity to study a NASA-designed curriculum, work with engineers and scientists, visit engineering facilities, and compete in hands-on engineering challenges. The program culminates in a six-day summer residency where students will design a human mission to Mars. For more information, go to www.museumofflight.org/washingtonaerospacescholars. Application deadline is November 6. Read more...
October 27, 2009 - School Construction Bond on Hold
Superintendent Welch has recommended that the school board not run a school construction bond on the May 2010 ballot. The district will be finishing up two schools currently under construction and will be ready to start on new projects. However, the superintendent advised waiting until the economy shows stronger signs of recovery. Read more...
October 27, 2009 - H1N1 Update
H1N1 (also known as Swine Flu) and seasonal flu have hit early this season. This is a good time to remember that thorough hand washing and other good hygiene practices are the best way to avoid illness. Read more...
October 27, 2009 - Parkside Elementary Construction Update
Work at the new Parkside Elementary is progressing on schedule. Much of the site work around the building and fields has been completed with installation of drainage, irrigation, and hydro-seeding. The west slope, which has been cleared, is almost park-like and promises to be an asset to the entire neighborhood. It will soon be replanted with native species to create a nature walk for the students. Read more...
October 27, 2009 - In Memoriam
Robin Hoof passed away on October 22 from cancer. She was hired by the district in 1987 and taught French at Evergreen High School and since 2007 at Health Sciences and Human Services High School on the Evergreen Campus. Robin was track coach at Evergreen and head boys and girls swimming coach at Highline High School. There will be a memorial service on Sunday, November 8, at 1:00 p.m. at the Highline Performing Arts Center.
Sharon Wilson passed away on October 31. She was originally hired with the district in 1990 as an SBD teacher at Gregory Heights. In 1991, she moved to Madrona as a special education teacher until 1996 when she went to Mount View as a primary teacher. In 2003, she was selected as a literacy coach at Mount View. Sharon went out on medical leave February 2008 and took a disability retirement in April 2009. Services will be held on Saturday, November 7, at 10:00 a.m., at the Redmond United Methodist Church, 16540 NE 80th St, Redmond 98052.
Read more...
October 27, 2009 - Translation and Interpretation Students Advance
Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC) student Elizabeth Arteaga has received official certification by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) as a Spanish-language medical interpreter. Read more...
October 20, 2009 - Focus on Great Teaching: How Highline Strives to Move Teaching from Good to Great
Highline’s approach to continuously training teachers was recently profiled in the "Journal of Staff Development." Read more...
October 20, 2009 - Math Teachers Get Schooled on New Algebra Curriculum
Thirty-seven middle and high school math teachers attended an optional professional development session on Highline’s newly adopted algebra curriculum. Read more...
October 19, 2009 - "Thank You" from the Foundation
The following is an open thank-you letter from the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence.
The Foundation wants to thank Highline district families, friends, and staff for the support of Oktoberfest. We made nearly $25,000 for students in the district and had a great party at the same time! The committee is already looking forward to next year and an even bigger event.
Read more...
October 19, 2009 - U.S. Department of Education Team Impressed by Aviation High School
Charles Rose, General Counsel for the United States Department of Education (ED) visited Aviation High School (AHS) on October 14 representing Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “Arne says it only takes five to ten minutes to get a sense of a school. I can tell already – this is a top-level school,” said Rose. “This is the kind of school that we should be shining the light on at the federal level. I’m not aware of any other in the country doing what you’re doing here. I’m struck by the innovation.”
Read more...
October 19, 2009 - Highline Receives Grant for Community Schools Programs at Middle Schools
Highline Public Schools has been awarded a grant to expand community schools programs at Chinook and Cascade middle schools and establish programs at Sylvester and Pacific middle schools. The initial $200,000 award is part of a five-year $1 million grant funded by The Seattle Foundation and the Raikes Foundation. Read more...
October 19, 2009 - Parent and Students Benefit from Life After High School Event
More than 1000 students and parents from our middle schools and high schools attended the annual, district-wide Life After High School event on October 7 at the Tyee Educational Complex. Eighty-five representatives from colleges, universities, community and technical colleges, apprenticeship programs, military recruiters, green collar careers, and civil service opportunities were on hand to answer questions and provide literature on their programs.
Read more...
October 15, 2009 - Global Connections' Rick Harwood Named Community Champion
Global Connections High School principal Rick Harwood has received the 2009 Molina Healthcare Community Champions award for his work with connecting students and community supports. Harwood also received a $1,000 grant to donate to the organization of his choice, which he designated to the SeaTac Rotary. Read more...
October 8, 2009 - Highline Partner WCELI Announces New Director
The White Center Early Learning Initiative partners are very pleased to announce that Leilani Dela Cruz has been appointed the new director of WCELI. Highline Public Schools has a strong partnership with the White Center Early Learning Initiative (WCELI). Read more...
October 7, 2009 - Cascade Middle School Gets a Facelift
Recently, volunteers from the Real Estate Staging Association teamed up with students and staff members to give Cascade Middle School a make-over. Read more...
October 6, 2009 - Cascade Middle School Teacher Surprised at Assembly
Cascade Middle School teacher Christine Oberloh received the OfficeMax "A Day Made Better" recognition on October 6 at a school-wide assembly. She was part of a nationwide recognition program where 1,300 teachers received a surprise visit by local OfficeMax staff laden with gifts worth over $1,000 for each classroom. Read more...
October 5, 2009 - Water Cooler
Q. Why were fences put up around Sylvester MS and Highline HS? It seems like quite a hefty expense, especially in light of recent budget cuts. What’s the purpose? Read more...
October 2, 2009 - HS3 Student Achieves National Scholastic Honors
Senior Mahlet Assefa has been named an Outstanding Participant in the National Achievement Scholarship Program. She is one of just 3,100 students to receive this distinction. To qualify, Mahlet scored in the top three percent of Black Americans who requested consideration for the program when they took the PSAT last spring. Mahlet attends Health Sciences and Human Services High School (HS3), one of three small high schools on the Evergreen Campus in White Center. Read more...
October 2, 2009 - School Profile: Shorewood Elementary
Shorewood Elementary School students led by music teacher Margie Paynton sing it loud and proud: “When I build up my knowledge, I can go to any college!” The “Shorewood Pride” song, to the tune of “She’ll be Comin’ Round the Mountain,” is just one bit of evidence of the college-going culture budding at this elementary school that feeds into Cascade Middle School and the Evergreen high school campus. Read more...
October 2, 2009 - Highline Grant Renewed by Stuart Foundation
Highline Public Schools has been awarded $475,000 from the Stuart Foundation for the second year of a three-year project. The grant funds community schools programs at 14 schools in White Center and SeaTac. Read more...
October 2, 2009 - Tsunami in Samoa Impacts Highline Families
The Tsunami that devastated the Samoan Islands has hit many Highline families hard. The Highline community has a significant number of Samoan immigrants, most of them with family members in the islands. A number of students and staff lost loved ones in the disaster.
People wishing to help with the relief effort can bring hygiene and school supplies to Mount View Presbyterian Church located at 10806 12th Ave SW, Seattle, (206) 246-6399. Monetary donations can be made through World Vision (www.worldvision.com).
Read more...
October 2, 2009 - Schools Working to Prevent the Spread of H1N1 (Swine Flu)
The cold and flu season has hit already, and significant numbers of students and staff are out of school – mostly with the common cold. In an effort to prevent the spread of illness, Highline Medical Center is partnering with Highline Public Schools in a “Rub Out Germs” campaign. The medical center is supplying small bottles of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, which will be distributed to students at school. Read more...
September 30, 2009 - Next Parent Math Academy to be Held October 26
Parents are invited to learn more about the district’s algebra curriculum. Math teachers and specialists will introduce parents to the Discovering Algebra textbook series and the online support materials available to parents and students. Parents will have the opportunity to experience an actual Algebra I lesson. Read more...
September 29, 2009 - District-wide Life After High School Fair October 7 at Tyee Complex
Come learn about all the possibilities that await students after high school at the annual Life After High School Fair October 7 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the Tyee Educational Complex (4424 S. 188th Street, SeaTac). This event is for parents and students, grades 7-12, to meet representatives of over 100 colleges, apprenticeships, and industry. Attend the middle school rally and several workshops on how to pay for college and complete a college application. Read more...
September 21, 2009 - Highline Holds Parent Math Academies Designed to Help Parents Support Student Learning
On Monday, September 16, a small group of parents gathered at Highline Public Schools offices to learn more about the district’s algebra curriculum. Math teachers and specialists introduced parents to the "Discovering Algebra" textbook series and the online support materials available to parents and students. Read more...
September 20, 2009 - School Profile - First in a Series...
Each edition, we will bring you a profile of a school in the Highline system to give you a glimpse of the interesting and noteworthy things happening at schools across our community. First up is Midway Elementary School. Read more...
September 18, 2009 - Mount Rainier Student Named National Merit Semi-finalist
Mount Rainier senior Harrison Wray has been named a National Merit Semi-finalist. Selection of semi-finalists is based on scores earned on the PSAT exam taken during students’ junior year of high school. Semi-finalists scored in the top one percent of students taking the test nationally. Only 15,000 students nationwide achieve this honor. Read more...
September 17, 2009 - Foundation For Excellence Hosts Annual Oktoberfest
The Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence will hold its annual dinner, dance and auction on October 10 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Normandy Park Cove. This year the Foundation is partnering with the Burien Brat Trot - winners of the race will receive awards at the Oktoberfest dinner.
Read more...
September 17, 2009 - Hazel Valley Named One of State's Highest Improving Schools
Hazel Valley Elementary School has been named a 2009 School of Distinction. The award recognizes schools across Washington for sustained improvement in math and reading. Hazel Valley is one of 51 elementary schools in the state – one of 21 in large school districts -- to receive the award. Read more...
September 16, 2009 - Grants Open for Application - Teachers
Several science, environmental, and technology grants are now open for application. Read more...
September 16, 2009 - TEC High School Awarded Engineering Grant
TEC High School is one of ten academies nationally chosen to receive the Kelly Engineering Resources Award in partnership with the National Academy Foundation (NAF) to support a specific engineering project during the 2009-2010 school year. Projects will range from the creation of robotics models to the design of non-motorized simple machines.
Read more...
September 15, 2009 - Aviation High Students Participate in Washington Aerospace Scholars
Thomas Malchodi, Andrew May, Andrew Reece, and Michael Thompson of Aviation High School are graduates of the 2009 Washington Aerospace Scholars Summer Residency hosted by The Museum of Flight in Seattle. Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) is a competitive educational program for high school juniors from across Washington State. Read more...
September 9, 2009 - New Marvista Elementary Opens - Thank You, Voters!
Marvista Elementary welcomed students to their new building on the first day of school. The main components of the building -- classrooms, lunchroom, and common areas -- were completed on time and on budget. Finishing touches, such as landscaping and playfields, will be completed in the next few months.
Read more...
September 9, 2009 - Barbara Wilson Named Outstanding Career Guidance Professional
Barbara Wilson has received the Outstanding Career Guidance Professional Award by the Guidance Division of the Association of Career and Technical Education. Her award will be presented at the national ACTE convention in Nashville on Thursday, November 19, 2009. Read more...
September 9, 2009 - White Center Block Party a Success
White Center held a back-to-school block party and over 3,000 people joined the fun!
World Vision, a major supporter of the event, distributed 1,350 backpacks filled with schools supplies. In addition, there were 450 personal hygiene bags distributed, valued at roughly $20,000.
Read more...
September 9, 2009 - FREE SAT Prep Classes Available
The Des Moines Library is offering free SAT preparation classes on October 3 and October 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Read more...
September 9, 2009 - Essence of Success Conference October 19-20
Essence of Success, a two-day, overnight conference for African-American high school seniors who are interested in attending the University of Washington-Seattle, will be held Ocotber 19-20. 'Essence' was created to encourage African-American students to pursue higher education as well as give them a closer view of the UW through the eyes of academic excellence and diversity enhancement.
Read more...
September 9, 2009 - World Vision and Target Help Teachers and Families
In late August 2009 World Vision teamed up with the Westwood Village Target to provide $100 gift cards to some Highline Public Schools teachers and families. Read more...
September 3, 2009 - President Obama Addresses Students
On September 8, President Obama will deliver a national address directly to students on the importance of education. This is the first time an American president has spoken directly to the nation’s school children about persisting and succeeding in school. The address will be broadcast live on the White House website http://www.whitehouse.gov/ at 9:00 a.m. Pacific time.
Read more...
September 2, 2009 - Parent Academy on “Discovering” Math Program
Join math specialists and math teachers for a session designed to help parents understand the new math program and learn about support materials available online. These meetings will continue to run throughout the school year as needed, every other Monday. Monday, September 14, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Highline Public Schools central office
(15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien) Read more...
August 12, 2009 - Highline Establishes Fees for Athletics
For the first time, this year students will be asked to pay a fee for participation in school athletic programs. The school board and administration have been reluctant to charge for sports in the past; but due to state funding cuts, the options were to charge a fee or eliminate some athletic programs altogether. The fee structure will be in place for the 2009-10 school year.
Read more...
August 11, 2009 - In Memoriam
Read more...
July 30, 2009 - Highline Teacher Michele Brees Receives National Award
Michele Brees, a teacher at Madrona Elementary, is a recipient of the 2008 Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. Brees will be honored at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. this summer and will receive a signed citation from President Obama and a $10,000 cash award from the National Science Foundation. Read more...
June 25, 2009 - Board Adopts “Discovering Series” Secondary Mathematics Texts
After a study, review and recommendation process that unfolded throughout the 2008-09 school year, the Highline School Board has approved the Key Curriculum Press “Discovering Series” texts for Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 in Highline Public Schools.
In remarks at the school board meeting, Superintendent John Welch called the Discovering Algebra curriculum a “balanced approach,” which combines inquiry-based mathematics with explicit, direct instruction and practice of math skills. He also noted that the curriculum includes strong parent resources to help parents understand the material and assist their children at home.
Read more...
June 11, 2009 - Aviation High School Benefits from Partnership with Alaska Airlines
"Alaska Airlines has been a longtime supporter of Aviation High School because we strongly believe in its mission," said Dennis Hamel, vice president/human resoursces for Alaska Airlines, who was on hand to welcome Aviation High School graduating seniors and members of the ACE Club to the "ride of their life" - a flight from Boeing's Delivery Center at Boeing Field to Alaska Airline's hangar at Sea-Tac Airport aboard a brand- new 737-800.
Read more...
June 11, 2009 - Superintendent Welch Honored District Retirees
Superintendent Welch honored district retirees just prior to the school board meeting on June 10 saying, "Thank you for the good work you have done over the years and for the impact you have had on children." Read more...
June 10, 2009 - PSSC Summer Session Transportation
Highline Public Schools will provide bus transportation from district high schools to Puget Sound Skills Center and back to the high schools for the summer session. Students must have a signed parent form to board the bus. Read more...
June 10, 2009 - Marvista Elementary Auction
There will be an auction of surplus furniture and equipment from Marvista Elementary on Saturday, June 27. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. with the auction starting at 9:00 a.m. The auction will be held at the old Marvista Elementary site, 19800 Marine View Drive S.W. in Normandy Park.
Read more...
June 10, 2009 - Future Interpreters Test in Olympia
Six students from the Translation and Interpretation Program at Puget Sound Skills Center recently participated in a state-wide test to become certified medical interpreters for the Department of Social and Health Services. Read more...
June 10, 2009 - Bragging Rights
We are very pleased to share good news about the educational accomplishments of staff members and their families. Read more...
June 10, 2009 - Highline Teachers Receive 21st Century Technology Grants
Three Highline teachers have been awarded Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century grants. Cherie Clymer of Highline High School, Carrie Robeson of Gregory Heights Elementary, and Melissa Sokolik of New Start High School have been selected by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to receive this two-year, professional-development course designed to merge effective instructional and assessment techiques with real-world technologies. The grants are valued at $11,100 each. Read more...
June 10, 2009 - Highline Holds First Data Fair
How can you make data come to life? Share best practices across schools and departments? Have “accountability” be described as “fun” and “a celebration”? Over one hundred teacher leaders and administrators found out at Highline’s first-ever “Data Fair” on June 1. Read more...
June 10, 2009 - New Mount Rainier Track Dedicated
On June 9, school staff, community members, athletes, and local dignitaries gathered to dedicate the new running track at Mount Rainier High School. At the dedication ceremony, the track was officially named after former Mount Rainier track coach and teacher Jim Kennett. Read more...
June 10, 2009 - Teachers Receive 21st Century Grant
Three Highline teachers have been awarded Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century grants. Cherie Clymer of Highline High School, Carrie Robeson of Gregory Heights Elementary, and Melissa Sokolik of New Start High School have have been selected by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to receive this two-year, professional-development course designed to merge effective instructional and assessment techiques with real-world technologies. The grants are valued at $11,100 each. Read more...
June 8, 2009 - Fain Given Lifetime Achievement Award
Geri Fain, assistant superintendent for support services, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence. The Foundation has awarded this honor to a select few individuals who have made a long-standing and significant contribution to Highline Public Schools and the community in general. Read more...
May 28, 2009 - Budget Update
Staff and community input guided superintendent’s recommendations
Last night, Superintendent John Welch announced to the Highline School Board his recommendations for budget reductions and revenue increases for 2009-10. The district faces a net shortfall of about $6 million due to state funding reductions.
May 21, 2009 - Pacific Students Win Rotary Essay Contest
The Rotary Club of Des Moines has named the winners of its annual middle school essay contest: Lani Heath and Mitchell Osterman tied for third place; Ben Clayton took second place; and the top prize went to Michelle Reissig. The students each wrote a personal essay for the contest. Read more...
May 20, 2009 - Teacher of the Year 2009-2010
Linda Drahn had a big surprise yesterday when Superintendent Welch made an unannounced visit to her classroom. Linda, a first-grade teacher at McMicken Elementary, has been selected as Highline's Teacher of the Year for 2009-2010!
Read more...
May 20, 2009 - Mariners Visit McMicken Heights
Ichiro, Ken Griffey, Jr., Mike Sweeney and some of their teammates paid a visit to McMicken Heights Elementary on Tuesday. They presented an assembly encouraging students to DREAM. Read more...
May 12, 2009 Global Connections Students Gain Independence in Cycling Club Global Connections High School students learn teamwork, safety, and gain independence through cycling. Read The Seattle Times story.
April 29, 2009 - Legislative Youth Advisory Council Accepting Applications
The Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) is now accepting applications through Friday, June 12, 2009. The Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) was created to help legislators address the needs of Washington State youth. The Council meets up to six times per year in locations around Washington, and every year they hold an Action Day in Olympia in to meet with legislators and testify on legislation. This Council provides an exciting opportunity for youth to become involved in the democratic process!
April 28, 2009 - Highline Takes Precautions for Swine Flu
No cases of swine flu have been detected in Washington State, but Highline Public Schools is monitoring the illness and is working closely with Public Health-Seattle and King County and the national Centers for Disease Control as a precaution. If any cases are reported in our area, Public Health will advise the district on closing schools. Read more...
April 14, 2009 - Teachers receive grants to integrate technology into classroomsFive teachers from Highline Public Schools were among the recipients of this year's Enhanced Peer Coaching Program grants announced by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Winners are: Scott Londino and Kathy Webster of Cascade Middle School, Kimberly Jones of Highline High School, Keith Matthews of Marvista Elementary, and Steven Saville of Parkside Elementary School. Read more...
April 13, 2009 - Sea-Tac International Airport (STIA) Scholarship Due April 15
Established by HMS Host & Port of Seattle, the STIA scholarship is awarded to three students who will be pursuing a higher education in 2009. Two $12,000 scholarships will be awarded toward a university/college education, and one $6,000 scholarship will be awarded toward a vocational/community college education. All scholarships are distributed over a two-year period. The STIA scholarship is a needs-based scholarship. Deadline for applications is April 15, 2009. Read more...
April 6, 2009 - Evergreen Area High School Fair
Middle School students and parents in the Evergreen Service Area of Highline Public Schools are invited to attend the High School Fair presented by Arts & Academics Academy, Health Sciences & Human Services High School, and Technology, Engineering, and Communications High School. The event will be held in the Evergreen Campus Library Tuesday, April 7 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
April 2, 2009 - Teachers Will Shop for Free at New Teacher Resource Center
World Vision opens center at Salmon Creek
World Vision of Seattle Tacoma will open a Teacher Resource Center at Highline Public Schools Salmon Creek campus this month. Designed like a store, qualifying teachers can visit the Center and “shop” for items needed in their classrooms including books, backpacks, and other school-related items. Read more...
April 2, 2009 - Tips for Getting the Best College Financial Aid Package
Check out this article from the Seattle Times on how to tackle the financial aid process.
April 1, 2009 - Big Picture Featured in The Learning Network
Highline Big Picture sophomore Laura Smith LOVES architecture. In fact, it's the reason why she chose to attend Big Picture. Read the story from The Learning Network, a publication of the Small Schools Project.
March 26, 2009 - Aviation High Receives $4 Million Donation
Raisbeck Engineering, James and Sherry Raisbeck, and their foundation have pledged $4 million to Aviation High School. Three million dollars of the donation will go toward construction of a new facility on the campus of The Museum of Flight in Tukwila. The school will be renamed Raisbeck Aviation High School. Read more...
March 4, 2009 - Community Committee on Capital Projects
A community committee has been formed to identify and prioritize capital construction plans for Highline Public Schools. The committee is made up of community members, parents, staff, PTSA and Highline Citizens for Schools representatives, and five expert members with experience in construction and city management. The committee is tasked with reviewing the list of schools in need of attention as identified in the recently completed Study and Survey. Read more...
March 3, 2009 - Outstanding Employee Nominations Invited
Here's your chance to shine the spotlight on someone whose work you've admired. Highline Schools Foundation will host the Gold Star Award Luncheon to showcase top performers in the following categories: teacher, administrator, classified/professional support staff, and volunteer. The employees recognized are nominated by their co-workers, students, parents, or community members. Read more...
February 24, 2009 - Running Start Book Exchange
A Book Exchange is being created for Running Start students to sell/buy textbooks. Melissa Lang, a concerned Running Start mother and district employee, will create the spreadsheet of all textbooks available for purchase each quarter and we will post it on the website. Read more...
February 11 - High School Fairs Coming Soon...
Highline Public Schools will host four High School Fairs for all middle school students and their parents to learn about small school options for high school. Each family is encouraged to attend their neighborhood school's event. Read more...
February 11 - Graduation 2009
Believe it or not, planning is underway (and has been for several months) for graduation ceremonies in June! We want to share this information with families who are planning ahead. Check here for the dates, times, and locations for ceremonies for all of Highline's high schools.
February 11 - Highline Faces Tight Budget Times
The vast majority of school funding comes from the state, and with the state budget headed for a shortfall of $8 to $10 billion, schools are bracing for unprecedented cuts. Highline Public Schools will have to cut $5 to $8+ million from the budget for the next school year. This will mean substantial reductions in programs and services to students.
February 5 - Having Trouble Helping Your Child With Math?
Haven't we all said, or at least thought, math has changed so much since I was a student that I can't really help my student with homework. Help is on the way! We have posted links to parent math guides for each of the curriulua used at Highline: Investigations, Connected Math, and CMP2. Check it out!
February 2 - National School Counselor Week
This week, Highline joins schools around the nation in celebrating National School Counseling Week . This week helps focus attention on the unique contributions of professional school counselors within our school system. Read more...
January 29 - District Seeks Input On Early Release and Waiver Days
Our schools and teachers want and need to have time to receive training and work together to improve their teaching skills. That is why students have partial or full days off from school while teachers are working (early release and waiver days). On those days, teachers receive training in math and literacy, review data on student progress, and develop school improvement plans for the year. Read more...
January 27 - Basic Education Hearings January 28
Hearings are scheduled in Olympia for January 28 to review recommendations of the Basic Education Task Force. Details...
January 22 - Foundation Seeks Executive Director
The Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence is seeking a full-time executive director. The Foundation is a private non-profit organization that raises funds to support Highline Public Schools. See details on the position.
January 20 - Snow Make-up Days Identified
Make-up days for elementary schools will be: May 22, June 22, and June 23.
Make-up days for secondary schools will be: May 8, May 22, and June 22. Details...
January 20 - Arts Program includes Visit to the Symphony
On February 24 and 27 Highline fifth graders will continue a long-standing tradition of participating in an arts enrichment program sponsored bythe Arts in Education program. Several hundred students will board busses for the trek to the city where they will enjoy a free Seattle Symphony concert at Benaroya Hall. Read more...
January 20 - Voice of a Parent
Hear from Elizabeth Paulsen, editor of Northwest Gold Coast and a Highline Parent
This school year marks my 18th consecutive year as a parent of students in Highline Public Schools. Over that period of time I have witnessed many changes in curriculum, schedules, staff training and school structures. In my opinion, however, the greatest of these changes has been at the high school level. Read more...
January 8 - MRHS Community Meeting - Families Invited to Help Select Principal
Executive Director/High Schools Max Silverman will host a community meeting on January 14 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. to seek input from parents, families, and students in determining the qualities and characteristics essential in the selection process for a new principal. The meeting is sponsored by the MRHS PTSA and will be held in the MRHS library. Read more...
January 6 - College Goal Sunday - January 25, 2009
Highline Public Schools will host College Goal sessions at all four high school campuses on Sunday, January 25 from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Experts will be on hand to answer questions about ways YOUR student can go to college. They will also assist your family in completing the necessary documents. Read more...
January 5 - Highline in the Movies
A short film shot at Highline High School and involving 100 local high school students has been accepted to the Sedona International Film Festival. “The Day My Parents Became Cool” was written and directed by local filmmaker Steve Edmiston, a Mount Rainier alumnus. Highline Superintendent John Welch and HHS Principal Mike Fosberg have cameo roles in the movie. To read the Seattle Times article, click here.
December 18 - Senior Leadership Team Staff Food Bank
Superintendent Welch and his senior leadership team spent a morning at White Center Food Bank, helping sort donated food for holiday baskets. Volunteering at a local food bank has become an annual tradition for Superintendent Welch and his team.
Read more...
December 11 - New School Board Officers Elected
The school board held its annual reorganization election at this week’s meeting. Bernie Dorsey was elected as president, succeeding Julie Burr Spani. Sili Savusa was elected vice-president.
December 10 - Nat'l Board Certified Teachers Announced
Sixteen Highline teachers are among the 2008 National Board Certified Teachers announced by The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Read more...
December 3 - Class of 2009 Graduation Toolkit
The Class of 2009 Graduation Toolkit (pdf) is a resource provided by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to help educators and families understand state graduation requirements. The toolkit will be periodically updated with new materials and when changes occur during the 2009 legislative session. Read more...
December 3 - Student of the Month December 2008
Vincent Perry, a senior at Puget Sound Skills Center, has been chosen as the Southwest King County Chamber Student of the Month for December. Read more...
November 26 - Veteran's Day Assembly at Midway Elementary
As part of the Veteran's Day assembly at Midway this year the students
and staff were asked to bring letters and cards for soldiers and
veterans thanking them for their service in the armed forces. The rest of the story...
November 26 - Congressman Inslee Visits Cascade Middle School
Congressman Inslee was the guest speaker at Cascade’s Honored Students Awards Assembly. He encouraged students to set high goals, and he promised to return next year to ask them about their progress toward their goals.
November 6 - McGeehan Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Former Highline Superintendent Joe McGeehan received a standing ovation at Wednesday’s school board meeting as he was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence. Read more...
November 3 - Foundation's Adopt a Classroom Program
This week, Highline Schools Foundation completes its Adopt-a-Classroom project, in which the Foundation has given $100 to every classroom in Highline Public Schools. The final presentation will take place at 8:00 a.m. on November 4 at Southern Heights Elementary School (11249 14th Ave S). Details...
October 29 - PSSC Welding Students at work
Nicknamed "pipe-o-laterns" these unique pieces were made by students in the welding apprenticeship program at Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC). Check it out...
October 28 - Aviation High Students to Apply for Patent
Aviation High School students have developed two inventions and are applying for a patent for one of them. Read more...
October 23 - Life After High School Event a Success
Exciting! Inspiring! Informational! These are just some of the words used to describe the district-wide Life After High School event held October 22 at Mount Rainier High School. For high school juniors and seniors, there were representatives from over 100 different schools, ranging from community colleges to universities to trade schools and apprenticeships, available to provide first-hand insights and information about their programs.
October 9 - Highline Hosts Second Annual Faith Leaders Forum
Superintendent Welch hosted the second annual gathering of area faith leaders at Puget Sound Skills Center on October 1. The gathering of more than 70 area leaders, organized by HPS and the College Success Foundation, offered the opportunity to continue work started last year as well as look for new ways to support the students and families we jointly serve.
October 9 - OfficeMax Delivers Gifts
Southern Heights teacher Denise Della Pella received the OfficeMax "A Day Made Better" recognition on October 1. She was part of a nationwide recognition program where 1,300 teachers received a surprise visit by local OfficeMax staff laden with gifts worth over $1,000 for each classroom. "I'm not sure who is more excited - Ms. Della Pella or the students," observed Principal Anne Coxon. She continued, "What a great surprise - I love it when new teachers are recognized. It's so encouraging!"
September 24 - Highline Honored for Energy Conservation
Highline Public Schools has been recognized by Puget Sound Energy as one of the five 2008 Power Players Award winners for exemplary commitment to energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.
September 20 - Shorewood Elementary Grand Opening
Hundreds of community and familiy members joined staff and students of Shorewood Elementary as they proudly celebrated their new facility on September 19.
September 17 - Astronaut Charlie Walker Visits AHS and Midway
Students at Aviation High School and Midway Elementary had a rare opportunity to spend an hour with a member of an elite club - The Association of Space Explorers (ASE) - astronauts and cosmonauts who have all orbitted the earth at least once. Astronaut Charles Walker mesmorized the students as he related his experiences in space.
September 16 - Astronaut to Visit Highline
Midway Elementary and Aviation High School will host Hank Hartsfield Jr. as a speaker for assemblies. The community is invited to attend both events.
Aviation High School at 9:15 a.m. in the gym
615 South 200th Street
and
Midway Elementary at 11:00 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room
22447 24th Avenue South in Des Moines
Please check in at the school office for a visitor's badge.
September 5 - Back to School - 2008 - 2009 School Year off to a Great Start!
When students returned to school last Wednesday, they were greeted not only by their teachers and school staff. Dozens of central office administrators were on school campuses, too, to assist with first-day activities. Read more...
July 30 - Summer School 2008
2008 High School Summer School is 60% larger than any previous summer school. There are over 1,700 students participating in the grade 3 - 8 and high school sessions. Get the details...
July 24 - Mary Cline Scholarships Awarded
Former School Board Member Mary Cline devoted much of her adult life to the community, including serving as a Board member for Highline Public Schools from 1985 to 1994. Mrs. Cline’s family established the Mary Cline Memorial Scholarship fund in her honor and have to-date awarded 77 scholarships. Read more...
July 18 - Puget Sound Skills Center Offers New Computer Certification
The Computer Network Systems (CNS) program at Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC) has received a grant from the TestOut Corporation, a supplier of training software to the government, military and business. The grant will allow PSSC to supply training for CompTIA A+, Network+, and Server+ industry certifications. Details...
July 17 - Highline Receives DOE Grant for Small Schools
Highline Public Schools has been selected to receive funding from the Department of Education under the Smaller Learning Communities Grant Program. The grant, the third for Highline from DOE, is in the amount of $1,367,165.00 for the first three years 2008 – 2011, and it is anticipated the grant will be for a total of five years.
July 8 - Free School-Required Immunizations Offered August 23 and 30
Does your child need immunizations for school? Here's a downloadable form of what's required so you can make sure each child is up-to-date. If your child needs immunizations, mark your calendar for the free clinic to be offered August 23 and 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Highline Public Schools Administration building
15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW in Burien. Call 433-0111 for more information.
July 2 - Salmon Creek Park Restoration Grant
Highline’s New Start at Salmon Creek school is partnering with King County to save Salmon Creek Park. The small park is home to dozens of natural forest trees and native vegetation, but is in a state of decline and has been identified by King County Natural Resources as endangered - in desperate need of reforestation and re-vegetation.
Learn more...
June 25 - Highline High Becomes Film Set
The campus of Highline High School became a movie set the day after school was out as shooting got under way for The Day My Parents Became Cool, a film by Seattle-area independent filmmaker Steve Edmiston. “This is a million-dollar set,” says Edmiston of the historic Highline facility. Get the rest of the story...
June 20 - Kindergarten Registration - 2008
Does your child turn five years old by August 31st? If so, then it's time to register for Kindergarten. Parents should go to their neighborhood school to register and receive a Kindergarten Registration Packet. The parent or guardian will need to provide several specific documents. Read more...
June 11 - Parents - Want to Know More About FREE College for Your Child?
The College Success Foundation is hosting an information and sign-up event for 7th and 8th graders who are interested in the College Bound scholarship. If a family qualifies based on income, all a student must do is maintain good grades, graduate high school, and demonstrate good citizenship to be eligible. The state legislature has set aside funds for college tuition for eighth grade students who qualify and apply now. The event will be Monday, June 16 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Showalter Middle School Commons. More info...
June 11 - New College Admission Standards for Class of 2012
New admission requirements have been put in place for students planning to apply to colleges and universities in 2012. Because the Higher Education Coordinating Board's policies will impact high school students beginning in the 2008-09 school year, we want to make sure this information is available to parents and students. More info...
June 11 - Highline Students Named Governor's Scholars
Two Highline Public Schools students have been named Governor’s Scholars. Mary Magdelene (Madel) Rogulj of Global Connections and Byron Maye of HS3 have received four-year scholarships to any public or private university or college in the state of Washington. In addition to the education, they will also get a mentor to help them along the way. Read more...
June 9 - 9th Graders Eligible for Augst 2008 WASL
Students who were in Grade 9 during the Spring 2008 WASL administration are eligible to participate in the August 2008 administration. All eligible students can register for the August WASL, scheduled for August 11-14, at www.k12.wa.us/waslregistration or by calling 866-400-WASL (9275). Students must have as school identification number (SSID) to register.
Because ninth grade reports are available early to students and they will know their WASL status in June, they now are eligible to register for the August administration. Previously, ninth graders didn’t receive their score reports until early September.
May 30 - Gold Star Award Winners Recognized
The Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence honored five outstanding individuals in the field of education at its recent eighth annual Gold Star Awards fundraising luncheon at the Doubletree Guest Suites in Southcenter. Scott McComb, Outstanding Teacher of the Year, Diana Garcia, Administrator of the Year award, Mike Castro, Outstanding Classified Employee of the Year, and Alice McGregor, Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. A Lifetime Achievement Award went to Joe McGeehan, former Superintendent of the Highline Public Schools. Read more...
June 5 - DECA Chapter Awards
Global Connections DECA placed 3rd at the DECA International Career Development Competition in Atlanta, Georgia. This international award was earned for the DECA chapter’s Chapter Awards Program which documents all the activities a DECA Chapter does in one year.
June 4 - Lupita Ayon Receives Community Leadership Award
Lupita Ayon has been recognized by Highline Public Schools as its outstanding community leader for 2007-08. Ayon is the founder of Para Los Niños, a nonprofit organization established to serve the educational needs of Latino children in the Highline community.
June 4 - Washington's first gentleman vists Bow Lake
Mike Gregoire, husband of Governor Chris Gregoire, paid a visit to Bow Lake Elementary yesterday. The “First Mike”, as he prefers to be called, came to the school in response to an invitation emailed by fourth grader Matthew Forbes.
May 15 - Attention Class of 2012 - An Opportunity Too Good to Pass Up!
The state legislature has set aside funds for college tuition for eighth grade students who qualify and apply now. If a family qualifies based on income, all a student must do is maintain good grades, graduate high school, and demonstrate good citizenship to be eligible. Apply today!
April 10 - What Parents Need to Know about WASL
WASL isn’t the only measure of student success, but it’s one of the most important. Students will have to pass the WASL to graduate high school and the community looks to the WASL as a measure of how our schools are doing. Learn how you can help...
April 1- Des Moines Rotary Donates Dictionaries
Des Moines Rotarians visited Parkside Elementary this month to deliver children’s dictionaries to third-graders. The Rotary Club provides a new children’s dictionary to every third grade student in the city of Des Moines each year. Details...
March 30 - Global Connections DECA Wins at State
A 15-student delegation from Global Connections (GC) DECA recently joined the 2,000 DECA students from around the state in Bellevue for the Washington DECA State Career Development and Competition. Read more...
Highline Working To Improve Education For All Students - Highline Public Schools was identified as a district in “improvement” status under No Child Left Behind (NCLB) last year. This is because students in some sub-groups identified by NCLB did not meet standard on the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). Highline is doing a number of things to improve the quality of education for all students.
March 7 - Gold Star Award Nominations Due April 1.
The Highline Schools Foundation is accepting nominations for this year's Gold Star Awards. Nomination forms are available here and must be postmarked by April 1, 2008.
November 13 -Overnight College Visit to SPU for Juniors and Seniors
Seattle Pacific University's Urban Preview November 18-19, 2007
This visit to campus is for prospective college students from urban areas and diverse backgrounds. You will have the chance to hang out with current students, stay overnight in the residence halls, visit classes, and learn about admissions and financial aid.
November 8 - Retirement Reception for Board Members
Superintendent John Welch hosted a retirement reception for three outgoing school board members; Phyllis Byers, Matt Pina, and Tom Slattery. Together, the three have served the district and the Highline community for 32 years!
October 23 - Title III Parent-Community Involvement Grant Available
This grant is available to schools who serve ELL students and families. The focus of the grant is on parent engagement including culturally competent practices and trainings for parent advocacy. We encourage all schools who intend to provide meaningful, culturally relevant and effective parent engagement opportunities to their ELL communities to apply. Application is available here.
October 23 - Washington Aerospace Scholars Program Accepting Applications
Program for high school juniors offers exciting opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math
The Washington Aerospace Scholars program is currently accepting applications from high school juniors from across Washington State.
October 10 - Mount Rainier Recognized for Improvement
State School Superintendent Terry Bergeson applauds Mount Rainier as one of 86 “amazing” schools in Washington State.
Mount Rainier High School has been named one of 86 “Schools of Distinction” by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for dramatic improvements in student reading and mathematics over the past several years.
October 9 - Black Achievers Program 2007 - 2008
The YMCA of Greater Seattle Black Achievers Program will kick off this Saturday, October 13. The program, based at the Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA , offers high school youth opportunities to explore career options, develop leadership skills, prepare for college, and participate in service learning and social activities.
October 4 -Rebekah Kim Featured for Cultural Competency Work
Marvista Principal Rebekah Kim was featured in the recent International Examiner for her work with cultural competency and equity in education. A part of the district's Cultural Competency Committee, Kim and others are working to raise cultural awareness among the district's 2,200 employees. Read the article...
October 3 - Martin Luther King Essay Contest
The King County Civil Rights Commission is sponsoring its Ninth Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Writing Essay Contestopen to all eighth grade students attending public and private schools in King County . The purpose of the essay contest is to encourage middle and junior high school students to think critically about Dr. King’s legacy of peace and justice.
October 3 - BECU Offers School Grants
BECU, a not-for-profit financial cooperative will once again be offering school grants in our area. In the past two years, they have given over $160,000 to schools and organizations that promote academic growth and achievement, based on their belief that children are one of the best investments we can make.
October 3 - Camp Waskowitz Receives Award
The Association for Experiential Education, Northwest Region, recently named Waskowitz Outdoor School as the member of the year! Executive Director Steve Grubb congratulated Roberta McFarland, camp director, saying, "This is a wonderful honor and speaks well of you, the staff, and the district’s vision of expecting excellence."
October 2 - Highline Teachers Travel to China
Nancy Little, teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at Chinook Middle School and Dana Ketcham, teacher-librarian at Pacific Middle School, were two of eighteen teachers honored and selected by the National Consortium for Teaching About Asia to travel to China in June and July.
September 27 - Simple Majority Ballot Measure (EHJR 4204)
What Does It Mean to Highline Public Schools? The Highline School Board has passed a resolution in support of the Simple Majority legislation EHJR 4204 which will appear on the November ballot. Learn more about the issue...
September 19 - Life After High School Fair
All high school and middle school students and their parents are invited to attend the Life After High School Fair on October 17, 2007 from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Evergreen Campus.
September 19 - National College Fair
Once again, the National Association for College Admission Counseling is sponsoring a national-level college fair in Seattle. This is a great opportunity for students and families to learn more about college, admission requirements, financial aid, etc.
September 18 -Develop Your College Academic Portfolio
United Negro College Fund in partnership with the YMCA Black Achievers Program and the Thurston Group of Washington State invite high school juniors and seniors to participate in a 9 week Saturday program beginning Saturday, September 29,
12:30 - 3:00 p.m. at Seattle University to help them develop a college academic portfolio to respond to college and scholarship applications.
September 17 - National Merit Scholarship Semi-finalists
Two Mount Rainier High School students are part of the elite group. National Merit Scholarship announced the names of some 16,000 students nationwide who were among the top scorers on the 2006 Preliminary SAT. As semifinalists, these students may become finalists eligible for scholarships from National Merit Scholarship, colleges and universities and corporate sponsors.
September 17 - A Place of Our Own Series
Everyone who knows children, takes care of children, and believes every child deserves a great start in school and in life should tune into (or record) the PBS series A Place of Our Own /Los Ninos en Su Casa on KCTS Channel 9.
September 17 - Bow Lake Elementary Safety Update September 17, 2007
Some parents have expressed concerns about student safety while construction continues at Bow Lake Elementary. Student safety is our top priority. As part of our ongoing vigilance, we have asked an outside contractor to conduct regular safety inspections. Read more...
September 11 - Aviation High School Assistant Principal Wins National Award
Susan Hegeberg, assistant principal of Aviation High School, has been recognized as one of the nation’s most innovative educators as part of the ING Unsung Heroes award program.
September 11 - Mount Rainier High School Grand Opening
The community came out in droves Monday evening to celebrate the grand opening of Mount Rainier High School. Five years in the planning and construction process, the new school represents an array of innovation.
September 7 - Bow Lake Elementary Will Open Monday
The first day of school for Bow Lake Elementary students will be Monday, September 10. We are very excited to open this new facility for students, staff, and families.
July 26 - Cedarhurst Fire Causes Student Relocations
Last week’s fire at the new Cedarhurst Elementary will require relocation of students, staff, and certain programs for fall. The students and staff from Cedarhurst will be best accommodated at the district’s Sunnydale site. In order to make room for them, Big Picture High School will relocate to the Glacier site.
July 19 - Chinook Middle School Receives Grant
Highline Public Schools has received a $10,000 grant from General Mills as part of their fifth annual Healthy Kids Program. This round of grants, totaling $500,000, has been awarded to 50 grassroots groups and schools across the U.S. for innovative youth nutrition and fitness programs.
July 17 - Cedarhurst Fire Update
District officials met with representatives from the general contractor, architects, and insurance adjuster Monday afternoon to gain a better understanding of the damage and develop a plan for moving forward following Saturday’s fire.
July 17 - District Video Receives Top Recognition
Highline's video entitled Small Learning Communities Options 2007 has received the National School Public Relations Association's Award of Excellence for electronic media. The award was made at the annual conference held this week in Phoenix.
July 16 - Cedarhurst Fire Update
District officials are being allowed into the building this morning to survey the damage. There is a meeting scheduled this afternoon for the contractors, architect, and district staff to assess the damage and formulate a plan for repair.
July 15 - New Cedarhurst Elementary Damaged by Fire
Shortly after 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 14, fire broke out on the roof of the new Cedarhurst Elementary School. Work was underway on the structure at the time and the insulation between two layers of metal roofing caught fire. Firefighters had to remove a layer of the metal on the North wing in order to fight the fire. Cause of the fire is under investigation by the Burien Fire Chief.
July 9 - Council on Cultural Competency and Academic Achievement
*Application deadline extended to August 15, 2007
Superintendent Welch is forming a Council on Cultural Competency and Academic Achievement to provide input on a range of issues facing our schools, students, parents, and community. The superintendent will appoint ten community members for a one-year term. The council will meet every two months to provide the superintendent and administration with feedback on district initiatives, preparation for college and career, and improvements needed to our current system that will lead to breaking the links between race, poverty, and student achievement.
July 9 - Aviation High School Students Volunteer at Challenge Air Fly Day
Event at Paine Field gives children with disabilities a chance to fly.
July 3 - Dr. Carla Jackson Recognized as Leader in Student Achievement
The Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) has recognized Deputy Superintendent Carla Jackson with a Student Achievement Leadership Award.
June 28 - College Visit Season is Here...suggestions for making the most of the visits. Choosing the right college or university is a challenge in the best of circumstances. This article shares some great ideas.
June 14 - Superintendent Welch Honored by Big Pictures Schools
At the June 13 school board meeting Superintendent Welch received an award from the Big Picture Company, a network of 40 innovative, personalized schools. The award recognized Superintendent Welch’s work in supporting Highline Big Picture School and sited his “ongoing leadership creating an education system that prepares all students and families for a successful future.”
June 13 -The district will offer three summer WASL programs...
for this year's 10th and 11th grade students who took the WASL spring 2007 and did not meet standard on one or more of the WASL assessments. Offerings include a one-week WASL Test Prep and .5 credit classes in reading/writing and math. All classes are free and include breakfast and lunch. Transportation will be provided. Read more...and find out how to register.
June 12, 2007 - Do you have a youngster entering school for this first time?
Get them "READY FOR K!" with this one day class for parents and caregivers. Child care will be provided.
June 12, 2007 - Council on Cultural Competency and Academic Achievement
Superintendent Welch is forming a Council on Cultural Competency and Academic Achievement to provide input on a range of issues facing our schools, students, parents, and community. The superintendent will appoint ten community members for a one-year term. The council will meet every two months to provide the superintendent and administration with feedback on district initiatives, preparation for college and career, and improvements needed to our current system that will lead to breaking the links between race, poverty, and student achievement.
June 7, 2007 - U.S. Undersecretary of Education Visits Highline
The nation’s third ranking education official met with Highline students and parents Wednesday night to talk about the importance of going to college and how to pay for it. U.S. Undersecretary of Education Sarah Martinez-Tucker held a town hall meeting at the Tyee Educational Complex.
May 30, 2007 - Superintendent's Student Advisory Council Recognized
Superintendent Welch and the School Board honored members of the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council at last week's board meeting. The students were selected from applications last spring and met quarterly through the school year. Applications for next year's council are now available. (pdf)
May 24, 2007 - Change in Math Requirement
The graduating class of 2013 will now be the first class required to meet the state’s reading, writing, mathematics and science standards. For more information and frequently asked questions, visit the OSPI website.
May 24, 2007 - Superintendent Welch awarded the Classified Employee of the Year to Gail Korakis - office manager/Academy of Citzenship and Empowerment at last night’s board meeting. This award reflects a commitment to excellence and is made to an individual who continues to demonstrate a true and selfless heart.
May 23, 2007 - Honoring Former Superintendent Carl Jensen
The public is invited to Camp Waskowitz on May 26, noon to 4:00 p.m., to honor and celebrate the life of Carl Jensen.
May 16, 2007 - Gold Star Awards Honor Outstanding Education Professionals
Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence recently honored four education professionals at its annual Gold Star Awards luncheon. Bobbie Daligcon from Cascade Middle School received honor as the Outstanding Teacher of the Year, Rick Healy, Facilities Service Grounds Lead, was named Outstanding Classified Employee of the Year and Lora Bolding, PTSA President at Pacific Middle School took the award of Outstanding Volunteer of the Year.
May 7, 2007 - Welch honored as “Most Effective Administrator”
Today, the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) and the PEMCO Foundation announced that Highline Public Schools Superintendent John Welch is the recipient of the 2007 Robert J. Handy Most Effective Administrator Award in the large-sized school district category.
May 5, 2007 - Puget Sound Skills Center...New Name to Celebrate 40 Years
Long known as the SeaTac Occupational Skills Center, this local icon is changing its name as part of a month-long 40th birthday celebration. The school, which serves four area school districts, will now be known as Puget Sound Skills Center.
May 2, 2007 - Big Picture High School Students Experience Refugee Life
An experiencial project by Big Picture High School was recently featured in the Seattle Times. Read the story...
May 2, 2007 - Gates Testifies to Senate on Education Reform
Bill Gates was invited to provide testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on March 7, 2007. Below is an excerpt of his written testimony as it relates to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's work to raise high school graduation rates in the United States. In his testimony, Gates specifically recognized Highline's Aviation High School for their work in promoting math and science curriculum. Read more...
April 30, 2007 - Two Young Poets To Represent Seattle at National Poetry SlamChosen because of their unique poetry, performance style and positive attitude, Mikel Abraha (age 11) from Mount View Elementary and Keyah (age 10) are in New York City to celebrate the power of spoken word during National Poetry Month. Read more...
April 30, 2007 - South Seattle Community College Summer Offerings
Summer session at SSCC includes S.A.T. prep class and Geometry workshop.
April 25, 2007 - Highline Teachers of the Year Announced
In the early morning hours of Tuesday's school day, two Highline teachers got big surprises when Superintendent Welch paid an unannounced visit to their classrooms! He was there to announce the selections of Highline's Teacher of the Year for Elementary and Secondary Education. Selected this year are: Michelle Brees, a 5th grade teacher at Madrona Elementary and Alexis McFarland, a language arts teacher at the Academy of Citizenship and Empowerment. Read more...
April 18, 2007 - Mount Rainier Alumni Awarded Prestigious Fellowships
Students Received Strong Foundation at Mount Rainier High School
Three Mount Rainier High School graduates, Gwen Spencer (2001), Elaine Hart (2002), and Daniel Walton (2003), all received Graduate Fellowships from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to continue graduate study next year. All three participated in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Mount Rainier High School. Read on...
April 18, 2007 - Highline Students Make Headlines
King County's Solid Waste Division recently featured students from OSC and Evergreen in its reduce, reuse, recycle newsletter. Check it out...
April 18, 2007 - Strategic Plan Approved by Board
The roadmap for the next five years at Highline Public Schools has been approved by the School Board. Many voices contributed to the creation of this strategic plan during a year of research, gathering of community input, and deep reflection about the direction of this school district. Read more...
April 18, 2007 - S.A.T. Math Prep Class Added
South Seattle Community College is offering another opportunity for students to take the S.A.T. Preparation class. This session will be focused on the Math portion of the test. Details here...
March 21, 2007 - ING-USA Announces Award
Program to distribute $240,000 to increase and improve student learning.
March 21, 2007 - WIAA Scholarship Essay Program
Students are invited to submit essays for "What Sportsmanship Means to Me!"
March 20, 2007 - Seattle-Tacoma International Scholarships Announced
High school seniors scheduled to graduate in June 2007 from Highline Public Schools are invited to apply for three scholarships. Application forms are available here and due April 6, 2007.
February 27, 2007 - PSETV March Schedule
Spring is ...almost in the air. Days are getting longer, and PSETV continues to bloom with new shows.
February 26, 2007 - Excel Grants Awarded
The Board of Trustees of Highline Schools Foundation is pleased to announce 2006-07 Excel Grant awards.
February 14, 2007 - Washington Aerospace Scholars
Sixteen students from Highline’s Aviation High School are among those selected to participate in the prestigious Washington Aerospace Scholars program.
January 30, 2007 - Calendar Revised — Snow Make-Up Days Identified
Our schools were closed on six school days (or more, for some schools) due to inclement weather. Because of the number of make-up days, we have decided to use non-student (waiver) days on February 14, March 21, and June 6 as make-ups for high school students. Read more. { View revised calendar (pdf) }
January 23, 2006 - Blacks in Government Event
Evergreen High School had the honor of being the only high school invited to attend the recent Region X Blacks In Government 25th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Banquet. Read more...
January 10, 2007 - PSETV Announces New Programming for 2007
PSETV, the station owned and operated by the Puget Sound Educational Service District, welcomes new programming for the beginning of the new year. Read more...
January 10, 2007 - Aviation High School to Relocate for 2007-2008
Highline Public School will move its Aviation High School to the Olympic site beginning next fall. This move is seen as an interim step while the district continues to seek a permanent location for the school of choice specializing in aviation related college and career preparation. The Olympic site, located at 615 South 200th Street in Des Moines, has been used for several schools during remodels or construction.
January 3, 2007 - Notice of Public Hearing
A public hearing regarding the sale of the former Riverton Heights Elementary School property will be held by the Highline School District No. 401 Board of Directors on January 24, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at Madrona Elementary School. Details...
January 3, 2007 - Generosity at Highline
“Your charity and kindness are unforgettable to us. Please accept my profound gratitude.” From one of the many notes received at the Family Center.
The generosity of Highline’s staff and students made a real difference for many families over this holiday. Read more...
January 2, 2007 - City of Burien to Support School Readiness
The city of Burien has announced that beginning in 2007, they will support a new initiative to address early childhood education and better prepare children just entering school. For the rest of the story...
January 2, 2007 - Highline Featured in Panasonic Publication
In the December issue of Strategies for School System Leaders on District-Level Change, the Panasonic Foundation features profiles on two school districts; Atlanta, Georgia and Highline, as they pursue instructional improvement. Read more...
December 19, 2006 - Foundation Adopts School Classrooms
--$14,500 Donated to Six Highline Public Schools--
In surprise presentations, classrooms in six Highline Public Schools each received an adoption certificate with a “no strings attached” one hundred dollar bill from Highline Schools Foundation. Foundation President Eric Aasness and President-Elect Sandra Eliason and Trustees Dave Bush and Amy Bresslour were on-hand to make the awards to teachers. “We value and appreciate the work you do every day to challenge every student to reach higher,” said Eric Aasness as he thanked teachers. More details...
December 18, 2006 - School Board Considers Change in Math Requirements
At the December 10 meeting of the Highline School Board, board members heard discussion regarding the merits of adding a graduation requirement for a third credit of math. Current graduation requirements include only two math credits. The proposed change, which is recommended by the district’s administrative staff, would take effect beginning with the class of 2011.
December 18, 2006 - School Board Transition
At the December 10 meeting of the Highline School Board, Matt Pina was elected president for the coming year. Julie Burr Spani was elected to serve as vice-president. The changes took effect immediately following the vote. Read more...
December 15, 2006 - Mount Rainier Junior Named to All-Star Team
Congratulations to Ryan Prentice who was named to the Seattle PI all area all-star team for cross country! Ryan finished 3rd at the State Cross Country meet, only the second Mount Rainier runner to place in the top three. Ryan won his age group at the Junior Olympics held in Spokane and was the only Highline district athlete recognized by the PI from fall sports. For more...
December 14, 2006 - Governor Recommends WASL Change
Governor Chris Gregoire and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson have proposed that the legislature consider modifying the requirement that all students pass the math WASL in order to graduate. The option of allowing students to graduate without passing the math WASL would remain in place for three years – for the graduating classes of 2008, 2009, and 2010. Read more...
December 12, 2006 - $5,000 Donated to Highline Schools Foundation
Saint-Gobain Containers recently donated $5,000 to Highline Schools Foundation. “Our goal is to strengthen the communities where our employees reside,” said Jason Noble, Manager of Human Resources, “I can think of no better way to accomplish this goal than to enrich public education.” Saint-Gobain Containers of Seattle is leading producer of glass packaging for the food and beverage industries. Read more
December 7, 2006 - Highline Receives Boeing Grant for Science
Under the leadership of Susan Wood-Megrey, in a partnership between Highline Public Schools, The Boeing Company and the Center for Inquiry Science, a project will soon get underway to restructure the district’s science curriculum. Read more...
Highline Educators on the National Stage
Highline Public Schools had several staff members presenting at this fall’s Coalition of Essential Schools Forum. Director of the SeaTac Occupational Skills Center Sue Shields was also a presenter at the National Tech Prep Network Annual Conference.
Read more...
White Center Early Learning Initiative - Community Summit
Parents, families, childcare givers, and community members are invited to the November 18 event to provide input and ideas to ensure the WCELI project best serves the diverse needs of White Center families. Get the details...
Poetry Slam! Celebrates Kids Who Can
Through writing, soccer, and community service, Seattle SCORES empowers children from high need elementary schools to realize their unique potential. Students from Cedarhurst, Beverly Park, Hazel Valley, and Mount View Elementary Schools demonstrated their poetry skills - both individually and in groups - at the Evergreen High School Black Box Theater recently. Read some of the student poems...
Learn more about Seattle SCORES on their website.
Highline Teacher Named Golden Apple Award Winner
Tim Wood, Camp Waskowitz high school program coordinator, has been named a recipient of this year's Golden Apple Award. Learn more...
Schools to Receive Weather Warning Radios
Through an Emergency Response Crisis Management grant from the Department of Education, Highline Public Schools will soon receive weather service warning radios from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Microsoft Video Campaign
Microsoft is launching a public awareness campaign on the importance of math education. A series of videos for that campaign will feature ten Highline students.
Highline an Example for Others to Follow
Highline Public Schools recently hosted representatives from 12 districts in Oregon including Portland, Springfield, Eugene, and McMinnville. They visited Aviation High School, Big Picture High School, and the small schools on the Tyee campus.
Senator Murray Visits VITAL
Noting that there are 300 million people in the United States but only 100 of them are United States Senators, instructor Michael McSweeney introduced Senator Patty Murray to his VITAL class at the SeaTac Occupational Skills Center.
New Start Means Second Chance
Marcy Rose was very far behind in high school credits due to serious health problems. She ended up out of school because she felt that earning a high school diploma was too far out of her reach.
Highline WASL scores show progress in closing the achievement gap
Students of color at new small high schools improve scores.
Governor Visits Aviation High School
Governor Chris Gregoire recently visited Aviation High School, along with former astronaut Bonnie Dunbar, who is now executive director of the Museum of Flight. The governor and Dr. Dunbar spoke with students about the Washington Aerospace Scholars Program.
