UPDATED: Bell Elementary parents question LWSD feeder school changes.

The following is breaking news and opinion from Kirkland Weblog.com about LWSD Bell El. feeder school changes:

Updated, 5/11 - "A lot of Bell Elementary parents in Kirkland are f-u-m-i-n-g right now." 

On May 4th, the Lake Washington School District announced changes to the configuration of elementary, junior high and high schools along with a change to the feeder school for AG Bell and Audubon.  The two changes are slated in 2012, as follows:

(1) schools will run K-5, 6-8, 9-12 (instead of current K-6, 7-9, 10-12)  AND

(2)  Bell students will go to Finn Hill Jr. High and Juanita HS (instead of Kirkland Jr. High and Lake WA HS) while Redmond's Audubon students will be coming to Rose Hill Jr. High and LWHS. These changes were initiated as a result of the need to address a boom in student enrollment.

Now to the fuming part....
Bell Elementary parents were notified via a memo in their children's backpack after the decision had already been voted on and passed. I've heard the principal didn't even find out until 4 hrs prior to the parents.
One Bell parent says,

"We were not included in meetings where this was discussed. This is a neighborhood filled with families who have specifically moved into the area to send their children to AG Bell, KJH, and LWHS but we were given no voice in this."

Some are worried about their property values and are left wondering why their kids would have to walk by KJH in order to get bussed to Finn Hill JH. Bell students also already have friends and connections from their sports teams that align into the same feeder schools. Another Bell parent takes a hard stand stating,

"I expect as a tax paying citizen in this district that this decision will be revoked until the community has a chance to repeal with alternative solutions."

Dr. Chip Kimball, LWSD Superintendent has stated,

“If we don’t make any changes, we will need over 100 portable classrooms at the elementary level and about 28 at the secondary level to house the expected enrollment and to provide space for all-day kindergarten in the next five years. Changing feeder patterns reduces the need at the secondary level."

Dr. Kimball expressed great empathy when I asked him about this situation, but said with the way the population is spread and the overcrowding they are faced with, there just aren't any viable alternatives. He knows this is really tough and plans to be holding meetings at the impacted schools this month.
So, here's what you can do:

• Go ahead and comment/discuss here (http://www.kirklandweblog.com/)  to share ideas and chat about it-
• Concerned families should attend the LWSD Regular Board Meeting on Monday, 5/17,  5:30pm.  Location is:  Redmond Town Center District offices:  16250 NE 74th St, Redmond.  No Public Comments will be taken at this Meeting.   
• OR watch the meeting LIVE (or archived the next day) at this link.  (It's not necessary to download Silverlight.  LIVE meetings sometimes begin up to 12 minutes late.  Wait for the sign-in button)
• Affected families will rally on Thursday 5/20 at 6:30pm in the AG Bell Gymnasium/11212 NE 112th St, Kirkland
• Send a note to the communications office or to Dr. Kimball care of kreith@lwsd.org

Read the complete story here.

This abridged posting is courtesy of the Kirkland Weblog   Contact Kathryn Reith at LWSD or the Kirkland Weblog editor Jan Rabuchin to confirm meeting times.  B. Yoder

LW School District's Senior "Culminating Project" is revamped

Senior Lexie Yoder is downloading her "artifacts" to a school computer while teachers read her resume.

It's second semester in high school and time for all good Seniors to present their "Culminating Projects".  Only this year it's totally different.

Lake Washington School District seniors are no longer required to put very long hours into a project that culminates into something "really big" and "really important".  True, many culminating projects were successful and rewarding.  (Read about the 2008 dodge-ball tournament.)  But, time demands were often so large that some students would "fake it" just to so they could get through and graduate.   So, away with the old.

"Graduation Presentations" have replaced Culminating Projects.  Students stand up and speak about how high school has prepared them for the future.  They present 14 school assignments (artifacts) and relate them to their personal attributes.  They describe three jobs and three schools of interest;  and submit a resume and cover letter for a possible part-time job.

Pam and I sat in on our daughter's presentation.  Lexie wanted us to come.  She described her top three growth assignments:   her college essay, a skit in Mr. Anderson's class, and assisting Ms. Leonard's second grade class.   I can't remember the last time I saw my child perform in a classroom setting, and was awestruck by how she had blossomed into a mature, young woman.    We are deeply touched by Lexie's Graduation Presentation and it's gift.  This was truly a culminating event for our entire family!    We were lucky to have a flexible schedule to see our daughter.  Should the school be more flexible for parents on tight schedules?   This is a once in a lifetime moment. 

This note from a friend about his daughter's presentation speaks for itself:

As the presentation went on, I was overcome with what my baby has become. Moments passed through my head of all the adversity...she faced and how amazing this graceful, smart and beautiful child has emerged. What I want to convey here is, not only to brag upon my child, but to let the community of Redmond know that there are many of these wonders within our midst. 

Entry by Bob Yoder
I-Phone photo by Yoder

Protecting girls from bullying | Patti Skelton-McGougan

Protecting girls from bullying | Patti Skelton-McGougan

Protecting girls from bullying

The recent tragic suicide of a Massachusetts teen as the result of bullying moves me to address a subject I’ve touched on before. Relational aggression is the term for the form of bullying favored by pre-adolescent and adolescent girl.

It’s nothing new and is very common in our schools.  Read entire Column.

By Patti Skelton-McGougan
Belleuve Reporter Columnist
CEO, Youth Eastside Services (YES)

UPDATED: Lake Washington School District makes changes to three feeder schools to handle growth.

Lake Washington School District Makes Changes to Handle Growing Student Population - Lake Washington School District:

Dr. Kimball decides to change the District school configuration and shift three elementary school feeder patterns.

Lake Washington School District is growing, by the equivalent of one elementary school a year for the next five years. The district has looked at alternatives to house this boom in student population and made two decisions to use its current school building space more efficiently, effective 2012-13.  The School Board last night approved  Dr. Kimball's decision to:  1)  change its school grade configuration and 2) shift  three elementary school feeder patterns.  Says Kimball: 

“If we don’t make any changes, we will need over 100 portable classrooms at the elementary level and about 28 at the secondary level to house the expected enrolment and to provide space for all-day kindergarten in the next five years,” noted Dr. Kimball. “Changing feeder patterns reduces the need at the secondary level. I know it will be a difficult change for families who have expectations and connections to specific schools but we have to find the most efficient ways to use our current space and this is one of them. Changing the grade configuration will make another large difference.”

Three changes in feeder patterns are planned, to coincide with the 2012-13 grade configuration change:

Bell Elementary will feed into Finn Hill Junior High and Juanita High School, instead of Kirkland Junior High and Lake Washington High School.

Audubon Elementary will feed into Rose Hill Junior High and Lake Washington High School instead of Redmond Junior High and Redmond High School.

These changes effectively shift population westward, from Redmond High through Lake Washington High to Juanita High School.

In addition, Einstein Elementary students will shift from Evergreen Junior High to Redmond Junior High but will still go on to Redmond High School."

The 2012 - 2013 grade reconfiguration will be:  a change to K-5 elementary, 6-8 middle school and 9-12 high school.   The reconfiguration will shift one grade out of the elementary schools where space is already tight and move the population to the secondary schools, where more space is available.   In Dr. Kimball said at the May 3 School Board meeting he doesn't know how to accommodate the space needs of the high schools and listed three options - capital levys and capital bond and a portable re-design.

Read the entire LWSD website news release.  

A link to this posting was published in the May 5 Seattle Times online edition under "Redmond Neighborhood News" (LOCAL). 

Posted By Bob Yoder
Source:  LWSD website on May 4
including the May 3, 2010 School Regular School Board Meeting video.
LWSD Slide Show

UPDATED: Bullying at Lake Washington High is brought to attention by KING-TV

by LINDA BRILL / KING 5 News

Posted on February 25, 2010
Updated today at 6:50 PM
******
KIRKLAND, Wash. - After years of being subjected to bullying at Lake Washington High School, 17-year-old junior Alex Morris is taking his story to the public. MORE

#####

You are invited to join in on the commenting about the Mom who's family was hurt by her child's drug bust at Redmond High (two posts down) 

11 Redmond High students arrested in drug bust

11 Redmond High students arrested in drug bust


Redmond, WA – The Redmond Police Department arrested and charged 11 Redmond High School students today for Violation of Uniform Controlled Substance Act (VUCSA).

During the operation, officers purchased marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, MDMA, and a variety of prescription medications. All students were underage at the time of the violations and included two 15-year-olds, six 16-year-olds, and three 17-year-olds. All arrests are based off drugs being purchased from students. The operation was a collaborative effort with the Redmond High School administration and part of a long-term undercover operation targeting the use, possession, and distribution of illegal substances on and off campus.

“We hope families use this as a learning opportunity and have conversations with their children, know who their friends are, and educating them on the negative effects of using controlled substances,” remarked Redmond Police spokesperson Jim Bove. “This school is a large and positive part of our community and we share in the school’s no-tolerance mission. This in no way reflects the overall student body.”
 
By Jim Bove
Spokesperson for Redmond Police

Attend a Town Hall Meeting with our Legislators, Saturday, February 20.

Attend a Town Hall Meeting Sat. 20th with Our Legislators:

Letter by Byron Shultz, Redmond

The 32nd, 45th & 48th District legislators are hosting Town Hall Meetings for us on Saturday, Feb. 20, (11-1) at Crossroads Community Center and invite you to share your comments, questions and concerns about topics related to the Washington state Legislature. The events are free and open to all constituents.

The gatherings are an opportune time for education advocates - Legs have just 3 weeks left in the Session and are close to final decisions on advancing K-12 ed reforms, the budget, and other important votes for kids.

Those who show up drive their agenda - even if for just 15 minutes! Parents must show, say & play - plenty of vocal folks are asking for their interests to be served first before the kids'. Bringing just 1 question can make a difference!  (And we'll hear more about: The State Budget, Hwy 520 project, Sound Transit through Bellevue to Redmond.)

The 48th's Town Hall: Sen. Rodney Tom and Reps. Deb Eddy & Ross Hunter; the 48th includes parts of Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah, and all of the Points Communities.

Saturday, Feb. 20, 11:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m.
Crossroad Community Center at 16000, NE 10th St., Bellevue
(behind the old Circuit City building on the east south-east side of Crossroads Mall, at the end of the drive past the retirement center).

Redmond Police to hold Education Hill forum on car prowls & burglaries

"A high number of car prowls and residential burglaries have occurred the Education Hill area over the last month. While the number of crimes is not out of the ordinary (in fact, most are down from last year), we realize this can be alarming.  As always, we want to educate you on how to stay safe, how to avoid these crimes, how you can help the Redmond Police Department and answer your questions.

We are holding an Education Hill Community Meeting next Thursday, February 18th at 7:00 p.m. at Redmond Junior High in the Commons Area. We look forward to answering questions and concerns and providing you information that will keep you safer in the future.  No RSVP, just show up and bring your neighbors."

By Jim Bove
Spokesperson, Redmond Police Department
Community Outreach
Office (425) 556-2545
jbove@redmond.gov

Say YES! for student alcohol counseling!

The story below of  Robert's experience with alcohol was commonplace when I went to high school in New York (40 years ago) and is common today on Education Hill.  I was a jock and it was almost expected we drink, drive and party hardy. Same is the case at Redmond High School and other Lake Washington schools. I'm thankful to be sober and alive today. Tell your friends about Youth Eastside Services. (YES)  They can help!    -- Bob Yoder

Letter from Youth Eastside Services

Dear Bob,

"Looking back on it now, I'm one of the lucky ones," says Robert. "I easily could have died from an accidental overdose."

Last August, 17 year old Robert decided to throw a party while his parents were out of town. When he blacked out and fell to the ground around 1:00 a.m., most of his friends were high or drunk.

"I had alcohol poisoning and was severely dehydrated because I hadn't drunk any water in the last 48 hours. At first my friends thought it was funny. Then they didn't want to risk getting into trouble by driving me to the hospital. I guess someone at the party called 911 and after a painful and scary night in the emergency room, I was okay."

The incident was a wake-up call for Robert and his parents. Through counseling and the YES sober support group, Robert was able to address his problem and regain his parent's trust.

"Drugs and alcohol can be so easy to get if you are motivated and believe me, I was motivated. Thanks to YES, no way will I ever spend a night like that again."

Thank you for making sure kids like Robert don't become just another statistic.

Best wishes in the New Year,

Patti Skelton-McGougan

Executive Director, Youth Eastside Services (YES)

photo from Google Images.

Do yourself a favor! Sign up to be a school "Lunch Buddy" mentor!

This is a short clip of Dallas riding his bike on the BMX dirt bike jumps.  Dallas was my Lunch Buddy for four years at MANN.   It's LOTS of fun and rewarding to be a Lunch Buddy!  I highly recommend it!  BY

Contributed by Nanci Wehr

LINKS (Looking Into the Needs of Kids and Schools) is recruiting community volunteers to be "Lunch Buddies.".

With the school year well underway, the need for LINKS Lunch Buddies in the Lake Washington School District is growing. We have seen an increase in the need for male lunch buddies and many students, male and female, are on a wait list in the Sammamish, Redmond and Kirkland communities.

The Lunch Buddy Program is a way for caring adults to help local elementary students succeed. Volunteers mentor students by meeting with them once a week and by acting as a positive role model. Lunch Buddies eat lunch together, play games, share talents or just talk. It's an opportunity to make a life long impact on a child.

Mentored students are more likely to do better in school, say NO to drugs and say YES to college! Please help us make a difference.

To become a LINKS Volunteer, contact Nanci Wehr at links@lwsd.org or 425-702-3410.
 
by Nancy Wehr, parent, Education Hill
clip by Bob Yoder

Lake Washington School District PTSA donations in August total $57,000!

It is so seldom the community hears about the wonderful support our PTSA's give to LWSD schools.  Well, that's going to change!  As Editor of this Redmond blog, I will be reporting the donations and volunteer effort our community makes to District schools. 

At the 8/10 Board meeting, LWSD Superintendent, Chip Campbell read off the list of donations made by PTSA's and other donors in the month of August.  Amazing news!  August donations from PTSA's, LWSF, and Amgen totaled:  $64,155. 

Individual school donors and recipients are listed, below: 

Norman Rockwell PTSA, (Redmond) $4560 - for a sport grandstand and play panel for Kindergartners.

Audubon El PTSA, (Redmond) $11,520 - for field trips and assembly.

Amgen donated  $5,000 to Best High School  for enrichment activities and supplies.

Lakeview Elementary PTSA (Kirkland), $8,000  - for computer lab.

LWSF donated $2000 to the Lunch Buddy program.

Sandburg El PTSA (Kirkland), $12,177  - for swim lessons for 3rd graders, computers, and field trips.

Stella Schola JH PTSA (Rose Hill), $9056 - for stipend for extracurricular activities.

Smith El. PTSA (Sammamish), $2062 - for field trips and enrichment.

Muir El PTSA (Kirkland), $1754  - for music and phys. ed. materials.

Bell El PTSA (Kirkland),  $2000 - for Lunch Buddy

Kirk El PTSA,(Kirkland) $1,031 - for enrichment

LWSF to Evergreen J.H, $1,110  - for Readerboard improvements

Source:  8/10/09  LWSD Board Meeting video archive

Of note, 5/8 of the elementary school donor recipients were Kirkland schools.

Listing and descriptions of LWSD schools.  http://www.lwsd.org/Schools/Pages/default.aspx

View 2009-1010 LWSD Calendars HERE! Available Only Online This Year.

Due to budget cuts, the district will not print and mail a calendar to district families this year. A wall calendar is available to print out in a page-a-month format. BOOKMARK THIS PAGE!

CLICK A LINK AND PRINT YOUR CALENDAR or go directly to the LWSD calendar page.

2009-2010 Page-Per-Month Wall Calendar (color version)
2009-2010 Page-Per-Month Wall Calendar (black and white version)

One Page Sheet Calendars:

2007-2008 Calendar-->
2008-2009 Printable District Calendar-->
2009-2010 Printable District Calendar
2010-2011 Printable District Calendar
2011-2012 Printable District Calendar

Calendars list school holidays, vacations, half days, conferences, LEAP days and semester end dates.

Tandem Online Calendar - a new way to organized family events!

By clicking the above link you will reach a master calendar of all the events at all of the schools in the district.

Learn how to use the Tandem Online Calendar to organize your family’s events

By subscribing to the Tandem Calendar, parents can set up filters so that events from one or more school plus important district dates appear whenever they log in. Events can be downloaded into many electronic calendar systems, such as Outlook, Cozi, iCal, Google Calendar, Yahoo Calendar and more.

Questions? Contact the Webmaster.
LWSD calendar webpage http://www.lwsd.org/About/Pages/District-Calendar.aspx

Special thanks to Kathryn Reith, LWSD Director of Communications, (425) 702-3342.