High school graduation requirements will change by 2013

Did you know that the academic challenge of high school courses is the most important predictor of success?  This hit home for our family when we were shopping for colleges this year.  Course rigour is exactly what colleges are looking for.  "Too much choice without a concentration of activities can be a bad thing"  according to Dan Phalan, Chief Academic Advisor for LWSD.

I sat in on a recent LW School Board Public Work Session and learned the State is revising graduation requirements, effective 2013.  The goal is to ensure students are prepared for a four year college or university.   Dan Phelan says,  "Our current credit requirements in Mathematics, World Languages and Science do not ensure students are even able to meet the minimum entrance requirements for a 4-year university." 

• Beginning with 2103, the State is requiring all students complete math courses through advanced algebra. 
• LWSD wants to add the requirement for students completing Advanced Algebra prior their senior year.  They must take a higher level quantitative course (Physics, AP Statistics, AP Economics, and Math Analysis).  
• Currently, the State has no requirements for World Language.  The want to add two credits. 
• Require two credits of Science lab will be required with one credit being algebra-based (Chemistry or Physics). 

The Washington State draft core standards for English/Language Arts and Mathematics are now available for public review and comment through April 2.  LW school board Director Chris Carlson suggested the public be made aware of the link to make comment.  http://www.corestandards.org/

Anyone interested is encouraged to review the drafts and complete one of the feedback surveys found at http://www.corestandards.org/

By Bob Yoder

Reporting on the 3/15/2010 LW School Board Work Session.

Juel Park farm house is renovated. Gardening and Yoga offered.

Juel Park, on the SE corner of Avondale and NE 116th Street, is pretty well known to Frisbee golfers, pick nickers, Bear Creek nature lovers and hikers and that's about it.  But, not for long.  Community gardening and Yoga will soon be added to the Juel Park venue.

I took a visit to Juel Park last Friday.  On the left is grassy area marked off for garden plots.  A gravel road has been extended towards the patch and irrigation water is piped in.  On the right is a new pole fence surrounding an historic farm house.  The farm house is undergoing restoration - new paint, new windows, new roof.   A neighbor in the Redmond Historical Society thinks the farm house is about 70 years old.

A year or so ago, a park consultant suggested the farm building house history displays or an environmental center.  The construction workers I met on Friday said old farm house is soon to be a "Yoga House". 

Parks and Rec already offers eight yoga classes - five are held at the Senior Center, one at the Adair House, and two NEW kids yoga programs are held by the Orange Blossom Society - The Studio on 16715 NE 79th Street.

With eight Parks and Rec yoga programs and over nine Redmond business yoga operations one wonders how far this "exercise in harmony" can grow.  My answer was found on page 30-31 of the new Parks and Rec. guide.   The Yoga House aka  "Golden Lotus School" is working with the city to provide three youth-oriented yoga programs.  But, there's more!  Beyond yoga this eclectic school offers:  "jewery making",  "drawing and discovering yourself",  "world story time", "healthy cooking", "print making", "gardening", "mixed media art class", "natural health", and "wildlife awareness".  Take your pick.

For details on Juel Park community gardening and the Golden Lotus School programs contact the Recreation office at 425-556-2300 or recreationoffiice@redmond.gov.  Plots will rent for $40-$50.  May 1-Oct 31.  What more could any Redmonite want?   Will you be in Juel Park this summer?

A citizen tells the Administration to get on with the city website fix.

http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2009/10/have-you-tried-searching-for-something.html

Brian Dennis spoke at last week's City Council Meeting during the public comment period.  Dennis is a Redmond citizen and owner of Small Business Pioneers, a local company that creates websites.  Brian and several councilmembers have concerns about city delays in fixing the old city website (redmond.gov).  Brian read to Council and Mayor, the following:     

For the one or two people out there that don't know, I am a strong advocate of websites as powerful tools to disseminate information and engage individuals. Yet quality websites cost real money, time and effort to develop, maintain and market. Keeping content fresh multiples costs. Based my professional experience I have strong reason to believe city staff has neither budget, time, nor the expertise to deliver on this proposed project. Putting this project out for bid into our own community assures the City has the expertise and a firmly grounded budget number by which to make an informed decision. As a bonus, this process would support the very nature of the project - sustainability - within our own business community.  

Council members Allen, Stilin and I all question the relationship of your other proposed project (a separate and distinct "green" website) and the fixing of redmond.gov website.  Remember, $300k has been allocated for work to fix redmond.gov yet with no tangible, discernible results, and staff is now looking to spin off a new "green" website. Why spin up a new website?  Fix redmond.gov!  (This fix has been in the making ~two years.) 

What do you think of  http://www.redmond.gov/?   If you've only seen it once, would you go back?   Can you think of reasons why the city is dragging their feet on fixing their website?  Why are they starting a "green website" when redmond.gov isn't fixed?   An improved website would open our government.  Are they hiding something?  Or afraid of something?   Please enter your comments below.

Read my 10/4/2010 post:  "Our Aging City Website -- Is the City of Redmond  being responsible? 

UPDATED: Beloved 31-year old Redmond resident found dead in Perrigo Park

Benjamin Lewis May passed away suddenly last week in Perrigo Park when in a depressive mental state.   Many remember their beloved Ben for his smile and for making people laugh (read memorial notes).  Ben moved from North Carolina to Redmond, WA to be with Nichole Almond.  His Memorial is in Perrigo Community Park on the wooden fence in the upper lot.   Pictures, candles, flowers, a Peace Booklet, prayers & thoughts from loved ones, and colored pens are left for friends and passersby to write a note or prayer.  CLICK on the photos to read the notes and prayers.   

I met this Redmond couple and their baby last week in tears at Ben's memorial.  They knew Ben from Wake Forest college days.   The mother wrote on the Memorial:  “Ben, I still remember you as a scrawny freshman…” and the father added ”(and Sadie)”.

Ben May, is a 2001 graduate of Wake Forest University, moved to Seattle in 2008 and worked as a data management analyst at Starbucks Coffee Co. from March 2008 to June 2009, according to the article by the Davidison News.  The News said Ben was the son of Jamie May, a longtime administrator at Davidison College who now lives in Chapel Hill. ~ Bob

Read the Seattle Times brief & comments 

Read Ben's Davidson, N.C. home town news story

"In Memoriam of Ben May" Facebook Group (over 2,000 members - mostly from Ben's hometown areas)

Please share your comments and thoughts below this story.  

Re-Posted By Bob Yoder

Photos By Yoder

Thanks to one of my readers (Mike) for the notification.

Ben's story has attracted over two thousand visitors to Redmond Blog from all over the country.  

March Madness Hogs Bandwidth

http://www.techflash.com/seattle/2010/03/march_madness_at_the_office.html

The sun is shining in Seattle. And the March Madness basketball tournament is entering its second day. That begs the question: Is anyone getting any work done today?

Well, according to a recent survey by Challenger Gray & Christmas, the NCAA basketball tourney alone could cost employers as much as $1.8 billion in unproductive wages....more

By John Cook
Venture Blog

Letter from Mayor Marchione

http://www.efocusonredmond.com/home.html

Letter from the Mayor

In this first letter of 2010, I want to reflect on 2009 and share some thoughts on the coming year and what I see ahead for our community... more

By John Marchione

Microsoft ranks No. 1 in patents

Microsoft ranks No. 1 in patents

Microsoft's business is under attack by Google, Apple and others. But there's one place where the software giant still rules supreme... more.

By Todd Bishop
Tech Flash

Lake Washington Schools Shine in Washington Achievement Awards

http://www.k12.wa.us/Communications/PressReleases2010/SchoolAchievementAwards.aspx

Lake Washington Schools Shine in Washington Achievement Awards

More Lake Washington Schools recognized than any other district

Yesterday, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) announced the Washington Achievement Awards, for 174 schools that “profoundly affect student learning.” The list of schools includes 14 schools in Lake Washington School District, more than any other district in the state. These schools will be recognized at celebrations around the state on May 5.

“I am so incredibly proud of these schools and all the hard work of students, teachers and parents,” said Dr. Chip Kimball, superintendent. “These awards confirm what I know and see every day; our district has some of the best schools in the state, helping all kids achieve and excel.”

Schools will be recognized as top performers in six categories: Overall Excellence, Language Arts, Math, Science, Extended Graduation Rate, Gifted Education. Some schools are honored in more than one of these categories.

Ten Lake Washington schools will be recognized for overall excellence: Audubon Elementary, Juanita Elementary, Mann Elementary, McAuliffe Elementary, Mead Elementary, Redmond Elementary, Smith Elementary, Wilder Elementary, Inglewood Junior High and Eastlake High School. The eight elementary schools represent 15 percent of the elementary schools honored from the entire state.  MORE
 
By Kathryn Reith
Communications, LWSD
Photo By LWSD

UPDATED: Budget By Priorities: "And the survey says!"

Updated:  OPINION:  The Mayor and his Deputy Administrator, Jane Christensen, held a Community "Budget By Priorities" Meeting March 1.   Judging by the sign-in sheets, citizen turn-out was low with only six citizens registering at the desk.  Surprisingly, only 5 of 7 city councilmembers were present; and they are the citizens who approve the Mayor's Budget.  I saw only two or three commissioners.   Having the meeting on a Monday night didn't help.

Council President Richard Cole addressed the audience stating "This process only works if the citizens who live in town and staff get involved."  Staff was definitely present in force.  I know many of them from my city volunteer and media work.  Many of these staff are residents of Redmond and may have been voting in the silent touch-pad survey.   Ms. Christensen said "staff are hear to listen" but based on the numbers voting, it appears that she was implying non-resident staff.  Unfortunately, they registered on the touch-pad and not at the front desk.

Jane Christensen made an startling statement about future growth in Redmond.  She said,

"Washington State requires all cities to accommodate their share of state's growth.  In the next 12 years the city expects to accommodate 20,000 more residents and 28,000 more jobs.  Most of the growth will be accommodated in the Downtown and Overlake to preserve existing single family neighborhoods."

WOW!  For real?  Survey questions probed how we think the city will to accommodate the expected population density, for example:

1. Question:  What is your overall experience with traffic in Redmond (not counting SR520)?   70% of the respondents were dissatisfied to very dissatisfied.
2. How satisfied are you with the city's plans to accommodate growth?  42% of those in a citizen's survey last year were neutral to very dissatisfied.  84% were neutral to satisfied in the staff-loaded survey.  Of course, city planners are paid to plan for growth! 

Do you think the city can comfortably handle 20,000 new residents in 12 years?   The city will have lots of new parklands but not for cars!  Where will the 40,000 additional cars park?  Can the administration build enough roadways to circulate the traffic?  Where will the roads go?  Will the administration have to zone for more and taller apartment and condo buildings?  Will the downtown start to sprawl?   How long can the neighborhoods remain untouched by density?  Will apartments and commercial villages take hold?

The Mayor concluded, by thanking "the 50-70% of the residents who have come out, who don't regularly engage in civic process."  Huh?  Marchione didn't give a head count.  Interestingly, one of the survey questions asked  "How engaged are you in city events and meetings?"  69% said they were not engaged to somewhat involved.  The next meeting is on another Monday, May 3, when according to the Mayor, "you give your ideas of what to do".

Contact:  bpquestions@redmond.gov OR please comment below this post for all to read.  What are your ideas??

Opinion By Bob Yoder
Updated:  3/18

LW School administrators and support staff agree to collaborative bargaining

Support staff, Lake Washington administrators agree to collaborative bargaining

The Lake Washington School District and members of the Lake Washington Educational Support Professionals announced Wednesday afternoon they have agreed to a collaborative bargaining process to reach a settlement in the support staff’s year-long contract negotiations.

“The goal of this type of bargaining is to meet the interests of both parties,” noted Deputy Superintendent Janene Fogard. “We have found with other bargaining units that it helps to foster good working relationships.”

LWESP members have agreed to suspend all community organizing activities while the process unfolds. The district will postpone employee investigations it launched last week, and union staff for the LWESP will suspend any challenges to those investigations.

“We have mutually agreed to seek collaborative bargaining in an effort to settle this contract. We need to return to our focus of providing a high-quality education for all students,” LWESP Chief Bargainer Donna Lurie said.

The two sides will work with John and Carol Glaser, a highly skilled pair of facilitators. Both the district and union are committed to reaching a contract settlement through this process. Timing of the sessions is still being worked out, but the sessions are not expected to begin before the district’s spring break begins on March 29.
 
Kathryn Reith, LWSD, 425-702-3342
Dale Folkerts, WEA (for LWESP), 253-765-7039

Five arrested in Kirkland home invasion. 20 detectives find 300 plus pot plants

5 arrested in Kirkland home invasion.  20 detectives find 300 plus pot plants

King County sheriff's detectives have arrested four men and a juvenile male in connection with Monday's early-morning break-in and shootout at the home of a medical-marijuana activist near Kirkland.
One of the suspects, a 19-year-old Renton man, was shot and critically wounded by homeowner Steve Sarich.  read more

By Mark Rahner and Sara Jean Green
Seattle Times staff reporters

Redmond's Neighborhood News

Advisory:   The links on this page are "broken" and are under repair by the city webmaster.   

I've been working on a new feature to include a map of Redmond Neighborhoods and the news associated with each of our city's 11 neighborhoods.  A Redmond city senior planner, Kim Dietz, is working on a similar project for their new website.  Kim's an excellent contact if you have questions about Redmond's Neighborhood News. Email Kim:  kdietz@redmond.gov.  My Redmond Neighborhood Blog site will tag right along with Redmond's Neighborhood News site! 

Mayor Marchione looks at the growing Downtown as a neighborhood.  View Point Neighborhood -now called Idylwood Neighborhood, Overlake Neighborhood, Bear Creek Neighborhood and SE Redmond Neighborhood are some of Redmond's newest neighborhoods.   You may contact Kim Dietz at 425-556-2415 to sign up for "Neighborhood Citizen Committees" now forming to give your input on established neighborhoods, like Education Hill Neighborhood, North Redmond Neighborhood, and Grass Lawn Neighborhood.  Become a "Friends of Riverwalk".  Visit "Neighborhoods History".  Ride the velodrome in Marymoor Park.  So, expect some exciting developments when the City of Redmond launches their new site.  Deputy Administrator Jane Christensan announced a  Budget by Priorities meeting that the enhanced city website is expected to be launched in six months!  You can sign up with "Redmond News Subscription" to subscribe to Redmond Neighborhood News here.  (But, be careful, I couldn't find a disclaimer on the sign-up form that your email address can't be used for commercial use.)

Neighborhood Parks and Trails
Redmond's Neighborhood Map
Contact:  neighborhoods@redmond.gov