L.W. School District has "Board Certified" teachers! Should you want to know their names?

Updated:  Physicians attaining the highest standard in their profession are considered "Board Certified".  Many people look for this credential when selecting a doctor.

Did you know professional teachers get Board Certified, too?   Yep!   Had I known this before, I'd make a point to sign up my child to their classes when possible.  Washington School District students are lucky.  The district has 135 full time Board Certified teachers - the 4th highest number in the state! 

During the January 11 School Board meeting, forty new Lake Washington district teachers from the Class of 2010 were awarded "Board Certification", by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.  Almost 10% of all L.W. professional teachers in the district are now certified.

It was thrilling to hear two of  my daughter's teachers recognized during the award ceremony - Ms. Shannon Leonard and Ms. Mary Marsh!!    I remember Lexie contributing some Bio-Chem research homework for Ms. Marsh's University of Washington board project.  Under Ms. Leonard's tutelage and from their close relationship since 6th grade, Lexie discovered a love for teaching.

The certificate training program lasts one year and takes up to 600 hours of work.  Teachers get a $2500 loan from the District to pay for the program.  Teachers must pay off the loan at completion.  Administration supports the program with district staff and grants "release days".

THE BOTTOM LINE:   Students, and especially those with high needs, respond favorably to Board Certified teachers.  It's been extrapolated that students taught by Certified teachers gain the equivalent of twenty additional school days in a year.  Do you know which teachers are Board Certified in your kid's school? 

by Bob Yoder
source:  LWSD video archives, January 11, School Board Meeting.

Building is picking up for Rick Burnstead,Inc and Camwest Development.

Updated (1/25):  Rick Burnstead's CAMERON PLACE natural open space (on the left) and Camwest Development's HAZELWOOD entrance and  partial view of the stormwater wetland facility (on the right). Click pics to enlarge.

OPINION:  This is my review of  three North Redmond  Burnstead, Camwest and Buchan developments on NE 116th Street and my evaluation of their financial soundness.  Disclaimer:  My family has lived for 24 years in a Burnstead tri-level, within walking distance to three Lake Washington District schools.

The local construction industry has been in a depression since the financial meltdown.  Even established local companies like Buchan, Camwest, and Burnstead have put off building.  You can almost tell a developers' financial health  by the progress of their construction.

Take a drive down NE 116th Street in North Redmond looking south and you will see.   Building has been delayed on Cameron Place, Hazelwood, and Sequoia developments, but Bucan appears to be hit the most.

• Buchan's fourteen lot SEQUOIA project is advertised for the summer 2010.  No foundations are poured.   It's not even listed on their website.  They've invested heavily in utility and stormwater infrastructure. As a buyer, I would question their financial situation.
• Clearing and grading of Camwest Development's HAZELWOOD was completed many months ago and building on this large parcel is finally underway.  Camwest's website lists six homes for sale (2000-2100sf, mid-$500's) with construction for the six to be completed by April and May.   The parcel has 76 lots; less than 10% are up for sale.  None are completed.        
• Rick Burnstead's thirteen home CAMERON PLACE community is moving along well.  Considering the economy, these 2800- 3000 sf  homes (high $600's) are selling at a fast clip.  Only six remain.  Burnstead has not had to compromise on quality of construction and landscaping like some other developers.  If I were buying, I'd  feel pretty secure that Rick Burnstead, Inc. is financially sound. 

My next piece is about about CAMERON PLACE'S creative landscaping and native, natural open space.

Pictures and story by Bob Yoder

Spotlight on Redmond Councilmember Hank Margeson

Spotlight on Hank Margeson,  Education Hill neighbor and Redmond City Councilmember

OPINION:  In many respects: Hank is Redmond.  You may pass him on the Power Line Trail walking his dog Dizzie.  Or find him umpiring a baseball game at Hartman Park, or touring Perrigo Heights development with concerned citizens.  One day, Hank tipped me about a black bear his friends saw at RHS.  Patti and Hank have donated hours to Farrel McWirther Park's Pony Club. 

I bump into Hank all the time.  We've met at the first Digital Arts exhibit, the Sonic Forest event, a Leadership Eastside conference and neighborhood meetings. Hank and Patti raised two children in LWSD schools; he worked the phones for past Levy Committees.  He cares deeply about our schools.  At Christmas time we always drive through their neighborhood and enjoy their manger scene and lights.

Hank's work output is phenomenal.  He has two "full time jobs" -  Safeco and Council!  Hank was recently promoted at Safeco (or is it now called Liberty Mutual)?  He was recently appointed Council Chair of Public Administration and Finance.  Two years prior, he took on the big job of chairing Planning and Public Works. Hank is also current Chairperson for the Redmond Disability Board.

On top of his regular job and Council work, Hank took the reigns from Concilmember Cole to represent Redmond to the Suburban Cities Association Policy Issues Committee (PIC) in 2009.  This is a huge job - by importance and work load.   PIC works on regional growth management issues.  In addition, this month  Mr. Margeson was appointed Redmond's "alternate" to the Cascade Water Alliance board.  Cascade Water is building a pipe to supply water from the mountains to eastside cities. 

How did Hank attain such heights of community leadership?    1)  He has a Masters in Public Administration, 2) is a baseball pal with Mayor John Marchione,  3) a four-year volunteer on the Parks & Trails Commission and 3) three-year volunteer on the Education Hill Citizens Advisory Committee.  4)  is on the Recruiting Committee of  "Leadership Eastside" and 5) was a Redmond West Little League board member.  He takes leadership positions in almost everything he does.

Hank Margeson's myriad of leadership experiences attest to his acumen for leadership and consensus-building on Council.  I'm posting his picture so you will recognize him around town.  Will you wave hi to Hank next time you see him?  I guarantee you'll be rewarded with a smile, in the least.  You can also watch Hank on Channel 21 TV Tuesday's, at 7:30pm or read the Minutes of his Finance meetings low on this side bar.  Contact Mr. Margeson at:  hmargeson@redmond.gov 

OPINION by Bob Yoder

LETTER - Must read for any parent and student considering a LWSD Choice school

The following insightful comment was posted by a reader under my 1/15/10 entry:  "Lake Washington School District has some really "choice schools".   It gives excellent advice to any parent considering a choice school: 

LETTER:  Many of these Choice schools require that students pass difficult entrance exams and provide teacher referrals before students are even allowed to apply to the schools. The schools then hold lotteries because the number of students who qualify ALWAYS exceeds the number of spaces available. The wait lists for these schools can be very long, and students are not allowed to put their names on more than one wait list.

Once a student is admitted, the requirement that "parents must arrange their own transportation" can become an immense burden if the student lives far from the school or bus drop-off point and especially if a family has an additional child or children who attend their home school. My family had a child in a choice school for several years and even with carpooling, I still drove 100+ miles every week just getting our kids to and from school.

There are only enough spaces in the choice schools for 15-20% of the students in any given grade. So for every 15-20 students who get a coveted admission to one of these schools, there are 80-85 who don't. But because the school district offers enrichment in the choice schools that supposedly any child could apply to, they don't bother to offer much enrichment in the home schools, especially at the elementary level. There are also higher administrative costs in the choice schools since the school enrollments are much lower while each school still has its own principal, support staff and facility.

When our children were just entering elementary school, we read about the choice schools such as ICS and Environmental and Adventure School and they sounded like they would be great learning opportunities, but the reality has been that between limited enrollment and excessive travel distance, they were not a choice for our children and may not be for many of the children in the district.

by Anonymous on 1/23/2010

If your family is "green-oriented" would you reconsider applying for the Environmental Adventure School (or any other Choice school) owing to the larger carbon footprint from commuting?  BY

January donations to Lake Washington District schools total $73,516,18

UPDATED:  Superintendent Chip Kimball announced donations of  $73,516.18 by groups and individuals to Lake Washington schools for the month of January.   He announces school donations at School Board meetings.  The complete donation report is found in the January 11 School Board video archive packet. 

The largest donation was a $20,000 anonymous grant to the Environmental Adventure School.  Environmental Adventure School is a Lake Washington District "Choice" school
Eight elementary schools received the most PTSA donations, totaling $36,378.  Three high schools received "Booster Club" donations for sports supplies or participation fees.  (Participation fees in LWSD are now $275 per sport per student.)   Kirkland Junior High recieved a $5,836.94 donation from Lake Washington Schools Foundation for a science grant.

Donors designated their gifts to various causes, including:  student council stipends, before-school reading programs. curriculum materials, field trips, playground and sporting equipment, professional development, library books, outdoor education, stage lighting, Math is Cool, dance workshops, and more. 

posted by Bob Yoder

Burke-Gilman Trail is reopening after landslide.

The Burke-Gilman Trail is reopening after a five-day closure caused by a landslide.

This is good news for commuters, dog-walkers and recreational enthusiasts traveling from Redmond on the Sammamish River Trail to Lake Forest Park --  The Burke-Gilman Trail should be reopened  by Thursday, January 21, according to a King County newsroom report. 


The trail has been closed since Jan. 15 when it was buried under an estimated 60 yards of debris.

The Burke-Gilman Trail runs more than 18 miles from Shilshole Bay in the City of Seattle to the City of Bothell where it intersects the Sammamish River Trail.   For more information about biking the trail between Bothell and Redmond see this TIMES article.

posted by Bob Yoder

Seattle Times announces more local news partners

Seattle Times announces more local news partners

The Seattle Times is expanding its partnerships with local news Web sites with the addition of eight more sites today. That brings the total number of partner Web sites to 19. (See the complete list, along with their latest headlines.) complete story.

--Seattle Times staff, 1/20

The Redmond Neighborhood Blog and Kirkland Views are two new Eastside web sites partnering with the Seattle Times.  I'm excited my readers and their contributions and comments will have wider exposure!   Bob Yoder

Bill Gates adding hundreds of followers a minute on Twitter

Bill Gates adding hundreds of followers a minute on Twitter

"Yes, it's really him. Bill Gates joined Twitter today.

....Whether or not it's a watershed moment for the popular microblogging service remains to be seen. But apparently lots of folks are eager to read whatever Gates will have to say.... complete story 

by Todd Bishop on Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Sammamish Slough Eagles, by Brian Byrne

After seeing the eagle pair on the slough this week, I decided to take my camera this morning. Got lucky. One of them was feeding on a goose carcass! The large male (i think) had found himself the goose carcass. Harassed constantly by five crows he enjoyed a good (possibly rare) winter meal. (Click on pictures to enlarge.)

photos and commentary by Brian Byrne

published in Facebook by Brian, 1/15/2010

posted by Bob Yoder with permission.

 

Redmond Cycle complains about the Downtown Park plan.

OPINION:  The owner of Redmond Cycle, Ernie Estrin, paid the local Reporter to advertise his unhappiness (1/15) with the City's planned Downtown Park.   Redmond Cycle will be demolished ~2012 according to Ernie's son.   Quiznos Subs, Windermere-Redmond, a Vet. hospital, foot clinic, a medical clinic and Redmond Shopping Mall. will also be leveled.  According to a business owner in Redmond Shopping Mall, the city gave the businesses 'generous walking papers.'

Ernie complained about the location for the Downtown Park.  Redmond Cycle was established in 1968, one block east of it's present location.  In 1972 the family purchased the gas station on 16205 Redmond Way and remodeled it into the present bicycle shop.   Redmond Cycle was the first bicycle shop on the Eastside, according to Ernie's son.  It played a big part in building Redmond's image as "Bicycle Capital of the Northwest".  Don't you think so? 

The shop is old at 38 years, but doesn't qualify as "historic".   Across the street from the shop is a 77 year old building that is the original Redmond Library.  It was built in 1933 and is presently the home of Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce.   The Chamber's historic building will not be impacted by the downtown park.  

by Bob Yoder

Redmond Ranked Best Places to Raise Your Kids: 2010

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/11/1117_best_places_to_raise_kids/48.htm

Redmond is ranked one of the best places to raise your kid in 2010 by Business Week. 

Affordability, safety*, and school test scores were given the greatest weight. The complete story on Redmond is here. 

The selections were limited to towns that have at least 45,000 residents and a median income of between $40,000 and $125,000.   The data we used included school performance, number of schools, household expenditures, crime rates, air quality, job growth, family income, museums, parks, theaters, other amenities, and diversity.

contributed by:  Kathryn Reith, Communications Director, LWSD.
announced by:  Councilmember Hank Margeson in recent Council meetings.

Governor Gregoire wants to create 40,000 jobs

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=22305755

Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire wants to combat the state's high unemployment rate by drawing new businesses to the state and creating up to 40,000 new jobs this year

In her State of the State address Tuesday, Gregoire told a joint session of the House and Senate that she wants to attract $2 billion in capital investments to fuel job growth in fields like biotechnology, software development and renewable energy.   complete story as found on Seattle Times Online. 

Governor's policy brief

By RACHEL LA CORTE
Associated Press Writer
OLYMPIA, Wash. —
January 12, 2010

From blogging to drumming - teens will find classes at Redmond Teen Center

CITY OF REDMOND TEEN CLASSES AT THE OLD FIREHOUSE TEEN CENTER. There are some great classes being offered this winter. All classes will be held at the Old Firehouse Teen Center at 16510 NE 79th Street. For more information or to sign up for any of these classes, please call 425-556-2300, e-mail Chris Cullen, or download the Old Firehouse schedule.  (non-residents may apply).  For contacts and registration details go here. 

· Drumming 102: For Drummers with some experience and want to advance their skills. The class will review and strengthen standard rudiments. Will include Latin and Cuban rhythms as well as rock time signatures and introduction to syncopation.Ages 13-19
Tuesdays
Jan 19-Mar 9
6-7pm
R $28 / NR $31.

· Digital Audio Mixing 101: earn the basics on mixing your own tracks for diverse applications including electronic, hip-hop and gaming audio. Using the most accessible software Music Studio by Acid you will cover programming patterns, creating form and structure, editing for contrast and variation as well as an introduction to mixing standards in balance, EQ and panning. You will also cover an improvisational approach to building rhythm, bass, harmony, melody tracks and loops. Ages 13-19
Tuesdays
Feb 9-23
6 -7:30pm
R $35 / NR $42.

 · DJ'ing 101: In this class you will learn the basics and get hands on training about DJ'ing on turntables, CD players and new technology like Final Scratch and Ableton Live. Also get a chance to make your own beats. This class will provide a unique opportunity to learn some of the history and culture behind DJ'ing. Whether you are an acclaimed DJ or new to electronic music we will touch on everything you need to known to pursue a brilliant career in DJ'ing and Producing. Ages 13-19
Tuesdays
Feb 2-23
6-7:30pm
R $25 / NR $30.

· Teen Toastmasters:  It's certainly no secret that public speaking is a source of fear and stress for many. In this workshop we will discuss the essentials to creating an effective presentation, practice delivery techniques, and find ways to handle the jitters of standing in front of an audience, and being able to engage in the information you are trying to convey. Public speaking is an important form of communication, a key in getting jobs, and succeeding in academics. It certainly doesn't have to be scary and this workshop will help you make it fun. Ages 14-19
Mondays
Feb 8-Mar 8
6-7pm
R $15 / NR $18

· Get Started with Blogging: Learn to blog and impress the world with your brilliant thoughts, innovative ideas, and random musings! In this class, you'll learn how to setup and get started with blogging with your very own URL. We'll personalize your site with an awesome layout and cool features, learn how to promote your blog, and track your progress as the number of visitors to your website skyrockets! A collaboration of OFH and teen-run non-profit Student RND. Ages 13-19
Mondays
Feb 1-22 (no class Feb 15th)
6-8pm
R $25 / NR $30.

· VJ 101: Mixing Live Video: Get in on this amazing new performance technology. Northwest top Professional VJs (Video Jockeys) teach the art of manipulating video imagery on-the-spot to music like a DJ would mix music, just add the video. No video or DJ experience necessary for this class. Age: 13-19
Mon & Tue
Mar 22 & 23
6-8:30pm
R $85R / NR $99
 
From the desk of  Mary Bourguignon, Editor of  "Redmond Mustangs"

Eastlake scrapes by Redmond 64-57 - Video clip

Eastlake - Redmond Varsity Boys Basketball (game one)

64-57 Eastlake

opening tip

Redmond Mustang Boys Basketball Website

Sunday Comics, Quizzes and Stories from "the Oatmeal", locally popular

                                      http://theoatmeal.com/

Comics, Quizzes, and Stories by Matthew Inman.  The Oatmeal fears nothing, save for scurvy and head lice." read more.  Make sure you scroll down for all the entertainment.

I'm trying to get Redmond's Jeff Johnson to publish his local newspaper opinion cartoons online.  The Oatmeal will keep you chuckling until Jeff tools up.  I'll publish some Oatmeal on Sundays for a while, or longer, depending on your comments!



-- Discovered on a tweat from Tim McGrath -  Redmond's locally famous Rugby player and outdoorsman from "the Hood".

by Bob Yoder

Wii sales soar in December; Playstation 3 edges out Xbox 360 for month

Wii sales soar in December; PS3 edges out Xbox 360 for month

Nintendo's Wii game console sold a record 3.81 million units in the U.S. in December, eclipsing Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's Playstation 3 during the critical holiday shopping season...more

Over 620 turn out for Stinky Spoke mountain bike poker ride!

For the faint hearted (like me) and the strong-hearted (like B.J. Eliason in blue) "Stinky Spoke" was one hoot'n fun ride.  The faint-hearted did lots of walking - some all the way home.  B.J. battled cold feet as he ended in the first wave of finishers.  I hope, so.  B.J. "spins" at the RAC three times a week and bikes with a heart and lungs 'on steriods.'  I just about fainted walking up that hill.  Where's my cardiologist?

Bicycling Magazine  listed "Stinky Spoke" one of the "best in cycling" events for January.  It's a hilly16 mile mountain biking ride mostly on Puget Power and Tolt Water Line easements - starting and ending at Redhook Brewery.  The only competition (besides yourself) is to end with a winning Poker hand from cards picked up along the way.   Last year about 127 entered.  This year, news of the event spread like a virus with well over 620 riding.  PEMCO, REI, Overlake Hospital, Crystal Mountain, Chelan Vacation Rentals, and untold other vendors joined Redhook in this mud splattering good-time fundraiser.

All this bike'n in the stink'n weather for a poker hand was about raising funds for Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center - Check them out at this link:  http://www.littlebit.org/   There will be a lot of happier and healthier kids from this event.  Thanks for the good time!  Keep the bikes tuned for Janurary 16, 2011!

by Bob Yoder
photos and story

Lake Washington School District has some really "choice" schools!

During this week's Lake Washington School Board meeting, Northstar Junior High was featured.  Northstar is one of eleven alternative "CHOICE" schools within the district.

Principal Nell Ballard-Jones and staff gave a presentation of their progress to the Board.  A few items of distinction were:  1) 97.3% of their 8th graders excelled in reading, 2) a third of the students in 8-9th grade attend high school to study math, music and world language.  Northstar is a high achieving school with above average WASL scores in the district and state.

Northstar was founded in1981 and is located closed near Lake Washington High School.  Students are not graded and classes are mixed in age with focus on the whole student.  As with all CHOICE schools admission is selective and with enrollment limits. A lottery and/or wait list is not uncommon.

Each CHOICE school appears to have it's own niche.

• Family Learning Center (K-12) enriches home-schooled students.  175 students.
• Stella Scolla (6-8) requires two years of Latin and students have the same teacher all day.
• BEST (9-12) takes 175 students behind in graduation requirements, like state reading and writing.
• International  Community (7-12) ranks 24 of top 100 high schools in nation by US News & World, with 380 students.
• Community School (1-6) is non competitive with 69 students.
• Discovery School (1-6) is safe and supportive with higher parent involvment.
• Explorer School (1-6) spend time on field trips with parent involvement.  72 students.
• Environmental Adventure (6-9) has 140 students.

Remaining choice schools are Futures School (10-12) and Renaissance School of Art and Reasoning (7-9).  You can find quick facts and web sites of all the CHOICE Schools HERE.  Parents must arrange their own transportation.

Do you know about these schools?  I didn't.  Do you think you have a child who would want to apply?  Many of them almost sound like "private schools" or "charter schools", but they are not.  CHOICE schools are supported by property owners within the Lake Washington School District.   For additional information contact:  kreith@lwsd.org. and visit the district web site at http://lwsd.org/.

by Bob Yoder

Youth Eastside Services (YES!) is a Jewel.

Patti Skelton-McGougan, Executive Director of Youth Eastside Services (YES)

YES!  Youth Eastside Services!   Patti Skelton, the Executive Director of this incredible and caring nonprofit gave me a fascinating tour of their Crossroads facility yesterday.  I don't know where to begin to tell you what an amazing resource Youth Eastside Services is for our community, our schools, our teen centers, our families, our children.

Patti has been the Executive Director for over 12 years, but the organization was founded 35 years ago and has grown to be the largest provider of youth and family mental health and social services in East King County!   A few of YES! family services are:  substance abuse treatment, sexual abuse counseling, depression and suicide counseling, mentoring school kids, and culturally-based assistance for immigrants.

Their commitment to our youth and parents is huge.  No matter what their financial circumstances, YES is committed to providing help to any youth or family regardless of ability to pay.   Counseling is offered on a sliding fee scale, based on family income.  Services cover the economic spectrum from homeless to affluent.   YES! has over 24,000 clients with offices in Redmond, Kirkland, Bellevue and Samammish.  They have certified counselors in all Lake Washington School District Junior and Senior High schools, including the Old Redmond Firehouse Teen Center.

The organization's benevolence is made possible by passionate support from the community.

Every year YES holds an "Invest in Youth" breakfast to support the cost of uncompensated care.  Last year over 550 guests attended and donated $290,000 to the "Lifeline Fund".    This year, the breakfast will be on Wednesday, March 3rd, 7:30-8:30 at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue.  The breakfast  is spearheaded by Costco Wholesale and Microsoft, but you can start a table with your friends. More info.  I'll be sharing the news on my FaceBook!

Factoid:  As many one third of high school students experience violence in an intimate or dating relationship. YES! can help.  Call 425-747-4937.   Website

by Bob Yoder

The Art of Rock

The Art of Rock

Alluring, creative groupings of natural stones balanced and fitted into art forms.  Beautiful, natural local photography.  see art here

by Redmond Library blog.

xxx

Notes from the King County Library Proposition 1 ballot brochure:

Some facts:

• KCLS is the thrid busiest library system in the U.S.
• Nearly 90% of the 1.2 million resident in KCLS' service area have a library card.
• KCLS is not part of the King County government.  It is a separate jurisdiction under State law with the sole mission to provide library service to area residents.
• 96% of all funding comes from local taxpayers. 
• On Feb. 9 KCLS will be asking us to vote for a small increase (50 cents) in property taxes to make up for a $1.9 million cut in the 2009 operating budget.

by Bob Yoder

Hospital picks Evergreen CEO Steve Brown to guide expansion | Penn State News | Local - Centre Daily Times

Hospital picks CEO Steve Brown to guide expansion Penn State News Local - Centre Daily Times

Head of Seattle-area facility has skills overseeing growth.

The CEO who has overseen dramatic growth at Evergreen Hospital, near Seattle  has been selected to guide similar developments as chief executive officer of Mount Nittany Medical Center, PA. 

Steve Brown is credited with overseeing the financial turnaround of Evergreen Hospital Medical Center in Kirkland, Wash., and an expansion in both the hospital’s facilities and services during his eight-year tenure CEO.   Read more

by Nick Malawskey- nmalawsk@centredaily.com
centerdaily.com