9 Year Old Washington Resident, Tobin Sudo, Sets a New World Record!

It all started one quiet Saturday morning on January 2014, where Tobin and his sister Mie started folding paper boats for fun.  When their father saw that they had folded an impressive pile of 400+ boats, he looked up the Guinness World Record for origami boats and found that, at the time, it was a little over 4,000 boats.  He said under his breath, "Oh, that looks doable."  Tobin overheard this and that's how it all started.

 

The world record attempt was made on 5/30/2014 in Horace Mann Elementary school as part of the annual Art Night Festival, coordinated by Annie Savage (Art Night Chair).  Tobin and his family only had about 3 hours to set up 20,000+ origami boats in the school library, before the Guinness approved counters, Jane Wither (Redmond Arts and Culture Commission) and Jordan Swain (Redmond High School Art Teacher) showed up.  The task seemed impossible, but the school community pitched in to help.  In fact, with the teachers' and students' help, setup completed early so some of them even started to fold additional origami boats to add to the count!

 

Prior to the attempt, the world record for "Largest Display of Origami Boats" was 16,343.  The confirmed origami boat count on 5/30/2014 by Tobin Sudo was 23,689!

 

Tobin and his family would like to give special thanks to Annie Savage, Principal Megan Spaulding, Jane Wither, Jordan Swain, Horace Mann’s PTSA and the school community for making this once in a life time event possible.

Redmond Bike Park Construction in Full Swing

The Redmond Bike Park construction is in full swing today after their volunteer meeting last night.  The volunteers and city crew will be out again tomorrow, June 14, and June 28-29.  The volunteers are in the woods today cutting branches and loading them into a truck while a tractor moves earth.  Later they will help to build the dirt jumps.



You can review the details of each of the volunteer positions at the Volunteer Information page.  You can also find general project info at the project website.  Work Parties are scheduled to start now!

 

If you know of others that may be interested in being part of this project, please feel free to forward this notice on to them. 

 

For more information:

Visit www.redmond.gov/bikepark

or send an Email to David Shaw

Executive Constantine's reaction to shootings at Seattle Pacific University

King County Executive Dow Constantine commented on the tragic shootings at Seattle Pacific University:

"It's devastating to see the national epidemic of shooting rampages return to King County. It is time for all good people – responsible gun owners included – to rise up and end this madness."

Kids Learn "Driver's Ed for the Internet" at Area Schools

New program gives quick tips and how-to’s to teach kids web safety

 

REDMOND, Wash., and SEATTLE--The National Online Safety Roadshow educates parents and middle school students on how to be a conscious, safe internet user. The 45-minute assembly will actively engage middle school students on important lessons for staying safe online—including understanding how quickly viral content spreads and avoiding phishing scams. Congresswoman Suzan DelBene will participate in the event at Evergreen Middle School and give remarks. The roadshow will be stopping at Evergreen Middle School in Redmond and TOPS K-8 School in Seattle June 2-3.

 

 What:                  The Online Safety Roadshow

 

Who:                     Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA, 1^st District)

                                Principal Sean Cassidy

                                Evergreen Middle School students and teachers

 

                                Jamie Hill, Google spokesperson

                                Principal Christopher Scott

                                TOPS School 5^th-8^th graders and teachers              

 

When:                  Monday, June 2, 1:30 p.m. in Redmond

 

                                Tuesday, June 3, 1:30 p.m. in Seattle

                              

Where:                Evergeen Middle School

                                6900 208th Ave NE, Redmond

 

TOPS K-8 School

2500 Franklin Ave. E., Seattle

 

About The Online Safety Roadshow:

The Google-led program is designed to educate parents and students what you can do to stay safe and secure on the web.

 

The program was created in tandem with principals and child safety groups, National Association of Secondary School Principals and iKeepSafe, to develop a digital literacy assembly. The goal of the 45 minute program is to teach students how to be smart about the content they share online, focusing on important skills -- how to create a safe, memorable password and more. To find more information about being safe online, please visit the Google Safety Center.

 

Looking for Host Families in Redmond and Bellevue

Host an Exchange Student and your family will embark on an unforgettable cultural adventure! Nonprofit organization World Heritage is looking for local Redmond and Bellevue families now for the 2014-2015 school year to host a high school student for a semester.  Read More >>

Walk, Talk, and Explore Redmond's Old Town Historic Core

Redmond- Join a walking exploration of Redmond's Old Town Historic Core on Friday, June 6, 2014 from 5:00-7:30PM and connect with City and community leaders.  Read More >>

Marymoor Park Big Backyard 5K Run/Walk - June 1

Still time to take part in 5th-annual King County Parks’ Big Backyard 5K, June 1 at Marymoor Park

Presented by Group Health, this fun family event benefits King County Parks

It’s almost time to join with friends, family and fellow outdoors enthusiasts in a fun event that supports King County Parks – the Big Backyard 5K presented by Group Health, Sunday, June 1 at Marymoor Park.

The Big Backyard 5K starts at 9 a.m. and takes participants through beautiful Marymoor Park at the northern end of Lake Sammamish. The course follows the Marymoor Connector Trail and a portion of the East Lake Sammamish Trail. Strollers and leashed dogs are welcome.

A free kids’ dash sponsored by Whole Foods and featuring King County’s environmental mascot, Bert the Salmon, follows the fun run at 10 a.m., and then it’s time for the awards ceremony at 10:15 a.m.

Register online at www.bby5k.com prior to race day for $40 and you’ll get an event t-shirt, plus food, drinks, timing chip and more on race day. Day-of-race registration is $40, and includes all of the swag mentioned earlier, except the t-shirt, which is only available while supplies last.

Funds raised by the 5K help leverage King County taxpayers’ investment in parks, trails and open space by keeping these features open and safe for all to enjoy.

Looking for more incentive to sign up? How about cash? Break the course record (16:18 for men, 20:15 for women), and you’ll win $100.

The Big Backyard 5K promotes fitness and community involvement, and has raised more than $125,000 for King County Parks.

 

 

Opinion: What are solutions to the LWSD bond measure failure?

By Paige Norman (excerpted from Paige's Prattle Blog)


Solutions

The April 22nd Bond measure doesn’t look like it will make the 60% approval it needs to pass.  Yes, I’m pleased, but instead of cheering “We Win!” or moaning “We Lose!” let’s come up with solutions to the problem instead of name calling or blaming the other side.

Using the assumption that the District still has access to the unused $10 million from the 2011 Bond for $65.4 million I have a few recommendations to offer.  Read More >>

OPINION: Students Are Sitting in Portables and Overcrowded Classrooms While LWSD Sits on $55,500,000 in Unspent Construction Funds

By Susan Wilkins


It makes me very upset to know that the district has been sitting on over $50 million and won't spend it on our students, but they think it's ok to give away $10,000,000 to Kirkland to build a new swimming pool.  How can we have any confidence in this school district when they flippantly ignore $50,000,000 that's available when Rockwell, Mann, Rosa Parks, RMS, and all the Sammamish elementary schools are packed with students?  What was even more appalling was that the school board members didn't seem too upset by the news that there was money available and unspent.  What is going through their minds? 

The topic at the May 5, 2014 LWSD Work Session was "Enrollment and Facility Planning."  At this meeting, the district had already conceded that the April 22 bond measure for $404,000,000 was not going to pass.  All five school board members were present at the meeting and expressed frustration and anger at voters and at the opposition committee that had campaigned against the ballot measure. 

The school board members appeared to have no idea what should be done to address overcrowding so they looked to Superintendent Traci Pierce and she looked to Janene Fogard and Forrest Miller.  Janene Fogard is the Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Forrest Miller is Director of Support Services.  Janene and Forrest appeared to be making all the decisions on facilities planning.  Read More>>

King County has world's highest survival rate for cardiac arrest

Someone who has a cardiac arrest in King County has a greater chance of survival than anyone else in the world, according the latest analysis by county officials. The survival rate for cardiac arrest in King County hit an all-time high of 62 percent in 2013. By comparison, the cardiac survival rates in New York City, Chicago, and other urban areas have been recorded in the single digits.  Read More >>

166th Ave NE Construction City Meeting - May 22

166 Ave NE Safety Improvements Project Construction Preview

You are invited to attend the 166 Ave NE Safety Improvements Project Construction Preview on Thurs May 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at Redmond City Hall (15670 NE 85 Street) The 166 Ave NE Safety Improvements Project will be under construction starting in mid-July.  Project elements will be on display in the lobby of City Hall.  Project staff will be available between 6:30 and 8:30 PM to answer questions about the project design and the construction schedule. Go to www.redmond.gov/166Project for more info.  You can also call one of the project managers listed on the right.  Project staff are happy to answer questions anytime.

LWSD Board joins calls for Elementary and Secondary Education Act reauthorization

Changes needed to No Child Left Behind

 

Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District Board of Directors passed a resolution at its May 5 meeting calling on Congress to pass a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), also known as the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).  Read More >>

Eastside Theft Series - Redmond Police Department

Redmond, WA – Over the past few weeks there has been a spike in locker thefts from gyms across the eastside.  Recently, Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland and Redmond have all seen similar incidents. 
Thieves are getting into lockers by shimming or prying padlocks or combination locks and sifting through personal items to take cash.  The lock is often placed back on the locker afterward.  Some people don’t even realize they’ve been victimized right away as their phones, wallets and other items are still present.
Several different gym franchises have reported thefts, and gyms are working closely with police in multiple jurisdictions to try to identify suspects.  It appears there are multiple groups of suspects working across the eastside.  Issaquah, Kirkland and Redmond Police currently have open, active investigations and all agencies are conducting area patrols as able. 
Police and Gyms are asking customers to do the following: 

·         Don’t bring valuables to the gym or leave them in your car; leave them at home if possible. 

·         If your gym provides theft-resistant day lockers, take advantage of them.  Use puck-style locks if possible as they are harder to defeat. 

·         Report all suspicious activity to staff or by calling 911 – or both. 

Redmond Interfaith Blood Drive - June 3

Redmond Interfaith Blood Drive - June 3^rd

Date:        Tuesday, June 3^rd

Time:        1 - 7 PM (closed 3:30-4:30 for technicians' break)

Location:   Redmond United Methodist Church, Galley Hall
                 16540 NE 80th Street, Redmond 98052   Read More>>

Eastside Republican Club Announces Winners Of 2014 Scholarship Essay Contest

  

The Eastside Republican Club today announced the winners of its 2014 Scholarship Essay Contest. They are:

 

$1,000 Winner: Charles Lu, Bellevue, a student at Interlake High School, planning to attend Stanford University;

 

$750 Winner: Kylie McMillan, Redmond, a student at Seattle University;

 

$500 Winner: Julia Ellings, Bellevue, a student at Claremont McKenna College.

 

The scholarships will be presented on Tuesday, May 6, at the Club’s monthly meeting at Embassy Suites in Bellevue.  Read More >>

Five students receive National Merit $2500 Scholarships

2,500 distinguished students recognized nationwide

Redmond, Wash. – The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced today that five Lake Washington School District students will receive National Merit $2500 Scholarships:

·         Cameron Akker (Sammamish), Redmond High School

·         Ryan Holmdahl (Redmond), Eastlake High School

·         Samhita Karnati (Sammamish), Redmond High School

·         James McCutcheon (Sammamish), Eastlake High School

·         Anwell Wang (Sammamish), International Community School

These students are five of the 2,500 distinguished high school seniors nationwide to win this scholarship. They were selected from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding Finalists in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program. Fifty students were selected statewide for these awards.

National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners are the Finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. A committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors selected these students as Scholarship winners. These Scholars may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.

Sign up for the Redmond Bike Park

 

It’s time to sign up for the

REDMOND BIKE PARK

 

Our volunteer sign up system is now up and running!  Come sign up to be a volunteer and help build the Bike Park. 

 

 

Our volunteer system is powered by Shiftboard.  The button above will take you to the volunteer application page where you can select the volunteer position you would like to apply for. 

 

You can review the details of each of the volunteer positions at our Volunteer Information page.  You can also find general project info at the project website.  Work Parties are scheduled to start this June!

 

If you know of others that may be interested in being part of this project, please feel free to forward this notice on to them. 

 

For more information:

Visit www.redmond.gov/bikepark

or send an Email to David Shaw

Lake Washington School District plans for growing enrollment

Actions for 2014-15 outlined; all attendance boundaries to be reviewed

 

Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District outlined today the specific actions it will take over the next year and beyond to accommodate its rapidly growing enrollment. The total number of students served by the district grew by over 1,600 in the last two years, more than any other King County school district. An increase of approximately 4,000 students is expected over eight years.

 

The district proposed two bond measures this year, in February and April, to provide funding to build new schools. Neither measure gained the supermajority (60%) needed to pass although both received a majority of votes.

 

“We have a number of actions planned for next year, many of which would have been needed no matter the outcome of the bond measures,” noted Dr. Traci Pierce, superintendent. “However, without the potential of new school buildings in two years, we will also have to determine additional actions for the future.”

 

The actions planned for 2014-15 include:

·         Continue the temporary boundary adjustment between Rosa Parks and Wilder Elementary Schools
·         Implement the planned temporary boundary  for new housing developments involving Rockwell, Einstein & Mann Elementary Schools
·         Begin a district-wide process to review and adjust all school attendance boundaries, for implementation in 2015-16
·         Add four portable classrooms each at Mann and Wilder Elementary Schools, and add two at Redmond Elementary School
·         Limit All Day Kindergarten sections as needed
·         Move Rockwell Elementary School’s preschool to another location
·         Move the Mead Elementary Learning Center program for special education students to McAuliffe Elementary School
·         Begin a new Quest program for gifted students at Blackwell Elementary School, serving students who would previously have gone to Alcott Elementary School for Quest
·         Send Sammamish area students entering middle school Quest in 2014-15 to Evergreen Middle School instead of Redmond Middle School
·         Limit variance approvals at all levels
·         Modify facilities at Redmond and Evergreen Middle Schools to increase capacity  Read More>>

Science Camps for Curious Minds at Overlake School this summer

INSPIRE YOUR CHILD’S INNER SCIENTIST THIS SUMMER AT PACIFIC SCIENCE CENTER’S CAMPS FOR CURIOUS MINDS


Exciting camps offered at The Overlake School in Redmond for 1st – 8th Grade
SEATTLE, WA (April 29, 2014) – This summer, build and program robots; test the strength of duct tape in engineering challenges; examine X-rays and study skeletons in an up-close look at animal medicine; learn the science of fire and rescue with real firefighters and prepare for a zombie invasion at Pacific Science Center’s Camps for Curious Minds. Located on The Overlake School campus in Redmond, Camps for Curious Minds offer stimulating themes for students in 1st through 8th grade in July and August. Read More >>

Letter: Notes on Neighborhood Meeting for the Mosque land use project on 51st Street

A few notes on yesterday's neighborhood meeting on the proposed mosque at 51 Street neighborhood:  The turnout was pretty good: there were around 30-40 people present from the applicant's side and around 150 residents.  Read More >>

Lake Washington Schools Foundation Luncheon Sets Fundraising Record

Redmond, WA.  Education supporters gave generously at Lake Washington Schools Foundation’s April 23 “Legacy for Learning” fundraising luncheon, raising the largest amount ever, over $240,000 to help the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) build pathways to success for all students. The ninth annual luncheon, held at Juanita High School, was attended by 585 parents, educators, business and civic leaders, and other community members.  Read More >>

Ashford Trail has been enhanced with hundreds of new trees and shrubs

If you haven't walked down Redmond's Ashford Trail yet you'll be amazed to see hundreds of new small trees and shrubs planted along it.   The plantings are part of Group Health Hospital's off-site restoration mitigation project. They did a great job on this project. It will one day provide shade for the trail and riparian habitat of the Hartman wetlands.

The Ashford Trail, the trail begins at the Redmond Bike Park on the terminus of NE 100 Street. It's wooded running east to a large, beautiful forested wetland adjacent to Perrigo Creek. Hikers occasionally see large owls here.  The "Hartman wetlands" are occasionally studied by students. Portions of the trail here are used by cross country teams. A network of  "Hartman Trails" to the north start just before you go downhill.

Enjoy your hike down this mixed forested trail to Perrigo Springs. The trail then briefly enters a road lined with apartments and condos named "Ashford."   Soon to the north, the trail continues through a peaceful green band between Perrigo Creek and apartments. The trail ends at Avondale Road and 180th.

It's hard to believe Ashford Trail is so close to the Education Hill neighborhood. The trail-head is less than a quarter mile from my house. I walk it often for exercise, to relax, find peace and think.

Bob Yoder  

The LWSD school board budgets $250,000 for levy elections

The budget for 2010-11 for the Board of directors is $585,731

This budget is made up of:

$   44,000  State Auditor fees

$ 450,000 Legal fees

$  45,428 Staff Salaries/Benefits (.5 of Executive Assistant)

$  21,209 Board association dues

$  25,094 Board budget (includes conferences, travel, supplies, etc.)

 

In the years we have election costs the board budget contains approximately $250,000 for levy and board elections.

 

Thanks,

Barbara Posthumus

Coordinator of Business Services, LWSD, 6/2010

Redmond High School PTSA donates $12,000 for gym sound system

NOTE FROM R.H.S. PRINCIPAL JANE TODD. Once again, our PTSA has stunned me by their generosity and support of the school. ...They approved a grant of over $12,000.00 so that we can completely overhaul the sound system in the main gymnasium. This donation will have to be approved by the School Board (anything over $1000.00 must be approved in this manner) so it will take a bit more time before the work can begin, but I expect that by the time school starts next year, we will no longer have to worry about screeching, microphones cutting out in the middle of performances, garbled sounds, or anything else we have endured for years now.

 

And speaking of generosity, staff will be once again treated to food at their expense (next week, I believe) and they are planning very special surprises for the week of recognition of school staff in May. They asked me last night what else they could do to support us. My response was that they have always gone above and beyond and that we are very, very grateful for everything they do.

-Mustang Weekly

LWSD Press Release on the Bond Failure

Redmond, Wash. –The initial results of the April 22 bond election indicate the measure will not pass. Preliminary results show that 52 percent of voters approved the ballot measure. A 60 percent supermajority is required for bond measures.

 

Since a similar measure on the February 22 ballot also fell short, the district will not be able to run another bond measure this year. The district’s board of directors will determine any future measures.

 

“The results are disappointing for the students, staff and families of the Lake Washington School District,” noted Dr. Traci Pierce, superintendent. “Without this funding, we will have to begin reviewing other options immediately for housing our rapidly growing student enrollment. The good news is that so many families want to move to our area to attend our excellent schools.  I am very proud of the work of our district and schools.”  Read More >>