Thirty-three LWSD students named National Merit Semifinalists

Students now compete for scholarships worth more than $33 million

Redmond, Wash. – Thirty-three Lake Washington School District (LWSD) high school seniors have been named semifinalists in the 62nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation made the announcement.  

Sixteen thousand high school seniors nationwide qualified. About 15,000 semifinalists are expected to advance to the Finalist level. More than half will win a National Merit Scholarship. These students will be able to continue in the competition for 7,500 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $33 million.

Students qualified for these awards by completing the 2015 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The semifinalists include the highest scoring students in each state. The semifinalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.

Lake Washington School District National Merit Semifinalists*:

Eastlake High School:

·         Melissa Birchfield (Sammamish)
·         Samantha Moynihan (Sammamish)

International Community School:

·         McKenna Conlin (Redmond)
·         Kartik Iyer (Sammamish)
·         Alicia Kacharia (Redmond)
·         Taeheon Kim (Redmond)
·         Irene Thomas (Redmond)  Read More>>

EvergreenHealth Appoints Two New Members to Board of Commissioners

Minerva Butler and Virgil Snyder Join as Board Expands to Seven Members

Kirkland, Wash. – EvergreenHealth’s Board of Commissioners formally voted last night to approve the appointment of two new members. After an extensive search and selection process, the board chose Minerva Butler and Virgil Snyder as its newest members.

Both bring a wealth of professional and community experience to help advance EvergreenHealth’s vision of creating an inclusive community health system that is the most trusted source for health care solutions. The appointment of Butler and Snyder come as the result of voters’ approval in August of the board’s proposition to expand from five to seven members.

Butler and Snyder are currently members of the EvergreenHealth Community Advisors program – serving since 2010 and 1989, respectively.

About Minerva Butler:

Ms. Butler is a retired securities analyst and mutual fund manager. Her career includes positions at US West, Fidelity Management and Wellington Management, as well as adjunct finance faculty at Babson College and Boston College. She holds a Bachelor of Science in accountancy from Northern Arizona University and M.B.A from Stanford University Graduate School of Business, and governance certificates and training from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Harvard Business School’s Executive Education program and the NACD Corporate Directors Institute. She is a former Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and auditor as well as a former Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

In addition to serving as an EvergreenHealth Community Advisor for six years, Ms. Butler has served as board president and trustee of the Lake Washington Schools Foundation. She is a resident of Redmond and her community involvement also includes the PTA of Norman Rockwell Elementary and the Northern Arizona University, College of Business Administration Advisory Board.

About Virgil Snyder:

Mr. Snyder is an engineer who has worked for the Boeing Company since 1984 in a wide variety of leadership positions, ranging from airplane programs, to engineering integration and IT and customer support. He is currently an engineering process and tools leader for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, leading the organization in process improvements for airplane programs and engineering. He also oversees a multi-million-dollar engineering computing tool development and implementation portfolio.

Mr. Snyder holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Utah State University, M.B.A. from City University and a certificate from the Institute of Configuration Management and Arizona State University. He is a graduate of the Advance Bellevue community leadership program, now known as Leadership Eastside.

In addition to serving as an EvergreenHealth Community Advisor for 18 years, he has been involved with other community volunteer positions with Boeing’s Community Connections program and as a mentor for Cedar Park Robotics program.  Read More >>

Community meetings are scheduled to review plans for North Redmond Elementary School

Janene Fogard
Chief Operating Officer

Two LWSD Meetings will be held this month to learn about the Elementary School planned for North Redmond.

Thursday, September 22, 6-8 p.m. at Redmond City Hall, Council Chambers.

Tuesday, September 27, 6-8 p.m. at Redmond High School

Though, it's not confirmed the Deputy Superintendent and.Chief Operating Officer Ms. Fogard may attend.  Forest Miller, the Director of Operations may attend, as well. Mr. Miller is responsible for transportation and facilities planning.  

Bob Yoder

"Neighborhood Conversations" with Mayor and Council to be held at Horace Mann

Mayor John Marchione is on the left

Mayor John Marchione and the City Council look forward to hearing from you about neighborhood and City topics that are on your mind. These meetings are a new, casual, and convenient way for residents to interact with their elected officials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Upcoming Third and Final Meeting:

Horace Mann Elementary School Gymnasium
Monday October 3
17001 NE 104th St., Redmond

Family-friendly—kids are welcome

Overview of meeting structure:

6 - 6:15 pm: Reception
• Talk with your neighbors and elected officials
• Learn about City projects
• Jot down your questions and the Council will answer them during the meeting

Light refreshments will be served. Kid-friendly activity available.

6:15 – 7:30 pm: Meeting
• Council will answer your questions
• Discussion on current projects in your neighborhood
• Share your thoughts and ideas

EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners Seeks Candidates for Position #3

EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners Seeks Candidates for Position #3

Kirkland, Wash. – EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners is seeking interested residents for Position #3, representing the Redmond/Sammamish communities. The Board opening is the result of R. August "Auggie" Kempf’s retirement from the Board on September 3, 2016.

Interested residents that want to apply for the position must apply by Friday, October 7, 2016. Applications are available at evergreenhealth.com/board-expansion.  Read More >>

Links volunteer program offers three ways to support students

In less time than it takes to binge watch two episodes of your favorite comedy, you could positively impact the life of a child in your community each week by joining the LINKS Volunteer program. LINKS stands for Looking Into the Needs of Kids and Schools. Funded by the Lake Washington Schools Foundation (LWSF), LINKS is the Lake Washington School District’s (LWSD) community mentoring program. It places adult community members into academic mentor, lunch buddy and tutoring programs throughout LWSD. Become a LINKS volunteer today!

Here’s how you can help:

·         Become an academic mentor: Academic mentors are carefully matched with a student at the middle or high school level. This volunteer opportunity takes place during the school day. The timeframe can vary from 30 minutes to an hour. Core classes (math, reading, science and writing) are often the subjects where students need extra help.

·         Become a Lunch Buddy: Lunch Buddies are matched with an elementary student and they meet one day each week during the student’s lunch hour. Volunteers bring their own lunch and meet the student in a designated area.  Most schools have fun games the volunteer and student can play together. They talk, laugh and have fun. Volunteers often share that it’s the best day of their week.  Read More >>

Kirkland Hosts Authentic German Octoberfest in Marina Park

Annual waterfront festival celebrates beer, oompah pah music, and fun

Kirkland, WA - September 23-25, 2016 – Hang on to your lederhosen, as Downtown Kirkland

will soon transform into an authentic German “biergarten” for the 4th Annual Kirkland

Oktoberfest Friday, September 23rd through Sunday, September 25th in Marina Park on

Kirkland’s picturesque waterfront. This three-day beer festival benefitting local nonprofit

charitable organizations attracts roughly 10,000 enthusiasts each year.  Read More>>

UPDATED, 9/20: The LWSD Organizational Chart: Who's responsible for transportation, facilities planning, and finance?

LWSD Board of Directors

Superintendent Dr. Traci Pierce and her staff have worked very hard to prepare a new Organizational Chart that clearly shows the relationships of her Superintendents and Directors. The intent of the new chart is to ensure "an effective program of instruction for pupils" and achieve the Board's educational goals ("End Results") for our students. 

The Chart is under consideration for approval by the Board this Monday evening, 9/19 at 7 PM, District HQ.  Dr. Pierce's proposed Chart is here:   

2016-17 Organizational Chart Recommended by Dr. Pierce and awaiting approval from the Board in this Monday's 7PM Board Meeting 

Notable changes from the 2015-2016 Chart:

1.)  The Board is included on the Chart!
2.)  The Director of Business and Support Services is promoted to Assistant Superintendent. 
3.) H.R. and both Associate Superintendent departments are beefed up with additional Directors. Transparency of the Associate Superintendents' roles is enhanced.
4) Links connect the Executive Secretary to the Board, so you can contact them with your questions and feedback.  Call 425-936-1257
5) Silos are eliminated and collaboration is heightened!

Unfortunately, the Chart doesn't fully identify the roles of three key executives vital to passing Bond measures and running the operation.  We don't know who manages and oversees finance, facilities planning and transportation.  With roles not fully transparent, the public loses confidence and respect for the system...deterring bond approval and thus student learning conditions.    

If any of this bothers you, go to the Board meeting this Monday night, 9/19, 7 PM, District HQ and speak to the Directors during the public comment period; and ask Board President Nancy Bernard to delay action on the Chart, for another meeting, until further study.    

And if this doesn't bother you, that's cool too.  

Thanks, 
Bob Yoder

Report by city staff, more construction projects to come

image grabbed from Internet

Last night city staff gave Council an update on public/private construction projects.  Here's a very brief summary of some of the projects you may be interested in:

1.  Willows Preparatory School is planning to build a 48,000 square foot facility on the old Thenos ice cream site just north of the glassed Washington Cathedral building. A dormitory to house 40 students is part of the project. The project will have a capacity for at least 100 students. Traffic will certainly be an issue on Red-Wood Road. Work probably won't begin until 2017.

2. A new water line on Education Hill near Nike Park will be installed in early 2017.  It will be very disruptive to the surrounding neighbors and the city is already noticing the residents. The new pipe line will increase water pressure for the Fire Department.

3. A one mile extension to the downtown Central Connector trail is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

4. Sad to hear,but starting next Spring the Frankie's Pizza mall will be demolished to build Anderson Park Hotel. The  six-story hotel will have 177 rooms with under-ground and surface parking.

5.  In response to a question by Council Member Hank Myers:  peat soil removed from the Downtown Park construction site will be recycled by the contractor to build new soils. (No, it won't be screened for Indian artifacts :)

6.  A three-story, 90,000 SF storage facility will be built just south of our new Costco.

7.  876 dwelling units are under construction in the "Downtown neighborhood" as we speak.

And the beat goes on....

Bob Yoder

UPDATED, 9/30 School Board meeting to review issues of government transparency

Lake Washington School District Board of Directors

Issues of transparency will be addressed which could improve the outcome of future bond measures.

The Board of Directors and Superintendent will be holding a Board meeting this Monday, September 19th that will address the "Administrative Organizational Plan."  Superintendent and CEO Dr. Traci Pierce will be highlighting her "enhanced Plan." The meeting will be held at 7:00PM, District Headquarters.

It's an important meeting.  Issues of government transparency will be addressed which could improve the outcome of future bond measures, transportation services, taxpayer budgeting and other issues. You are encouraged to attend and/or participate! To comment please sign-up before the meeting starts; preferably at 6:45.  

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

In part, the "Administrative Organizational Plan" is:   

"The administrative organization of the district shall be considered as an orderly means of achieving the district's primary objective, an effective program of instruction for pupils. 

"An organizational chart for the district shall be prepared by the superintendent and approved by the board to designate clearly relationships of all employees within the district organization.

The District's old Organizational Chart under review is here:

Editor's Note:  I'm confused. It was supposed to be here; I may have posted the new one by mistake, or the District removed it.

For your reference, the Bellevue School District's Organizational Chart is here:
http://www.bsd405.org/wp-content/pdf/administration/BSD-org-chart.pdf

I hope this helps and you can make the meeting!

Bob Yoder

Most Northwest residents believe the big one is coming, but many aren't ready

Renters are among the least prepared for a natural disaster

SEATTLE – A majority of Northwest residents believe a major earthquake will rattle the region during their lifetime, but many admit they haven’t taken simple steps to fully prepare for a natural disaster.

The latest PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll reveals that three-quarters (77 percent) of Washington and Oregon residents expect they’ll experience a big-time earthquake here, but despite that fear, only half (52 percent) say they’re at least somewhat prepared, and two out of five (39 percent) admit they aren’t prepared at all.

According to the poll, renters are among the least prepared for an emergency. About half of Northwest renters (55 percent) admit they haven’t taken steps to prepare for a natural disaster, compared to just one-third (30 percent) of homeowners who said the same. Owning an emergency kit is one step in prepping for disasters READ MORE >>

Historic Sammamish Slough Boat Races

Sammamish Slough Boat Races from 4Culture on Vimeo.

1928.....

In the days before the Sammamish Slough was "straight-ditched" for flood control.

Mayor, Council and Human Services Commission to Participate in Food Drive

Image grabbed from Internet

REDMOND, WA – Members of the Redmond City Council, the Redmond Human Services Commission, and Mayor John Marchione will participate in the “Day of Concern for the Hungry” by hosting a Food Drive on Saturday, September 17, 2016 and Sunday, September 18, 2016, at the Bella Bottega QFC store located at 8867 161st Avenue NE, Redmond, from10:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. The food drive will be hosted at grocery stores throughout both Redmond and King County to help area food banks in fighting hunger.

This year, the Mayor, Councilmembers and Commissioners will be asking shoppers to donate “Super Foods” including whole grains, nut butters, and dried fruits in addition to the standard canned goods, such as vegetables, soups, and beans. These donations benefit the Hopelink Food Bank. Last year nearly 5,000 pounds of food were donated by Redmond’s generous community members.

Mayor John Marchione encourages all residents to take part in this drive. “A food drive brings the community together to show how much we care for those in need.”

As winter approaches and the resources of those with low incomes must stretch even further to cover increasing fuel, electricity and rental costs, an outpouring of community assistance is crucial to reduce hunger in our community. View the Mayor’s “Day of Concern” proclamation here. 

UPDATED,9/23 EvergreenHealth revamps website to be more customer friendly, updates Facebook page

Al DeYoung
President, Board of Commissioners

Editor's Note:  Feedback from the Community -- including myself -- contributed significantly  to re-focusing Evergrreen's attention on customer service and their website.     

NEW "Contact Us"!

"We are always happy to hear from our patients, community and customers. Whether it's a question or a request, or you have a comment you’d like passed on to one of our staff members or to leadership, we value your insights and we will follow up on it within 48 hours."

Contact Us: EMAIL  "If you prefer, we welcome a phone call to our administrative office at 425.899.2621."

New "Wait Time Clocks" for ER's and Urgent Care Clinics!

Updated Facebook page!

New: "My Costs"!  

"Our commitment is to be your partner in health and to provide our community access to high quality health care at a great value. To help you make the best decisions about your health care, we embrace transparency. The resources offered here will provide you with a deeper understanding about your healthcare costs. You can even reach out to us to discuss your individual questions and obtain a personalized estimate for your out-of-pocket cost."

Public Board Meeting Agendas Posted!

Study Session: 4:30pm - executive sessions begins; 5:30pm public meeting begins
Board Meeting: 5pm - executive session begins; 6:30pm public meeting begins, public comment

Location:  Room Tan 250
(Located in the EvergreenHealth Surgery & Physicians Pavilion, which is adjacent to EvergreenHealth Medical Center)

Minutes from each meeting are posted after they are approved at the next month's meeting.  

Jan. 05 - Study Session

Jan. 19 - Board Meeting

Feb. 02 - Study Session

Feb. 12 - Educational

Feb. 16 - Board Meeting

Mar. 01 - Study Session

Mar. 15 - Board Meeting

Apr. 05 - Study Session

Apr. 08 - Educational

Apr. 19 - Board Meeting

May 03 - Study Session

May 12-13 - Leadership Retreat

May 17 - Board Meeting 

June 07 - Study Session

June 10 - Educational

June 21 - Board Meeting

July 05 - Study Session

July 08 - Educational

July 19 - Board Meeting

Aug. 02 - Study Session 

Aug. 16 - Board Meeting [Agenda]

Sep. 06 - Study Session [Agenda]

Sep. 09 - Educational

Sep. 20 - Board Meeting

Oct. 04 - Study Session

Oct. 14 - Educational

Oct. 18 - Board Meeting

Nov. 01 - Study Session

Nov. 11 - Budget Hearing

Nov. 15 - Board Meeting

Dec. 06 - Study Session

Dec. 09 - Educational

Dec. 20 - Board Meeting

"And, we believe in transparency – sharing our results with you, so that you can make an informed choice about you and your family’s care. This transparency includes sharing our internal data and measurements.....

WEBSITE  

Prepared by Bob Yoder

NAMI Eastside Breakfast Gala, features Dennis Bounds

NAMI Eastside's 3rd Quarter Newsletter "Eastside Connect" is now available!! Click the button below to view. View Newsletter

Community invited to open houses on new schools, Juanita High School

 School Board of Directors

Two new elementary schools, one new middle school, JHS rebuild funded by LWSD bond measure

Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District’s growing enrollment will soon be served by three new schools. A new elementary school in north Redmond,a new elementary school in Redmond Ridge and a new middle school in Redmond Ridge will open within the next few years. In addition, Juanita High School will be rebuilt and expanded to accommodate 500 more students. The district’s April 2016 bond measure is the source of funding for these projects.

Community members had an opportunity in May to see preliminary plans for all three new schools at open house meetings. Second meetings are scheduled now to share the updated plans, reflecting community input and information. Those meetings will take place:

Elementary School in Redmond Ridge East & Middle School in Redmond Ridge:

Monday, September 26, 6-8 p.m. at Rosa Parks Elementary School

Elementary School in North Redmond:

Thursday, September 22, 6-8 p.m. at Redmond City Hall, Council Chambers. Previously announced meeting is in conjunction with the city of Redmond.

Tuesday, September 27, 6-8 p.m. at Redmond High School

The first meeting on the Juanita High School project will share preliminary plans and seek community feedback on the project:

Juanita High School:

Wednesday, September 28, 6-8 p.m. at Juanita High School

The meetings will provide a general overview of each project, including the site layout, overall look of the building, basic materials, traffic patterns and building schedule. The district will seek feedback on the plans. Attendees can come at any time during the two-hour timeframe of the open house style meetings.

Attendance boundaries for the new schools will be determined during the 2017-18 school year. A public process will seek community input into the new boundaries. No information on which students will attend the school will be available until that time.

Construction on the new elementary schools is scheduled to start in April 2017. Planned openings are in September 2018. The new middle school will begin construction in May 2017 and open in September 2019. Construction on Juanita High School will begin in May 2018 and open in September 2021.

Community Encouraged to Support Businesses During Construction Redmond, WA – “We Dig Downtown,” Redmond’s new buy-local during construction campaign, kicks off in Downtown Redmond on Monday. The weekly themed events promote that Downtown Redmond is OPEN for business during construction. For eight Monday evenings beginning September 12 and ending October 31, varying Downtown locations will feature performers, artists, and games. The community is invited to join the activities and encouraged to patronize local businesses. Inspired by requests from Downtown businesses for the City’s assistance during the impacts of construction, the goal is to encourage and invite customers to buy local, enjoy a sense of community and support Downtown businesses.   Jill Smith, City of Redmond Economic Development Manager, hopes residents and commuters alike will take part in the campaign. “Please join the City and community and support Downtown Redmond businesses. Bike or walk throughout Downtown and you will enjoy great food and drink, shopping and entertainment.”