Lake Washington School District Superintendent Search Update
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The job is now posted, and is open through June 4. An updated timeline is available on the Superintendent Search webpage.
Save the date! The community is invited to a Town Hall event with the final 2-3 candidates on Thursday, June 28. The Town Hall is scheduled from 5-8 p.m. at the Lake Washington School District Resource Center (16250 NE 74th Street, Redmond, WA 98052). This event will also be broadcast live from the LWSD website. Community members will have an opportunity to submit feedback on the candidates that evening. More details will be shared soon.
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News and Opinion on Neighborhoods, Schools and Local Governments of Redmond, WA.
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Superintendent Search Update.
Monday, May 21, 2018
My PIM commute
Last Friday GO REDMOND held a "Bike Bash" event awarding commuters colorful GO REDMOND tee shirts. Though I'm retired and not much of a commuter I signed up for a ride on the 520 Bike Trail starting at Leary. My destination was Kirkland for an espresso at Rococo; but prior commitments confined my journey to 2 hours from my home on Education Hill.
On my PIM electric bike, I did it without a sweat.
The 520 Bike Trail was most interesting. Most of the road bicyclists struggled up the first hill. I cruised at almost 3x the speed -- and could have gone faster. They had to breathe the 520 exhaust fumes for a long time. I was out of there and soon high above SR520 and it's noise.
My first stop was a Microsoft water station serving iced water infused with fruits. On 148th Ave. NE I met a Honeywell worker biking to Burger King. I passed quite a few Microsoft pedestrians walking briskly from one office to the next; but no electric bikes. Those guys were probably already at their office from the Seattle burbs.
Had I more time, I could have easily ridden by pedal assist to Seattle and seen some of the sights. However, I did savor the fries at Burgermaster! The bike trails are well marked with way-finding signage. On my way into Kirkland I saw a "Lake Washington Loop Trail."-- youser!
Kirkland is not a bike friendly town. There's a nasty intersection at Lakeview and Lake Washington Blvd. Lake Washington Blvd. is dangerous the whole way with cars parked inches from the bike lane. Only one door has to open from the inside, and smack. The espresso was a delight but the ride from Kirkland up 85th was terrible and I couldn't have done it safely without my PIM. Ascending Education Hill was a breeze. I made it home with time to spare while tapering my pedal-assist to an
exercise plan.
The GO REDMOND tee-shirts are colorful and cool! Their website is too! I can't wait for my next commute! 😎
B. Yoder
On my PIM electric bike, I did it without a sweat.
520 Trail - yellow specks are struggling road bikers. My PIM is front center |
My first stop was a Microsoft water station serving iced water infused with fruits. On 148th Ave. NE I met a Honeywell worker biking to Burger King. I passed quite a few Microsoft pedestrians walking briskly from one office to the next; but no electric bikes. Those guys were probably already at their office from the Seattle burbs.
Love them fries! (click to enlarge) |
Kirkland is not a bike friendly town. There's a nasty intersection at Lakeview and Lake Washington Blvd. Lake Washington Blvd. is dangerous the whole way with cars parked inches from the bike lane. Only one door has to open from the inside, and smack. The espresso was a delight but the ride from Kirkland up 85th was terrible and I couldn't have done it safely without my PIM. Ascending Education Hill was a breeze. I made it home with time to spare while tapering my pedal-assist to an
exercise plan.
The GO REDMOND tee-shirts are colorful and cool! Their website is too! I can't wait for my next commute! 😎
B. Yoder
Friday, May 11, 2018
May is Arts Month for Schools
LWSD student art |
May is Arts in Education Month
May is Washington State’s Art Education Month – a time to celebrate the wonderful arts education in our schools and the terrific art our students create as a result. What does art mean to you? For LWSD students, art provides a way to express themselves. It is fun, magical, creative, beautiful and awesome.
I really like going to the school board meetings sometimes just to see the art. At every board meeting there's a "host school" where the principal and staff explain their accomplishments and challenges. The students from the host schools always draw art. It's posted behind the dias and all around the room. These kids have fun! They are creative! And they are good!
B. Yoder
Thursday, May 10, 2018
A look into the bowels of a 166th Ave. construction site
View from the 166th Ave. sidewalk |
At last week's school board meeting, LWSD Director Mark Stuart suggested taking students to the school construction sites to study construction engineering AND the trades. Hiring and pay is strong in the trades. What a novel, innovative teaching idea! Board member Cassandra Sage agreed with Mark. President Bliesner tabled the idea to move the meeting on.
In my opinion, the construction sites shouldn't have to be restricted to schools like Juanita. This site can be easily and safely studied from a sidewalk, rain or shine with no mud. Teachers could plan field trips around convenient times for the workers to learn from them,,,, maybe lunch time.
B. Yoder
Archaeology Day at City Hall
The Lower Bear Creek re-alignment project uncovered 6-10,000 year old Indian artifacts. The geology and environment of Redmond are reviewed.
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Light rail connecting the Overlake Village to the Redmond Technology Center is well under way
NE 148th is in the foreground. The light rail piers are paralleling SR 520. |
This photo was taken by me on 148th Avenue NE, just south of NE 29th Place on the SR 520 bridge sidewalk. It's my understanding the three concrete piers will support light rail from the Overlake Station to the Redmond Technology Center station. (RTCS.) Completion is expected by 2023. Once the link extension is complete it will be 10 minutes to Bellevue and 30 minutes to Seattle from RTCS.
It's my understanding the three cranes in the distance are in Overlake Village.
The light rail will continue from the RTCS to the SE Redmond Station and on to the Downtown Station located across from Redmond Town Center. Completion is targeted by 2024. It's anticipated the East King County Regional Aquatics Pool and recreation center will be located near the SE Redmond Station.
B. Yoder
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
City Celebrates Cyclists with Annual Bike Bash
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Sunday, May 6, 2018
UPDATED: Mustang Lacrosse Club Senior Night
Mustang Boys Lacrosse Club on Senior Night |
Lacrosse is probably the fastest growing sport in Redmond. Rob Leavitt led the Mustang Boys Lacrosse Club program to what it is today. The program now teaches and coaches youth K - 12. Coach Rob Edison is the High School Coach and Program Director though the team isn't officially a LWSD Varsity sport. They are working on it. Kate Roper is the current President. According to their website, 9 parents coach high school and 15 coach the entire program so there's a groundswell of family support.
Having played the game for 16 years I was dying to watch the high school boys play. Last night was Senior Night! While walking to Redmond high with my wife we saw a rainbow! Watching the game, many fond memories were sparked from when I started playing 49 years.years ago. Back then we had no high school program. I enjoyed sharing my memories and knowledge of the game with my wife and was happy to see the game has lost its "preppy" image. The game was very exciting to watch. The team was very positive and no matter the circumstance and it was obvious "having fun" was an underlying principle of the Mustang game.
Out of 34 players on the team, four were Seniors.
Jeremy Anderson - Prior to lacrosse he played elite hockey and baseball. He plans on attending Chapman University in the fall where will major in Data Analytics and Business.
Lucas Castro (Capt.) - Only played three years on the team and is a team Captain. After graduation Lucas plans on working construction and attending Central Washington University.
Max Emigh - This is Max's first season playing for the Mustangs. In the off-season he surfs and
snowboards. He will be attending Colorado mountain college where he plans to pursue his passion for Ski and Snowboarding.
Jack Motzkin (Capt.) - Jack's played Mustang lacrosse for three years. He also plays Mustang football and is completing his Eagle scout. He plans on attending University of Arizona to study Architecture.
Lacrosse is so much fun and it's rewarding to see the players honoring the game. Go 'Stangs!
B. Yoder
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The Vision of the Redmond Lacrosse Club is to be recognized as a competitive program for players K-12 that emphasizes proper lacrosse skills, sportsmanship, and good character.
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Updated: Road bikes, ebikes, and bike shares are a wave of the future in Overlake
View of "Redmond 148" from the southwest. According to Senior Planner David Lee it includes two stories of underground parking. The only access is from the north |
The 520 Bicycle Trail from Seattle to Bellevue and Kirkland is behind me so you have to take the crosswalk to get to the Redmond 148 trail head.
A bicycle connection to 520 Bicycle Trail is planned nearby which will provide residents with an easy connection to the Microsoft campus and Redmond via the pedestrian-bicycle bridge to be built over SR 520.
Road bikes, ebikes, and bike shares will be a wave of the future in Overlake. I have a PIM ebike and will be riding it on the 520 Bicycle Trail during Redmond's Bike Bash.
B. Yoder
Thursday, May 3, 2018
UPDATED: Our School Board selected an outstanding search firm for superintendent
James Hager is seated left of Tony Apostle |
I can't thank the school board enough for hiring this R&A firm to advise them. Jim was a superintendent in four school districts and Tony got his bachelor's at University of Washington and PhD in education at Washington State. He was an English teacher, principal and Superintendent in Pierce county and has been an executive at R&A for years. In so many words Jim said there's no need for an overhaul.
R&A is open to traditional and non-traditional applicants. LWSD is becoming a very diverse, global community and I commented our board should consider candidates from that perspective. The first question Jim and Tony asked was what we liked about LWSD. The parents in our group really liked how the district and community cared about our students. They valued our strong PTSA. An Asian parent stressed keeping the bar high and adjusting it according to the capabilities of the student. We all talked about the overriding educational influence of technology in our district, STEM in particular. I suggested more emphasis on art and music and Tony quipped, yes, STEMA. I also asked for a superintendent who encourages innovation and community participation. We worried about young teachers long commutes from more affordable cities like Maple Valley and even Everett with concerns they would leave our district. Apparently, about 50% have to commute but they do because we have a top school district. If we continue to allow overcrowding many good teachers may get dissatisfied and find work in districts closer to home. Early start times make it hard on commuting teachers [and students] too.
Monday, April 30, 2018
UPDATED 5/9: May is "Mental Health Awareness Month," 1 in 5 Americans have a mental illness
Since May is “Mental Health Awareness Month" I thought I’d share some of my experiences and provide some information on these brain disorders. First some stats.
It sounds alarming but 1 in 5 Americans have a mental health condition of some kind in a given year. According to NIMH only half are treated! 25% of all mental health conditions are serious in nature and can significantly impair one’s life. We all know bipolar (4.4%), schizophrenia (1.1%) and major depression (18.4%) are serious but OCD (2.3%), eating disorders (3%), PTSD (6.8%), panic disorder (4.7%), and depression in childhood fall into that category too.
Other amazing statistics from NAMI and the NIMH: One half of all chronic mental illnesses begin at age 14 and 75% begin by age 24. Suicide is the 3rd largest killer of our children and 90% of all suicides have an underlying mental illness. 26% of the homeless have a serious mental illness.
One of my jobs years ago was selling a SSRI similar to Prosac for OCD, lithium for bipolar and Ritalin for ADHD. So, I know a thing or two. What attracted me most to the job was a serious mood disorder I've struggled with since graduation in college. The stress of having to find a good job after school brought on a Major depression that kept me on the couch for months. Back then there were no SSRI’s or other anti-depressants. All I could find for treatment was a psychologist with kid toys on the floor! It was all I could do to force myself to get off the couch and walk my way down the driveway. It finally ran it's course..... many times over the years.
Today there are easily 30 or more medications available for mental conditions and if you look hard there's some very good doctors. I go to an awesome doctor at Overlake Medical Center’s out-patient clinic. The exceptional doctors know how to fine tune your recovery with combinations of appropriate medications. Just last month after testing by a Neuropsycologist my doctor diagnosed me with Adult ADHD. One third of childhood ADHD continues into adulthood so now I'm taking a stimulant, getting cognitive behavioral therapy and taking ownership of my illness.
I want to thank the Mayor and council for funding an outreach specialist to identify homeless with psychiatric disorders to help them find human service support. I also want to thank the city's Humans Services Committee for their emphasis on funding for our youth. We have far to few councilors in our schools. I want to thank the Kiwanians who prepare and serve dinners at Friends of Youth. Many of these youth are homeless and without food or shelter. It's wonderful local communities are starting to embrace the mentally ill.
I want to thank the Mayor and council for funding an outreach specialist to identify homeless with psychiatric disorders to help them find human service support. I also want to thank the city's Humans Services Committee for their emphasis on funding for our youth. We have far to few councilors in our schools. I want to thank the Kiwanians who prepare and serve dinners at Friends of Youth. Many of these youth are homeless and without food or shelter. It's wonderful local communities are starting to embrace the mentally ill.
Please don’t hesitate to talk to your friends and acquaintances about mental health care if you think they are struggling. The doctors at Overlake and the Kaiser Behavioral clinic in Factoria are excellent. I’m not so sure about Virginia Mason-Kirkland and EvergreenHealth doesn't offer services at this time. Overlake Church in Redmond hosts “Celebrate Recovery” where mild anxieties, mild depressions, addictions and other hurts are addressed. NAMI Eastside offers excellent family support programs.
I’m retired and it feels good to finally speak up without fear of losing a job or not getting hired. The stigma is ebbing and we’re moving forward. I’m confident a day will come when poor brain health is accepted just like other ailments.
B. Yoder
Friday, April 27, 2018
Celebrate Children's International Day
Celebrate Children’s International Day at Einstein El.
Einstein Elementary School is hosting a special event on April 30th, 6:00-7:30 pm inviting parents to celebrate and share Children’s International Day with students. Parties are held and children take part in activities like face painting, story-telling, contests, art workshops, and plays
Youth Eastside Services councilor Jose Gomez next to an Einstein lunch buddy graduate |
During lunch with my 3rd grade "Lunch Buddy" I ran into Jose Gomez whom I know from my mentor-ship in the Youth Eastside Services program. Jose (besides being an outstanding soccer player,) is simply an amazing, heart-filled guy who's gifted with youth and a sought after councilor.
One of many jobs, Jose coordinates the Y. E.S. lunch buddy program at Redmond High, working with 8 high school students who mentor the kiddos at Einstein on Wednesdays. Mary Goodwin, the I.A. in charge of the lunch buddy program at Einstein is very proud of Jose saying five lunch buddy "graduates" from Einstein are in the Y.E.S. high school program helping the kiddos
I don't mean to be sappy, but thanks Jose for all you do!
-- B. Yoder
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Engage with LWSD around the superintendent search process
Over the next few weeks, there will be opportunities for staff, students, parents and community members to have input into the important Lake Washington School District (LWSD) superintendent search process. At the beginning of the process, input gathered through surveys (see below), focus groups, and community meetings will be used to help define the position profile and desired selection criteria for an ideal candidate. It will also inform the board of the issues and overall climate of the school district. Ultimately, the School Board makes the final decision on hiring the next superintendent of LWSD. You can reach the Board at boardmembers@lwsd.org or call them at 425-936-1257.
You may also speak directly to the Board members at their Business meetings on May 7th, June 4th, and August 13th. You have 3 minutes to comment. The meetings are held in the Resource Center at 7 pm. E-mail communications@lwsd.org for information.
You may also speak directly to the Board members at their Business meetings on May 7th, June 4th, and August 13th. You have 3 minutes to comment. The meetings are held in the Resource Center at 7 pm. E-mail communications@lwsd.org for information.
Surveys: Two surveys will help us gather input from our community. The “30 Qualities of a Superintendent Survey” asks you to share what leadership qualities, expertise and experiences matter most to you in a superintendent. The “District Review Survey” asks you to talk about the strengths and challenges for Lake Washington School District. To participate, please click on the survey links below in your desired language:
30 Qualities of a Superintendent Survey:
English | Arabic | Chinese | Japanese | Korean | Portuguese | Russian | Spanish
English | Arabic | Chinese | Japanese | Korean | Portuguese | Russian | Spanish
District Review Survey:
English | Arabic | Chinese | Japanese | Korean | Portuguese | Russian | Spanish
English | Arabic | Chinese | Japanese | Korean | Portuguese | Russian | Spanish
Surveys will close on Monday, May 7, 2018 at 8 a.m.
MEETINGS: Four public meetings are scheduled to gather input from parents and community members.
- Tuesday, May 1 from 6-7 p.m. in the Lake Washington High School Commons (12033 NE 80th Street, Kirkland, WA 98033)
- Wednesday, May 2 from 5-6 p.m. at Lake Washington School District Resource Center (16250 NE 74th Street, Redmond, WA 98074)
- Thursday, May 3 from 10-11 a.m. at Redmond Public Library (15990 NE 85th Street, Redmond, WA 98052)
- Thursday, May 3 from 6-7 p.m. at Sammamish Public Library (825 228th Avenue SE, Sammamish, WA 98075)
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Historic Redmond Walking Tours
In 2002, local historian Tom Hitzroth and Society co-founder Naomi Hardy developed a walking tour and since 2003, Tom has led walking tours of Redmond’s historic district. Over the years, the tour has evolved from one hour to two, with the script changing as new information is discovered. “I’m looking for the question I can’t answer, which means I need to look further into a particular area.”
A lifelong Eastside resident and chair of the City of Redmond Landmark Commission, Hitzroth continues to work at identifying details of Redmond development from its earliest times to 1930. He is currently researching the historic site of the settlement of Melrose that preceded Redmond.
2018 Walking Tour Schedule
Saturday, May 6, 1-3 pm
Sunday, May 20, 1-3 pm
Sunday, June 10, 1-3 pm
Sunday, June 24, 1-3 pm
Sunday, August 12, 1-3 pm
Sunday, September 9, 1-3 pm
EvergreenHealth receives "A" Grade for Patient Safety
Kirkland, Wash. – The Leapfrog Group, a leading national nonprofit watchdog on hospital quality and safety, today announced that EvergreenHealth received an “A” for patient safety in the latest Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades. It is one of only 11 hospitals in Washington and 750 of 2,660 nationwide to achieve an A rating this spring.
“At EvergreenHealth, our more than 5,000 employees, providers and volunteers are dedicated to what we call our Community of Absolute Safety,” said EvergreenHealth CEO Bob Malte. “This dedication helps to ensure our patients receive the safest care, with the best quality and most exceptional service – it is at the core of what inspires us. We are proud that this commitment has resulted in earning the highest rating from The Leapfrog Group once again; however, recognition is not what drives us. We are continually focused on partnering with our patients to achieve the best outcomes.”
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
UPDATED, 4/28: Council member Steve Fields leads discussion on pedestrian / car collisions
Not the best picture 😁 (l-r) Fields, Myers, Padye, Birney and Anderson. -- click to enlarge photo |
- 2016 - 36 car / pedestrian collisions and 28 car / bike collisions
- 2017 - 22 car / pedestrian collisions and 14 car / bike collisions
- End of March, 2018 - 6 car / pedestrian collisions and 4 car / bike collisions.
These stats don't look "exceptionally low" but that's my opinion. The Chief said collisions increase in winter months owing to darker days, inclement weather. jaywalking and dark clothes.
Council member Hank Myers quipped with perfect timing "wearing black is appropriate when going to a funeral."
The Chief said many of the collisions occur downtown around 161st near the transit center and bus lines.
Downtown lighting is poor which makes matters worse, even with the new LEDS. According to the city, LEDS improve lighting uniformity and color rendering of streatscapes. Unfortunately, we just don't have enough of them. Perhaps at Seritage?
Council member Steve Fields was the Presiding Officer of the safety committee and summarized there wasn't an increase in collisions according to staff but quietly suggested a study session. The Chief added the Downtown Park will bring challenges. The other 6 council members were quiet.
Police Bike Teams were another topic. The teams are riding the streets in tandem as "bike teams." primarily to engage with the public and for maneuverability. In my opinion, when "bike shares" enter our downtown the Police Teams will be spending a heck-of-a-lot of their time enforcing permits and kibitzing with the Downtown park-goers.
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The topics above topics were reviewed during last Tuesday's Council Committee of the Whole safety committee meeting. It was the first Council Committee of the Whole safety meeting on record and all council members were present. Mr.Margeson left early. Steve Fields had brought up the collision topic at an earlier council standing committee in which he was the Chair. With the change in Committee structure, Mr. Fields is given the title of Presiding Officer of the Council safety committee.
3rd in a series on CCOW
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Fat and sassy Redmond coyote
"This guy visited our front yard, where some cute bunnies live, and was napping at 3pm this afternoon. It's been a few years since I saw a coyote on our street, so close to downtown. We're by SR202 and NE 98th St."
-- Angela McAuley Smale
FB: Permission given to publish
UPDATED OPINION: Bike Shares could pollute our city
These Lime bikes and other "bike shares" will be invading Redmond. |
Well, it looks like the unpleasant "Lime Greens" will shortly be seen on most corners of our downtown and some even polluting our neighborhoods and trails unless the city doesn't put firm regulations on them. The "Limes" and other bike shares coming out of Seattle could pressure our three bike shops out of Redmond; we'd lose the tax income from these shops and our city's character. But, they do provide short transportation links to and from the transit centers.
I saw a large tangle of about 20 unused Limes at the Bothell bridge over the Sammamish River. And, I saw one Lime abandoned on the green-belt next to the river. I guess someone wanted to ride from Bothell, to a nice spot on the river, dump the bike (like trash) and hike back. And then, there's the safety issue. People who have never ridden a bike, especially in downtown streets, are more susceptible to a collision.
The Limes are now electric so have the capability to run through our downtown transportation corridors-- and be left on roads like East and West Lake Sammamish Blvd. 116th and 124th. Residents could drive them to the Downtown Park and surround it (art?) before heading back up the hill to neighborhood feeders. Same with the soccer fields and community center.
Shelly, a salesperson for Seattle Electric Bike in Bothell said she had some concerns about the bike shares but indicated permitting should solve most problems. She sells a wide variety of sturdy, aesthetically pleasing electric bikes as does PIM and PEDEGO-Redmond. (PIM is out of Freemont and PEDEGO-Redmond is at 8296 160th Ave, NE.).
"Read More" for the City of Redmond's plans and point of view
Lake Union (Kiro.) Lake Sammamish next? |
The Limes are now electric so have the capability to run through our downtown transportation corridors-- and be left on roads like East and West Lake Sammamish Blvd. 116th and 124th. Residents could drive them to the Downtown Park and surround it (art?) before heading back up the hill to neighborhood feeders. Same with the soccer fields and community center.
Shelly, a salesperson for Seattle Electric Bike in Bothell said she had some concerns about the bike shares but indicated permitting should solve most problems. She sells a wide variety of sturdy, aesthetically pleasing electric bikes as does PIM and PEDEGO-Redmond. (PIM is out of Freemont and PEDEGO-Redmond is at 8296 160th Ave, NE.).
"Read More" for the City of Redmond's plans and point of view
EvergreenHealth's designation as Level III Trauma Center in renewed
Kirkland, Wash. – EvergreenHealth’s designation as a Level III Trauma Center was renewed by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) last month. To achieve this level of certification, the Kirkland-based health system successfully completed the state’s Trauma Designation Site Survey, which it conducts in eligible hospitals across Washington every three years.
Friday, April 20, 2018
School Board selects search firm for superintendent
Redmond, Wash. – During a special board meeting on Thursday, April 19, Lake Washington School District’s (LWSD’s) Board of Directors selected Ray and Associates, a national education search firm, to conduct a broad search and thorough selection process to name LWSD’s next superintendent.
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