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 >>

From Texaco to Turkey House to Trader Joe's: The Nelson Family Remembers

Redmond Historical Society May 10 Speaker Forum

 

REDMOND, WA    Bill Nelson zeroed in on Redmond for his first real estate purchase by calling the telephone company and asking them what area was projected for growth.  The answer was Redmond, and in 1952 he bought property at the corner of Redmond Way and Leary Way where he built a Texaco station. Even though the projected growth was slow to unfold, he chose to eventually locate his business and raise his family in the city, all the while continuing to expand his commercial properties in the immediate area and beyond. Sons Buff and Mike Nelson will reflect on their father’s legacy at the Redmond Historical Society Saturday Speaker Series Saturday, May 10^th at 10:30am at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center. They will also share recollections of the development and growth of the city from both the perspective of commercial property developers and native sons.   Read More >>

Interior Secretary Jewell pitches in with Lake Sammamish kokanee restoration

Leader of nation’s top conservation agency joins King County Executive to release juvenile kokanee, announce new urban refuge education project

The ongoing work of restoring imperiled Lake Sammamish kokanee salmon received high-profile assistance today, when Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell joined King County Executive Dow Constantine and other partners of the Kokanee Work Group at their fifth-annual juvenile fish release.
“It is truly an honor to have Secretary Jewell participate in what has become a King County Earth Week tradition that reflects our shared commitment to protecting and restoring the environment,” said Executive Constantine. “The effort to save the kokanee salmon is an excellent example of what local governments can achieve when we partner together with communities and volunteers to achieve a common goal.”
Standing alongside a restored stretch of Ebright Creek, Secretary Jewell, Executive Constantine, representatives of the Kokanee Work Group, and school kids on an Earth Week science field trip helped release 100 inch-long kokanee fry into the wild.
At the event, Secretary Jewell announced that Lake Sammamish has been chosen as one of eight pilot partnerships nationwide under the Urban Wildlife Refuge Initiative. The partnership will help connect people in the Seattle metro-area to the great outdoors and, in particular, efforts to restore kokanee salmon runs in the Lake Sammamish Watershed.  Read More >>

It's almost time to build the Redmond Bike Park

It's almost time to build the

REDMOND BIKE PARK

 

All the necessary permits have been approved and the City is ready to move forward with construction this June. 

 

The City and our consultant, Hilride, will be leading a volunteer training and several work parties starting this June to complete the project.  We’ll have training, tools, food and snacks at all of the volunteer events. 

 

Put the following dates on your calendar get ready to come help build the bike park!

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June 6      |       Volunteer Training     |       5:30pm – 7pm

LOCATION:    Horace Mann Elementary School

17001 NE 104^th Street, Redmond

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June 7      |       Work Party               |       9am – 4pm

June 8      |       Work Party               |       9am – 4pm

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June 14    |       Work Party               |       9am – 4pm

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June 28    |       Work Party               |       9am – 4pm

June 29    |       Work Party               |       9am – 4pm

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Read More >>

Redmond Council Studies Where and How Marijuana Can Be Sold

Where and how marijuana can be sold in Redmond was studied by City Council in their Tuesday meeting.  Though the people voted in favor of I-502 to allow recreational use of marijuana it's important to note this law doesn't pre-empt local authority ie. the City of Redmond's jurisdiction. 


State law permits up to 2 retail outlets in the City of Redmond but Council has the authority to deny all retail outlets (even if this goes against the will of the people).  Unlikely.  Marijuana retail outlets must be buffered at least 1000 feet away from where children gather.  The state lists all schools, playgrounds, licensed child care centers, parks (not trails), transit centers, libraries, recreational centers and game arcades as all places requiring the 1000 foot buffer. 


Council President Hank Margeson noted that churches were not on the list requiring a buffer.  Also, pre-schools and trails are not on the state list.  Council has the authority to require buffers around churches, pre-schools and trails if they so choose.


Planning and Development Director Rob Odle ran down an array of maps showing buffered areas for each use.  There was not much room left on the City map where retail outlets could go.  Two main areas zoned for Manufacturing Parks were left - one in NW Redmond and the other in SE Redmond.


According to State law, marijuana retailers are not allowed to co-mingle sales with any other non-marijuana related products.  An example was that Cheetos (ha) are not allowed for sale but marijuana paraphernalia may be sold in the outlets. 


Legislation was passed in 2011 that allowed collective gardens for medical marijuana production.  Up to 10 patients could grow up to 15 plants per patient with a maximum of 45 plants per garden.  The courts upheld that cities can ban collective gardens if they choose.


Councilmember Stilin mentioned that Redmondites will drive to Kirkland to shop at Costco so what's to say there is a need for outlet stores in Redmond (other than for potential tax revenue).  Odle responded the State Liquor Board approved up to two outlets for Redmond "owing to convenience."


Reported By Bob Yoder   

April 22 Election Night Results

Voters are rejecting the LWSD bond and County Transportation measure as of the April 22 Election Night count.  Final results will be posted on May 6.


With 32.66% of the ballots counted the LWSD Bond measure which needs 60% to pass has 50.88% in favor and 49.12% opposed.


The County Transportation measure has 30.97% of the ballots counted with 44.72% in favor and 55.28% opposed.


Reported By Bob Yoder

Lake Washington Institute of Technology and Cascade Water Alliance Create Unique Irrigation Conservation Program

Kirkland, Wash.: To give students a basic understanding of sprinkler systems as they pursue their careers in horticulture, Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) is partnering with Cascade Water Alliance to deliver five training sessions on irrigation systems for the college’s Environmental Horticultural program.  Read More >>

Lake Washington Institute of Technology Hosts 7th Annual Mental Health and Community Resource Fair

Kirkland, Wash.: Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month by hosting its 7^th annual Mental Health and Community Resource Fair on May 7. The event runs from 9:30AM until 1:00PM in the East Building with several resource booths staffed all day, and a keynote presentation at 11:00 AM.  Read More >>

Construction on North Sammamish stretch of East Lake Sammamish Trail starts April 21

The gap is shrinking in King County’s 175-mile regional trail system, as King County Parks begins construction on improvements to the North Sammamish segment of the East Lake Sammamish (ELST).

Starting April 21, this 2.5-mile-long segment will be closed from 187th Avenue Northeast to Northeast Inglewood Hill Road.

Safety is King County’s top priority during trail construction, and because of the extensive amount of work, narrow corridor, steep terrain, and limited access, this segment will be closed for approximately one year. Trail users are advised to find alternate routes around the closed portion. Read More >>

Letter: Levy Committee Letter to Support School Bond Measure

Reprinted and sourced from Rob Butcher's "Kirkland Views" 




Should elementary school playgrounds and sports fields be filled with children running, jumping and having fun at recess or should portable classrooms fill those playgrounds?

Should kids as young as five or six have to leave for school around 5 a.m. to get to class on time at 6 a.m. or should they still be sleeping as most pediatricians recommend?

Should high school students have to take blankets into classrooms because “schools without walls” failed as a concept and walls and ventilation had to be added later?

With more than 800 new students in the last year and 4000 more kids soon to be knocking at schoolhouse doors in Lake Washington School District, voters in Redmond, Kirkland and Sammamish must vote “YES” on April 22.  Read More >>

Legacy for Learning Luncheon Program

Lake Washington Schools Foundation

Legacy for Learning Luncheon

Juanita High School

April 23, 2014

 

Welcome

Monica Hart, Master of Ceremonies

Lifestyle Specialist and LWSD Parent

Acknowledgements

Peg Hunt, President

Lake Washington Schools Foundation

Featured Speaker

Dr. Traci Pierce, Superintendent

Lake Washington School District

 Special Award Presentation

Peg Hunt, President

Pathways to Success

Video Presentation

Keynote Speaker

Robert Malte, CEO

EvergreenHealth

 

STEM Education Panel

Lauren McAllister, Student, Juanita High School

Aaron Johnston, Student, Nikola Tesla STEM High School

Thomas Barnett, Student, Redmond High School

 Looking Into the Needs of Kids and Schools (LINKS)

A Caring Heart

Kristina Williams, Executive Director

Lake Washington Schools Foundation

 Reaching for Success Grants Program

Latino Parent Academy at Einstein Elementary

Melissa Pointer, Principal

Monica Trujillo, Parent

Melissa Avila, Student

 

Donor Opportunity

Roger Blier, CEO & Cofounder

Passport Unlimited, Inc.

Bear Creek Summer Camp Offers 70 Camps and Classes

  

Redmond, WA – The Bear Creek School has expanded its Summer Camp program this year to include over 70 camps and classes, all open to the general public. Bear Creek offers four unique categories of camps: Sports and Athletics, Arts and Crafts, Academic, and Going Beyond. Camps run four or five days, with half-day and full-day options, beginning June 16 through July 31, 2014. Bear Creek offers lunchtime supervision for students enrolled in full-day camps or two 3-hour camps running consecutively. Extended day care is also available at the start and end of the day for students in preschool through grade 8. Summer Camp Director James Woollard enthused, “I am really excited about what we have to offer – to paraphrase the Seahawks; this year’s Camp is bigger, faster, stronger and LOUDER than ever before! Don't be the 12th Man on the sidelines—sign up now to be a part of the team!”  Read More >>

Redmond Housing Market Speeds Up

By Paul Siemering

Redfin Real Estate Agent

 

We’re well into spring and Redmond’s housing market is as competitive as ever. Many buyers are jostling for popular homes, thanks to an 8.8 percent drop in inventory from last year. Redmond homes for sale receive an average of five offers, with some getting as many as 12 offers.

 

Buyers should prepare themselves: Redmond is shaping up to be even more competitive than it was last year. To maintain an advantage, I often tell my customers to be conservative with their budget. For example, if they can afford a $500,000 to $550,000 home, they should make an offer on homes priced between $450,000 and $500,000 with the expectation that a bidding war will drive up the price.   Read More >>

Public Invited to Interfaith Dinner Dialogue

Public Invited to Interfaith Dinner Dialogue on “The Common Good: How does your faith community define it and act it out?”

 

F.I.R.E. (Fostering Interfaith Relationships on the Eastside) invites you to the third in a series of Dinner Dialogues aimed at fostering interfaith relationships, on Sunday, April 27, 5PM to 8PM, hosted by Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church, 308 4th Avenue South, Kirkland.  Read More >>