·        The Issaquah School Board last night selected five applicants to interview for the superintendent position before spring break. The caliber of the candidates is high, Board members said, and they represent in-state and out-of-state experience. All have strong educational leadership backgrounds with proven records of success and student achievement. The position posting remains open until filled, so Board members will continue to evaluate candidates and make decisions about further interviews as applications are submitted.

 

·        Skyline High School has a new principal!  Lisa Hechtman—a familiar face for many—will head the school’s leadership team beginning July 1. Lisa joined the Skyline staff in 1997 as a teacher, and she progressed to dean of students, then assistant principal before leaving in 2003 to become principal at Nathan Hale High School in Seattle. She returns with the same integrity and enthusiasm for education, plus significant leadership experience that will help her elevate student learning.

 

·        Parents of preschool-aged children are invited to apply for an exciting opportunity: The Issaquah School District would like "typically developing" youngsters to be a part of Early Childhood Education classrooms that serve children with special needs at Apollo, Discovery, and Sunset elementary schools. The district expects ECE classrooms to have up to 12 children with special needs and at least three typically developing peers—who will pay no cost to participate in the preschool program. Research shows that such combined learning opportunities benefit both special-needs children and typically developing children. Any parent interested can pick up an application and get more information at the main office of the school location listed above that is closest to their home.

 

·        Liberty students will participate in “Teenspeak: My Name is …,” a vocal concert and staged reading interwoven with students’ own stories of passionate belief and decisive action. The performance is 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, at the non-profit Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St., Seattle. The students’ stories will answer questions like “What would you stand up for?” and “What moves you to take action?” Tickets are free but require reservations to 206-443-2222. Other high schools participating are Chief Sealth and Cleveland High School.