A message from Superintendent Janet Barry:

 

Like other school districts around the country, we are strengthening math and science education and inspiring young students to take on more and tougher math, science, and technology challenges – in many cases with the indispensable help of community and foundation partnerships.  For example:

 

·        Issaquah School District science instruction has caught the attention of the National Science Foundation AND Washington State’s LASER science project.  Both organizations have invited Issaquah to join other select district teams for funding and training over the next five years – support for K-12 science that exposes all students to top level science learning experiences.  <more details>

 

·        Issaquah’s 4^th and 5^th grade Science/Tech Magnet programs are extremely popular.  Until this year, only 52 slots opened each year to new 4^th graders.  This week we announced a third Science/Tech Magnet, opening in the fall at Clark Elementary for 25 more students.  This will expand the program by 33% for families currently on the wait list and for future families in upcoming years.

 

·        Updating science and math classroom materials has been a District goal this year.  Teams of teachers have evaluated and “field tested” materials for middle school classrooms next year.  Unlike the textbooks many of us used in school, these materials are not just letters on pages.  The hands-on equipment and tools are “experiential” – meaning students touch, feel, and hear in concrete ways that make their science and math learning relevant, real and, therefore, lasting.

 

·       This week Skyline’s Advanced Physics Class launches a 10-foot rocket from Huntsville, Alabama – one team of only 10 such in the nation to be sponsored by NASA and to compete nationally for a coveted place at a NASA space camp this summer.  Read about them in the April 13 issue of the Issaquah Press or on the district website.  

 

·        Discovery Elementary students have also won the right to compete nationally at the Smithsonian.  In May, Tasha Kiemel’s 4^th grade team of Super Duper Aliens will be among only 20 national teams contending for honors in Lockheed Martin’s 2005 Space Day National Design Challenges competition.  You can read about the Super Duper Aliens in the April 13 issue of the Issaquah Press, or on the district website.

 

·        Endeavour Elementary third grade students’ environmental advocacy caught the attention of regional fishing enthusiasts and earned them a visit to Washington Trout’s salmon and trout habitat – a trip open normally to only 4^th and 5^th graders.  In Jennifer Doyle’s classroom science and social responsibility lessons are woven together. 

 

·        The Issaquah Schools Foundation and Communities in Schools May Phone-a-thon fund drive will emphasize math and science, along with reading for elementary students.  The Foundation’s needs assessment last spring validated the need for middle school graphing calculators and high school science data collection tools.  You can be a part of the Foundation’s efforts by responding to their donation requests (watch your mail and listen to your phone) or volunteering for the Phone-a-thon.  Call Robin Callahan at 425-416-2045 or go to the Foundation website.

 

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