• Cascade Ridge Principal Kathy Newport has accepted the principal position at Blaine Elementary School in the Blaine School District beginning July 1. While she said the decision to leave was difficult, Kathy is excited to move back to her home county, close to her parents, brothers, sister, and longtime friends, where she will be able to work in a smaller school setting. A letter with more information and instructions for a parent input survey was sent home today with Cascade Ridge students.

 

• Issaquah School District encourages each school community to conserve energy and reduce solid waste.  In cooperation with King County’s Green School program, our schools have cut back their energy bills and built enthusiasm for environmental stewardship among students, parents, and staff.

 

Dave Holbrook, lead custodian at Newcastle, played a key part in such a program at Newcastle Elementary and has been named by King County Executive Ron Sims as an Earth Hero at School.   Dave will be recognized along with other such Earth Heroes at a May 4 ceremony.

 

• Come learn about VOICE!  This exciting mentorship opportunity has grown from a handful of volunteer mentors to more than 50 in just one year.  On June 8, beginning at 2 pm, in the Administrative Center board room, VOICE mentors will be gathered to review their year and receive the thanks of Issaquah Schools Foundation and District staff.  You might be so inspired by the stories and dedication that you too will become a VOICE mentor.

 

• Watch for colorful cards this summer. The Transportation Department is mailing each bus-riding family a “bus yellow” postcard with bus stop, pick-up, and drop off information in late August. District families will also get a lime green enrollment card the third week of July. Please respond as soon as you can to help the District double check its student enrollment figures.

 

• Parents of special-needs students are invited to How to Deal with the Bumps and Forks along the Way, a community forum on April 27 with ideas about how to plan ahead for children with disabilities.

 

• Kindergarten is no cause to panic! The PTSA is hosting two evening discussions with elementary-school panelists to help 2006-07 kindergarten parents learn to prepare their students and themselves for school. Come either April 25 or May 1.

 

• The School-Age Care Program will again be offering a summer camp for middle school students at selected locations June 28 through August 18. Registration closes April 28^th.

 

• Swedish Medical Center is offering two workshops, Growing Up Female and Growing Up Male, to encourage family communication about sexual issues and provide accurate information about the changes of puberty. The workshops are recommended for ages 9-12. $20 per family of two adults and one child. Call 206-386-2502.

 

Growing Up Female is 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, April 27, at Swedish Medical Center on First Hill, 747 Broadway, Seattle; 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, May 18, at Swedish Medical Center in Ballard, 5300 Tallman Ave. N.W., Seattle; and 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, May 4, at Swedish Medical Center in Issaquah, 2005 N.W. Sammamish Rd.

 

Growing Up Male is 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, May 4, at Swedish Medical Center on First Hill, 747 Broadway, Seattle.