·        Happy spring break! Remember, the bell schedule for all students has been modified because of WASL testing regulations on the first Wednesday back, April 16.

 

·        Teamwork? Flexibility? Tech smarts? Great hair? Hear what experts have to say about what skills, knowledge, and traits our students need to be work-force ready at a community linkage meeting at 7 pm Thursday, April 24, at the Administration Building. The committee looking at high school graduation requirements and coursework will use the information as part of their research. Panel members include a member of the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, a Vice President at Bank of America, and Weyerhaeuser representative, and an independent business owner. Everyone is invited to attend.

 

·        Next school year is already off to a great start! Liberty teacher Susan Canaga has been hired to become our new Director of Career and Technical Education, and four elementary schools have met their fantastic new principals, who will begin in July.

 

·        The Boundary Review Committee met last Thursday and continued to discuss boundary options, specifically focusing on high schools. The committee meets again at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, at the Administration Building. Meeting summaries are online. The public is invited to all committee meetings and to review committee information and data at a public notebook at the Administration Building.

 

·        THANK YOU! The Issaquah Schools Foundation’s Calling for Kids campaign is expected to have raised about $160,000 once all of the donations are tallied. More than 150 student callers participated in the call-a-thon last week. Because of our community’s generosity, we will be able to provide high-quality professional development opportunities to teachers, which directly translate into powerful learning for students.

 

·        The District Grind: Dr. Rasmussen wants to hear from you! Join him at the Administration Building for a cup of coffee and an informal chat about his first nine months in Issaquah and the District’s goal to prepare each student to be successful in their post-graduation pursuits. Dates: 8 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 23; 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 23; 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, and 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 28.

 

·        It’s time again for the Washington Association of Pupil Transportation Poster Contest for elementary students. Winning District entries will move on to the state contest in Pasco in June and, perhaps, the national contest in November. Throughout April and early May, students can turn their submissions into the main office of their school and ask them to be sent to the District Transportation Department via any school bus driver. For more information, call 425-837-6330.

 

·        The Department of Ecology is looking for high-school age teens who want good summer jobs. The Ecology Youth Corps hires 14- to 17-year-olds each summer for outdoor work. Hurry—applications are due this month.

 

·        Issaquah Middle School is looking for community members to be validators during eighth-graders culminating presentations beginning next month. This is a chance for students to reflect on their middle school experiences as they prepare for the transition to high school. Validators provide positive oral and written feedback.

 

·        Student- and family-friendly news from our municipal partners:

§         The Sammamish Farmers Market opens Wednesday, May 21, at Sammamish City Hall Commons. It runs from 4 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday through Oct. 1 and features produce grown by local farmers, hand-picked flowers, prepared foods, cooking demonstrations, cultural events, and more. The grand opening ceremonies will include a ribbon cutting, music, and other festivities.

§         The next Issaquah Parks & Recreation District-wide middle-school dance is 7-10 p.m. Friday, April 25, at the Community Center. All youth grades sixth through eighth are welcome, provided they have a photo ID. The cost is $5 at the door. Parent volunteers are always needed. Call 425-837-3300.