Today is National Teacher Day, in the midst of National Teacher Appreciation Week. Please thank an educator who has made a difference in your life or your child’s life.

The School Board meets tomorrow, May 9, for its regular business meeting at 7 p.m. at the Administration Building, 565 N.W. Holly St. The agenda includes a discussion about how the Board should prioritize student learning goals and an update on the transition to a new superintendent.

The District Advisory Team has three parent positions open for next year: one elementary parent from the Issaquah High School (central) attendance area; one elementary parent from the Liberty High School (south) attendance area; and one secondary (middle or high school) parent from the Liberty attendance area. DAT members represent a wide range of stakeholders in the District. They meet five times a year to discuss educational issues and “hot topics.” Next year will be especially important for DAT as new superintendent Steve Rasmussen builds relationships and sets goals.

Hopefully you received the May Focus Community Newsletter in your mailbox last week. It contains a special section on the importance of public education plus a spotlight on some of our great graduates who are changing the world. Expanded features and information is included in the online version.

Are you interested in becoming a School Board member? If so, mark your calendar for an informational forum at 6 p.m. May 23 at the Administration Building, 565 N.W. Holly St. Seats in Director Districts 1, 3, and 5 are up for reelection in November (confirm that your residence is within the correct boundaries using the large map at the Administration Building). Candidates must file to run during the first week in June.

Community volunteers needed: Issaquah Middle School needs community members to help listen and provide feedback while eighth-graders present a portfolio of their middle school accomplishments during Spring Forum, May 21 to June 7. Many two-hour shifts are still available. Contact Susan McDonald at 391-0366 or Susan Meyer at 222-9619 for more information.

Any toy that resembles a weapon is strictly prohibited on school grounds at any time. Parents, please DO NOT let your children play with air-soft guns on school campuses, even on the weekends. These guns look like assault weapons and shoot plastic pellets. Because it is difficult for police officers to determine if someone with an air-soft gun is carrying a real gun or a toy, the danger for both our campus and the teens playing with air-soft guns is very real.

Facilities Services Supervisor Brian Hunt recently returned from Iraq.
The Issaquah High Sports Medicine Team proved they are among the best in the state and the nation at the 14th-annual Washington Vocational Sports Medicine Association Competition.
Japanese language students won prestigious honors at the 24th annual Washington State Japanese Speech and Skit Contest
Skyline special-needs students showed how they “Iron Chef”—now will they make it to the national airwaves?
Bus driver Jan Willson hung up her keys and headed for retirement in April after 35 years of superb service.
Beaver Lake and Pine Lake middle schools are helping people in need around the world.