Snapshots

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What do you get if you multiply ... Published Friday, 25 January 2013 Grand Ridge's eight first grade teachers decided to celebrate the school's recent "Twin Day" by coming to school as...octuplets!
Coyote Club kids get a cheer-ful visit from Skyline squad members Published Tuesday, 22 January 2013 At a Cheer Clinic during Cascade Ridge’s after-school care program, Skyline cheerleaders Erin and Jacqueline taught some future Spartans not only some basic cheerleading moves but also about leadership, goal-setting, and commitment. The Coyote Club kids will showcase their newly acquired cheer skills at an upcoming family event at the school.
A familiar face in Olympia Published Tuesday, 22 January 2013 Former Issaquah School District school board member and newly-elected state Representative Chad Magendanz recently welcomed Maple Hills fourth graders to the state capitol.
Congressman Smith visits IMS Published Wednesday, 16 January 2013 U.S. Congressman Adam Smith recently spoke to seventh-graders at Issaquah Middle School as part of their studies on the Middle East. He is the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee and, as such, has taken many trips to that area of the world. Students questioned him on the economy, budget, “fiscal cliff” and “trillion dollar coin,” Arab culture, and his views on gun regulation and gay marriage, among other topics. Fun fact: He told the students that he was the youngest state senator in the nation at 25 when he first got into politics.
IHS ASB students spearhead successful food and clothing drive Published Monday, 07 January 2013 During one week in December, Issaquah High School students, teachers, and staff members--in a show of true school and community spirit--collected over 25,000 food and clothing items for the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank. After sorting and organizing the donations and when everything was, as IHS student Nick Co described, "crammed together and precisely placed" into a moving truck, the students delivered the goods onto the ready and waiting food bank shelves.
Apollo elves send you wishes for a very merry winter break! Published Wednesday, 19 December 2012 The elves at Apollo Elementary wished everyone a very merry start to their winter break! Looking good in striped stockings are principal Susan Mundell, secretaries Barbara Creek and Billie McCaffrey, and educational assistant Cindy Thompson (from left).
And they even got to tour the fire engine! Published Wednesday, 19 December 2012 A week before winter break, Eastside Fire and Rescue firefighters and Holiday "Hopelink" Engine paid a visit to Endeavour's E-kids Service and Leadership Club students. Firefighters and E-kids visited together, enjoyed holiday treats, and celebrated the 400 gifts Endeavour students donated to Hopelink as part of their "Caring through Sharing" drive this year.
Admin staff make holiday donations Published Wednesday, 12 December 2012 Just a tiny example of the generosity of our school district this holiday season: following the lead of our schools, employees in the Administration Building provided many items for the Issaquah Food Bank's annual gift program for families in need. Look closely and you will see two huge boxes of diapers in the background and the bin in front is filled with jackets, hats, and gloves. Not pictured is $1,000-worth of winter coat donations from Marmot. Hoping this will make for even warmer and happier holidays throughout the district!
What's your favorite snack? Published Wednesday, 12 December 2012 Discovery fifth-graders in Hailey Woodbury's class learned about pie charts by voting for their favorite snack: Candy bars, fruit, granola bars, cookies, or other (it's too bad there was not an option for "pie"!).
Beaver Lake students know Math is Cool! Published Monday, 10 December 2012 Beaver Lake students Sophia Chiang, Paari Gopal, Christina Nguyen and Tasha Mok earned a 1st place in the 8th grade Division 1 “Math is Cool Masters” competition at Moses Lake High School in early December. Tasha Mok earned 8th place in an individual classification.	$Beaver Lake students know Math is Cool!$
Mock the vote! Published Tuesday, 04 December 2012 Issaquah students—as well as many of their peers across the district—exercised the power of the ballot to mirror the real general election on Nov. 6. Photo credit to IHS student Saam Amiri
Tiger knits Published Tuesday, 04 December 2012 Students in Tiger Mountain Community High School’s Knitting Club donated 25 hand-made scarves and 25 hand-made hats to the New Horizons Teen Center in downtown Seattle just in time for the cold winter season. “We’re so thrilled that the teens in Seattle are keeping warm,” said club advisor Linda Johnson. The yarn was all donated to the club, and students are grateful to the community; they are also in need of more! If you have any yarn to donate, contact Linda at johnsonl@issaquah.wednet.edu.
Pacific Cascade sixth grader lands roles in local musical theater productions Published Friday, 30 November 2012 Pacific Cascade sixth grader Josh Feinsilber performs in several musical productions throughout December and January, all while balancing middle school, homework, and rehearsals. In the Village Theatre Mainstage's production of Fiddler on the Roof, Josh is featured as a young boy—singing, dancing, and acting throughout the show. On December 10, Josh is "Tiny Tim" in NY City based Mainstreet Musicals and Seattle's Balagan Theatre's A Country Christmas Carol. And following that, Josh will be "Winthrop" in The Music Man at 5th Avenue Theatre. Josh and his family give their special thanks to Principal Dana Bailey and the Pacific Cascade Middle School staff for supporting Josh in his dream of performing on stage.
Garbage never looked so beautiful! Published Thursday, 29 November 2012 On Nov. 15, Creekside Elementary participated in Zero Waste Challenge Day and reduced the total amount of garbage thrown away during lunch to less than about 10 gallons while packing the recycle and compost bins. Supporting the effort, a group of third-graders (pictured) independently collected plastic containers to clean and make available for art projects or stacking games. The school also started a Waste Watcher program in which students monitor various bins daily as their peers clean their trays.
Hands-on Science at Beaver Lake Published Thursday, 29 November 2012 Beaver Lake student Nathan T. in Ms. Applehoff’s 7th grade science class carefully performs an experiment as part of the unit on Convection Currents in the Air.
Leadership is ... Published Tuesday, 27 November 2012 Leadership is no laughing matter—it's an uproarious matter! On Nov. 20, student ASB officers from all our high schools came together to break the ice, share ideas, and hear/brainstorm about service leadership.
Forget the rain! Liberty students prepare for spring! Published Monday, 19 November 2012 Busy little students in Gail Halvorsen's Liberty Preschool program plant bulbs in planters made by Liberty's "Woods" students.
BUGS! Published Monday, 05 November 2012 Second-grader Sydney shows off her ladybug costume—complete with matching dress—that complimented the insect curriculum in Ms. Ferguson's classroom on Oct. 31.
Just super! Published Thursday, 01 November 2012 Discovery fifth-grade teacher Hailey Woodbury came in costume Oct. 31—or did she? She is Super Teacher every day!
Gourd-old-fashioned fun Published Thursday, 01 November 2012 Briarwood families got into the festive fall spirit during the PTSA’s annual pumpkin-carving night—complete with games and a book sale—in October. Photo courtesy of Robyn Elliott
Then I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll ... Published Thursday, 01 November 2012 The first-grade team at Discovery Elementary illustrated their curriculum on fairytales by coming as an all-time favorite on Oct. 31.
BUGS! Published Thursday, 01 November 2012 Abigail Ferguson's second-graders donned homemade bug costumes to compliment a whole day of curriculum-themed, insect-based learning (including "mantas math" and "ant art") on Oct. 31.
Gourd-old-fashioned fun Published Thursday, 01 November 2012 Briarwood families got into the festive fall spirit during the PTSA’s annual pumpkin-carving night—complete with games and a book sale—in October. Photo courtesy of Robyn Elliott
Informed voters Published Thursday, 01 November 2012 On Oct. 31, Issaquah High hosted a debate on Initiative 502, which would legalize and tax the possession of marijuana for adults. Moderated by social studies teacher Jeremy Ritzer (left), representatives for the initiative, against the initiative, and against substance abuse in general squared off and answered student questions. The debate was part of the process to educate students on the issues and candidates before they cast their votes in a mock election at the school on Nov. 5.
Embracing the mud Published Tuesday, 30 October 2012 Liberty High students in Diane Allen’s biology class joined the fish and trees in their favorite element one very rainy Saturday in October to restore a local river corridor and earn extra credit. Embracing the mud, they planted hundreds of native trees and shrubs on the Cedar River and used special polarizing lenses to reduce the glare to watch spawning salmon.
Go burpees! Published Wednesday, 17 October 2012 Cougar Ridge third-graders kicked off the school year with a junior cross-fit workout!
IHS inspiration Published Thursday, 04 October 2012 Issaquah High football player Kenny Norton—along with a teammate and two cheerleaders—visited Sunset Elementary during lunch in October to encourage the younger students to focus on school now to be successful later, to be a positive high-school role model, and to get everyone pumped up with school spirit!
A blustery affair Published Thursday, 04 October 2012 Grand Ridge students sat enrapt while a Puget Sound Energy official talked about the school’s new wind turbine during the dedication ceremony for the device, which will not only provide clean energy to the school but also lessons about sustainability, math, and science for classrooms.
Band Aid Published Thursday, 04 October 2012 The entire University of Washington (UW) Marching Band entertained the halftime audience at Issaquah High’s Sept. 28 football game, and the school’s own band, cheer, dance, and drill squads joined in the action. The partnership stretches back almost a century to when Issaquah High adopted its purple-and-gold colors because they were given hand-me-down uniforms from UW! Photo credit: Chris Nodder
First day 2012 Published Monday, 17 September 2012 Briarwood Kindergartner Evan leads the pack off the bus for his first day of kindergarten!
First day 2012 Published Monday, 17 September 2012 The very first student on the very first day at a very brand new school! First-grader Amelia—alongside younger sister Kate, a preschooler—had the honor of arriving before any other student to open Briarwood Elementary.
First day 2012 Published Monday, 17 September 2012 First-grader Kaleb says goodbye to little sister Kaitlyn before heading to his first day of school at Endeavour Elementary.
First day 2012 Published Monday, 17 September 2012 Big sister Eden, a fourth-grader, helps brother Jacob during his first day of first grade at Briarwood Elementary.
First day 2012 Published Wednesday, 12 September 2012 Jordan's first day of Kindergarten at Newcastle Elementary!!
First day 2012 Published Tuesday, 11 September 2012 Shwoooooooo! Briarwood second-grader Hayden takes a minute to decompress after an exciting first day!
First day 2012 Published Thursday, 06 September 2012 Fifth grader Max dressed the part for the first day of school at Briarwood—look out Donald Trump!
First day 2012 Published Wednesday, 05 September 2012 Everyone at Maple Hills Elementary enjoyed the beautiful weather on the first day of school by strolling and chatting in the student-planted garden.
First day 2012 Published Wednesday, 05 September 2012 Perhaps the coolest hairdo to kick off the new school year? In Ms. Honn's Humanities class at Pacific Cascade Middle School, students reported what current issues are capturing their attention, including the Presidential election, the longest dry spell ever in Washington state, and the trend of Texans becoming—wait for it—vegetarians!
First day 2012 Published Wednesday, 05 September 2012 Second-graders Manny and Bronson waste no time collaborating and getting to work learning on the first day of school!
First day 2012 Published Tuesday, 04 September 2012 Chloe Hua and her parents walk to Cougar Ridge together to kick off her first-grade year!
First day 2012 Published Tuesday, 04 September 2012 Sixth-grader Anna Ohrt and her classmates take full advantage of 30 seconds of unrestricted stool-twirling in Mrs. Jaeger's science room on the first day of school. "Get it out of your system now, because this is the first and last time you'll be swiveling in my classroom," Mrs. Jaeger laughed.
Physics students gather at Tri-High Symposium Published Friday, 08 June 2012 More than 300 physics students throughout the district presented their culminating projects at the 3rd Annual Tri-High Physics Symposium at Liberty High School in late May. Served up alongside fantastic physics projects was entertainment by the Liberty High String Ensemble and wonderful edible fare from the school's culinary arts students. All in all a great evening of fun, food, music, and scientific inquiry!
Check out IVE first graders' thumbs...they're GREEN!! Published Thursday, 07 June 2012 It all began with an orientation in February, followed by careful soil buildup and preparation in March, and planting tiny seeds and seedlings in early April. Then, for the past eight weeks, 115 first graders at Issaquah Valley Elementary carefully tended their vegetable gardens. Thanks to a combination of cooperative growing weather and their skill and determination, all their efforts culminated with an amazing donation of 129 pounds of lettuce, spinach, and radicchio to the Issaquah Food Bank—with plenty left over for their annual first grade Salad Celebration at the school in early June!
IMS musicians make award-winning Music in the Parks Published Tuesday, 05 June 2012 Issaquah Middle School music students brought home "First Place" and "Best Overall" awards for their performances at Silverwood’s Music in the Parks Festival. Seventh grade singer Emily Rudolph received an individual award for best junior high/middle school soloist and the seventh and eighth grade Band (pictured here), Chorus, and Orchestra musicians excelled with all three groups winning the top spot in their divisions and Best Overall among the junior high/middle school groups competing at the event.
IMS musicians make award-winning Music in the Parks Published Tuesday, 05 June 2012 Issaquah Middle School music students brought home "First Place" and "Best Overall" awards for their performances at Silverwood’s Music in the Parks Festival. Seventh grade singer Emily Rudolph received an individual award for best junior high/middle school soloist and the seventh and eighth grade Band, Chorus (pictured here), and Orchestra musicians excelled with all three groups winning the top spot in their divisions and Best Overall among the junior high/middle school groups competing at the event.
Firefighters are a big hit with Endeavour students Published Monday, 04 June 2012 Eastside Fire and Rescue firefighters recently visited students at Endeavour Elementary. Four fascinating firefighter facts especially intrigued the students who were excited to learn that under all their gear, firefighters wear blue uniforms just like policemen; firefighters have to stop eating—even in the middle of a meal—if there's an emergency; firefighters visit school kids to teach them about safety and emergency preparedness; and students can visit fire stations and even check out the fire engines!
High school Japanese students host benefit Published Tuesday, 22 May 2012 Japanese classes and clubs from district high schools hosted the second annual Japan Matsuri/Expo on May 19. The 3-hour festival was open to the community and featured dancing, kendo, skits, traditional games, and Japanese calligraphy and raised $300 for Peace Winds America to benefit recovery programs in Japan.
Firemen go above and beyond Published Wednesday, 16 May 2012 While Issaquah Valley fourth-grader Tudor was unharmed when his bicycle was struck by a car in a crosswalk on the way to school, his trusty ride was not so lucky. Local fireman responded and gave him a ride to school in their engine. As if that wasn’t cool enough, the crew reported that they had such a great interaction with Tudor—and his attitude was so positive—that they wanted to do something more. The crew—Firefighters Tanner, Harper, and Stotler—went out and purchased a new bicycle, helmet, and lock with their own money. After school, they surprised Tudor and his family, who were incredibly thankful for the gift.
Cheering up the kids Published Monday, 14 May 2012 Students in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapters from Issaquah and Skyline high schools partnered with Swedish Hospital to design and paint nine ceiling tiles for the Swedish Hospital pediatric procedure room.
Inspirational teachers! Published Friday, 11 May 2012 2010 Issaquah High graduates Kathleen Moore (left) and Shahaf Nuriel (right) honored math teacher Vale Crain (center) by naming her an Inspirational High School Teacher. Every year, the University of Washington asks its Computer Science and Engineering undergraduate students for such nominations, and the educator honorees are thanked during a reception and dinner on the university campus. Issaquah High social studies teacher Jeremy Ritzer, Liberty High band teacher Phillip Donley, and Skyline retired chemistry teacher Al Ko were also nominated.	$Inspirational teachers!$
District musicians gather for annual concert Published Tuesday, 08 May 2012 The 24th annual Masterworks Concert on May 5 melded Issaquah and Skyline High School choirs with the Evergreen Philharmonic. Together over 250 students presented some of the world's great music for choir and orchestra, performing works of Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, and Mendelssohn.
Giving back Published Friday, 04 May 2012 The Grand Ridge Elementary Student Council, made up of 20 fourth- and fifth-graders, recently helped ensure students throughout the district do not go hungry this summer. The student leaders collected jars of peanut butter for the Issaquah Food Bank’s summer lunch program, which provides lunches to Issaquah School District families over summer vacation. The drive collected 517 jars of peanut butter! The Student Council members hand delivered the peanut butter (not an easy task since it weighted a total of 1,005 pounds) on May 2, and they took a tour and heard about how the food bank and the peanut-butter donation will directly help the Issaquah community.
Two schools, two continents, knit together Published Monday, 23 April 2012 Tiger Mountain Community High School’s knitting club sent some warmth across the world when Educational Assistant Linda Johnson traveled to Africa over spring break with a large collection of hats made specially for Zambian students in the Mukuni Village. The students loved the hats, according to Ms. Johnson, and they even had enough to walk around the village and hand them out to babies with their mothers. The knitting club members worked on the hats since the beginning of the school year, and they have also made donations to Seattle Children’s Hospital and Generation Joy. They are now working on hats for a homeless teen center in Seattle.
IVE wins waste challenge award from Issaquah mayor Published Monday, 23 April 2012 Issaquah Valley Elementary received a surprise visitor in celebration of Earth Day—Issaquah Mayor Ava Frisinger! During lunch, she presented students the award—an artistic raccoon made out of recycled metal—for winning the America Recycle’s Zero Cafeteria Waste challenge earlier in the school year. Issaquah Valley had the lowest amount of garbage produced during that week: 17 gallons or .03 gallons per student!
Sunset's Club Connection gets inspirational visitor Published Wednesday, 18 April 2012 Seahawks quarterback Josh Portis visited Sunset Elementary’s Club Connection over spring break to talk about the importance of sportsmanship. He also described how he worked hard throughout life to reach his goals, and he answered many questions and signed autographs.
Liberty students focus on kindness Published Tuesday, 17 April 2012 “Spring into Happiness,” the theme of Liberty High’s 2012 spring-fling week, had the entire school community focused on kindness. Each day had a “what if” thought (“What if … we were all equal?”) as well as spirit activities. This included a Wall of Kindness in the commons on which students could write compliments or nice notes to each other. The idea was inspired by the documentary “Finding Kind.”
A real STAR of a teacher! Published Tuesday, 10 April 2012 Radio station STAR 101.5 surprised Issaquah Valley Elementary second-grade teacher Jessica Harper (left) on April 6 by presenting her with the Teacher of the Week award. She was nominated by one of her students, Tanner, who said she is a wonderful teacher in every way! Ms. Harper received a plaque, a $100 check, and a gift card to a nursery. She also will get to choose between a spa makeover or a Kindle.
Light it Up Blue! Published Tuesday, 10 April 2012 The Autism Research Club at Skyline High invited the entire school to "Light it Up Blue" for World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.
Teaching Academy students welcome visitors Published Monday, 09 April 2012 In March, Liberty’s Teaching Academy interns heard from Superintendent Steve Rasmussen and school board members Marnie Maraldo and Suzanne Weaver about their job responsibilities and the career pathways they took to get there.
Luke Boyer named to AAA Safety Patrol Hall of Fame Published Monday, 26 March 2012 Cascade Ridge fifth-grader Luke Boyer was selected in February as one of the top 10 Safety Patrol students for the AAA Safety Patrol Hall of Fame for Washington State. Educational Assistant and Safety Patrol Leader Paula Parks (pictured at left) nominated him and wrote an essay about his commitment to the program, which is responsible for directing students and traffic during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal from the school. As an added bonus, Luke will be recognized at a Mariner’s game in May. AAA Washington created the Hall of Fame in 1991 to recognize school safety patrol members who demonstrate qualities of leadership, responsibility, initiative, and reliability in their duties.
Saturday school Published Friday, 23 March 2012 About 75 Issaquah School District elementary teachers dedicated a Saturday in March to attend a literacy training entitled "Creating Classroom Cultures of Thinking, Understanding, and Independence." They discussed comprehension strategy instruction, book selection, and instilling the spark of action/motivation in young readers, among other topics.
Congratulations are in order! Published Friday, 23 March 2012 Congratulations to our newly National Board Certified teachers!
Like Us! Published Monday, 19 March 2012 Liberty High School Career Center hosted two Facebook software engineers who shared with students about their exciting careers. They discussed the positive global impact of social networking and the application of computer science to an incredibly wide range of career fields. The speakers—a district graduate and former Robotics Team member and a district parent—stressed the high need for engineers in the technology field, especially women. They also stressed that students entering the quickly evolving tech industry need to “learn how to learn,” “be comfortable being uncomfortable,” and “continuously think outside the box.” They also emphasized that everyone be cognizant of their online profile as the Internet automatically archives postings which can never be permanently removed.
Lunch bags of love! Published Friday, 16 March 2012 This winter, students in Linda Ogden's second-grade class at Discovery Elementary studied communities, specifically "needs" versus "wants." They ended with a conversation about how some people do not have their basic needs met, let alone their wants, such as an Xbox or other such fancy toys. The students decided they wanted to do something about the need in their own community, so they came up with the Lunch Bags of Love idea: together with their fourth-grade buddies, they filled oversized lunch bags and decorated them with positive messages. The bags were delivered later that day to Tent City.
Here are the numbers: Published Thursday, 15 March 2012 94; more than 99,000; about 2,000. Respectively, that’s the number of Sunset Elementary Singers, how many elementary schools nationwide they were selected from, and the size of the audience that will hear them perform in front of the National Association of Elementary School Principals National Conference on March 24 in Seattle. Under the direction of Music Specialist Marie Bean, this talented group of fourth- and fifth-graders was the only elementary school chorus across the U.S. invited to perform at the annual conference. Their program will include the songs “Sansa Kroma,” “One Nation,” and “People of the 21st Century.”
The aesthetic of science Published Wednesday, 14 March 2012 Skyline biology teacher Gretel von Bargen annually has her students create works of art showcasing a 3D model of a DNA molecule.
R-E-A-D! Published Tuesday, 06 March 2012 Grand Ridge Elementary second-grade teachers created an acrostic poem for Read Your Shirt Day to celebrate “Read Across America Week” in late February. Together, their shirts spelled ... S- studying communities E- excited about books C- counting up money O- outrageously fun N- new discoveries D- doing our best everyday G- grand attitude R- reading, reading, reading A- Adding and subtracting D- doing experiments E- exploring new things
Surprise! Published Tuesday, 06 March 2012 The Issaquah Schools Foundation on March 1 stopped by unsuspecting educators’ classrooms to reveal they had received 2012 Classroom Enrichment Grants. This group of Creekside teachers was awarded $552 to enhance the Northwest Coastal Native American Unit through a supplemental problem-solving approach that fosters higher-order thinking activities
One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish! Published Monday, 05 March 2012 Newcastle Elementary staff members—like these third-grade teachers—got into the spirit of Read across America Week by dressing like their favorite book character on February 29.
Liberty preschool students visit their fireman friends Published Thursday, 09 February 2012 Preschoolers in Gail Halverson's class at Liberty High School studying transportation and safety paid a visit to their neighborhood fire station where they learned how to be safe, when to call 911, and how firefighters are their friends. Highlights of the day? Sitting in the fire truck and watching a firefighter don his awesome protective gear!
Kindness—pass it on! Published Friday, 03 February 2012 In February, filmmakers Lauren Parsekian and Molly Thompson talked to a standing-room-only crowd in Issaquah High’s theater about their “Finding Kind” campaign, which includes a documentary of their cross-country trip across America talking to people about their experiences with girl-on-girl bullying. The duo asked the attendees to take a pledge to end this universal “mean girl” phenomena, and even handed out cards where girls could offer apologies to someone they may have hurt. The film screening—including showings at Beaver Lake Middle School, Issaquah High, and Skyline High—was brought to the Issaquah School District through funding from PTSAs and the Issaquah Schools Foundation.
Acting is "Doin' What Comes Natur'lly" for Clark fifth grader Published Thursday, 29 December 2011 As Little Jake, Annie Oakley's youngest sibling and only brother, in Village Theatre's Mainstage production of Annie Get Your Gun, Clark fifth grader Josh Feinsilber sings and dances his way through over 80 shows during December and January. The popular production includes Annie, Little Jake, and their sisters performing "Doin' What Comes Natur'lly"—an Irving Berlin tune from the original Broadway show.
Certainly Distinct! Published Thursday, 15 December 2011 For being one of the 5 percent highest improving schools in reading and math achievement, Cascade Ridge Elementary was honored as a Washington state 2011 School of Distinction at an awards ceremony on December 7.
Certainly Distinct! Published Thursday, 15 December 2011 For being one of the 5 percent highest improving schools in reading and math achievement, Issaquah Valley Elementary was honored as a Washington state 2011 School of Distinction at an awards ceremony on December 7.
Patriotic Patriots Published Thursday, 08 December 2011 Liberty High junior Stacey Hurwitz collected more than 350 letters for soldiers in Afghanistan from her fellow students and staff members as well as friends and family. She was inspired to try to make a personal connection with service members after reading about their increased incidents of suicide around the holidays as well as the decreasing numbers of supportive letters being sent to them; she also was remembering of her own family members who in the past served in areas such as Korea. “I thought of instead of just asking people to donate money, I can do something that can really put a smile on a soldier’s face and let them know they are appreciated and never forgotten,” she said.
All hands on deck! Published Monday, 28 November 2011 Issaquah High’s Nick Co led the pack of buccaneers during “Shipwreck,” which had students running from stern to port and clinging to the walls like starfish. This fast-paced icebreaker was part of the Intra-District Student Council’s annual leadership event in November; students from all the District’s high schools came together to share ideas, brainstorm about future events, and get to know each other.
Skyline students sample volunteer opportunities Published Monday, 14 November 2011 Issaquah PTSA Council Co-President Caroline Brown mans the Generation Joy table at Skyline's Service Fair where students learned about community volunteer opportunities from nearly 50 non-profit organizations.
IMS actor heading off on five-city tour Published Thursday, 27 October 2011 Issaquah Middle School 7th grader Emily Rudolph is heading off on another national tour! This time it’s with “A Christmas Story, the Musical,” with Emily as one of main character Ralphie Parker’s classmates. The production will open in Hershey, PA and end at the Historic Chicago Theatre. The five-city tour will disband at the end of December and Emily will be back at IMS in January. Emily's first tour was the 30th Anniversary Tour of "Annie, the Musical" where she was ten-year-old orphan Tessie.
Swedish ER Medical Director makes an impact at IHS Published Tuesday, 04 October 2011 Dr. John Milne, the director of Medical Services at Swedish’s emergency room in Issaquah, visited every Health class at Issaquah High in September to talk about risky behaviors that cause students to end up in his workplace. To prepare, students learned about teenage brain development and personality types. Teacher Alexis Davison says that such presentations make “a big impact,” and she and her colleagues are grateful to Dr. Milne and Swedish.
Eeeewwww-oobleck! Published Tuesday, 20 September 2011 Fourth-grade students at Newcastle Elementary experimented with the non-Newtonian (and goopy!) fluid Oobleck. After testing its unusual properties, teams designed spaceships to travel to Planet Oobleck; they are submitting their designs to real rocket scientists at Boeing.
Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of … football! Published Tuesday, 20 September 2011 Liberty Patriots show their school pride as their team plays the Issaquah Eagles.
Creekside Otters host state Land Commissioner Published Tuesday, 20 September 2011 Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark toured Creekside Elementary to see first-hand how construction dollars from his agency are benefiting schools. To the students’ delight, he handed out Smokey the Bear stickers and goodies, as well as an important message: Preserve and enjoy this state’s natural resources!
Donation that may save a life Published Wednesday, 14 September 2011 Sunny Hills Principal Sarah White (left), nurse Kim Rocco (second from right) and parent Shannon Holliway (right) thank Bill Merritt with Merit Emergency for facilitating and delivering the donation of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) to the school. An AED is a portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to restart a heart that has stopped beating. White and Rocco recognized the importance of having an AED on campus should a student or adult go into sudden cardiac arrest, and Holliway was instrumental in researching and advocating for the AED. When Sunny Hills alum Merritt became aware of the need, he contacted a local family, the Gaffneys from Carnation, because Merritt knew they had an AED they wanted to donate to a deserving organization. “Working together on this has given us the power to save lives,” said White.
First day of school 2011 Published Tuesday, 06 September 2011 Second-grader Ashley Dean hangs upside down during her first recess of the new school year at Creekside Elementary. Perhaps all that blood in the head facilitates extra learning?
First Day of School 2011 Published Friday, 02 September 2011 Fallon Faerber doesn’t waste any time getting down to learning on the first day of school at Issaquah Middle.
First Day of School 2011 Published Friday, 02 September 2011 The Eagle Crew—a group of upperclassmen at Issaquah High—welcome the swarm of freshmen on the first day with small-group activities.
First Day of School 2011 Published Friday, 02 September 2011 When there’s so much to learn on the first day of school at Issaquah Valley Elementary—how to walk quietly and orderly in a line, where the bathroom is located—staff make sure students don’t have to work too hard to remember which bus to take home.
First Day of School 2011 Published Friday, 02 September 2011 The hardest first-day task for many Issaquah Middle School sixth-grader turned out to be opening their lockers. Remember: Turn the lock all the way past the first number in the combination before stopping on the second!
First Day of School 2011 Published Friday, 02 September 2011 It actually is easy being green! Second-grader Maggie Noble is happy to be back in the classroom at Issaquah Valley Elementary, especially since she gets to read books and see her friends.
Beiber—or is it “Beaver”—Fever? Published Thursday, 18 August 2011 After being labeled “Beiber Lake” with posters and a life-sized cardboard cut-out of Justin Beiber in a good-natured prank by a rival middle school, the Beaver Lake !mpact program decided to embrace the pop idol! At a Mariners game, with the help of “The Beibes,” !mpact was featured eleven times on the jumbo screen cheering and dancing with their new inherited friend. The Mariners even dedicated an entire break to !mpact with the song “Never say Never.” Through the end of the summer, Justin then accompanied !mpact on their field trips around the Seattle area. Mr. Beiber was well prepared for each location as the middle school students designed appropriate accessories and apparel that acquired much attention from the public eye. !mpact is the Issaquah School District’s summertime camp-like childcare program for middle-school students.
Forecast: Clear with smiles Published Monday, 08 August 2011 While this summer’s weather may be more clouds than breaks, the forecast for the Discovery Club Connection classroom in August was 100-percent sunny dispositions thanks to a visit from television meteorologist Jeff Renner. Mr. Renner presented a lesson about weather patterns and forecasting, complete with several experiments. Club Connection is a camp-like enrichment extension of the District’s before- and after-school care that runs during July and August.
Just DO-IT! Published Monday, 08 August 2011 Skyline High’s Joshua Schaier creates a webpage during the week-long DO-IT Scholars program at the University of Washington in July. DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) promotes the success of individuals with disabilities and the use of computer and networking technologies to increase their independence, productivity, and participation in education, careers, and leadership. The Scholars program is designed to give high-school students a taste of life on a college campus—figuratively and literally as they stay in dorms and eat the dorm food while taking challenging, hands-on classes focused in the science, engineering, and computing career fields.
Sunny Hills garden Published Thursday, 28 July 2011 Ms. Ulrich's fourth-graders tend to their plants in the Millennium Garden, an outdoor learning site at Sunny Hills Elementary.
Sav-egged by the bell! Published Monday, 25 July 2011 Mr. Herzberg’s fourth-graders at Grand Ridge Elementary each worked hard to design protective packaging to help an egg survive a two-story fall on to pavement; so when an unexpected alarm signaled a fire drill during the actual event (whose egg would break? whose would drop fastest?), the students collected their data sheets, parachutes, and eggs and headed somewhat disheartened to the evacuation field. When the Eastside Fire and Rescue crewmembers noticed all the gear, however, they came up with an even better offer: They would drop the top five egg-package designs off the extended ladder on their truck. Mr. Herzberg donned a firefighter’s hat, climbed in the bucket, and went up 75 feet (compared to the 18-foot platform they had been using previously). All five eggs landed intact—proving that several students have promising engineering futures ahead!
Sibling Rivalry Published Monday, 25 July 2011 Beaver Lake Middle School has a tradition at its end-of-the-year assembly called Sibling Rivalry; the ASB hosts entertaining activities in which any eighth-graders with sixth-grade siblings can square off against their brother or sister for bragging rights and good fun. This year, the "hamster ball" was included, and the crowd went wild!
“Super sugary drinks are everywhere. Why can’t I find more milk?” Published Monday, 25 July 2011 Beginning this summer, you can see such questions posted throughout the region on buses, billboards, and other print, radio, and television advertisements. The campaign, called “Let’s do this” is an effort by the Seattle & King County Health Department to inspire residents to work together for healthier places to live, learn, work, and play. And just who is the face behind the ads? None other than the Issaquah School District’s own seventh-grader Hillary Dominguez!
Surprise! Published Tuesday, 14 June 2011 Before first-grade Apollo teacher Cari Gish retires at the end of the year, her colleagues decided to pull one final goodbye prank: they filled her classroom doorway full of popcorn before school. Luckily, the starchy surprise came with full clean-up service included!
Coming soon: "Super 8" ... with local connection Published Monday, 06 June 2011 Catastrophic train crashes, military search and seizures, inexplicable disappearances and creatures—it’s all part of a day’s work for Beaver Lake Middle School eighth-grader Riley Griffiths (far right), star of the new JJ Abrams/Steven Spielberg film “Super 8”!
Bye, fry! Published Wednesday, 01 June 2011 In May, students in the Science Technology program at Clark Elementary released the young salmon they had carefully raised from eggs into the Issaquah Creek. They wished their fishy friends good luck in their migration to the Puget Sound and beyond. Through the salmon-rearing program, the students learned about water quality, wildlife habitat, and ecosystems.
She’s the real pièce de résistance Published Tuesday, 24 May 2011 Congratulations to Vicki Hoffman, recipient of the 2011 Community Leadership Award for the Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD). This honor, sponsored by the Washington Association of School Administrators, is for individuals and groups who go above and beyond to support their local schools. Vicki (left) is pictured receiving her award alongside Janice Watson, PSESD deputy superintendent. For the past 12 years, Vicki has been an art champion for Issaquah schools, which includes heading the district’s art docent program, standardizing art curriculum across elementary grades, and writing numerous grants each year to fund art resources.
A true glass ceiling! Published Thursday, 19 May 2011 Maple Hills students recently returned after the weekend to discover their decorated glass tiles hanging above. The all-school art project was funded through the PTA auction; each grade was assigned a specific color, and that was the theme students used to adorn a clear glass tile with smaller glass chips to create a design. The tiles were then fired in a kiln and strung together to create a glass curtain. Voilà—a beautiful masterpiece to decorate the school as well as an instant treasure hunt as students and families hunted for their specific glass tile.
Next year's leaders Published Tuesday, 17 May 2011 Skyline's 2011-2012 incoming ASB officers learn the ropes at a King County inter-high training and brainstorming session at Mercer Island High School.
The hunt’s on! Published Friday, 13 May 2011 Issaquah High biology students collaborated to create a time of the entire history of the world—at least in terms of major geological events and changes, appearance and disappearance of species and landforms, and climate shifts. The timeline spanned an entire classroom wing, and students then had a scavenger hunt using the timeline to answer different peer-written questions. For example: Originally, did fish have jaws? What are the four ways that the dinosaurs in the Triassic era went extinct? Where is a remnant of Earth’s original crust found?
iWin! Published Tuesday, 10 May 2011 Pacific Cascade Middle School humanities teacher Emily Ellis (third from right) was the lucky recipient of a new iPad for Teacher Appreciation Week courtesy of MyCommunityPlace.com. Her student Cameron (third from left) submitted her name as an outstanding educator, which was randomly pulled out of thousands of entries for the grand prize. Cameron and the school did not go unrewarded for the good deed: He won a new iPod Touch, and the school received a giant $1,000 check!
Patriots and patriotic spirit! Published Tuesday, 03 May 2011 Liberty High’s varsity cheer team shows its colorful support for the U.S. flag during the most recent Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon in Seattle.
All in a day's work Published Tuesday, 26 April 2011 Issaquah Valley full day kindergartners Levi Stoner and Nolan Dennis had the ultimate job-shadow experience when they were Custodians for a Day! Thanks to IVE custodian extraordinaire Dusty Duke, the students—in their special custodian-for-a-day tee-shirts—toured the fire riser, electrical, and communications rooms, used a walkie-talkie, learned about the fire panel and tested the fire alarm, repaired a water fountain and a broken door, and, courtesy of Mr. Duke, learned the true definition of the word "custodian"—One who protects, guards, and maintains.
Happy Earth Day! Published Friday, 22 April 2011 Teaming with the City of Issaquah, Academy for Community Transition students celebrated by planting trees and spreading mulch at Bernsten Park along the Issaquah Creek.
Happy Earth Day! Published Friday, 22 April 2011 Teaming with the City of Issaquah, Academy for Community Transition students celebrated by planting trees and spreading mulch at Bernsten Park along the Issaquah Creek.
How rough is it? Published Thursday, 14 April 2011 Students in Briarwood’s Science-Technology program visited a marine research vessel in the fall to learn about ecosystems, marine biology, and the Puget Sound Watershed—and, of course, to see how rough a starfish feels!
Where in the world is...? Published Tuesday, 05 April 2011 Beaver Lake seventh-grader Arjun Kumar shows off his champion medal he won at the state National Geographic Bee in March. Next up: The national level competition in Washington D.C. in May. Take the quiz to see how you’d fare in the competition.
Future teachers collaborate (and visit Coca-Cola World)! Published Friday, 01 April 2011 Issaquah School District is home growing its next leaders: Two Liberty High students—Arianna Romo, the school’s Future Educators Association (FEA) president and Teaching Academy 2 participant, and Evonna Wilhelm, Child Development participant—plus advisor Delores Leber attended the National FEA conference in Atlanta in February. They thank the Liberty Booster Club, the Career and Technical Education department, and the Liberty community for the support.
Fairytales do come true! Published Friday, 01 April 2011 The cast of Skyline High’s “Once Upon a Time in Eastwood” greet elementary students who made up an enthralled audience during the performance (some of younger students even refused to high five the actor who played the villain because of his previous dastardly doings onstage!). This production is a tradition at Skyline, where theater students write, stage, and perform a children’s show each year, much to the delight of the elementary classes that attend.
Trash never looked so good! Published Friday, 01 April 2011 This is the ENTIRE amount of garbage—7 gallons—produced by about 500 students in all three lunch periods during a recent “Waste Free Lunch” day at Issaquah Valley Elementary. How did they do it? The students increased their recycling rate from 62 percent to 92 percent. The result was a 23.5-pound weight reduction and 30.35-gallon volume reduction of daily garbage. Put in perspective, that’s the yearly equivalent of eliminating three Volkswagen beetles or two above-ground swimming pools worth of trash!
Plugged in Published Wednesday, 23 March 2011 The Issaquah School District sent about 30 surplus computers to indigent South African students as part of Beaver Lake Middle School’s annual fundraiser to provide school supplies to these cross-continental peers. The organization that delivered the supplies, Generation Joy, reported that some of the schools did not have electricity but the townships supplied a power line once the computers arrived so they could be utilized.
A packed house Published Monday, 14 March 2011 Families toured the booths during Clark Elementary School’s annual science fair on March 3. About 70 percent of students participated, the largest turnout ever. The event included judges from Issaquah High’s National Honor Society and demonstrations from the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery and Issaquah Middle School’s robotics club.
Rachel's Challenge comes to Liberty Published Tuesday, 08 March 2011 Liberty High students listen enrapt during an assembly for Rachel’s Challenge, a program in memory of a student killed at Columbine High School who believed in the chain reaction of everyday acts of kindness.
Rachel's Challenge comes to Liberty Published Tuesday, 08 March 2011 Liberty High students take a moment to close their eyes and think of how they can make a personal commitment to everyday kindness during an assembly for Rachel’s Challenge, a program in memory of a student killed at Columbine High School who believed in being a catalyst for positive change.
The Staff in the Hat Published Wednesday, 02 March 2011 Cascade Ridge educators donned Dr. Seuss hats in celebration of Read Across America Week! The silliness kicked off a week of literary celebrations.
Spotlights on "Treasure Island" Published Wednesday, 02 March 2011 The action was backstage for fourth-grader Kevin Zhao, who ran the lights for his thespian comrades during Briarwood Elementary’s production of “Treasure Island” at Liberty High School in February. The production was put on by the Missoula Children’s Theatre, a professional company that comes to schools to produce entire plays with roles for 50 to 60 students in the span of a one-week residency.
High school students meet up and mingle Published Wednesday, 02 March 2011 Student leaders from all four of the District’s high schools gathered together in February to share and brainstorm ideas and solidify cross-campus friendships.
Teachers honored Published Thursday, 17 February 2011 Teachers who earned National Board Certification in December 2010 were recognized by the School Board during a community reception.
What does it take to make, test, and sell the Boeing 747-8? Published Thursday, 17 February 2011 Liberty Engineering and Honors Physics students found out when two Boeing workers— Project Manager Jim Blohowiak and Software Engineer Alison Lauderbach—visited in February. Students learned why the plane has four engines, how the nose comes off to load cargo, why its quieter than other models, and what it’s like to design flight simulators, among many other interesting facts.
Jump for joy! Published Tuesday, 25 January 2011 Skyline High Spartans really had something to cheer about—in addition to all of the other cheering—when its squads took first place in two categories at the state cheerleading championships in January. Photo credit: Brad Wong of Sammamish Patch.
IHS science students team up for learning Published Wednesday, 19 January 2011 Issaquah High upperclassmen in advanced physics teamed with freshmen in physical science throughout the month of December to tackle lessons about gravity, forces, and motion. Through teaching, the upperclassmen deepened their understanding of the concepts, according to physics teacher Tom Haff. As for the freshmen, Haff said they benefited from the small-group instruction and varied teaching styles, while learning an important nuance about Issaquah High culture from their older mentors: “Hey, it’s okay to be smart!”
Off and running! Published Wednesday, 19 January 2011 The morning of January 11, about 700 students and staff ran in Issaquah High's inaugural Issy 5K Fun Run, which started and ended on the school's track and weaved through surrounding trails and neighborhoods. Students in P.E. classes had been working towards the run all semester, which was meant to show "teenagers that running can be fun, exciting, and rewarding," according to teacher Brenda Middleton.
District students share love of books Published Friday, 07 January 2011 Issaquah Middle School 6th grader Emily Rudolph is the voice of Annie in the Magic Treehouse book series interactive website. Emily is pictured here perfecting her voice-overs in a Seattle recording studio. And this isn’t Emily’s only activity where she shares her love of books with others. She and Pine Lake Middle School student Hillary Dominguez volunteer at the Sammamish Library singing songs about fun storybook characters to promote literacy for young children.
They did it! Published Thursday, 16 December 2010 Discovery Elementary students exceeded their goal of bringing in 500 box tops to earn dollars for their school—they brought in 5,000 box tops! To celebrate, principal Tera Coyle dressed up as “Snow Principal” for the day (and, ironically, the snowsuit is exceptionally hot, she notes!).
High schools unite! Published Wednesday, 15 December 2010 Leadership students from Issaquah, Liberty, and Skyline lock arms in friendship during a KingCo Interhigh meeting in December about sportsmanship.
Liberty "Snowcoming" benefits local food bank Published Wednesday, 15 December 2010 Students not only transformed the hallways into a winter wonderland for Liberty High’s “snowcoming” in December, they also brought in more than 2,300 canned food items and raised more than $1,200 in a coin drive to benefit the Issaquah Food Bank.
Future leaders Published Friday, 10 December 2010 Apollo third graders showed off and deepened their civic lessons when King County Deputy Executive Fred Jarrett visited to talk about government and answer questions in December. Students learned that Mr. Jarrett favors a council-manager form of city government, he thinks his current job is the best in the world, and he has, indeed, “heard about branches” (“You mean like on trees?” he jokingly responded. “Or do you mean our three-tier government system?”).
Cookies for a cause Published Thursday, 09 December 2010 Liberty High’s culinary students had a goal to make 500 cookies for Children Hospital’s Festival of Trees fundraiser. Students and staff donated all the ingredients, and many came in before and after school to bake. When all the flour had settled, they ended up donating more than 2,500 cookies!
Apollo takes the 60-minute pledge Published Tuesday, 07 December 2010 This fall, Seahawks halftime announcer Ken Carson, Seagals, members of the Blue Thunder Band, and Blitz all came to Apollo Elementary to urge students to be active as part of NFL Play 60, a campaign that asks children to physically play for at least 60 minutes a day. In conjunction, teachers filled out a wellness grant application and held healthy activities, such as inviting personal trainer to lead students through specialized exercises.
Maywood's Ashton Herrild stars in 5th Avenue Theatre production Published Monday, 15 November 2010 “Scut Farkus! What a rotten name! There he stood, between us and the alley. Scut Farkus staring out at us with his yellow eyes. He had yellow eyes!” With that dubious introduction in the production, Maywood Middle School’s own Ashton Herrild will star as the infamous bully in “A Christmas Story” at 5th Avenue Theatre through the holiday season. In this picture, Ashton shows off his acting chops as Bradley Chalkers in “There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom.”
Surprise!!! Published Tuesday, 02 November 2010 Representatives from the Seahawks and U.S. Army visited Issaquah High to name senior wide-receiver Evan Peterson the U.S. Army Player of the Week. In a triple-overtime game against Eastlake on October 15, Evan had 11 catches for 176 yards and four touchdowns. Evan’s honor was announced on the radio broadcast the following Seahawks game, he received two Seahawks game tickets and a personalized jersey and football, and the Seahawks donated $250 to Issaquah High’s ASB in his name.
Friendship—the universal language Published Friday, 15 October 2010 Romanian Gypsy children show off in T-shirts with messages of camaraderie created for them by students at Echo Glen Children's Center. Representatives from International Smile Power delivered the T-shirts while also providing much-needed dental care for the Romanians.
New IHS DECA store is a big hit! Published Friday, 01 October 2010 Issaquah High School seniors Jane Mallett, Milena Go, Catlyn Chaffin, Alex White and MacKenzie Bauer celebrate the grand opening of the new DECA store on campus. Can you guess the most popular item sold there? If you guessed fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies, you're right!
Teacher training kicks off the new school year Published Tuesday, 07 September 2010 Superintendent Rasmussen welcomed educators to the 2010-2011 school year while kicking off an all-teacher training at the end of August at Skyline High School. For the first time in many years, all certificated employees came together to learn a common protocol to help them reflect on and hone their instructional strategies. Spearheaded by principals, schools will implement the protocol throughout the next two years.
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 2010 Published Thursday, 02 September 2010 Warning—could cause extreme hunger! Culinary students at Tiger Mountain Community High School wasted no time taking a bite out of their curriculum as they made pumpkin, squash, and zucchini bread.
FIRST DAY 2010 Published Thursday, 02 September 2010 Pine Lake math teacher Rena Pitasky referred to the photos on her projected seating chart to help the sixth-graders get to know each other. Her tip for students to help them remember her own name: “It’s a hard one, but it’s just like ‘pita’ and ‘sky’ together.”
FIRST DAY 2010 Published Thursday, 02 September 2010 Discovery Elementary’s Makayla Dino reverently opened her brand new supplies to get started on her first assignment of the school year—matching the color words to decorate a picture of a shoe.
FIRST DAY 2010 Published Wednesday, 01 September 2010 Discovery teacher Harriet Arnold welcomed each student as they stepped into her first-grade class for the first time this school year.
FIRST DAY 2010 Published Wednesday, 01 September 2010 The 2006 bond in action: Seventh- and eighth-graders report feeling less “cramped” on campus with Beaver Lake Middle School’s sleeker enrollment count. Because of the opening of the District’s fifth middle school—which was the 2006 bond committee’s highest priority—Beaver Lake has about 220 fewer students this school year.
FIRST DAY 2010 Published Tuesday, 31 August 2010 She’s here to serve! Pine Lake Middle School teacher Gail Oseran went through back-to-school business with her culinary students with some added humor. Her warning to students: no swamp muffins this year (of the variety that ooze green, uncooked goo when they are poked).
FIRST DAY 2010 Published Tuesday, 31 August 2010 Pine Lake staff members were on hand to help with last-minute locker distribution and combination issues. Like in real estate, location is everything when it comes to locker placement, according to the students.
FIRST DAY 2010 Published Tuesday, 31 August 2010 Rain and friendship were in the air as first-graders Makenzie Sexsmith and Riley Wade immediately noticed their similar fashion sense on the bus ride to school.
District wins King County Best Workplace for Recycling Award Published Thursday, 24 June 2010 The Issaquah School District was recognized with another Best Workplace award because of our continued commitment to recycling and waste reduction programs in District facilities.
She said YES! Published Friday, 18 June 2010 Teacher Sarah Miller was briefly called away from her classroom only to return to find her second-graders each holding up a letter to spell “M-R-S. F-O-R-K-N-E-R-?” But wait—who was that holding up the question mark? None other than Mr. Forkner himself, Daniel, who proceeded to get down on his knee and propose. In front of her principal and many applauding students, Ms. Miller (soon to be Forkner) whole-heartedly accepted.
Rejoice for radishes! Love your lettuce! Published Friday, 11 June 2010 First-grade gardeners at Issaquah Valley Elementary celebrated a productive spring harvest with a delicious Salad Celebration on June 4. Eighty students planted and cared for a variety of salad greens and vegetables during the last several months. They used sustainable gardening methods and learned about nutrition. The students’ harvest was a great success—in addition to sampling the produce at the Salad Celebration, they were able to donate 32 pounds of lettuce to the Issaquah Food Bank.
Hooray for graduation! Published Friday, 11 June 2010 To whoops and loud applause, Lauren Wise holds up her diploma in front of her fellow Academy of Community Transition (ACT) graduates Evan Johnson, Sean Benson, and Jonathan Thornton. The 2010 ACT graduation ceremony was held June 10 and included a guest speaker and a special slide show for each honoree.
The next generation of Jacques Cousteaus? Published Tuesday, 08 June 2010 Maywood Middle School seventh-graders Andrew Zimmerman and Jason Jarman competed in the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Remote Operated Vehicle Challenge on May 7 at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way. The competition was associated with the University of Washington School of Oceanography.
Teachers for a day Published Tuesday, 01 June 2010 Skyline IB Biology students became the teacher for the day when a class of Discovery fifth-graders visited to learn about scientific principles like classification and respiration in fun, hands-on, rotating mini lessons. Of course, all the candy and slime helped build the excitement!
Liberty High School debuts new solar panel Published Monday, 24 May 2010 On May 4, science teacher Mark Buchli introduced Liberty High’s new solar panel to an audience that included state legislators, Puget Sound Energy and Issaquah Schools Foundation officials, and school board members. In addition to providing the school clean energy, the solar panel will allow classrooms to conduct hands-on experiments and demonstrations—and perhaps inspire a new generation of scientists to better harness the vast energy potential of the sun. The panel was funded by a grant from Puget Sound Energy with additional funding from the Issaquah Schools Foundation.
Best wishes to an Issaquah High legacy Published Monday, 24 May 2010 After 37 years on the job, counseling secretary Marcia McGinnis retired at the end of April 2010. Along with well wishes from her many friends and colleagues, Marcia received a clock from the District to symbolize the time she has dedicated to serving students (and newly freed time ahead!).
Fly Away! Published Wednesday, 19 May 2010 A picture's worth 1,000 words—and many accolades, in the case of Skyline High junior Emily Gitelman. Two of Emily's photos—including "Fly Away," pictured here—were chosen as finalists in the 2010 Washington State High School Photography Competition the first weekend in May. Her winning snapshots were selected out of 3,700 entries!
All in a day's work Published Monday, 17 May 2010 Issaquah Valley fifth-graders Tristan Auclair and Vincent Smith had the ultimate job-shadow experience when they were Custodians for a Day! Thanks to Issaquah Valley custodian extraordinaire Dusty Duke, the students got to test the fire alarm, put together a paper roller, learn about transformers, use the walkie-talkies to speak to the principal, and release their peers to recess during lunch. To top off the day, they received special t-shirts, new tools, and a 10-piece McNugget meal for lunch! “Vincent said it was his best day at school ever,” his mom said.
Pine Lake Middle School's Culinary Arts class celebrates Nacho Day Published Tuesday, 11 May 2010 Here's one class in which students will gladly take home assignments to finish! Sixth-graders in Pine Lake Middle School's Culinary Arts class busily prep, cook, clean, and eat during Nacho Day. This lesson focuses on cultural foods adapted into American cuisine. When making the nachos, students learn about different dietary habits around the world, including various forms of protein and fiber substitutes. In the end, students should be able to whip up a fast, nutritious, adaptable meal perfect for their busy lives on the go.
Hats off to Mom! Published Tuesday, 11 May 2010 First-grade students at Briarwood Elementary regaled their moms with beautiful paper bonnets, poems, and songs, during a special Mother's Day Tea in May.
Issaquah Middle School students raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Published Tuesday, 11 May 2010 ASB students at Issaquah Middle School held a "Make Leukemia Disappear" campaign in April and May that raised $3,751 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
IMS' Nathan Lee is national chess champion Published Tuesday, 04 May 2010 With a perfect 7-0 record, Issaquah Middle School eighth-grader Nathan Lee (left) won the individual United States Chess Federation’s 2010 National K-8 Championship in Minneapolis in April.
Trash Monsters on the loose at Sunny Hills Published Friday, 30 April 2010 To celebrate Earth Day, Sunny Hills kindergartners created “Trash Monsters,” slightly-less-than-ferocious bag creatures who just love to eat up trash! Then the students teamed with their third-grade reading buddies to roam campus searching for food to satiate the Trash Monsters. By the end of the day, Sunny Hills had a very clean campus and very happy Trash Monsters!
6th grade math champions Published Friday, 30 April 2010 Beaver Lake 6th grade students pose with the 15th place awards they earned at the Washington State Math Championship in April. Read more at Add it up: Local schools are Math Champions!
7th grade math champions Published Friday, 30 April 2010 Beaver Lake 7th grade students (and coach) pose with the 10th place awards they earned at the Washington State Math Championship in April. Read more at Add it up: Local schools are Math Champions!
Mad scrappers Published Thursday, 29 April 2010 Apollo Elementary fifth-graders in Carrie Alexander’s classroom recently completed a project to scrapbook a “Week in Our Lives.” Not only did they hit 11 writing and communication learning goals, they learned important insights from one another. For instance, one boy wrote: “I am afraid of girls. They somehow make you do things you don’t want to do without realizing it.” Other students spotlighted their little-known interests, such as raising chickens. Ms. Alexander reports that: “EVERY one of my kids finished the project, EVERY one of my kids had good things to say, and EVERY one of my kids showed great growth in their writing skills! Just goes to show that if you are writing about something you care deeply about, you get AMAZING writing!”
Math is really cool for fabulous Clark Sharks Published Monday, 26 April 2010 Clark Elementary students Dylan Dean, Zachary Van Dyke, Devika Richi and Rebecca Walker placed 3rd overall in their division in the 4th Grade "Math is Cool" Championship. Dylan placed 1st in his school, and 2nd overall in his division.
Discovery fourth graders win Washington state Disney Planet Challenge! Published Tuesday, 20 April 2010 Congratulations to students in Tasha Kirby’s fourth-grade classroom at Discovery Elementary. They won first in the state for the portfolio they submitted about local killdeer preservation for the Disney Planet Challenge! The award came with a $1,000 grant and student certificates. The students had to develop a project that not only made a difference in their community but also in their perception about how they can personally make positive environmental changes.
Celebrating Earth Day Published Friday, 16 April 2010 The Maple Hills Student Council poses with puppets they used to film a video in honor of Earth Day.
Liberty culinary crew wows judges at ProStart Invitational Published Thursday, 25 March 2010 On March 6, Liberty High's culinary students wowed judges at the 2010 Boyd Coffee ProStart Invitational at South Seattle Community College. The "culinary team" (Marissa Harrell, Michelle DiMaggio, and Erik McAskill) prepared chicken and bacon roulade with Washington cheeses, a watercress and frisée salad with a blackberry vinaigrette, Petrale Sole with clam chowder, risotto, sautéed celery greens with a lemon-parsley butter, steamed apple cake with maple ice cream, and candied bacon and blackberry coulis. The "management team" (Jessica Warren, Danielle Miller, Anderson Tran, and Danyelle Loucks) also fared very well, showing off their conceptual restaurant knowledge and creative solutions.
Making a difference around the world Published Monday, 22 March 2010 Ugandan orphans proudly show off jerseys they received from a used-sports-gear drive held earlier this school year at Issaquah High.
See the legislative process close-up Published Wednesday, 17 March 2010 State Representative Judy Clibborn (D-Mercer Island) with Pacific Cascade Freshman Campus student Sam Hendrickson on the floor of the House of Representatives, where he served as a legislative page. Any student (aged 14-17) is eligible to serve as a legislative page in the state House or Senate where for one week they deliver messages for lawmakers and learn first-hand about the democratic process.
Discovery volunteer blends classical composers with history lessons Published Wednesday, 10 March 2010 Volunteer Kerry Holmes teaches Discovery Elementary fifth-graders about German classical musician Clara Schumann, a “rock star” of her time whose innate talent was bolstered by having a noted piano teacher as a father and hands large enough to reach 12 piano keys. For almost a decade, Ms. Holmes has presented a comprehensive set of lessons about classical composers to Discovery students, adding an artistic and cultural component to their history studies.
Technology "rocks" at Pine Lake! Published Tuesday, 09 March 2010 Sixth-graders Abbey Powers and Joey Lee show how technology is bringing science to life in Pine Lake Middle School’s Learning Resource Center II (LRCII) classroom. The students took pictures of rocks with digital cameras purchased through a PTSA grant, downloaded the pictures to their student profiles for further study, and wrote a report on their findings.
Welcome home! Published Tuesday, 09 March 2010 Diane Miller’s kindergarten class at Cougar Ridge learned about service, community, family, and thankfulness when they made a giant banner to welcome home a student’s dad, a reservist in the JAG Corps for the U.S. Navy deployed on a 10-month tour in Iraq. The dad has now returned to his civilian job as a Seattle police officer, and he says: “I sincerely appreciate all the support Cougar Ridge has given to my son … and my family when I was deployed. It made the separation bearable knowing that [my son] was being taken care of by people who truly cared about him.”
Beaver Lake BLOCK Club leads annual drive Published Thursday, 04 March 2010 During an assembly at Beaver Lake Middle School, students hold up signs to represent the number of schools—20 out of 24—that would not have a library, computer lab, or science lab if the Issaquah School District were a microcosm of the school system in South Africa. The assembly, produced by the Beaver Lake Outreach Community Kids (BLOCK) Club, kicked off the school’s annual drive to collect educational and living supplies for students in rural areas outside of Johannesburg. All community members can contribute to the drive.
Science in action at Clark Elementary science fair Published Tuesday, 02 March 2010 Did you know that it takes 367 licks to get to the center of a cherry flavored Tootsie Pop but 460 licks to get to the center of a grape Tootsie Pop? Or that Sprite preserves cut flowers even better than the florist-provided liquid feed? Or that certain mice seem to make it through mazes faster when listening to Mozart or Reba McEntire? (And save your money: Bleach and regular laundry detergent do a better job fighting stains than OxiClean.) These helpful tidbits and many more awaited attendees of Clark Elementary School’s science fair in February, thanks to a bevy of well-crafted and executed student projects.
Surgery of the future Published Tuesday, 02 March 2010 In February, Overlake Hospital invited Issaquah High robotics club students Loren Wang, Seung Lee, John Feiler, Greg Finch, Taylor Bruce, and Elliot Chin (from left) to try their hand driving a $2 million machine that performs minimally invasive operations. Finch proved to be the fastest completing certain tasks--which replicate the skills actual surgeons will use--and earned a trophy and a $100 gift certificate to an electronics store. The Issaquah High team and their Eastside high-school counterparts at the Overlake event are preparing for nationwide FIRST Robotics competitions that begin next month.
Liberty senior links first grade pen pals across the District Published Wednesday, 24 February 2010 As part of the Liberty High Teaching Academy, senior Sarah Lowes read “Mr. Blueberry” to students in an Apollo Elementary first-grade class during a lesson about pen pals. She then gave each child a personal letter from another first-grader at a different elementary school across the District, Endeavour. Soon after, Sarah and the classroom teacher helped the students write replies to their pen pals.
Maple Hills and Mercy Corps raise funds for Haiti relief Published Wednesday, 03 February 2010 A Maple Hills first grade student truly captured the spirit of a Mercy Corps Haiti relief fundraiser by donating her piggy bank savings and including a caring message on her ziplock bag: To: Haiti, From: USA.
Become a VOICE mentor Published Thursday, 28 January 2010 Julie Fowler volunteers through the V.O.I.C.E. Mentor Program to work one-on-one with a student at Sunset Elementary every week. Currently, many students throughout the District are on list waiting for more adults to become V.O.I.C.E. mentors. If you are interested—or if you know a neighbor, colleague, or friend who may be interested—contact Susan Gierke at 425-837-7139 or voice@issaquah.wednet.edu. Mentors are matched with students based on interests, and staff strives to make their time together as meaningful as possible for both.
Couches into … cows! Published Thursday, 28 January 2010 The Tiger Mountain Community High School culminating project class raised almost $1,200 to benefit an orphanage in Uganda through a community rummage sale. With the support of the local community, the students collected and sold items as diverse as furniture, clothing, books, and novelty items. When all was said and done, they were able to purchase two cows for a Ugandan orphanage to help the organization become more self sufficient.
Liberty ROCKS! Published Thursday, 14 January 2010 What do David Hasselhoff, "Dr. Feelgood," and superheroes have in common? They all unite into one musical and visual masterpiece in Liberty High School's band's entry into a battle-of-the-bands competition sponsored by a local radio station. To see the entry (and vote!), visit http://therockwfp.com/category/botb-2010/.
Flying portables? Published Friday, 08 January 2010 It’s beginning: Maywood Middle School received portables (they magically flew into place!) over winter break to prepare for a major expansion and renovation project. To keep up with all capital projects across the District, visit our Construction Projects web page.
Where the Wild Things Are Published Friday, 18 December 2009 Maple Hills PE teacher Polly Vaughn, known for her obstacle courses for students, created her first one based on children's literature. Here students tackle the new and exciting course “Where the Wild Things Are.”
Festive and delicious! Published Thursday, 17 December 2009 Eighth-grader Dea Strahler looks over the gingerbread house that she helped her homeroom create for Pine Lake Middle School’s holiday festivities. Dea was especially adept at frosting piping, although her favorite part of the sticky abode are the marshmallow-adorned trees. She had no definitive tally for the amount of raw materials that ended up on the house versus in students’ stomachs.
Jessica's National Anthem precedes Skyline's big win Published Friday, 11 December 2009 Skyline senior Jessica Fisher sang the National Anthem before Skyline's 4A football state title game at the Tacoma Dome on December 5. Skyline went on to win the championship 45-21 over Spokane's Ferris High School.
Pinocchio comes to Briarwood Elementary Published Thursday, 10 December 2009 Briarwood students recently learned what happens when they tell lies—their noses begin to grow! Or at least that was the case with fourth-grader Arianna Vinup, who played the lead role in the school’s production of “Pinocchio.” Trying in vain to keep her from going astray was Pinocchio’s trusty green conscience Jiminy, played by fifth-grader Kendra Selby.
Have a ball! Published Monday, 30 November 2009 Skyline students in Cari Crane’s and Elizabeth Lund’s European Studies block class attended a Renaissance Ball the day before Halloween. They came as popes, kings, queens, writers, and artists of the Renaissance. While socializing in predetermined groups, they discussed issues such as religion, art, and politics—all from the viewpoint of their Renaissance selves. It was truly a ball!
Moroccan artistic exchange Published Tuesday, 24 November 2009 Artists from Issaquah’s sister city, Chefchaouen, Morocco, visited Issaquah High and several other schools in October to give demonstrations of their metal- and wood-working skills. Students were enthralled by their craft and culture, and they were especially eager to sample the Moroccan tea the artists brought with them!
Mix It up! Published Friday, 20 November 2009 Students at Clark Elementary held Mix It Up Day on November 10. The idea was simple—everyone sat in a different spot than usual during lunch—but the results were more profound. Students learned to get out of their comfort zone, cross the invisible lines of school division, and make new friends with all different types of students.
Political process in action Published Thursday, 19 November 2009 Luke Esser, chairman of the Washington Republican Party and former state senator, spoke to Issaquah High A.P. U.S. Government students about the value of a multi-party system, the mechanics of heading a major political organization, and historical ideological differences between Republicans and Democrats. Teacher Jeremy Ritzer and his social-studies colleagues often invite such guest speakers to class to help government come to life for students.
Jazz spectacular! Published Tuesday, 17 November 2009 The Issaquah, Liberty, and Skyline High jazz bands played to a sold-out house at The Triple Door in Seattle in November. Stay tuned: a recording of the collaborative effort will soon be available for sale on CD.
Skyline's IB Biology class at work Published Tuesday, 17 November 2009 In November, enrapt Skyline students in Gretel von Bargen’s IB Biology class used molecular model kits to learn about the chemical bonds in lipids. Sound impressive? It was! Check out Ms. von Bargen’s fact-filled Biology for Life website for more information about her students’ work and projects.
The Toyman visits Endeavour Elementary Published Thursday, 12 November 2009 As part of Endeavour Elementary’s simple machines science curriculum, the Toyman visited to help fifth-graders build trapezes out of particle board and yardsticks. (The “acrobats” were constructed from clothespins and wires.) The ends of the trapezes adjusted to demonstrate incline planes and the difference slope can make in speed, force, and gravity during the acrobats' trips from one end to the other.
Jenny Schaffer is Teacher of the Week! Published Thursday, 12 November 2009 Congratulations to Cascade Ridge fifth-grade teacher Jenny Schaffer, who was recently recognized as a STAR 101.5 Teacher of the Week! Student Sara Reed nominated her for the award, and the radio station surprised Ms. Schaffer and presented her with a $100 check.
Learning on the job Published Friday, 06 November 2009 In November, District construction coordinator Royce Nourigat led a group of students interested in construction careers through the Issaquah High building site. While taking an up-close look at the project, they discussed various jobs within the industry. Following up on the tour, the students will soon have the opportunity to meet and chat with some of the construction workers during a question-and-answer session at the school’s career center.
Connie Fletcher retires Published Wednesday, 04 November 2009 During an October goodbye party for Connie Fletcher, a young reveler shows her his calculations to determine how many weeks she served on the Issaquah School Board (she has accepted a position on the State Board of Education).
First day of school 2009-10 Published Friday, 04 September 2009 PCFC teacher Michele Van More prepares to fall backward from her classroom’s railing into the arms of her awaiting students. The exercise is meant to demonstrate that—even in the face of very challenging tasks throughout the school year—the students must trust that Van More will not let them fall.
IHS cheerleaders cheer first day of school 2009-10 Published Friday, 04 September 2009 Issaquah High cheerleaders, with some foundational help from a few football players, energize the crowd at a welcome-back assembly for all students.
First day of school 2009-10 Published Friday, 04 September 2009 Tiger Mountain students celebrate the return of school with a barbecue.
Tracking the Grizzly Published Friday, 04 September 2009 First day of school 2009-10: Grand Ridge Elementary first-graders get to know the campus by tracking the elusive Grand Ridge grizzly clue by clue throughout the school. Where do they finally find him? In Principal Barb Walton’s office, of course!
Cookies and construction Published Monday, 06 July 2009 Future students watch construction work and eat cookies during the Elementary 15 groundbreaking ceremony on the Sammamish Plateau in June. The school will open in the fall of 2010.
Students support Habitat and affordable housing Published Thursday, 02 July 2009 Students in Mrs. Jane Ulrich’s 4th grade class at Sunny Hills presented a check for $280 to Habitat for Humanity. They raised the funds at the Issaquah ArtWalk through the sale of notecards featuring their photography and poetry. Students selected Habitat for Humanity out of several charities they considered to receive their donation.
IMS students win for recycling cart design Published Tuesday, 09 June 2009 Me eat recycling! Representatives from Waste Management presented Issaquah Middle School students in Becky Havekost’s art class with a $250 check on June 2 for winning a regional contest to design the most creative recycling cart. The City of Issaquah’s Solid Waste Department will now exhibit the Cookie-, ahem, Recycling-Monster inspired cart in public spaces to remind everyone about waste conservation efforts. The $250 prize is to be spent on an environmental program or project that the students select in their school community.
Optimal High School Conversation Café Published Thursday, 21 May 2009 On May 18, more than 50 students, staff members, and parents came together to talk about the high-school experience in the Issaquah School District—what works, what doesn’t, and what type of outside-the-box thinking do we need to help all students succeed? Click “Optimal High School Experience” in the What’s Happening section below for a transcript of the conversations as well as more information about the Optimal High School Experience.
Endeavour loves their bus drivers Published Thursday, 14 May 2009 Endeavour Elementary celebrated Bus Driver Appreciation Day in May with a banner signed by all students. PTSA members held the banner for drivers when they arrived in the morning and handed out homemade muffins. Endeavour PTSA President Becky Lawrence said, “We love our Bus Drivers and appreciate everything they do to keep our kids safe while traveling to and from school.”
SHARK-E at Clark E-lementary Published Thursday, 14 May 2009 The Clark Elementary Sharks had an amazing science fair this year. The organizers creatively played off the movie “WALL-E” to form the theme “SHARK-E” (Scientific, Hardworking, Achieving, Researching Kid – Earth Class). Middle school and high school science teachers judged the projects. Events throughout the night included two different robotic demonstrations, flight experiments, gak making, and salmon dissection.
A sunny Sunset May Day celebration Published Monday, 04 May 2009 Students in the School Age Care Sockeye Club at Sunset Elementary celebrated a sunny May Day by constructing a Maypole while singing May Day songs and learning the history of the international holiday.
The demolition has begun! Published Friday, 17 April 2009 On April 16, bulldozers began knocking down unused classroom wings at Issaquah High in preparation for the school's rebuild.
Surprise! Published Thursday, 16 April 2009 Surprise! Unbeknownst to the woman of honor, staff at Issaquah Valley Elementary planned a gala 90th birthday celebration for Elvira Lindsay in April. Ms. Lindsay is an incredible aide and advocate for local children. After a five-year teaching career in South Dakota, she joined the Issaquah School District as an educational assistant in 1968. She worked at Issaquah Valley from 1969 until her retirement in 2004—but there’s no holding her back! Ms. Lindsay continues to volunteer daily at Issaquah Valley in the library and on the playground.
Clark fifth graders visit ceremonial gift site Published Thursday, 26 March 2009 Ms. Landa’s fifth-grade classroom at Clark Elementary capped a series of lessons about Moroccan culture with a walking field trip to the City of Issaquah’s ceremonial Moroccan door. The door was a gift from Issaquah’s sister city, Chefchaouen. The students brought friendship journals to present to Issaquah city leaders, who will personally deliver them to students in Chefchaouen during an upcoming trip to Morocco.
Team 1318 competes in Portland Published Monday, 23 March 2009 Issaquah High School's Robotics Team brought home another first place award in the 2009 Oregon Regional FIRST Robotics competition in Portland. Here they are in the contest’s semifinal round. The team went on to win first place which qualifies them to travel to April’s international competition in Atlanta.
Issaquah Robotics team is FIRST again! Published Monday, 23 March 2009 Issaquah High School's Robotics Team outperformed 53 other high school teams in the 2009 Oregon Regional FIRST Robotics competition in Portland, bringing home another first place award. The win means that they, the Northwest’s only undefeated robotics team, qualify for the international championship at Atlanta’s Georgia Dome in April. Thanks to Flow International for their generous contribution to registration fees and team lodging at this championship event!
Students create tribute to artist Georges-Pierre Seurat Published Wednesday, 18 March 2009 Issaquah Valley's Cougar Club students used pointillism to imitate Seurat’s Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. It took one man more than two years to complete the famous work. It took 30 students using markers just four weeks to complete their tribute to the artist.
Special needs bus road-eo Published Wednesday, 11 March 2009 Issaquah special needs students are in good hands—some of the best in the nation!—on our school buses.Drivers Donna Patterson and Alaine Tibbets recently won fourth place at the National Special Needs Road-eo competition in Indianapolis. The team demonstrated superior driving abilities—including navigating tricky course work, such as the serpentine event shown in this picture—and incredible skill in areas such as emergency evacuation, first aid, and knowledge of rules and regulations.
Young musicians-in-training Published Tuesday, 10 February 2009 Apollo preschoolers recently visited Liberty orchestra students. They were treated to a mini-concert, learned how to be mini-conductors, and even got to try out the instruments. The 19 preschoolers, armed with their newly-acquired musical appreciation, now make beautiful music together back in their Apollo classroom. Bravo!
IVE Rocks!!! Published Friday, 06 February 2009 More than 89 performers and seven backstage “roadies” entertained a standing-room only crowd during Issaquah Valley’s “’Camp Quah Final Jam” third-annual variety show. The 47 acts included singing, dancing, skateboarding, jumping ropes, hula hoops, comedy, and piano performances. Student emcees Daniel Repp, Onti Rosen, Jennifer Ochs, and Rhoddy Jensen led the excitement. According to Rhoddy: “We had to put in time and dedication to be able to memorize the script …We learned to work hard, encourage others and cooperate with kids from all grades. It was very fun.”
French Revolution comes to Skyline Published Friday, 06 February 2009 10th-grade Honors European Studies students at Skyline High School held a French Revolution Romantics get-together complete with an integrated music program (a French exchange student even played the harp). The festivities included an "absentee monarch" table, and students had food and conversation in their assigned roles about several essential curriculum questions.
Come together! Published Thursday, 29 January 2009 Leadership students from each ISD high school—like the Issaquah High, Liberty, and Skyline representatives in this picture— held a retreat in January to promote unity and brainstorm ideas for an all-District high school event this school year.
Cougar Ridge gets physical Published Monday, 26 January 2009 Cougar Ridge Elementary celebrated physical activity and fitness when students invited their moms and dads to come explore the school’s climbing wall, play tennis, hula hoop, and generally remember the joy of moving around during several evenings in January. More than 200 people attended the first event.
Democracy never tasted so good! Published Thursday, 22 January 2009 Susan Adler’s fifth-graders and their families at Issaquah Valley Elementary helped usher in the 44th President of the United States of America with a potluck and ceremonial viewing of the Inauguration. As Ms. Adler was able to point out real-life examples of the civics and history lessons the students were learning in class, one parent remarked: “I know this will be a memory our children will keep for years to come!”
Construction's new face Published Wednesday, 21 January 2009 Art students at Skyline High School are spreading Spartan culture and beautifying their under-construction campus by painting larger-than-life images of students on the temporary wall separating the commons area from demolition work.
It's a wrap! Published Friday, 16 January 2009 Students in the Academy of Community Transition show off Safeway gift cards they purchased and donated to the Issaquah Food Bank. The students wrapped presents at a local retail store in December, raising $180 in donations to purchase the gift cards. (Students pictured from left: Lauren Wise, Kelley Boehlke, and Kelley Pitcher, with Food Bank staff behind.)
Olympic gold at Grand Ridge Published Wednesday, 17 December 2008 Olympic gold medalist Anna Cummins visited Grand Ridge Elementary in December to share her experience as part of the USA Rowing Team and to challenge students to set and achieve their own personal goals.
Sunny Hills Art Walk Published Thursday, 11 December 2008 Sunny Hills students admire art during a recent Art Walk. In partnership with artEAST, art docents have transformed a room at the school to look like a musuem, with replicas of famous paintings and even original pieces from local artists. Each class visits the room during an Art Walk, looks at the art up close, follows up with conversations about specific themes in the art, and, frequently, has a hands-on lesson to replicate the art. The “musuem” will change five times this year to focus on the elements of color, line, shape and form, texture and pattern, and space.
IMS gets Seahawk's visitor Published Wednesday, 10 December 2008 As the winner of the NFL’s Take a Player to School contest, Issaquah Middle School student Andy Co was escorted to school in a limo by Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck in December. Hasselbeck led a few exercises in Andy’s PE class and spoke at an assembly about the importance of goals and healthy living.
Spencer's big award Published Wednesday, 26 November 2008 Endeavour student Spencer Young—with his music teacher Holly Miller and Board Member Connie Fletcher—received an award at the Technology and Learning Conference after being named the best elementary music composer by the Music Educators National Conference for his piece “March of the Ogres.”
Local veterans celebrated in District schools Published Thursday, 13 November 2008 Student Caroline Mull sits with her grandfather, Veteran Herb Mull, during Sunset Elementary's Veterans Day celebration. Veterans who attended received flowers and were entertained with choir songs commemorating each military branch, a student skit, and a special poem about veterans. As veterans exited the assembly, the students shook their hands and gave them high fives. Every school across the District honored veterans in some special way for Veterans Day.
Tomorrow's electorate Published Wednesday, 12 November 2008 To enhance their studies about American Symbols and Democracy, third graders at Cougar Ridge Elementary held mock elections to coincide with the General Election. Students learned a key message: No matter who you cast your ballot for, it’s your right and responsibility as a U.S. citizen to vote!
Discovery Green Team Published Wednesday, 12 November 2008 Discovery Elementary Green Team members (looking ghoulish in their Halloween costumes) celebrate with their official Guinness World Record certificate: Last April, their school community collected and recycled the most plastic bottles ever in an 8-hour period (657 pounds of bottles!).
Flat Stanley Published Tuesday, 28 October 2008 Flat Stanley is on his way on a worldwide field trip! Each year, Maple Hills first-grade teachers read "Flat Stanley" by Jeff Brown to students. Then, each first grader brings in an address of a relative who lives outside of Washington, and the teachers use all the addresses to establish Stanley’s travel itinerary. As Stanley visits each destination, he sends back postcards and letters to the class (with a little help from his host family). Students track his progress as he travels around the world. In past years, Stanley has visited homes in Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe and North America.
Issaquah High's impressionists Published Thursday, 23 October 2008 Issaquah High students in Martha Legier’s French classes and have traveled from the Seattle Art Museum to Monet’s home in Giverny to study Impressionism—and now they are combining their knowledge of this French-based art genre with their creativity and skill to transform a wall of their classroom into a masterpiece. Très beau!
Newcastle recycle Published Thursday, 09 October 2008 Rubbish-bedecked students from Newcastle Elementary took center stage at the Salmon Days Festival, performing a three-act performance production called “Recycle … What a Wonderful Whirl.” Each act showed recycling from a different perspective: the garbage’s, the ecosystem’s, and the planet’s. Led by the festival’s artist in residence, Jeroen Mourik, and supported by Newcastle’s PE and Music teachers, the students worked the month of September and into October to prepare for the performance.
Astronauts make perfect landings at District schools Published Tuesday, 23 September 2008 Astronaut Wendy Lawrence visited Issaquah Middle School in September to speak to students during the "Exploring Space, Inspiring Planetary Stewardship" Planetary Congress in Seattle in September. Romanian Cosmonaut Dorin Prunariu also visited South-End schools in the District.
NFL seven-on-seven tournament Published Thursday, 21 August 2008 Football players from Skyline and Issaquah High–selected from among all the high schools in Washington State–represented the Seattle Seahawks and won the NFL's seven-on-seven national tournament in New Orleans this summer.
Newcastle Egg Drop Published Thursday, 14 August 2008 “Did you survive?” was the question of the day as Newcastle Elementary fourth graders learned about gravity and air properties by each dropping an egg three stories to pavement below. If the student had designed a successful package—from bubble wrap, hollowed-out bread, balloons, or anything else they could think of—the egg “survived.” If not, well, things got a little stickier!
Endeavour Elementary super sleuths Published Thursday, 14 August 2008 Endeavour “super sleuths” in Lorre Mark’s MERLIN classroom started the year off with a carefully orchestrated mystery: Who was responsible for leaving behind the remains of a camp fire near their school? While digging up some answers, they ended up finding more than they first bargained for—clues like feathers, seashells, and fossils in each layer of dirt that revealed the history the surrounding area. When the investigation was over, the students had solid theories about what happened on that piece of land thousands and even millions of years ago.
Clark ecofriendly carwash Published Thursday, 14 August 2008 As part of their lessons about the environment and preservation, fourth- and fifth-grade students in the Science Technology program at Clark Elementary hosted an eco-friendly car wash on Saturday, March 15, at Front Street Market in downtown Issaquah. Students used environmentally friendly soap and cleansing products and offered preservation tips to customers. They washed more than 70 cars and raised about $1,200 in donations that will help the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery build a wetland.