ReFOCUS Fall-2014

Issaquah School District

Refocus Fall 2014

Ribbon cutting

Ceremonies

At Issaquah Valley & Apollo Elementaries and Liberty High School Hundreds of families and community members turned out to celebrate the newly remodeled Issaquah Valley and Apollo Elementary schools on Tuesday, September 2. Thank you to everyone who participated in making these events so special!

Top Right— Issaquah Valley Elementary Ribbon Cutting: Left to Right back row: Issaquah Chamber Executive Director, Matthew Bott; School Board members Lisa Callan, Suzanne Weaver, and Marnie Maraldo; Superintendent Ron Thiele, School Board member Anne Moore; former IVE Principal Diane Holt; and new IVE principal Denise Waters.

Front Row: two IVE students help Issaquah Mayor, Fred Butler cut the ribbon.

Bottom Right— Apollo Elementary Ribbon Cutting: Third grade student, Matteo Nocco helps School Board President, Marnie Maraldo cut the ribbon at Apollo Elementary. Apollo students look on along with Principal Susan Mundell and School Board members, Suzanne Weaver, Anne Moore, and Lisa Callan.

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Hundreds of Liberty High students joined the community, District officials, and the Issaquah School Board in celebrating the completion of their school remodel.

Issaquah Chamber of Commerce CEO, Matthew Bott, emceed the event. Wright Noel, who is a member of the Issaquah Chamber and Volunteers for Issaquah Schools, a Liberty Wrestling Coach, and the proud father of a Patriot Senior, thanked citizens for their support of the school bond that made this multi-year, multi-phase remodel possible. Principal Dr. Josh Almy and School Board President Marnie Maraldo added their thanks and called attention to the improved educational spaces Liberty students and staff now enjoy. Pictured: L to R: Wright Noel, School Board Director Suzanne Weaver, Principal Dr. Josh Almy, School Board President Marnie Maraldo, School Board Director Anne Moore, and Superintendent Ron Thiele.

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Pirates Confront

Bullying at Challenger Elementary

“Argh!� chanted students as pirates paraded around the stage. During the production, Challenger Elementary School students watched as a young boy unknowingly bullied a fellow classmate at school and then dreamt he was on a pirate ship where he was bullied. Throughout the comedic and entertaining performance, the Taproot Theater Road Company presented the serious issue of bullying in their play Allies Ahoy!

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During the live theatrical performance, students learned what bullying can look like, who allies are, how to manage their emotions and understand empathy, and

how to recognize, refuse, and report bullying if it is happening to them or someone else.

After the production, the theatrical performers reviewed the key lessons presented in the play. They asked students to provide examples of bullying, allies, and how to recognize, refuse, and report.

The Taproot Theater is a Seattle-based company. Their road company presents dynamic educational plays on bullying to elementary and middle school students throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Classroom

Learning comes to life at the Issaquah State

Salmon Hatchery Apollo Elementary third grade students, parents, and teachers eagerly gathered for a visit to the Issaquah State Salmon Hatchery. Seven volunteer FISH (Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery) docents enthusiastically shared their knowledge about the hatchery throughout the tour.

FISH docents used the large fish statues near the front entrance to easily explain how salmon spawn. Students were excited to share what they had learned in class about salmon anatomy and how to distinguish between male and female salmon. Both students and parents asked FISH docents questions throughout the tour and many were surprised by the answers.

Mrs. Dishman, third grade teacher, explained, “We start learning about salmon early in the school year. Before visiting the hatchery, we cover the life cycle and salmon anatomy, which helps students answer questions while they’re here and make connections to classroom learning. The hatchery is extremely beneficial for our students. They are able to use what they’ve learned in the classroom and get fired up to finish our fish unit.”

Students were excited to see the salmon up close as they spawned up stream and swam the fish ladder. Other parts of the 45 minute tour included the fry pool, the egg room, and feeding golden trout.

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Second graders

Take a closer view of their local

Watershed “Eww! Look at the bugs!”

“They’re so fast.” “I think I caught one!” exclaimed Maples Hills elementary second graders during their field trip to Soos Creek. The field trip gave students the opportunity to take a close up look at macro invertebrates and go on a nature walk with Program Naturalists from Nature Vision.

At the viewing stations, students rotated around creek samples searching for macro invertebrates collected from the creek.

Students used extraction devices to view insects in isolation chambers and under magnifying glasses.

Parent volunteers asked students to describe the macro invertebrates and to classify them based off of the aquatic insect cards at each station.

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In between viewing the creek life and the nature walk, Program Naturalists asked students to share what they’d learned about animal life they had viewed at the stations. Because they’d seen a variety of macro invertebrates, students concluded that the creek wasn’t very polluted and supported a variety of insect life.

Students also learned about the watershed and forest habitats surrounding Soos Creek.

They were eager to identify plants along the trail and share many facts they’d learned in the classroom. Along with learning about plants and animals, students found many interesting insects such as spiders and grasshoppers during

their walk.

Mrs. Stryer, second grade teacher, explained, “We teach a unit on ecology, ecosystems, and habitats.

This field trip allows our students a hands-on approach to what we’re learning in the classroom.

Plus it’s so close!”

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Recent addition to the

Kateri Brow art collection

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“What is life truly about?” This eternal question is captured in the stunning artwork of incoming Skyline Freshman, Julia Hong. Julia’s painting “The Soaring Dream” has been purchased by the Issaquah School District to hang in the district office as its most recent addition to the Kateri Brow Art Collection. Julia’s artwork was unveiled at a recent school board meeting with her parents in attendance. Superintendent Ron Thiele expressed his pleasure at being able to purchase “The Soaring Dream” and presented Julia with a check for $75.00.

Liberty High

Senior honored

as centurylink athlete of the week As students gathered for lunch in the commons at Liberty High School, Athletic Director Loren Krogstag took to the microphone to make a special announcement. Senior Quinn Magendanz was being honored by CenturyLink and the Seattle Seahawks as the CenturyLink High School Athlete of the Week. Students showed their enthusiasm for Quinn’s award with a round of applause and cheers.

Quinn, who was nominated by his grandparents, was excited yet bashful to receive his award in front of his school mates and family members. Quinn was recognized not only for his athletic abilities but also for his scholastic accomplishments, leadership, and community involvement.

Quinn is a 4.0 Honor Society student and Class President. He is a three sport athlete in football, wrestling, and soccer and has earned varsity letters in all three sports. He is actively involved in the community with fundraising for under privileged students through the Kiwanis club, an active Key Club member, and a Relay for Life volunteer.

As part of his award, Quinn received a football and jersey customized for him by the Seahawks, a CenturyLink High School Athlete of the Week Letterman Jacket Patch, two tickets and sideline passes to the October 12 Seahawks home game versus the Dallas Cowboys, and was interviewed for a Q13/JoeTV segment. Quinn will also be recognized at on the Hawkvision Boards and in the Seahawks game day broadcast on October 12.

In addition to Quinn’s awards, the Liberty High School athletic department received a $1,200 Sports Authority gift card.

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Two Liberty

Vocalists Sing in National Choir

Christina Sargent and Astrid Quintanilla recently travelled to Nashville, Tennessee to perform with the 2014 National Association for Music Education (NAfME) All-National Honors Ensembles in the Presidential Ballroom at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. Both young women had sent in video auditions last spring and were selected to perform as members of the 2014 NAfME All-National Honor Mixed Chorus after an extensive audition process.

Christina shared, “I’ve never felt more honored to be part of something.”

More than 350 vocalists from 50 states were invited to perform in the gala which featured more than 670 musically talented and skilled high school students in the United States.

The NAfME All-Honors Ensembles Gala consisted of concert band, symphony orchestra, mixed chorus, and jazz ensemble. These exceptional students had the opportunity to work with prominent conductors including Mark Camphouse, Gerald Schwarz, Edith Copley, and Robert Baca.

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This is the second year in a row that Liberty High School has represented the Issaquah School District at the national level and one of the very few schools state-wide that sent more than one student.

NAfME is among the world’s largest arts education organizations that advocates at the local, state, and national levels to provide resources for students, teachers, parents, and administrators. NAfME has supported music educators at all teaching levels for more than a century.

Interhigh leadership conference New officers from Issaquah, Liberty, and Skyline High Schools attended a KingCo InterHigh leadership conference. The day started with a presentation from motivational speaker, Phil Boyte. Students then gathered together to discuss ways to implement the leadership tools they’d learned at their schools and the Issaquah School District.

Enhanced Safety Trainings The safety of students and staff is a high priority for all of us in the Issaquah School District — as well as our local law enforcement and first responders. Recently, our law enforcement partners brought to our attention new best practices in responding to possible security threats in our schools. These practices are based on what law enforcement has learned over the past decade responding to events on school campuses. In partnership with our School Resource Officers, the District will be conducting safety trainings and drills for staff and students in the upcoming school-year that are enhancements to what we have been practicing the past several years. Parents will have an opportunity to learn more about these trainings through PTSA and other school events. Watch for information in future E-News communications from the District and your school.

Photo: L to R: Student Resource Officers Hall, Montalvo, and Weihe.

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Congratulations to

IHS Photography

Teacher

Nicole Newton By

Her photo “In the Pumpkin Patch� won grand prize in the Seattle Times garden harvest photo contest. Read the full Seattle Times article here.

Beaver Lake Middle School Performs at

Washington State Fair

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The Beaver Lake Middle School 7th grade Orchestra started the year with a performance at the Washington State Fair on Thursday, September 18. Congratulations to the students and Mrs. Vail for such a successful performance so early in the year!

Liberty High School

football coach

honored the

NFL &

National Guard as Coach of the Week Steve Valach, head coach for the Liberty High School football team, looked surprised as students and staff gathered in the school commons. His surprise turned to excitement when Liberty High School Athletic Director Loren Krogstad and Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Supervisor Tricia Ovechka announced that he was being honored as the Washington State High School Coach of the Week by the NFL and the National Guard.

After the announcement, Officer Ovechka called Paul Johns, the NFL Outreach Coordinator, on speaker phone so that everyone could hear as he congratulated Coach Valach on his successful football season thus far. Coach Valach is in the midst of his 16th season as Head Coach for the Liberty Patriots. During his tenure, he was led the Patriots to four playoff appearances, all resulting in quarterfinal finishes or better.

Coach Valach was also awarded with $500 for the Liberty High School football program, a $225 Sports Authority gift card, a coach of

the week jacket, and a pair of tickets to the Seahawks versus Forty-Niners football game later this month.

The Washington State National Guard High School Coach of the Week program aides in the development of youth football and provides high school coaches with recognition and financial assistance to their programs. Each week during the high school football season, the Seattle Seahawks and the Washington State Football Coaches Association select two high school football coaches as winners of the Coach of the Week award.

Coach Valach was honored and humbled by the reception he received for his award. He noted that the Liberty High School football program is not just him. He works with many staff and students to make it the success it is today.

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Seahawk

Players Share the importance of

hard work, being healthy & Physical fitness

at Apollo Elementary Principal Mundell stood on the Apollo Elementary stage as students dressed in blue and green sat eagerly in anticipation for their famous guests to arrive. After a brief introduction by Principal Mundell, the emcee introduced Blitz, the Seahawks mascot to the stage. Together they started off the Seahawks Play 60 Tuesdays assembly. Blitz revved up the students’ energy and had them chant Sea-hawks before introducing two Seahawks players.

Students were ecstatic and clapped heartily when linebacker KJ Wright and linebacker Mike Morgan were introduced to the stage.

After sharing a bit about their football careers, Wright and Morgan discussed the importance of working hard and being healthy and physically fit.

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Fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Batterman, shared, “This will be so powerful for our group of boys. When KJ Wright was talking about practice making perfect on the football field and then related it to multiplication in the classroom, it was really impactful.”

KJ Wright shared that when he was younger, and growing up in Mississippi, he loved fried chicken. He recommended students eat healthier than he had and choose options such as baked or grilled chicken. Mike Morgan recalled that he disliked green beans as a child, but now he enjoys them and spinach.

Students had the opportunity to ask KJ Wright and Mike Morgan questions during the assembly. Many questions were related to football. Both Wright and Morgan did an excellent job of sharing their football experiences and then relating those experiences back to the classroom so students could relate to them in their daily lives.

After the assembly two fifth grade classes joined KJ Wright and Mike Morgan for athletic activities.

The Seahawks Play 60 Tuesdays program was made possible thanks to fifth grade student Daniel Pacheco, who applied online to have the Seahawks visit Apollo Elementary.

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Cougar

Ridge Fifth Graders Visit

Camp Warm Beach

At the beginning of every new school year, 5th grade students at Cougar Ridge elementary school have an opportunity to learn team work and more about each other at Camp Warm Beach. This year, 99 students from four classes attended Camp Warm Beach, located in one of the finest ecosystems in the Northwest. Students had a chance to get to know each other in an environment away from school as they swam, canoed, rock climbed, orienteered, took leadership challenges, and even had a pioneer challenge. Fifth grade teacher Megan Hand noted, “Going to camp has been a long standing tradition for fifth graders at Cougar Ridge. While at camp they build camaraderie, friendship, and team building skills as well as life long memories.” Thank you to the parent chaperones, who, along with the 5th grade teachers who made this year’s camp a success.

Photo courtesy of fifth grade parent Zach Goldberg.

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Apple

Cup Food Drive

Clark Elementary school students donated 264.9 pounds of nonperishable food and goods to the Preston Food Bank as part of their fall Apple Cup Food Drive. The PTA encouraged the healthy rivalry between two beloved Washington colleges. Students had the option of donating to the Washington State University box or the University of Washington box during the food drive which ran from October 3-17. It was a tight race; the WSU box received 134.2 pounds and the UW box received 130.7 pounds of nonperishable food and goods.

Early Morning

Runners at Grand Ridge Elementary

Twice a week before school starts, students in grades two through five can be found gathered in the Grand Ridge gymnasium for Running Club. Their morning starts with student led stretching, followed by either a run in the gym or around the track outside. PE teacher Andy Hogle uses Popsicle sticks to help students keep count of their laps and noted, “Most students complete 5-12 laps. Some students are really into running while others enjoy walking and jogging.” Alyssa, a fourth grader, mentioned that she joined the Running Club because she plays soccer and wants to become a faster runner. While other students, like Chloe who is in second grade, were encouraged to join by family and friends. The goal for each student is to complete 25 miles.

The club’s final run is the local Turkey Trot, which encourages students to run with their families and friends.

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National School Bus

Safety Week October 20-24 Geographically speaking, the Issaquah School District is one of the largest in the state, encompassing 110 square miles of road and highway that our buses travel every day.

Our Transportation Department and bus drivers are committed to safely transporting students to and from school and school-related events. Following are some facts about your Issaquah School District Transportation Department.

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BLMS Welcomes New Families

Principal Stacy Cho, Assistant Principal Marilee Bosshart, and ASB student leaders greeted new students and their parents for a special orientation for new families. After administrators were introduced, students moved to a separate area to participate in a welcome breakfast and activities led

by ASB students. Meanwhile, parents gained a better understanding of their student’s new middle school from Principal Cho who covered common questions of new parents and the culture at Beaver Lake Middle during her presentation.

Marilee Bosshart explained, “Our new student and parent orientations really came out of two separate ideas. On the administrative side we noticed an influx of culturally diverse and global families new to Beaver Lake Middle School who had many questions. On the other side, our ASB leaders wanted

to use the law of influence to help make new students feel comfortable, safe, and respected. We combined these two ideas to create our new student and parent orientations.”

This is the second year Beaver Lake Middle School has hosted new student and parent orientations. Parents were invited via Skyward and the ASB sent hand-made postcard invitations home with new students. Counselor Kristen Beasley shared, “We’ve already seen huge growth from last year. We have about 60 new students and I’d say about 30-40 percent are here today.”

New student orientations are held once a trimester and as new students attend Beaver Lake Middle School, they are invited throughout the year. Along with morning gatherings, the ASB makes an effort to get to know new students and check in with them.

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Grand Ridge Grizzlies

showing their pride Pacific Cascade Middle School

Orchestra to Play at Northwest Conference

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The 8th grade orchestra at PCMS has auditioned and been selected to perform at the North West Division of the National Association for Music Educators Conference (NAfME). The band will be preparing to play a 25 minute concert for educators from Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. The conference takes place at the Spokane convention center in mid-February.

Briarwood

Fun Run Fundraiser

Music blared and rain drizzled as excited students and teachers prepared for the Briarwood Elementary School Orange Ruler Fun Run. Each class carried a team poster, designating their team name as they readied to start. Prior to the run, an announcer explained how amazed he was at the fundraising achieved by Briarwood students.

Students were 105% to goal and raised more than $41,000 during their fall fundraiser.

As music played, classes were called to start the run through an inflatable orange ruler tunnel. Students were encouraged to run, walk, skip, or jog around the track and have a fun time. Teachers joined their students and PTA parent volunteers cheered classes on around the track.

The Orange Ruler Fun Run was sponsored by the PTA, who kicked the fundraiser off with an assembly that emphasized the importance of being active, thinking of others, giving, and believing in yourself.

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Maywood Teacher Honored

Award with Symetra Heroes in the Classroom

Congratulations to Maywood Middle School teacher Melissa Norman. Melissa is one of sixteen K-12 teachers selected from the Puget Sound area to be honored with a “Symetra Heroes in the Classroom� Award. She was recognized for her ability to make a real difference in students’ lives; going above and beyond in her day-to-day responsibilities; and helping students build life skills. Melissa received the award in front of students and peers in her classroom during a surprise presentation from Symetra and Seahawks representatives. Along with being recognized as a Hero in the Classroom, Melissa also received a $1,000 donation for classroom books and supplies, two tickets to the September 21 Seahawks game vs. the Broncos, a pre-game VIP sideline experience, and she will be featured on the video board during the game.

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Pictured L to R: Principal Jason Morse, Melissa Norman, and Assistant Principal, Jane Harris.

National

Hispanic Scholar Congratulations to Sandra MataDiaz of Liberty High School for being named a National Hispanic Scholar! Sandra was recently recognized through the College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP) as an academically outstanding Hispanic/Latino high school student. Sandra is within the top 1% of all Hispanic students who took the PSAT last year. Each year the NHRP honors about 5,000 of the highest-scoring students from over 250,000 Hispanic/Latino juniors across the nation who take the PSAT/ NMSQT.

Volunteer Gardeners at Issaquah Valley Elementary Issaquah Garden Club and Issaquah Valley Elementary parents recently volunteered their time sprucing up school garden beds.

Because the six garden beds are used only by first graders and parents from February through October, it was important to clean them out so they are useable next year.

Along with cleaning out the garden beds, the Issaquah Garden Club harvested over two dozen pumpkins. Second grade classes will use the pumpkins to learn about the life cycle of plants. Extra pumpkins were donated to the Issaquah Food Bank.

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Brush strokes

& pencil lines: PTSA hosts reflections

artist

workshop On a table strewn with art supplies, students crafted works of visual art for the PTSA Reflections contest. The Grand Ridge Elementary PTSA Reflections chair encouraged students to keep the theme “the world would be a better place if…” in mind while creating their artwork. The artist workshop was held to encourage students to participate in the Reflections contest and provide supplies for students.

Lemonade!

get your lemonade!

Parker and Colt, two Issaquah Valley Elementary School students, recently held a lemon “aid” stand at the Issaquah Salmon Days festival. Parker, known as Mr. P., has sold lemonade during the festival for multiple years with the proceeds going towards various Issaquah charities. This year, Parker and his friend Colt (Mr. C.) were partners in the lemon “aid” stand. Together they made a business plan, built a professional stand, and calculated their overhead and net profits. Due to their successful lemonade business, Parker and Colt will be each donating $80, 40% of their profits, to the Issaquah Valley Elementary walk-a-thon PTA fundraiser.

ISD High School

Girls Dominate

at 2014 Girls Generation Robotics Competition

Three Issaquah School District high school robotics teams recently competed in the 2014 Girls Generation competition.

All three teams, Issaquah High School- Issaquah Robotics Society FRC team #1318, Skyline High School- Spartabots FRC team #2976, and Liberty High School- Iron Patriots FRC team #4131, had outstanding showings at the 24-team event.

The IHS Robotics Society finished qualifications with a record of 8-1 and finished the competition ranked as the #1 seed.

This is the second year in

a row that the IHS Robotics Society has won the Girls Generation competition.

The SHS Spartabots were joined by the Skunk Works Robotics from Aviation High School and formed the #1 alliance. Their alliance went undefeated in eliminations and won the event championship! This is the first win for the SHS Spartabots. In addition, the LHS Iron Patriots were selected to join the #4 alliance and participated in elimination matches before being defeated in the semifinals.

The 2014 Girls Generation Competition is aimed

specifically at involving girls in typically male-dominated robotics events. Throughout the competition only girls are allowed to operate and maintain the robots, however, boy teammates can provide support.

Brett Wortzman, IHS FIRST Robotics Advisor shared, “We are very proud of the accomplishments of the girls on all three teams, and boys who supported them.�

Pictured is the IHS Robotics Society drive team from left to right Avalon Feiler, Hana Morris, Caroline Moore, and Sarah Powazek.

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Author Visit at Apollo Stirs Up

Creative Thinking in Students

“How do you become a good writer?”

Paul Owen Lewis, visiting picture book author and illustrator, asked students at Apollo Elementary School. “Well, you can’t write a good book unless you become a good reader,” he explained.

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During his schoolwide assembly, Paul shared with students how his passion for drawing, love for books, and life experiences have led to his success as an author and illustrator of children’s picture books. Students enjoyed his comedic approach to learning how to write creatively and learned that each writer takes a different approach to the writing process; for Paul, he often draws the pictures to his books before he writes the story.

After the assembly, Paul met with smaller groups of students to dive deeper into the process of brainstorming, creative thinking, and tacking writer’s block. During these sessions, Paul asked students to help him brainstorm underwater themed food and movies for his current book project. Students took familiar food items and movies and came up with some interesting variations, such as “mackereloni and cheese” for macaroni and cheese and “Mermen in Black” for the film “Men in Black.”

Throughout his time with Apollo students, Paul constantly reminded them to use their life experiences when writing and to strive for their dreams. He noted that when you make your dreams come true, you inspire others around you.

Inspiring

Leaders Newcastle Elementary fifth graders recently took an inspirational field trip to the Gates Foundation Visitor Center where they learned how to be active leaders and promote service learning. During the field trip, students were encouraged to keep in mind Newcastle’s new fifth grade mission statement: “Fifth graders are leaders by embodying the CARES philosophy. Fifth graders will also internalize skills and strategies into habits as lifelong learners.”

Liza Rickey, fourth and fifth grade teacher, shared, “We are recognizing student volunteerism outside the classroom and providing opportunities for students to be leaders in school.”

Later this year, classes will focus on leadership skills and choose school problems to solve. Students will design plans, implement ideas, and evaluate their effectiveness.

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Marathon Runners at Clark Elementary

Students eagerly run around the track during recess on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Clark Elementary. These runners are members of the school’s PTA-sponsored Running Club.

“I like running a lot,” explained third grader Madison Richley. “My sister is in the Running Club and thought I’d like it too, so I joined.”

Another third grader, Shane shared, “I’m running to get better muscles. I’ve already completed two marathons!”

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This is the third year the PTA has hosted the Running Club. A volunteer explained, “The PTA was looking for a proactive and no cost to parents activity for students. We

worked with the Principal and Educational Assistants to develop the Running Club, and it’s been popular ever since.”

Clark staff has observed that running during recess helps these students focus better in the classroom.

While many students were returning runners from previous years, some students were just starting with the club.

For each ¼ mile lap around the track, students earn a bead for their necklace.

After each mile, they receive a “foot”.

Milestone certificates are awarded for 5, 10, 15, and 20 miles. The ultimate goal for each student is to complete a marathon (26.2 miles).

Teachers Create

Educational

Poster with the Help of a

Steamroller!

Next to the Bellevue Art Museum, a steamroller moved slowly down the street as groups of frenzied educators and artists inked large block prints during the museum’s “Ink, Drop, and Roll” event.

One of these groups, the Lynx Ladies, included Kathy Skalak, Shona Campbell, Shannon Krzyzweski, and Anne Tremonte, four teachers from Pacific Cascade Middle School.

Anne explained, “Our group could not pass up on the opportunity to pool our creativity as teachers and experience working with a real steamroller in the process.”

The group applied to participate in “Ink, Drop, Roll” in late August and saw it as a great way to create personalized educational posters for their school.

Prior to the event, the Lynx Ladies designed and carved a 3’x 4’ piece of linoleum with block printing tools. Their poster design focused on education with an emphasis on inspirational images rather than words.

On the day of the event, the carved poster was then inked by hand and printed with a steamroller.

Throughout the day’s events, the group created six posters, each unique due to the inking and steamrolling process.

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The Great Pumpkin

Book Project From Dumbledoor to Captain Underpants, studentdecorated pumpkins lined the library shelves of Clark Elementary as part of the “pumpkin book project.”

Librarian Julianna McDowell shared, “We have more than 150 decorated pumpkins!

Students chose their favorite book characters and decorated pumpkins to match. It’s amazing to see the creativity behind all the pumpkins and how each student has their own take on a character.” Along with decorating pumpkins, students were asked to share three words that best described their favorite book character. This is the first year Clark Elementary has offered the pumpkin book project. Mrs. McDowell hopes to continue it next year as it helps instill a love for reading and provides a great opportunity for families to bond over books.

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Maple Hills

Students get their hands

Pumpkins!

A tractor filled with Challenger Elementary kindergartners bounced along the dirt path as they excitedly described what sort of pumpkin they wanted to take home. While at Jubilee Farms, kindergarten students picked pumpkins from the pumpkin patch, saw farm animals, and learned about the produce grown on the farm. Student teacher Natalie Patee explained, “Prior to our pumpkin patch visit, we cover plant life. We learn how seeds turn to flowers and then become pumpkins.

Students get really excited to share what they know about pumpkins and we have a student driven question section that prompts students to learn more. We also read the book Pumpkin, Pumpkin which promotes understanding sequencing and more about the pumpkin life cycle.�

dirty On a rainy Wednesday afternoon, Maple Hills Elementary students, staff, and parents took part in a fall campus beautification project.

Together groups weeded garden beds, laid bark on pathways, spread mulch, and removed garbage from the garden area. The project was led by Dean of Students Tracy Magee and the Maple Hills Green Team as part of the green initiatives planned at Maple Hills Elementary.

Creekside Students

Raise Funds for PTSA Sponsored Programs

emergency preparedness tools, and much more. Tera Coyle was astonished by the fundraising efforts made by the students.

Creekside Elementary celebrated the fundraising efforts of their students throughout the day on Friday September 26. More than $83,000 was raised for PTSA sponsored programs.

The celebration of their “Orange Ruler” fundraiser started with a pig race, where the top ten fundraising classes decorated and raced mechanical pigs in front of the whole school. Ms. Skone’s class pig was decorated like a Seahawk and won the beauty contest, while Ms. Toney’s class pig won the pig race for the second year in a row.

After the pig races, classes eagerly participated in the Orange Ruler Fun Run. Students had been encouraged to wear their teacher’s favorite colors and sported team signs for their classes. During the run, students dedicated different laps around the track to their families, teachers, and community members who helped make their fundraiser such a success.

Principal Tera Coyle and Dean of Students Jill Ravenscraft noted that the funds will go to great PTSA programs that include LAPP support for reading and math, the science fair, the art docent program,

The Orange Ruler representative at the fun run noted that the fundraiser is popular because it is team based, allowing the school to work together to reach their goal. Because Creekside exceeded their goal, they will receive a Kona Ice snow cone party later this year.

Throughout the two-week intensive fundraiser, Principal Tera Coyle visited the top class each day and presented them with an Orange Ruler stuffed character to honor their fundraising success.

The Orange Ruler fundraising program not only raises funds for schools, but also encourages students to think about how they can help others. It promotes positive messages of believing in oneself, being physically active, healthy, contributing to the community, and a positive mental attitude.

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Preventing

Bullying, the Value of Life &

Positive Thinking at Pacific Cascade “How does this pertain to your life? How should you be treating others?” ASB Lynx Life Teacher Jonathan Zabriskie asked Pacific Cascade Middle School students to reflect on these pertinent questions during a recent presentation from guest motivational speaker Bill Durham.

Bill started his presentation discussing bullying, the value of life, and being positive by explaining to students why he is so passionate about these topics. “My goal is to make the world a better place to be in,” explained Bill. “I was bullied in elementary and middle school because of a scar on my forehead and it made me dread going to school.”

Bill recalled some harsh memories from his time in middle school before sharing stories of other middle school students who had faced similar struggles. The students all looked like typical middle school teens but they had been bullied and harassed and had ultimately taken their lives because of it. After a moment of silence, Bill pointed out that bullying can happen to any student, in any country, in any school.

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With this realization in mind, Bill asked students to reflect on how they felt and acted towards their fellow classmates,

staff, and family members. Next Bill had all students and staff members stand; he asked those who had never been affected by or felt bullied or harassed to sit down. Most of the students and staff at the presentation were left standing. As students and staff looked around the gymnasium, Bill asked them to share with one another how bullying had affected them.

When the sharing had quieted down, Bill emphasized that bullying can leave physical, mental, and emotional scars.

He noted, “We don’t wear signs on us that say what is going on in our lives. If we don’t share with others, they won’t know what is going on in our lives.”

As the presentation drew to a close Bill reminded everyone how valuable they are and how much they are valued. He asked students to keep in mind how they are treating others and how they want to be treated.

To end his presentation, Bill quoted Mya Angelou, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Apollo

Reading Buddies

Every Wednesday morning a handful of dedicated Maywood Middle School students help enhance the reading skills of first graders at Apollo Elementary School. Together reading mentors and their first grade buddies read for about an hour. Prior to working with their reading buddies, Maxwell Atchison, Katherine Schultz, Michael Schultz, Daniella Paulino, Margaret Baumgartner, and Owen Campbell trained with Sue Myatt, the Apollo LST. Mentor buddies learned salient points of working with young leaders, the basics of being a mentor, and how to pick the right book. Jenise Clausen, Dean of Students, shared, “This is a wonderful opportunity for older students to give back to younger students.�

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A Colorful

Stream of Dreams Now Flows at Issaquah Valley Elementary At Issaquah Valley Elementary School, students took part in a unique eco-mural and education project known as the “Stream of Dreams”.

During the week of September 22 through 26, students learned about the local watershed, streams, rivers, and salmon habitat. This interactive environmental science lesson was taught by Louise Towell, Stream of Dreams Founder. Kindergarten students from Mrs. Brammer’s class were excited to learn about the waterways that run through our community and keenly interested in how our behaviors affect both salmon and water quality.

In conjunction with the environmental science lesson, students designed and painted wooden fish to include in the eco-mural. Each grade level painted different sized fish to add diversity to the mural. Stream of Dreams PTA event cochair Tiffany Aske explained that many students brought designs with them and followed them as a guide for painting their fish, while others freehanded their paintings.

The week culminated in the installation of over 800 swimming wooden salmon painted by current students and former 2013-14 fifth grade students on the fence line along Newport Way. Leah Gibson, Stream of Dreams PTA co-chair, explained that this event was a true labor of love; from cutting and priming the 800 salmon, to securing donations from the community to make this art installation possible. She was excited to see such a beautiful mural installed at Issaquah Valley Elementary School.

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Pajamas and Good Books; Cougar Ridge Hosts Kindergarten Read-In

Although it was after school, the Cougar Ridge Elementary library was packed with parents and students for the school’s “Pajamas and Good Books” Kindergarten Read-In. A pink pajamaclad Principal Palermitti sat on a stool surrounded by kindergarteners as she read picture books aloud. Her animated voice entertained students and she encouraged them to join in the storytelling. Principal Palermitti read three picture books to the kindergarten group and said, “I loved seeing the kids’ expressions as I read to them. They were so excited to be here and to see me.” After the picture book read-aloud, parents and students were encouraged to read together before heading home.

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Cougar Ridge Orange Ruler

Fun

A Fond

Farewell Friday, October 31 was Lenore Schmidt’s last day at Challenger Elementary School. Lenore, who retired, had worked at Challenger for more than 18 years and made a positive impact on thousands of Issaquah students. Chelsea Dziedzic, Challenger Dean of Students, shared, “Lenore is a gift – she is consistently warm, positive, and nurturing in all of her interactions with staff, students, and families. She will be greatly missed.”

Pictured is Lenore after she crossed her very last group of students across the Challenger parking lot.

Run

Cougar Ridge Elementary School recently held their Orange Ruler PTSA Fun Run fundraiser. A pig race was held in the morning featuring the top ten fundraising classes and groups of students ran around the track in the afternoon. Students and staff sported orange apparel in honor of the Orange Ruler event. Although it rained, students and staff had a great time showing off their school spirit while they exercised. Dean of Students, Sharon Roy, shared, “To date, the PTSA has raised $89,000. This will help fund student programs along with teacher and school grants throughout the year.” Photos courtesy of Zach Goldberg, Cougar Ridge parent.

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Spooky Spaghetti at Sunset Elementary

Sunset dads dressed as Italian chefs served pasta to excited families during the Sunset PTA’s 9th Annual Spooky Spaghetti Night and Food Drive. For this event, run by the dads, Sunset Elementary was transformed into a spooky playground. Students were encouraged to dress up, play games, and dance. Throughout the night, 78 dads and one granddad enjoyed themselves along with their families, participating in games such as the Dare box, throwing a rat into a toilet, throwing a ball at Sponge Bob, and dancing the YMCA. This safe family fun night was filled with laughter and joy.

Principal Amanda Dorey shared, “It was an incredible evening and this was our most highly-attended Spooky event to-date. A staggering 902 dinners were sold—that’s 113 more than last year! To put that in perspective, that’s 100 pounds of pasta, 80 pounds of salad, 328 cartons of milk, 384 bottles of water, 30 pounds of candy and spider rings, and 600 sugar cookies! I would consider this event a huge success.”

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Preparing for

Life after High School Principal Stacy Cho, Assistant Principal Marilee Bosshart, and ASB student leaders greeted new students and their parents for a special orientation for new families. After administrators were introduced, students moved to a separate area to participate in a welcome breakfast and activities led

by ASB students. Meanwhile, parents gained a better understanding of their student’s new middle school from Principal Cho who covered common questions of new parents and the culture at Beaver Lake Middle during her presentation.

Marilee Bosshart explained, “Our new student and parent orientations really came out of two separate ideas. On the administrative side we noticed an influx of culturally diverse and global families new to Beaver Lake Middle School who had many questions. On the other side, our ASB leaders wanted

to use the law of influence to help make new students feel comfortable, safe, and respected. We combined these two ideas to create our new student and parent orientations.”

This is the second year Beaver Lake Middle School has hosted new student and parent orientations. Parents were invited via Skyward and the ASB sent hand-made postcard invitations home with new students. Counselor Kristen Beasley shared, “We’ve already seen huge growth from last year. We have about 60 new students and I’d say about 30-40 percent are here today.”

New student orientations are held once a trimester and as new students attend Beaver Lake Middle School, they are invited throughout the year. Along with morning gatherings, the ASB makes an effort to get to know new students and check in with them.

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Story Time at the First Grade

Read-In

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Cougar Ridge first graders sprawled on the library floor in their pajamas. Surrounded by blankets and stuffed animals, they waited in anticipation for the first grade read-in to begin. After the introduction of the first picture book, students sat enthralled. The two story readers for the night were Issaquah High School Book Club Co-Presidents Isabell and Julianna. Together they read a handful of picture books. Some of the students’ favorite books included “Skeleton Hiccups,” “Quick as a Cricket,” and “Night of the Veggie Monster.” During their favorite parts, students giggled, made sound effects, and acted out character parts.

Discovery Fun Run Develops

Character Energetic classes walked one by one to the Fundrunner group leaders and stretched as they prepared for the Discovery Elementary Fun Run. After stretching, classes were announced to the start line where all three Fundrunner leaders, “Skyscraper,” “Firecracker,” and “Thunder,” briefed them on the fun run. “Thunder” reminded students of the character development messages they had learned and practiced throughout the week and reviewed the rules of the fun run.

finding a racing and water buddy, and making new friends by finding a buddy to run with. Towards the end, family members were encouraged to walk with their students during the Family Lap. Mari Stevens, PTSA president, explained, “This is the first year we’ve partnered with a company for our fun run.

We chose Fundrunner because they focus on character development along with helping us raise funds.”

Positive music played as “Firecracker” led students at the start and eager students ran around the track collecting a check mark for each lap completed. Parents congregated in the middle of the track and cheered their students on as they ran.

“I love that all of our students can participate” noted Principal Michelle Nishioka. “Every morning the Fundrunner leaders were here encouraging students and dancing. They also did short morning classroom visits that focused on topics such as being thankful, uniqueness, respect, health, and fitness.”

During the fun run, students practiced many of the character development traits they’re learned throughout the week.

An announcer encouraged students to participate in activities such as: being unique and dancing around the track, practicing good health and fitness by

The PTSA exceeded their goal of $50,000 through fundraising and company matching funds. The money raised will go towards PTSA sponsored programs such as Eager Reader, the art docent program, Reflections, the science fair, and teacher and classroom grants.

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Kirby’s

Cups Mrs. Kirby’s Earth Science students at Beaver Lake Middle School have prepared Styrofoam cups to be taken on a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) research cruise later this month. Student-decorated cups will travel to Guam where they will board the Roger Revelle Research Vessel and be used to conduct research. The cups will then be attached to a hydrocast, a large metal frame with sample bottles and a variety of sensors, and submerged deep into the Pacific Ocean. The Styrofoam cups will be returned to Issaquah in January, where Earth Science students will observe the changes to the Styrofoam cups caused by the Pacific Ocean. Can you guess what the cups will look like upon their return?

Mix

It Up Mondays As students gathered for lunch on Monday, they were asked to find someone new to talk with and “mix up” their general lunch routines.

Two ASB officers at Beaver Lake Middle School announced the activity and demonstrated how easy it is to “mix it up” at lunch.

Questions on the overhead projector offered ice breakers for students on what to talk about.

This is one of the many ASB projects at Beaver Lake Middle School that focusses on inclusion among students and offers a great opportunity for students to make new friends.

Taste of

Discovery A fun evening was had at Discovery elementary as students and parents eagerly looked over the delicious bites being set up for the Discovery PTSA’s Taste of Discovery event. At six o’clock sharp, tasters excitedly moved from booth to booth experiencing new foods, including family favorites and traditional cultural dishes.

Many tasters were unsure if they would like unfamiliar dishes; however, they were eager to try them. Some found the new bites to be delicious and others not to their liking. Dishes ranged from savory to sweet and included dulce de las tres leches, Chinese BBQ pork, applesauce, edamame, pumpkin cookies and cupcakes, ulli pakodi, Indian mango lassi, dahlia vada, and anzac cookies.

Along with discovering new foods and recipes, families were encouraged to take a produce challenge to identify strange looking produce, decorate cookbook covers, and take photos with silly food props.

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First

Days of School Briarwood

Sunset

Creekside

Briarwood

Creekside Skyline

Skyline

Briarwood Discovery

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Clear, Concise & Confident:

CTE Workshops Teach 21st Century Skills

“Um, Uh, So, and Like are some of the many filler and crutch words used by untrained speakers,” shared Alice Coday of Fiscal Empowerment Network of Seattle-King County, as part of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) workshop series on twenty -first century skills at Issaquah High School.

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Students from Andrews Shanafelt’s business and marketing class gathered for a four part pilot skill share series presented by the CTE Advisory Board Business and Marketing Group. Throughout the presentation, the advisory group community volunteers shared insight into the ways students can become clear, concise, and confident speakers. Alice Coday led the week’s presentations with speaking skills

using a combination of questions, short videos, and real world examples to share with students how to become better speakers.

After the presentation, students and volunteer leaders gathered in small groups to practice what they had learned. Prior to speaking in their group, students guessed the number of filler words they would use and their most commonly used crutch word. As each student and volunteer took turns speaking for one and a half minutes about their favorite TV show, group members kept track of their filler and crutch words.

After each short presentation the small groups discussed the effectiveness of the speaker and included critiques about eye contact and body language, from skills learned the week prior. The Business and marketing group leaders included Alice Coday of Fiscal Empowerment, Chelsea Westcott and Deborah Franke of Swedish Hospital,

Joe Clodfelter a retired business and marketing sales professional, and Joe Heslet of the Issaquah Press.

“This pilot series is one of the goals of the CTE Advisory Board,” explained Lexie Davison, CTE Specialist.

“The Board’s Business and Marketing group chose 10 twenty-first century skills they felt were most important in their industry and developed a pilot workshop to share with students. We are very excited to have our advisory board members getting involved in CTE classrooms to teach our students life skills they will use for future success.”

Over the next two weeks, the CTE Advisory Board Business and Marketing group will cover tone, pitch, and pace and interview skills with Mr. Shanafelt’s business and marketing class. The CTE department hopes to expand the series to all Issaquah School District high schools in the near future.

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Liberty

Sunset Liberty

Sunset

Unity

Day 50

Students and staff wear orange apparel in support of uniting together as a community against bullying and creating a culture of kindness.

Social Graces for Everyday “It’s awkward when people look all over your body for your name tag,” explained Kristen Fiersting, etiquette consultant, to students as they checked in for the Pacific Cascade Middle School PTSA’s Social Graces for Everyday Distinction class.

Kristen shared, “Place your name tag near your righthand should so that when you introduce yourself with a handshake, you can easily read the other person’s name and they can read yours.”

Social graces are more than etiquette; they are life skills to be successful and confident.

During the modern manners class, students learned about the importance of making a good first impression, how to overcome the fear of meeting people, the proper way to introduce themselves and others, the importance of a strong handshake, and how to hold themselves and walk with poise and confidence.

“The biggest mistake you can make is not making the introduction at all,” explained Kristen as she and a student demonstrated a strong handshake.

Throughout the two hour class, students practiced handshakes and introductions with Kristen and parent volunteers. Students practiced how to avoid a limp noodle handshake and learned how to confidently introduce themselves and groups of people. While some of the etiquette rules seemed old fashioned, Kristen deftly shared how many rules had evolved and why students should practice them in their daily lives.

Parent volunteer Kim shared, “This is a great opportunity for students to gain confidence and life skills. This class is the first in a three part series and I can’t wait to see what the students learn and how they change throughout the classes. I know I’ve already learned a few things!”

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Issaquah Middle School Students

Learn the Importance of

Money Management

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Issaquah Middle School students assumed fictional lives as working adults during their visit to the Junior Achievement (JA) Finance Park where they learned the importance of money management. Some students turned into married couples with children, while others were single, married, or single parents. Household incomes, based on national averages, ranged from $1,580 to $4,873 per month, with ages ranging from 25 to 35.

As students purchased cars at the Chevrolet dealership, Brooke Kircher, JA Finance Park Manager, reminded students that they needed to consider the needs of their family over their desires and jokingly reminded students that, “No one is getting a divorce, giving their kids up for adoption, selling family members on the black market or putting family members in trucks or on roofs so that they can buy an SUV or sports car.”

Initially students were disappointed that their new fictional lives only allotted for two children, however, they quickly realized that supporting themselves and their families on a single income household can be challenging.

After lunch, students subtracted their bills from their budgets, practiced buying goods and services for their families, and learned the strengths and weaknesses of credit cards.

Keeping in mind their families and budgets, students collected bills, took out home and auto loans, and invested in savings accounts at the parent volunteer run businesses located throughout the JA Finance Park.

At the end of the day, students gained a better understanding of how to manage their current and future money. “This is a real learning experience about wants versus needs,” explained Brooke.

The JA Finance Park field trip is part of the 8th grade financial literacy curriculum sponsored by the Issaquah Schools Foundation. Throughout the course, students participate in a two to three week instructional unit on personal finance in their social studies classes and take a day-long field trip to the JA Finance Park in Auburn, Washington.

Linda Henderson, Secondary Language Arts and Social Studies Specialist explained, “Students experience all the joys and stresses of budgeting and paying bills with the goal of not going into the red.�

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Walking on Sunshine at the Walk-A-Thon

Sunshine, laughter, and excitement filled the air as lei-decked Endeavour Elementary School staff and students started off their annual walk-a-thon. This year’s walk-a-thon was a Hawaiian theme.

“Endeavour opened in 1996 and we’ve been hosting a walk-a-thon ever since,” explained Principal Kathy Connally. “It’s grown over the years. This is the largest community event we host. Rain or shine, we have our walk-a-thon.”

Many parents walked the perimeter of the school with their students as they earned laps, while others waved and cheered their students on. The goal for each student was to complete 18 laps around the school.

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“Prizes are awarded for every three laps,” noted PTSA Co-Vice President Care Maree Harper. “Students who complete all 18 laps will be entered into a grand prize raffle drawing.”

Bethany Rogers, Endeavour parent, mentioned, “My daughter loves the walka-thon. It’s something she looks forward to every year. There’s always such high energy and the kids get to mingle with their teachers. When my daughter was younger I used to walk with her, now I just let her go.”

This year’s walk-a-thon raised more than $31,000, exceeding their $30,000 goal. The BBQ, silent auction, and other activities were expected to raise an additional $5,000. Each year, the PTSA chooses a large project to fund with the walk-a-thon profits. This year’s walk-athon funds will provide 17 laptops with rolling carts for student use. The walka-thon will also fund programs such as Science to Go, teacher and grade level grants, family activities, and the art docent program, as well as for replacing PE equipment and campus beautification.

Super Heroes

on the Run Colorfully-caped Challenger Elementary School “superheroes” chanted and cheered in anticipation as the top 10 fundraising classes prepared to race mechanical pigs. Each mechanical pig was decorated and judged in a beauty contest by staff dressed as hogs! Mr. Frank’s class unicornthemed pig won the beauty contest and Ms. Nocente’s green pig won the race.

After the pig race, groups of students raced around the grass track. Each class ran through the Orange Ruler tunnel individually. Then all of the classes ran together as parents and staff members cheered them on from the sidelines.

Principal Sara Jo Pietraszewski noted, “This event wouldn’t have been possible without our PTA members Angie Dutcher and Tiffanie Dieffenbach and my secretary Dana Colingham. Angie and Tiffanie worked hard to find sponsors for this event and Dana created more than 650 capes for students to wear during the race. They all put in hours and hours of work to make this event a success.”

More than $50,000 was raised through the Orange Ruler Fundraiser for PTA funded programs including Science to go, art equipment, teacher grants, special field trips, and opportunities for students.

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Honoring Our Veterans

Cougar Ridge

Cougar Ridge

Liberty

Challenger

Sunny Hills Sunny Hills

Pine Lake Challenger

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IMS Presents

Alice @ Wonderland

Issaquah Middle School Squak Valley Players recently presented Alice @ Wonderland, a modern day twist on the classic story of Alice in Wonderland. The drama group spent eight weeks preparing for their production which was presented November 14 and 15. While Alice still fell down a rabbit hole, she was no longer a lost girl– but a typical teenager looking to charge her phone. Throughout her search for a phone charger, Alice met an array of crazy characters including the Cheshire cats, Humpty Dumpty, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, a whole garden of talking flowers, and of course the Queen of Hearts. Audiences thoroughly enjoyed the production and laughed along at the strange twists on their favorite characters. The comedic production was enjoyed by all audiences as they watched Alice stumble through Wonderland.

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Briarwood Students

Explore

Sea Life at the Seattle

Aquarium Briarwood Elementary first graders recently visited the Seattle Aquarium. During their field trip, they spent time exploring, observing, and learning about sea life. Students enjoyed learning about some of the adaptations sea animals have that make it possible for them to survive in their habitats. Sarah Rahlfs, first grade teacher, shared, “We learned a lot in the tide pool area and were able to touch some tide pool animals.” Some of the favorite student activities included touching animals in the tide pool, seeing the otters hold hands, and watching the octopus get fed.

Two Liberty Students Sign

Letters of Intent

Two Liberty High School students signed national letters of intent to colleges in early November. Swimmer McKenna Briggs signed a national letter of intent to the University of San Diego where she plans to continue her athletic career as a swimmer.

McKenna recently helped the Liberty Patriot’s swim and dive team with the 2A State Championship title, won two individual state titles, and earned the Swimmer of the Meet award at the 2A state division swim meet.

Connor Small also signed a national letter of intent to Arizona State University where he plans to continue wrestling at the collegiate level. Connor is a three time District wrestling champion with a career record of 93-13. He has won many meet awards and is the Gut Check Champion and Battle of the Board Champion. Both students are very excited about their futures as college athletes.

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Cascade Ridge Students Create

Day of the Dead Masks

in Honor of Dia de los Muertos

Science Technology students at Cascade Ridge Elementary created artful renditions of Day of the Dead masks in honor of Dia de los Muertos, a Mexican holiday which focuses on friends and family who have passed away. Students participated in a short lesson in the classroom and researched the holiday prior to creating their beautiful masks.

Liberty HS

Swim and Dive Wins

2A State Championship Title

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Congratulations to Liberty High School Swim and Dive Team for their first State Championship title. The team dominated the 2A State Championship finals on November 15, winning seven of the 12 events. This was the first year the Patriots have competed in the 2A division and they swept their competition by more than 100 points. Along with the success of the team, Senior Mackenna Briggs won two individual state titles and earned the Swimmer of the Meet award.

Inspired Students Write

with Author Erik Brooks Students giggled and laughed as author and illustrator Erik Brooks shared his humorous illustrations of polar bears during the Endeavour Elementary School author visit assembly. As he read his picture book “The Practically Perfect Pajamas,” Erik shared about the writing process and how every story needs a problem and a solution. Going beyond story structure, Erik explained the inspiration behind his first book and how the illustrations emphasized the emotions of his polar bear characters.

Keeping with the theme of emotions in illustrations, Erik then shared the book he is currently writing called “Max Tracks” which is based-off of his real-life dog Max. Erick shared Max’s photos and then asked students to guess Max’s distinguishing features that were emphasized in his book. After a round of guessing, Erik told students he had chosen to emphasize Max’s ears because they are already large.

Using a whiteboard and marker, Erik then illustrated how emotions can be conveyed through illustrations.

“When Max is happy, I illustrate him with a smile, nose up high, and his ears flying behind him,” explained Erik. “When Max

is sad, I make his eyes and mouth turn down and his ears drag on the ground by his feet.”

To close out the assembly, Erik shared how his daughter’s stuffed animal “Sleep Dog” had inspired him to illustrate various characters that he hoped to use in an upcoming book. As Erik flipped through the slides, students guessed what S-letter words the character was portraying and the character’s emotions.

After the assembly, Erik met with classes of students. Together they delved into the writing process and crafted short stories about “Sleep Dog” as their main character.

Students were encouraged to draw or write and use their creativity to help “Sleep Dog” solve a problem.

Endeavour Principal Kathy Connally explained, “Every year our PTA sponsors a young author visit. We are fortunate enough to have Erik visit us for a whole day of assemblies and writing workshops.

These visits really help jump start our year of writing and gets students excited about the writing process. Being able to meet a real author also helps make writing more relatable.”

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