Showing posts with label schools. Show all posts
Showing posts with label schools. Show all posts

Funding approved to provide statewide technology training for educators

Friday, July 31, 2020

Chris Reykdal, Supt.
of Public Instruction

This week, the state Office of Financial Management (OFM) released $2.5 million in federal funds to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to expand training for educators on the use of online learning management systems.

In partnership with OSPI, the state’s nine regional educational service districts will provide support and training with no registration cost. These supports will help districts with platform selection, provide training for educators and families, and will launch networks for educators to share best practices

In total, Congress allocated approximately $195 million to Washington’s local school districts and $21 million to OSPI to address impacts resulting from COVID-19. 

While all funds have been released to local school districts, OFM has held back the vast majority of the funds allocated to OSPI; this $2.5 million for professional learning represents the first major step in scalable statewide solutions to improve the online learning experience.

As OFM considers a release of the remainder of the state’s portion of federal funds, OSPI intends to cover the costs of internet for students eligible for free or reduced-price meals and to partner with community-based organizations to help families secure childcare, engage in language translation services, and other parent and family engagement strategies.

More information from OSPI here.



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CNBC ranks UW Bothell No. 1 among public colleges that ‘pay off the most’

Tuesday, July 28, 2020



BOTHELL, Washington — CNBC Make It has ranked the University of Washington Bothell No. 1 among public colleges across the nation that provide the greatest return on investment.

In the July 28, 2020, report, UW Bothell moves up from No. 2 on last year’s list. The UW Seattle campus is ranked No. 3 after topping the list last year.

Make It is a website of the CNBC business news organization, and the report is part of its college guide.The list spotlights 25 public and 25 private schools that provide students the highest average salaries for their dollars.

The No. 1 ranking comes as UW Bothell marks its 30th year and the University has pivoted to serve students remotely during the pandemic.

“We are pleased by the recognition because we believe in the power of a UW Bothell degree to transform lives and uplift communities,” said Sharon A. Jones, UW Bothell’s vice chancellor for academic affairs. 
“The coronavirus pandemic has shifted our focus to remote instruction and allowed us to reflect on what we do well now and how we can further improve our student support infrastructure. We are making those investments that will allow us to continue our mission to increase access to an excellent education.”

CNBC Make It calculated average net college cost using national data from Tuition Tracker, a tool created by The Hechinger Report. It calculated average earnings from the top 250 schools included in PayScale’s College Salary Report, specifically considering what alumni report 10 years after graduating.

CNBC Make It also considered the net cost of each college for the typical U.S. student — including tuition, fees, books, supplies and other expenses — after subtracting scholarships and grants. The report also considers the net cost for students from families making between $48,001 and $75,000, an income range established by the Department of Education — the bracket that includes $61,372, the median U.S. household income.

The figures highlighted by CNBC Make It for UW Bothell are:
  • About 55 degree programs,
  • Enrollment of 5,364 undergraduates,
  • Of first-year students, 96% from the state of Washington,
  • Of first-year students, 40% would be first in their immediate family to receive a degree from a four-year institution,
  • Average annual net cost for in-state students (income $48,001-$75,000): $6,812, 
  • Median salary for alumni with 10+ years of experience: $108,000.

UW Bothell is located close to old town Bothell in the curve formed where SR 520 meets I-405.




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Evergreen School announces new Head of School

Saturday, July 4, 2020

Halsey Bell, Head of School
Evergreen School

Evergreen School, an independent school for highly capable children, located at 150th and Meridian in Shoreline, has announced their new Head of School.

Effective July 1, 2020, Halsey Bell has become their fifth head of school.

Halsey is a dedicated and thoughtful administrator with over 23 years experience in independent schools. He has exemplary leadership experience across administration, academics and co-curricular realms, and served as Evergreen's upper division head for the past seven years. 

In that role, he worked closely with faculty to continually refine, innovate and provide the best programming and curriculum to meet the needs of our highly capable population of students. Prior to coming to Evergreen, Halsey spent 13 years at Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences in a variety of roles, including assistant head of middle school and dean of students upper school.

Halsey was a member of the Giddens School Board of Trustees for five years, serving on the Executive and Finance Committees and chairing the Facilities Committee. He is currently a member of Seattle Academy's Risk Management Subcommittee. In his spare time, Halsey serves as vice president of the Seattle Youth Lacrosse Club Board and coaches lacrosse for Seattle Wolfpack.

Halsey knows our community from more than an administrative perspective—he and his wife are the proud parents of a current Evergreen student and a recent alum. We are excited to have Halsey at the helm in 2020!




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A local author is seeking help: Giglio Theater School of Dance

Monday, June 29, 2020

A Local Author is Seeking Help

By Jon Ann Cruver

Marjorie Rhodes is a local author who has spent many hours researching for a new book she is writing. Part of this process lead her to the archival pages of the Shoreline Area News where she discovered a photo of someone playing the octopus piano during one of the early community Painted Piano days. 

Ed Cruver playing the Octopus piano 2012
He played every piano that year
Photo by Jon Ann Cruver


Dear Editor of Shoreline News; 
I came across a photo (online) in the Aug 8, 2012 issue of your paper, featuring a man, Ed Cruver, at a unique piano. Many years ago, I was a dancer with a Seattle school and company in which there was a dancer by this same name. It is a long shot but I'm wondering if this could be that same Ed Cruver.

Yes, that was “that same Ed Cruver.” Who just happened to be one of the lead male dancers for the Giglio Theater School of Dance / Theater Dance Players, um.. a long time ago, when he could do stuff like this:

Ed Cruver in his dancing days


The school was an important part of his family and to hundreds of others who were involved with the school, which was headed by a beloved couple: Henriette and Giovanni Giglio. In addition to those students Giglio taught special education students for three years in the Shoreline Schools.

Rhodes notes in her website that “several Giglio dancers performed individually with Seattle Opera, in local musical theatre productions, night club revues, and northwest television appearances. 
"Some Giglio dancers had professional careers in other parts of the country and other parts of the world: e.g. NY’s Radio City Hall ballet troupe, Broadway musicals, Las Vegas, and Europe and Asia.  
"The Giglio company dancers were trained and experienced in various dance arts: classical, musical theatre, jazz and flamenco.” 

The couple were honored to be asked to help teach dance with Flamenco artist Jose Greco, who took them to Spain, away from their school.

Their daughter, Cleo Lee King, kept a studio in Shoreline going for several years, so the Shoreline connection is strong. Upon retirement Cleo Lee danced with a tap dance class at the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center.

Rhodes says “I’m seeking information through newspaper articles, programs, photographs, and personal memory stories for a history project on the Giglio dancers and school. I need names, dates, places, and sources please.” 

She can be contacted through her website which also includes an incomplete list of people who were in the company.



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Local residents named to President's List at Gonzaga University

Sunday, June 28, 2020

Gonzaga University

SPOKANE, WA (June 26, 2020) - The following local residents have earned placement on the Gonzaga University President's List for spring semester 2020.

Students must earn a 3.85 to 4.0 grade-point average to be listed.

Lake Forest Park
  • Hannah Cote
  • Tessa Farnam
  • Rachel Giroux
  • Audrey Halkett
  • Megan Opfer
  • Schuyler Peters
  • Sophia Viviano
North Seattle
  • Jonathan Hayes
  • Quinn Nichols
  • Andrew Ray
  • Hannah Wist
Shoreline 
  • Stella Beemer
  • Abigail Chen
  • Holly Ebel
  • Lindsey Ernst
  • Eden Glesener
  • Rachel Hansen
  • Dulce Rivera-Zepeda
  • Garett Schultz

Gonzaga University is a humanistic, private Catholic University providing a Jesuit education to more than 7,500 students. Situated along the Spokane River near downtown Spokane, Wash., Gonzaga is routinely recognized among the West's best comprehensive regional universities. Gonzaga offers 75 fields of study, 23 master's degrees, four doctoral degrees in one college and six schools.



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Local residents named to Dean's List at Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University

SPOKANE, WA (June 26, 2020) - The following local residents of have earned placement on the Gonzaga University Dean's List for spring semester 2020.

Students must earn a 3.5 to 3.84 grade-point average to be listed.

Lake Forest Park
  • Drew Caley
  • Braden Cote
  • Hannah Dang
  • Jaxon Muzzy
  • Garrison Pinkley
  • Lillian Visser
  • Kate Wiper
North Seattle
  • Alicia Bianchetto
  • Collin Cramer
  • Keegan Hilt
  • Peyton McKenny
  • Anna Smith
Shoreline
  • Tessa Foley
  • Hailey Hubbard
  • Spencer Jacobs
  • Thomas Kenny
  • Morgan McCurdy
  • Sean McCurdy
  • Bella Mertel
  • Kathleen Newman
  • Eleanor Reid
  • Sophia Rice
  • Emily Tjaden
  • Jessica Wymer

Gonzaga University is a humanistic, private Catholic University providing a Jesuit education to more than 7,500 students. Situated along the Spokane River near downtown Spokane, Wash., Gonzaga is routinely recognized among the West's best comprehensive regional universities. Gonzaga offers 75 fields of study, 23 master's degrees, four doctoral degrees in one college and six schools.



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Governor issues guidance for reopening in-person instruction for higher education institutions

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Ana Mari Cauce, UW President

Gov. Jay Inslee was joined in a press conference on Wednesday by presidents of Washington colleges and universities to unveil the guidance for reopening in-person instruction at higher education institutions in the fall. 

Today’s announcement comes with a proclamation providing specific health guidance for four-year public and private institutions, as well as two-year community and technical colleges, apprenticeships and private career schools.

“Each campus is different — varying in size, location, mission, and academic programs. But everywhere, students and educators are clearly ready to get back to campus both to learn and to enjoy this unique period in their lives,” Inslee said during a press conference Wednesday. 
“However, we must acknowledge the need for equitable student outcomes under these circumstances and that student health must be paramount.”

Included in the health guidance are requirements already in place across much of the state. Masks, limits on class size, symptom monitoring, personal protective equipment availability and approval from local health districts. These requirements are in addition, not a substitute for, health requirements already in place.

Understanding that not every campus is the same, each institution will develop and implement its own Safe Back-to-School Plan. Higher education institutions have already been working with their local health jurisdictions throughout this pandemic, and that is expected to continue.

Read the rest of the story on the governor's Medium page.



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Orca pride at Highland Terrace Elementary

Sunday, June 21, 2020


Some parents decorated the school fence at Highland Terrace Elementary to help send off students and staff for the summer.


The sixth graders are making the big transition to middle school. End of year celebrations were all cancelled this year.



It's a transition for many parents, as well. After years at Highland Terrace, they will be moving on to involvement in middle school and high school.

But they'll always remember Highland Terrace.

We love Highland Terrace. Orca Pride!


Highland Terrace is located at 100 N 160th St, Shoreline 98133, across the street from Shoreline Community College. Students at HT move on to Einstein Middle School and Shorewood High School.




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PTSA highlights the work of Dr. Brandon-Felder in the Shoreline School District

Saturday, June 13, 2020

As an amendment to our previously published open letter, we’re writing to publicly apologize to Dr. Brandon-Felder for not highlighting her valuable work within Shoreline School District for the last four years.

We are proud to be part of a District that engages with issues of racism and inequality, and we know that would not occur without her tremendous leadership. 

Dr. Brandon-Felder has created and supported staff trainings, community forums, student enrichment and social justice conferences, and continues to keep our District focused on serving those who have been historically marginalized through unprecedented challenges of the current pandemic. 

She is recognized as a regional leader, and we are grateful for her passion and dedication to anti-racism and social justice. We are sorry and regret the harm done to Dr. Brandon-Felder and her department, as we only wish to support her as a Black leader as well as our Black communities in Shoreline.

We remain committed to amplifying the voices of Black students in Shoreline who are advocating for Ethnic Studies and to see more diversity reflected in school staff. Real institutional change is not accomplished by one person alone, but through all staff, from leadership to linestaff, redefining and reimagining what is possible.

2019-2020 Meridian Park PTSA Board of Directors

Gretchen Bjork Knudsen, President
Briana Bell, Secretary
Ann Yee, Co-Treasurer
Callie Steward, Co-Treasurer
Alex Hart, Vice President - Events and Family & Community Engagement
Mary Kate Horwood, Co-Vice-President - Clubs / Programs
Erika Botch, Co-Vice-President - Clubs / Programs
Nauko Grimlund, Membership Co-Chair
Laura Graven, Membership Co-Chair
Naomi Hillyard, Fundraising Chair
Suni Tolton, Grants Committee
Whitney Hardie, Art Docent Co-Chair
Nancy Buehler Jenkins, Communications: Website
Jiovanna Koceski, Communications: Cheetah Chatter



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Shorecrest High School graduate pinwheels - a Twist on Graduation

Saturday, May 30, 2020

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Colorful pinwheels spin in the wind on the lawn by Shorecrest High School. They are a whimsical tribute to the graduating seniors.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

 "Class of 2020. Graduation with a Twist"

Like all graduates this year, they definitely have a Graduation with a Twist. The bright and colorful pinwheels are a way to honor the graduates while following "Stay Home - Stay Safe" guildelines.



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Back to School event: Help and be helped

Friday, May 29, 2020


The Shoreline Back to School Consortium is excited to hold its 19th annual Back To School (BTS) Event to support a successful start to the school year for our K-12 students.

Each year the Shoreline/Lake Forest Park (LFP) community comes together by donating backpacks, school supplies, clothes, and hygiene products for this event and plans to serve over 1,000 students!

Please Note: This year’s event will be different due to COVID-19. To ensure the health and safety of BTS event attendees and volunteers, changes are being made to follow state and district level guidelines. Please make note of the changes included below.

Event Information:

Where: (NEW LOCATION) Meridian Park Elementary, 17077 Meridian Ave N

When: Saturday, August 22 from 12:30pm - 4:00pm

Who: Students who attend Shoreline School District schools and students that live in the Shoreline School District boundaries.

IMPORTANT: This year, parents and guardians are requested to send only one representative per family; please leave children at home.

What will be provided: One family representative will be able to pick up a backpack, school supplies, hygiene items, socks, and underwear for each student in Pre-K - 12th grade.

This year, we are sorry that we will not be able to hold the resource fair (including lunch) or provide haircuts.

To Register for the BTS Event: To attend the August 22nd event and receive supplies, visit the BTS website, or call The WORKS information line at 206-393-4916 and leave a message. School Family Advocates can assist with registration, too. 

Each backpack is filled with grade appropriate school supplies


To Support the BTS Event: There are many ways to support this event and our students:

  • Donate Critical Items: This year’s most needed school supplies are: Large backpacks, composition notebooks, earbuds, pointed and blunt tip scissors, fine line color markers, and scientific calculators. A full list of items can be found HERE In July, drop off donated items:
  • Volunteer: Opportunities to volunteer prior to or on the day of the event will be posted on the Back to School Consortium website: http://www.btsconsortium.org/ or feel free to leave a message on The WORKS information line, 206-393-4916.For more information or if you have questions, visit the BTS website

THANK YOU to our Back to School Consortium Members:
  • The Center for Human Services;
  • City of Shoreline;
  • Dale Turner Family YMCA;
  • Hopelink;
  • Ronald United Methodist Church;
  • The Salvation Army;
  • Shoreline Community Care;
  • Shoreline School District;
  • Rotary of Lake Forest Park;
  • The WORKS of Shoreline PTA Council.
  • The Shoreline Breakfast Rotary participated for many years.


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Shoreline elementary students selected for 2020 AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame

Sunday, May 17, 2020

In recognition of their dedication to traffic safety, community stewardship and leadership, Elana Bronsther, a sixth-grade student at Echo Lake Elementary and Cameron Cook, a sixth-grade student at Syre Elementary were recently chosen for induction into the 2020 AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame.

As a long-standing tradition, a panel of judges from AAA Washington, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission chooses ten top patrollers for induction into the AAA Washington School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame. 

Nominations require input from both the patroller and their advisor, including responses to a series of essay questions. This year, the panel received nearly 45 nominations from across the state to review and evaluate.

Elana Bronsther
Echo Lake Elementary
Elana Bronsther – Echo Lake Elementary

Bronsther took action when she spotted safety issues at her school, creating a new patroller post in a hallway where unsafe and loud first graders waited for classes to begin. Patrol advisor, Joe Wack says she found a way to reassign four patrollers to that area without affecting the other posts. He calls it a wonderful improvement for the school.

As instructed, Bronsther notified Wack when she saw a parent driving while talking or texting on a cell phone. The advisor says one parent, initially angry about her report, later thanked Bronsther for doing her job. “This parent finally realized the bigger picture of student safety,” Wack said. “She was very apologetic and complimented Bronsther for having the courage to speak up about her dangerous driving habit.”


Cameron Cook
Syre Elementary
Cameron Cook – Syre Elementary

Cook’s nomination centered on his drive towards making things better. The patrol captain consistently led by example, jumping in where needed, demonstrating the proper management of each post. It is an intimidating task for any sixth-grader, telling fellow students how to behave. 

Cook’s ability for speaking up and enforcing the rules impressed patrol advisor Jenny Hodgen. She is a big fan of his new program, rewarding students who obey the rules with positive behavior slips. 

“Cook’s idea of using positive reinforcements for students in order to encourage the desired behavior is exactly what we were looking for,” Hodgen said. “He is always seeking ways to improve the system and make the job safer for students.”

The 2020 AAA Washington School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame class includes seven girls and three boys from rural and urban communities across Washington.

AAA created the School Safety Patrol 100 years ago, and has been inducting outstanding patrollers into the local Hall of Fame for 29 years, and partners with local agencies to bring the program to elementary schools across Washington.




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CareerConnect@Home to provide students with Career Connected Learning opportunities

Wednesday, May 6, 2020




This week, Gov. Jay Inslee and Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal kicked off Career Connected Learning Month in Washington and as part of that effort, CareerConnect@Home will bring daily learning opportunities to students across the state. 


Now, every school day at 3:30pm, students can hear from real people doing real jobs in Washington.

While school buildings are closed, students are still learning from home and career connected learning is an essential part of a student’s education. 

Through a secure link, students can log on to participate in conversations with real professionals about their job and the future of their industries. These programs will help students explore a range of education and career pathways.

"We launched Career Connect Washington to help provide students with pathways to job training and higher education right here in our state,” Inslee said. 
"CareerConnect @ Home is a way for students to explore those pathways during this ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ period. It’s more important than ever for students and parents to be looking toward the future and this is a great opportunity to do that.”

"School buildings may be closed, but student learning is continuing,” Reykdal said. “CareerConnect @ Home is a great partnership with industry leaders and professionals to provide students across Washington with information about real jobs in our state. I hope students will utilize this opportunity to explore options for their future.”

Themes for the month-long CareerConnect@Home program include:
  • Week 1 (May 4 – May 8): Technology and Innovation Week: Technology and Information with representatives from Zillow, Amazon Web Services, Uber, Seven2 and Bristol Myers Squibb
  • Week 2 (May 11 – May 15): Building Washington Week: Manufacturing, Construction, Energy with SEH America, Avista, NW Carpenters’ Institute, Independent Technicians Automotive Committee and the Puget Sound Electrical Apprenticeship Program
  • Week 3 (May 18 – May 22): Be a Boss Week: Entrepreneurship and Start-ups with Armoire, Madrona Venture Group, MOD Pizza, MOZ and Chef Eduardo Jourdan of JuneBaby and Salar
  • Week 4 (May 25 – May 29): Lead Your Community Week: Education, Health Care, Government, Non-profits (note: no session on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25) with the team from KUOW radio, Committee for Children, King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay & Pasco City Councilmember Zahra Roach and the Healthcare Industry Leadership Table

In 2017, Inslee launched the Career Connect Washington initiative to help more students find a pathway to high-quality job training and education. Career Connect Washington is a public-private partnership with the goal of connecting 100,000 young people with employer internships, registered apprenticeships, career exploration programs and other learning opportunities.

Schedule and more information on how to access CareerConnect@Home programs HERE 


About: CareerConnect@Home is sponsored by Career Connect Washington (CCW) in partnership with Challenge Seattle, the Washington Roundtable, Schools Out Washington and Washington STEM. CCW is comprised of industry, labor, education, and community leaders who are creating work-based and academic programs for young people to explore, learn, and earn money and college-level credit. 



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Echo Lake teachers create music video to encourage students to be active

Saturday, May 2, 2020

Find the beauty in nature - and watch out
for low-flying eagles!
Screenshot from video


Echo Lake Elementary staff created this fun music video for their students to share things they can do to stay active, healthy and positive.

The music was written and performed by Echo Lake Teacher Donny Ballard.

It’s pretty creative and super awesome! Take a look.



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Shorecrest seniors pick up caps and gowns

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Photo courtesy LFP Rotary

Seniors picking up caps and gowns at Shorecrest High School.

LFP Rotarian Jacqueline Drew was there helping and smiling at students behind her mask.

Thank you Jacqueline and to all the teachers and support staff making the Seniors feel special.

Because of the pandemic, no traditional graduation ceremonies will be held.



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Thunderbird Rock: Shorewood staff misses their students

Monday, April 20, 2020

The T-Bird mascot sings alone in the empty gym
Screenshot from video


Shorewood staff misses their students and wanted to show some love for the Senior Class of 2020.

So they recorded a video of greeting and support - view it HERE

Written and recorded by Marty Ballew and Paul Beaudry, the staff of Shorewood High School participates in a song of support for their students.



Go outside at 8:20pm every night and make some noise for Shorewood!




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Support Students and Families in the Shoreline Rotary 30-day Challenge!

Thursday, April 16, 2020


Between now and May 15th, Shoreline Rotary will match dollar for dollar up to $3,000 in contributions for gift cards that will go to students and families in need throughout the Shoreline School District.

These gift cards provide flexible spending support so critical during these times. This campaign is made possible through a partnership between Shoreline PTA Council 6.12, Shoreline School District and Embrace Shoreline Schools.

Equitable distribution of gift cards is facilitated through the Family Advocates at each school. The Advocates identify vulnerable students and families so that the gift cards reach those in greatest need.

Donate today and have a direct impact on the lives of those needing a little extra support during this difficult time. Your donation matters!




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Shoreline Rotary to hear about Music4Life program - Wednesday on Zoom

Monday, April 13, 2020

Music4Life presentation at Shoreline Rotary Wednesday


Join in the fun of a Zoom Rotary Meeting Wednesday morning, April 15, 2020. The meeting starts at 7:30am with Andrew ringing the bell.

All Friends and Rotarians Welcome!

After club doings and the virtual Goose, we welcome David Endicott, the president of Music4Life, a District 5030-wide program begun by David, Ken Noreen and others who recognize the importance of fostering a love and understanding of music in young people.

Music4Life’s mission is to “provide donated and repaired musical instruments at no charge to public school districts for use by students in need.” 
But it really is much more than that. As we have learned from our own experiences with music, and just as the Music4Life website states, “music education helps a person lead a richer, fuller, more meaningful life — and an arts-rich community is a more desirable place to live.” 

David, a member and current president of the Puget Sound Passport Rotary Club, will give us an update on Music4Life projects. Here’s another great way that Rotary makes a difference in our community - come and see our friend, David, or meet him for the first time, virtually. See you Wednesday!

How to access Shoreline Rotary Zoom meetings for April 15th and beyond

Recurring meetings have been scheduled on our Shoreline Rotary Zoom account for Wednesday mornings 7:30 to 8:30am

Use the following link each week:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/269003145

Meeting ID: 269 003 145

Topic: Shoreline Rotary's Club Zoom Meeting
Time: Wednesday 7:30am

It’s okay to “arrive” at the meeting a little early - a greeter will be there to greet you by 7:15am.



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Amazon donates 8,200 laptops to Seattle Public Schools families

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Photo courtesy Amazon

Amazon is donating 8,200 laptops to Seattle Public Schools (SPS) families to help all students within the state's largest school district gain access to a device so they can continue their education at home. 

Amazon's permanent, direct to student donation, valued over $2 million, meets the estimated need for elementary students and will help toward the goal of providing all SPS students with access to a device while at home so they can participate in those parts of continuous learning that call for online access. 

SPS will prioritize distribution of laptops to elementary students who do not have access to a device at home.

"Amazon's gift comes at a crucial time for our students," said Denise Juneau, Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools. 
"We've never lost sight of the need to continue our students' education—even during this unprecedented time—and our community partner Amazon now makes it easier to keep moving forward with the critical work of teaching and learning."

SPS closed schools on March 12 and immediately focused on providing students and families with core needs — meal distribution at 26 sites, as well as an overall approach to remote learning. As the breadth of the challenge for continuous learning came into focus, SPS and the Alliance for Education worked together on finding solutions to support all students and families.

Amazon's donation also kick starts a new fund, the Education Equity Fund, stewarded by the school district's nonprofit partner, the Alliance for Education. This new fund will support students furthest from educational justice in accessing the technology, technical support and additional learning resources required to continue to learn during the COVID-19 crisis. 

Businesses, community groups, and individuals interested in contributing support for students can get started here.



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Inslee extends school closures for the rest of the 2019-20 school year

Gov. Inslee at podium and SPI Reykdal standing bay


Gov. Jay Inslee and Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal today announced the extension of school closures for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. The order keeps both public and private schools closed in accordance with the governor's original order on March 13.

The governor's proclamation prohibits in-person instruction through June 19, with exceptions for students with disabilities and English language learners for whom distance learning would present challenges. 

Facilities remain accessible for limited use, including providing child care and packing take-home meals for students' families to pick up. All activities must follow Department of Health social distancing guidelines.

"This closure is guided by science and is our greatest opportunity to keep our kids, educators and communities safe," Inslee said at a news conference Monday afternoon. 
"If there is any opportunity to bring students back for a few days, including graduation ceremonies for our seniors, we will continue to explore that option. That opportunity will be guided by our collective behavior and the success we can achieve with the choices we make today."

Inslee said students' grades will not suffer as a result of the closure and encouraged them to take advantage of remaining learning opportunities. The governor also asked teachers and administrators to work together on the best path forward for the remainder of the school year.

“There is no question about it: Our educators and school staff are absolutely dedicated to continuing to provide supports for students and their learning,” Reykdal said. 
“We have already seen districts step up to provide meals for students in need and child care for the children of essential workers. Over the past three weeks, they have prepared for and begun providing continuous learning for students – and this will only get better and more sophisticated over time. We will continue serving our students and we will persevere through this.”

Read the proclamation here.



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