Local teacher honored by state organization for excellence in education

Veronica Cook, left, was awarded the Washington State Alpha Delta Kappa
Excellence in Education Award

Veronica "Roni" Cook, Special Disabilities Teacher for the Mukilteo School District, and formerly a teacher in the Shoreline School District, was awarded the Washington State Alpha Delta Kappa Excellence in Education Award at the Washington State Alpha Delta Kappa Convention in Yakima in April. 

Every two years, this honor is awarded to one Alpha Delta Kappa teacher in each state, to recognize members who are active educators for their outstanding contributions to education.

The honor was adjudicated by a seven member panel from the Northwest Region of Alpha Delta Kappa, one member from each of six Northwest states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming as well as the Regional President.

Ms Cook was awarded a trophy and $700. She now advances to the Regional level, and if selected, to the International level, where the awards are $1000, and $5000 respectively.

Alpha Delta Kappa is an International fraternal organization of 24,000 members that empowers women educators to advance educational excellence, altruism and world understanding. One of their goals is to honor outstanding women educators, and to strengthen the educational profession.

--Mary Jo Heller

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50 year career celebrated by former students

Photo by Todd Kirby

Class dismissed after 50 years!

Students from many years of Paul Turner's career as the metal shop instructor at Shorewood High School celebrated his retirement with him on May 1, 2026 at Spin Alley on Richmond Beach Road in Shoreline.

The cake reflected the many products he taught them to use - and his personal physical changes!

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Retirement party for Shorewood shop teacher Paul Turner May 1, 2026

Paul Turner 1977

Shorewood’s metal shop teacher, Mr. Paul Turner, is retiring after 50 years. He’s the last of the original Shorewood teachers.

Paul Turner (from left) 1980, 1981, 1983

50 years worth of students are holding a retirement party at Spin Alley (Arden Lanes) on Friday May 1, 2026 from 5:30 to 8:30pm.

Spin Alley 1430 NW Richmond Beach Rd, Shoreline, WA 98177

If you remember him or had a class from him, you are encouraged to come to the party!

2022 Paul is 3rd from left with white hair and green shirt

No matter which version of Paul you knew, you are welcome to come wish him well as he concludes a very long career in Shoreline Schools.

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Shorewood / Einstein orchestra teacher inducted into Washington Music Educators Association Hall of Fame

Karen Helseth inducted into Washington Music
Educators Hall of Fame
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Congratulations to our very own Karen Helseth, Orchestra Teacher at Shorewood High School and Einstein Middle School, on her induction into the Washington Music Educators Association Hall of Fame!

Karen was honored at the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) annual conference and added to this distinguished list of educators in recognition of her profound contributions to music education and student musicians in our community. 

Her excellence in teaching, dedicated service and mentorship, and inspiring leadership have made a lasting impact on generations of Shoreline students.

We are so proud to celebrate this well-deserved achievement. Thank you, Karen, for the countless lives you’ve touched through your passion for music and commitment to students!

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Shorewood Wrestling inducts 28 Educators into their Teacher Hall of Fame and Qualifies for Dual State Tournament

Each member of the Shorewood wrestling team with the teacher who inspired them

On Tuesday January 27, 2026 Shorewood wrestlers invited the teachers who have inspired them over the years to be recognized and admitted as the inaugural class of the Shorewood Wrestling Teacher Hall of Fame. 

 “Our athletes are students first, and their work in the classroom prepares them for what they can do on the wrestling mat,” said Coach Derek Norton.

“We wanted to bring out the teachers and thank and honor them for all they do to set our team up for success. Also, once you’ve seen a wrestling match--you know it’s the most exciting sport to watch.”

Each wrestler invited a teacher or educator to the ceremony. In their nominations, wrestlers noted that teachers had helped them learn kindness, organization, public speaking skills, science, math, as well as the importance of hard work and persistence.

A ceremony honored the teachers ahead of the match

The honorees included Shorewood staff: Mr. Baker, Mr. Bagley, Madame Bel Abbes, Ms. Burrows, Ms. Chelimer, Ms. Fawcett, Ms. Fletcher, Ms. Gonzalez, Ms. Han, Ms. Johnsen, Ms. Mann, Mr. Meyer, Mr. Messner, Ms. Mills, Mr. Proudlove, Ms. Ryan, Ms. Silver, Mr. St. Louis, Mr. Villanueva, and. Mr. Zeigler. 

Wrestlers also invited: Mrs. Borovina and Ms. Kusher (Meridian Park), Ms. Houck, Mr. Riley and Mr. Reni (Einstein), Mrs. Williams (Highland Terrace), Ms. Brown (Home Education Exchange), Carl Yost (Parkwood), and Mr. Flannagan (Holy Rosary).

Team members with the teachers they honored

The match following the ceremony was intense, as Shorewood battled against Meadowdale, the two vying for the final berth in the first ever Dual State Tournament for 3A. 

The Mavericks started strong with a quick pin over Shorewood’s Matthew Call. Then Shorewood picked up three straight wins: Eli Jeppsen with an overtime victory over Leo Tassani, Max Uckun with a major decision over Tobin Kantner-Blakeslee, and Kai Graham with a tech fall over Mathew Sleipness.

Four straight losses for the Stormrays followed, but freshman Toshi Taura and senior Babou Cham only gave up decisions, keeping Shorewood in the match.

Freshman Ben Norton and junior Emi Olivera picked up pins to tie the match at 24. Easten Edens lost, but held Maverick Melyk Valencia to a decision as the score went to 24-27 in the Maverick’s favor. 

Junior Matbeal Dinka (right) picked up a critical pin

Shorewood senior Yaphet Habtom then accepted a forfeit and junior Matbeal Dinka picked up a critical pin over Meadowdale’s John Juarez. Stormray senior Eoin Ritter forced a decision in his loss to Maverick Hector Castro, creating a tight final score of Shorewood 36, Meadowdale 30.

Shorewood’s Coach Norton commented, “We’ve had many close matches with Meadowdale over the years. Sometimes we haven’t come out on top.

"I’m so proud of this team and all their hard work. I’m looking forward to Dual State. We’ve shown we can work together and put points on the board.” 

The Stormray victory puts their league record at 4-1.

The wrestlers demonstrated how much they have learned about persistence as they put it all out there on the mat.

As junior Justin Widnyana explained, [teachers] push and encourage us to get better, to find our walls and break them down, not only as wrestlers, but in life as well.”

Box Score: Shorewood 36, Meadowdale 30

• 144 Christopher Ramirez (MD) pinned Matthew Call (:49)
• 150 Elijah Jeppsen (SW) overtime decision over Leo Tassani (13-10)
• 157 Maximus Uckun (SW) major decision over Tobin Kantner-Blakeslee (12-2)
• 165 Hezikiah Graham (SW) technical fall over Mathew Sleipness (18-0)
• 175 Samir Muhic (MD) pinned Finn Grote (:33)
• 190 Brandon Shaw (MD) decision over Toshi Taura (7-6)
• 215 Jamier Perry (MD) decision over Baboucarr Cham (3-2)
• 285 Jaxson Hulbert (MD) pinned Matthew Kelly (:25)
• 106 Ben Norton (SW) pinned Justice Klesick (1:33)
• 113 Emi Olivera (SW) pinned Miguel De Paula (1:19)
• 120 Melyk Valencia (MD) decision over Easten Edens (18-11)
• 126 Yaphet Habtom (SW) forfeit
• 132 Matbeal Dinka (SW) pinned John Juarez (3:45)
• 138 Hector Castro (MD) decision over Eoin Ritter (6-2)

--Tricia Norton

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Echo Lake teacher Ranice Innocent honored by professional association

Ranice Innocent

Staff Recognition Spotlight 

At last week's School Board meeting, Echo Lake Title I/LAP Teacher Ranice Innocent was honored for her leadership and dedication to advancing literacy education in Washington State, as recognized by the Professional Educator Standards Board.

Ranice served on the Reading Endorsement Work Group, where she helped review and update the state’s Reading Endorsement Competencies to ensure they reflect current, evidence-based reading practices.

Over ten months, Ranice contributed her expertise in literacy research, provided thoughtful feedback beyond meeting times, and consistently kept the needs of P–12 students at the center of the work. 

Her commitment, collaboration, and insight made a meaningful impact on this important statewide effort.

"Thank you, Ranice, for representing our district and supporting educators and students across Washington!"

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Sno-King School Retirees awards grants to Shoreline Schools employees

Each fall the Sno-King School Retirees, an organization of active and retired employees of the Edmonds, Northshore, and Shoreline School Districts, offers educator grants to its active members. 

Since 1998, SKSR has awarded over $158,000 in educator mini-grants, of which, $75,155 have gone to SSD schools.

This year SKSR is awarding 34 grants to Shoreline employees.

Briarcrest

• Savannah Garcia: Alternative seating options. (2ND grade)
• Beth Heinz: Materials to aid in letter formation and handwriting. (LAP)
• Emma LeBlanc: Several sets of A Little Spot books. (1st grade)
• Susan Vieira: Books, posters, stickers, etc. for nutrition education. (Nurse)
• Linda Watson: Pedometers for a walking unit. (P.E.)

Brookside

• Megan Nandi: A set of decodable fiction and nonfiction readers. (1st grade)
• Kristin Vincini: Universal Math Museum math stations for Family STEAM Night. (2nd grade)

Cascade K-8

• Mark Burpee: Independent reading books. (7th/8th grades)

Echo Lake

• Kathryn Pihl: Books that will supplement animal and biography units. (2nd grade)
• Allan Rand: Transportation to the Kraken Community Iceplex. (5th grade)
• Joe Wack: Transportation to the Seattle Times building. (Echo Lake newspaper advisor)

Lake Forest Park

• Natalie Campbell, Jessica Hendrick, April Johnston, Heidi Langsdorf, and Pauline Olson: IXL math classroom subscriptions. (1st and 2nd grades)
• Ingrid Rigsby: Spanish edition books and bilingual books. (MLL)
• Paige Robson: Subscription to Zones of Regulation resources. (Counselor)
• Maggie Smith: Timpani mallets, metal stools and elastic stool leg bands. (Music)

Parkwood

• Ellyn Holman, Emily Miller, and Stephanie Wiper: Word Work mats, LCD pads, and other literacy aids plus storage. (Kindergarten)

Ridgecrest

• Susan Clyde: Hands-on workshop by Kids Science Labs. (1st grade)
• Joanna Freeman: Books for the library’s technology section. (Librarian)
• Stephanie Laviola: Copies of six titles for reading groups. (4th grade)
• Sheryl Lundahl: Spanish editions of fiction, nonfiction, and chapter books. (MLL)
• Monica Wood: Books about National Parks. (4th grade)

Shorewood HS

• Wendy Jordan: Transportation for a Culinary Arts field trip to Hood Canal. (9-12)
• Shannon McMaster: Kits for solar vehicles, etc. for the TSA Club. (Apex Coordinator)

Syre

• Heidi Alexander: Headphones with microphones. (Dean of Students)
• Patrick Broderhausen: A class set of basketballs. (P.E.)
• Katie Dawdy. Bins for student organization. (5th grade)
• Marybeth Scherf: Two sets of decodable books. (LAP reading)
• Sarah Taillie: Tickets to Ada Twist, Scientist. (2nd grade)

SKSR is glad to be able to assist these educators and their students in this small way.

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Back to School: Shoreline Schools and SEA reach Tentative Agreement

The Shoreline School District and the Shoreline Education Association (SEA) (teachers' union) have reached a tentative agreement.

Throughout this process, our joint bargaining teams kept students at the center of their work, with a shared commitment to ensuring high-quality teaching and learning in Shoreline.

What is a tentative agreement?

A tentative agreement means the district and SEA bargaining teams have successfully negotiated a new contract. It is called “tentative” because it still needs to be approved by SEA members and the Shoreline School Board. Once those votes happen, the agreement becomes official.

Over the course of 23 bargaining days, which began back in March and included late nights and weekends, our teams gave their time, talent, and energy to this important work. They brought forward creative solutions and sustained a spirit of collaboration, always keeping students at the center of their efforts.

We are ready and excited to welcome students and families back next week:

• Grades 1-12 return to school on Wednesday, Sept. 3
• Kindergarten and preschool begin on Monday, Sept. 8

We are extremely grateful for the collaboration and dedication of both teams in reaching a mutually beneficial agreement that supports students, staff, and families.

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Shorewood teacher awarded fellowship to travel to Japan to learn about their economic system

Damon Oliveto

Shorewood High School teacher Damon Oliveto has been awarded a 2025 Keizai Koho Center Teacher Fellowship to travel and study in Japan from late June to early July this summer. 

Fellows will have the opportunity to learn about the Japanese economy, various businesses, and contemporary Japanese society, as well as participate in roundtable discussions with educators and business leaders during an eight-day stay in Japan.

Highlights of the fellowship include visits to Japanese schools, major companies, and industrial facilities. 

In addition, home stay and sightseeing excursions are planned to allow the fellows to learn about Japanese culture and society.

Damon, who teaches marketing and business at Shorewood, leads the school's CTE program, and serves as DECA advisor, says, 

"I applied to this program because of the unique opportunity to learn about aspects of the Japanese economy firsthand. In the macroeconomic portion of my AP Economics class, we compare and contrast different economic policies and outcomes between different economies.

"For example, The Bank of Japan has had a vastly different monetary policy approach than that of the FED’s; and while simply looking at numbers and data can tell a part of the story, learning directly from business and government leaders rather than just material from a textbook can make my curriculum more engaging and meaningful for my students."

The Keizai Koho Center (KKC) is an independent, nonprofit organization affiliated with Keidanren (Japan Business Federation). Established in 1978, Keizai Koho Center has served as a platform for the Japanese business community to interact with key stakeholders inside and outside of Japan.

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Einstein teacher named as finalist for national STEM award

Colleen LaMotte, science teacher at Einstein Middle School, has been named as one of five Washington state finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science (PAEMST).

The PAEMST is the nation’s highest honor for K–12 math and science (STEM) teachers.

The national PAEMST committee will choose national awardees based on mastery of content, effective instructional approaches that support student learning, effective use of student assessment to guide learning, reflective practice and lifelong learning, and leadership and equity in education inside and outside of the classroom. 

What has been your personal journey on the way to excellence in teaching math/science?

As a learner, I always wanted to understand why—not just memorize answers. That same curiosity drives my teaching: I want students to make sense of science, not just perform it. Over the years, I've shifted from delivering content to designing experiences that center student thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and productive struggle. 

Collaborating with colleagues, engaging in professional learning, and listening deeply to students have all shaped my practice. I've also worked to ensure every student sees themselves as capable of scientific thinking—especially those historically marginalized in STEM. Excellence, for me, is not about perfection, but about continuously refining my practice to support all students in becoming confident, critical thinkers.

What is one concept that excites your students and why?

My students are deeply curious about the world around them, and what excites them most is the chance to lift the veil on science—transforming their surroundings from something mysterious into something predictable, solvable, and within their reach. 

Whether they're exploring why some objects break in collisions while others bounce, how invisible magnetic forces work, or how traits are passed down through generations, students feel empowered when they can figure things out for themselves.

What advice would you give to parents, families, or caregivers who want to support their students’ math and science learning?

I would encourage families to support their student’s math and science learning by nurturing curiosity at home. Ask them what they're wondering about, and invite them to explain their thinking—even if the answer isn't clear yet. 

Encourage them to take academic risks, explore ideas, and be okay with not knowing right away. One of the most powerful messages families can give is that learning is a process: it's okay to make mistakes, change your mind with new information, and keep trying.

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Echo Lake teacher invited to speak to state Education Committee

Mrs. Ranice Innocent, speaking to the
WA State House Education Committee

Echo Lake Title/LAP Teacher Mrs. Ranice Innocent was recently invited by the Washington Education Association to speak at the WA State House of Representatives Education Committee meeting.

Mrs. Innocent was invited to participate in the presentation about best practices for teaching reading and the implementation of these practices in teacher preparation programs. 

She has earned National Board Certification and holds a Master's degree.

Due to Mrs. Innocent's depth of understanding of this topic and passion for access afforded by literacy, she participates in developing teacher evaluations and literacy standards across the state.

Her expertise and experience are immensely valuable to our Shoreline Schools students, particularly as we work toward our strategic plan pillar of "All Students Literate" and our goal of 85% of Shoreline 5th and 8th graders reading at grade level by spring 2029.

View the complete work session and all presenters who spoke about best practices for teaching reading at this link

CORRECTION: The photo in the original article was actually Dr. Overstreet, who also spoke at the meeting of the Education Committee in the state legislature.

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Sno-King School Retirees award mini-grants to Shoreline employees

Each fall the Sno-King School Retirees, an organization of active and retired employees of the Edmonds, Northshore, and Shoreline School Districts, offers educator grants to our active members.

Since 1998, SKSR has awarded over $139,000 in educator mini-grants, of which, $73,557 have gone to Shoreline School District schools.

This year SKSR is awarding 30 grants to Shoreline employees.

Briarcrest Elementary

• Jafeet Corral: Organizational materials to help develop biliteracy in a dual language classroom. (2nd grade)
• Emma LeBlanc: Materials to enhance a social studies unit in which students teach Kindergarten. (1st grade)
• Janet Shin: Items for the classroom’s reset station and high-interest books. (ELL)
• Anna Stuart: Chapter books for strong readers who need books with appropriate complexity. (1st grade)

Cascade K-8 Community School

• Janet Markwardt: High-interest books for LAP students. (LAP Reading and MLL)
• Laura Reed: Online math subscription for students with IEPs who need additional practice. (Resource Room K-8)
• Sheryl Yost: Headphones and a wobble chair. (K/1st grade)

Echo Lake Elementary

• Jean Bolivar: Non-fiction books about current athletes and sports history to update the school library. (Teacher Librarian)
• Allison Hoover: Soccer balls to replace and expand the P.E. department’s existing equipment. (PE Specialist)
• Karen Nicholson: Transportation and tickets for a Seattle Symphony performance. (5th grade)

Einstein MS

• Peter Reni: Class-designed T-shirts for the school’s AVID elective. (8th grade Math and AVID)

Lake Forest Park Elementary

• Natalie Campbell: A class subscription to the IXL math program. (1st grade)
• Britt Harris: Soprano ukuleles and an automatic tuner for the music department. (Office Manager)
• Jessica Hendrick: A class subscription to the IXL math program. (1st grade)
• Grace Kim: A class subscription to the IXL math program. (4th grade)
• Frank Kleyn: Non-fiction dog breed books for third-grade research unit. (Teacher Librarian)
• Aimee Miner: Transportation and tickets to Shorecrest HS’s production of Peter and the Starcatcher. (Principal)
• Rhonda Okazaki: A class subscription to the IXL math program. (2nd grade)
• Pauline Olson: A class subscription to the IXL math program. (1st grade)
• Ingrid Rigsby: Classroom books written in a variety of languages. (MLL)
• Paige Robson: Updated Zones of Regulation materials to support the school’s social/emotional objections. (School Counselor)
• Kathy Ross: Tickets for the Everett Imagine Children’s Museum. (Kindergarten)
• Lori Scobie: A class subscription to the IXL math program. (4th grade)
• Maggie Smith: A tenor marimba and a soprano marimba for music classes. (Music)

Meridian Park Elementary

• Lisa Sezate: Copies of Where the Mountains Meet the Moon for a class novel study. (5th grade)

Ridgecrest Elementary

• Susan Clyde: An all-school assembly with Alan Zerbe. (1st grade)
• Monica Holdridge: UFLI-aligned readers, chapter books, and decodable readers. (Reading Specialist K-5)
• Stephanie Laviola: Art supplies to use in the study of the seven elements of art. (4th grade)

Syre Elementary

• Michelle Carroll: Sets of social studies-themed books. (Principal)
• Chrisy Francescutti: Spanish and Korean editions of popular titles for MLL students. (Librarian)

SKSR is glad to be able to assist these educators and their students in this small way.

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Highland Terrace Elementary teacher awarded Fulbright Teacher Exchange award for Finland

Kitten Vaa, Elementary Teacher
Highland Terrace Elementary

Kitten Vaa, a Second Grade Teacher at Highland Terrace Elementary School, has received a Fulbright Teacher Exchange award to Finland for the 2024-2025 cycle from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

The Fulbright is the US Department of State’s most prestigious award. She will use this award to go to Finland to research sustainability and social emotional educational practices around climate change. 

Kitten is among over 800 U.S. citizens who will teach, study, and/or conduct research abroad for the 2024-2025 academic year through the Fulbright Program. 

She joins distinguished company. Notable Fulbright alumni include 62 Nobel Prize laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize recipients, 78 MacArthur Fellows, and 41 who have served as a head of state or government.

Kitten Vaa has been an educator for over 20 years, with the past five years spent teaching second grade at Highland Terrace Elementary in Shoreline, Washington following her work at Edmonds School District and Brighton School. Teaching kids to be thinkers, problem solvers, and to love learning is her passion. 

She loves to teach science and literacy, and has recently focused her learning around climate change education. Kitten collaborates on science education at the district, state, and national levels. Recognized for her leadership, she received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in 2018 and the Golden Apple Award for Outstanding Educator in 2024. 

In July 2024, she was awarded the Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching Research for her project, "Empowering Hope and Action: Sustainability Education Tools for the Primary Classroom." 

This January, she will spend three months in Helsinki, Finland, to enhance her teaching of sustainability and climate change, aiming to create a comprehensive unit that inspires action and hope in students, which she plans to share at local and state levels.

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Echo Lake student inducted into the AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame

Philippa Bartsch from Echo Lake Elementary

Today, AAA Washington announced 10 new inductees to the AAA School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame.

AAA's Washington School Safety Patrol program actively seeks fourth through eighth graders to serve as volunteer crossing guards. 

Their role is crucial in ensuring the safety of their peers during their daily commute to and from school. 

Students can develop essential skills such as responsibility, leadership, and community service by participating in the program. 

In 2023, more than 22,000 students across 750 schools in Washington participated in the statewide program.

“These ten students embody what it means to be an outstanding school safety patroller and we are honored to recognize their dedication to keeping classmates and communities safe,” said Heather Snavely, CEO of AAA Washington. 

“AAA Washington’s School Safety Patrol Program is one small way to cultivate values like responsibility, hard work, and citizenship that will help shape our future leaders.”

We are excited to share that one student from Shoreline was inducted into the Hall of Fame - Philippa Bartsch from Echo Lake Elementary, Shoreline.

“Philippa actively models good patrol behavior by acting responsible and respectful while working her crossing post,” said advisor Mark Owen. 

“Philippa, simply put, really enjoys being a helper and working at a crossing post. When I asked her why she didn't want to apply to be a patrol captain she said, ‘I like helping the little kids get to school safely. Crossing guard is the best position to do that.’”

AAA Washington also awards a “School Safety Patrol Advisor of the Year” each year, recognizing advisors' contributions to Patrollers’ safety and education. This year’s recipient is Debby Smith from Moran Prairie Elementary in Spokane, Wash.

Mark Owen receives AAA
 School Safety Patrol Legend Award

AAA Washington is also proud to recognize advisor Mark Owen from Echo Lake Elementary in Shoreline, with the AAA School Safety Patrol Legend Award.

“The AAA School Safety Patrol Legend Award is a celebration of those who have made an indelible mark on the AAA School Safety Patrol program within their community,” said Erin Rogers, community relations program manager at AAA Washington. 

“After 30 years of service as a School Safety Patrol Advisor, Mark is retiring, and we are beyond proud of the work he has put into making his school a safer place. For three decades, he has shown the Safety Patrollers what it means to be an exemplary leader.”

Learn more about AAA Washington’s Safety Patrol program and its 103-year history in the state.

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Kellogg teacher wants your votes in cruise line contest

Kellogg teacher Diana Cruz is entered in a national contest of teachers, sponsored by Norwegian cruise lines.

You can support her effort here

 

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Kimberly Rudolph, Kindergarten teacher at Lake Forest Park Elementary School earns National Board certification

Kimberly Rudolph, National Board Certified Teacher
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Kimberly Rudolph, Kindergarten Teacher at Lake Forest Park Elementary School, who recently earned her National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) certification.

Kimberly joins the ranks of 90 Shoreline School District educators who've earned and maintained this certification. See the list here

National Board Certification is a voluntary, advanced professional certification for PreK-12 educators that identifies teaching expertise through a performance-based, peer-reviewed assessment. 

Through National Board Certification, teachers demonstrate that their teaching meets the profession’s standards for accomplished practice through a rigorous, peer-reviewed and performance-based process, similar to professional certification in fields such as medicine. 

In achieving Board certification, teachers prove their ability to advance student learning and achievement.

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Sno-King School Retirees award mini-grants to educators in Shoreline Schools

Each fall the Sno-King School Retirees, an organization of active and retired employees of the Edmonds, Northshore, and Shoreline School Districts, offers educator grants to our active members. 

Since 1998, SKSR has awarded over $120,000 in mini-grants.

SKSR is pleased to announce that seven Shoreline employees and one school volunteer are 2023-24 mini-grant recipients.

Briarcrest Elementary

• Jafeet Corral: A classroom subscription for IXL math. (2nd grade)
• Michelle Holguin: High-quality headphones for her class to use during reading rotations. (3rd grade)
• Emma LeBlanc: High-quality headphones for her class to use, especially for literacy programs. (1st grade)
• Amy Pitts: A classroom subscription for IXL math. (2nd grade)
• Janet Shin: High-interest books and tactile materials for her reset station. (K-5th grades)
• Wendy Yamamoto: Alphabet magnets and magnetic boards to use with the phonics program. (Kindergarten)

Brookside Elementary

• Mary Telstad: Art supplies for watercolor workshops. (4th/5th grades)

Syre Elementary

• Julie Anneberg: Lap desks to offer alternative seating options in order to meet different learning style needs. (3rd grade)

SKSR is glad to be able to assist these educators and their students in this small way.

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Teacher and Certificated Staff Appreciation Week in Shoreline Schools

Karen Nicholson, 3rd grade teacher, Echo Lake Elementary
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

We are celebrating Teacher and Certificated Staff Appreciation Week in Shoreline Schools. Please join us in thanking them for all that they do for our students!

"I once said my dream job would be teaching at Echo Lake Elementary. 

Now, after more than two decades of teaching here, I would still say it. Even with the challenges of the past several years, I look forward to seeing my students and working to give them a love of learning, an enthusiasm for school and a confidence in their own abilities. 

Seeing them all grow through the years is an honor and joy. 

Our staff and community are amazing!" 

- Karen Nicholson, 3rd Grade Teacher, Echo Lake Elementary School

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Lake Forest Park Elementary School Principal Aimee Miner named Shoreline Schools Administrator of the Year

Aimee Miner (right) with Supt. Susana Reyes

The Shoreline School District has named award winners for 2023 Staff of the Year. 

Principal Miner and the ten other winners will be honored at a reception on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at Kellogg Middle School Commons 16045 25th Ave. NE from 5:30-7:00pm. The public is invited.

Jordan Davidson and Joann Fukuma

Contribution from the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation allows the district to continue this beloved Shoreline School District celebration.

All award winners will receive a $50 grant for the Shoreline school of their choice, courtesy of the Foundation.

After 150 nominations were received and reviewed, these award winners will be celebrated at this year's ceremony:

• Administrator of the Year, Aimee Miner, Lake Forest Park Elementary School Principal
• Office Staff of the Year, Jordan Davidson, Shorewood High School Main Office Secretary
• Secondary Educator of the Year, Joann Fukuma, Shorewood High School Athletic Director
• Elementary Educator of the Year, Laurie Pearson, Lake Forest Park Elementary Kindergarten Teacher
• Early Learning Educator of the Year, Stephanie Gregorich, Edwin Pratt Early Learning Coordinator
• Support Staff of the Year, Jill Steinberg, Highland Terrace Elementary School Family Advocate
• Educational Specialist of the Year, Jennifer Broadstone, Physical Therapist
• Paraeducator of the Year, Sari Wall, Echo Lake Elementary School
• Volunteers of the Year, Kaija Dalan and Erin McDermott
• Community Partner of the Year, Laurie Field, Shoreline Library Children’s Librarian

Kaija Dalan

Each of the award winners was surprised recently by a visit from Superintendent Susana Reyes, announcing their prestigious honors.

In the Shoreline School District, we believe that celebrations, demonstrations of gratitude, and opportunities to come together as a community are important elements of maintaining a positive and welcoming culture for staff, students, families, and the communities of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park. 

Laurie Pearson

Members of our community look forward to these events and were grateful to see them return in recent years.

Despite the budget challenges and reductions in front of us, we welcome the opportunity to lift up these dedicated, deserving members of our school district community and honor their contributions to our students and schools.

Photos courtesy Shoreline Schools. All winners can be seen on Shoreline Schools Facebook page. 

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Sno-King School Retirees donates $500 to The Works

L-R: Andrea Petrusky (Co-Chair The Works), Alison Buss (Co-Chair The Works), Bonnie Stieber, and Cathy Webb (SKSR Vice-President). Photo courtesy The Works

For the third year in a row, the Sno-King School Retirees association donated $500 to The Works, the Shoreline PTA Council clothing room.

The Association has donated annually to three organizations, located in the three school districts where their members taught.

Besides The Works, they also donate $500 to the Northshore Foundation for their Homeless Student Services and to the Washington Kids in Transition which serves the Edmonds School District.

All three organizations benefit the children in each school district.

Washington Kids in Transition benefits homeless students.

The SnoKing School Retirees also do a service project. "When we started out we helped to buy snack items for Washington Kids that they received on their school bus when being delivered to the place they were staying," said Board Member Jim Siscel. 

"Then we did a service project on a Saturday stuffing the snack bags. This snack bag project is not happening now after Covid. So this year the money will be used to purchase summer time art supplies. We will put the supplies together on a Saturday in April."

The $500 comes from their membership dues, donations at meetings and individual members.

Correction: names in photo caption were in the wrong order

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