Local people among those blocking train tracks in Anacortes

Sunday, May 15, 2016

The Grannies have long been part of the movement
to stop coal trains and fossil fuels

Anacortes, WA: Early Sunday morning, police raided the Break Free PNW blockade of the train tracks by the March Point refineries outside of Anacortes, Washington, where activists had created an encampment of over 150 people, including a contingent from the Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church.

52 people were arrested and brought to the Skagit County jail; most are being released on their own recognizance and brought to the Mt. Vernon train station.

A Break Free spokesperson said "No word yet on charges for those responsible for the climate crisis. Shell and Tesoro officials are still at large."

A group from the Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church
was part of the protest

Organizers say the March Point refineries are the largest unaddressed source of carbon pollution in the Northwest, and point to expansion proposals including an oil-train facility at Shell and a Xylene facility at Tesoro that could allow for crude oil exports.

"In recent years, Northwest residents have been battling dozens of proposed fossil fuel export projects, positioning themselves as a “thin green line” between extreme fossil fuels in the Mountain West and fossil fuel development overseas."


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New Washington voters can register through 4:30pm Monday

By Evan Smith

New Washington voters can register through 4:30pm Monday to vote in the May 24 presidential primary, but they must register in person at either the King County Elections Office in Renton or the County Elections Voter Registration Annex in downtown Seattle.

In-person registration is at the King County Elections office, 919 SW Grady Way, Renton. The home elections office is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm. The voter registration annex is in the King County Administration Building, 500 4th Ave., Room 440, Seattle. It is open from 8:30am to 1pm and 2pm to 4:30pm.

Voters who register in person can either get a ballot by mail or vote on accessible machines at the elections office if they choose to wait for their registration to be validated through the state voter registration database, a wait that requires a few minutes.

The deadline to register on line or by mail or for currently registered Washington voters to update their addresses was April 25.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.



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Summer Skills and Drills Tennis Camp with Arnie Moreno

Arnie Moreno, Tennis Coach

Coach Arnie Moreno is going to have his Summer Skills and Drills Tennis Camp at Shorewood High School tennis courts starting June 29th.

Summer Tennis Skills and Drills 2016
Arnie Moreno
  • PTR Certified Tennis Instructor 
  • Shorewood High School Girls Varsity Tennis Coach 
  • Shorewood High School Boys Varsity Tennis Coach 
  • Seattle P – I Girls Tennis Coach of the Year 2005 
  • King 5 “ Coach that makes a Difference” Feb. 2008 
  • Washington State University “ Educator of Excellence” Award 2007 
  • Marysville Junior Tennis Team Coach 
  • City of Marysville tennis instructor 

Location: Shorewood HS tennis courts,17300 Fremont Ave N.
Time/ Days: Monday - Wednesday - Friday 10am to 12 noon
Dates: June - Wed. 29 July 1, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22. 
Last day of camp July 22
July 25 make up date only for rain out lessons

10 lessons for $200 or $ 20 per lesson
Checks payable to Arnie Moreno or pay by lesson or number of lessons you plan to take.
Mail payment or bring to first day of practice. 18904 32nd Ave NE, Lake Forest Park, WA. 98155

*Family plan – more than one family member in the class 10 lessons for $150 per student or 15 dollars per date

Tennis strategy
Live ball drills
Fundamentals
Games and Matches - Skill drills – Strategy

All levels of skill - beginners to advanced. Middle School to High School students.

Racquet provided if needed. Balls provided.

Call or email Arnie Moreno to sign up - (Cell) 206-412-3191 - (Home) 206-367-9345.



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Shoreline PTA Council scholarship

Are you a senior at Shorecrest or Shorewood?
Do you have a GPA of at least 2.5?
Could you use $500?


The Shoreline PTA Council scholarship was started when Shoreline High School closed due to lack of enrollment in the district.

Funding was set aside to further the educational goals of our Shoreline kids, and is now supplemented by generous donations from our local PTAs.

Apply today! The deadline is Wednesday, June 1 and the application is straightforward.



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Review: Thoroughly Modern Millie cast steps up to the plate with talent and class

Review by Jim Anderson

Talk about “thoroughly modern”, ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’, presented by students and staff of Shorecrest High School (playing through next weekend), launches the audience into the persistently dizzying period of young adult life fraught with social and emotional peril still latent in the ‘thoroughly modern’ world.

Millie Dillmount of Salina Kansas (played by Alegra Batara) leaves it all behind for the big city and, after initially discovering its thrilling welcome, is left tangling before the audience only somewhat aware of the credible threats facing her that are as contemporary as 2016.

Set in the ‘Roaring’ 1920’s, her fellow characters, buoyed by the inevitable naiveté of youth, bravely take on and triumph over personal and social issues that encounter youth of every generation. The cast deftly portrayed that clumsy innocence and, as the show progresses, subtly turned that perilous simplicity into their own personal entrepreneurial adventure.

Alegra Batera’s lead character Millie takes command from the beginning and Batera never lets up. In one of the opening scenes she encounters her would-be hero and deftly challenges his vanity by deliberately tripping him on a downtown sidewalk. She closes the show a much matured character and one ultimately triumphant.

What was then called ‘White Slavery’, and still lamentably present as sex trafficking, was infused into the story by one of the best villains ever, ‘Mrs. Meers’, played by Angela Rozema. Rozema’s villainous portrayal was entirely flexible throughout the show, moving from tragic to funny to scheming and, ultimately (as is deserving of every villain) defeated.

Her character exploits two sidekicks, ‘Ching Ho’ and ‘Bun Foo’ (played respectively by Niko Hudecek and Zach Gordon-Sandweiss).

These two actors delicately develop as villains and one portrays great innocence in taking his character in an unlikely direction in this version of the story. But the two portray how big promises from low people in large cities can exploit those made vulnerable by language and economic disadvantage.

From ‘Jimmy Smith’ (played by Gabe Ponce) and ‘Mr. Trevor Graydon’ (played by Devin Dickerson) to brothers ‘Ching Ho’ and ‘Bun Foo’, each of the male leads loudly speak to what it takes to develop into real men. Gabe Ponce navigates one of the largest dramatic transformations in the show by portraying a schemer who turns into a most accessible hero.

Clearly not content to be hindered in his role as a masterful manager and would-be lover, Devin Dickerson makes his character into the biggest and tallest short man on the stage. Dickerson makes himself a case study in talent, presence and staging.

His character and ‘Miss Dorothy Brown’ (Miranda LaFond) rocket into a delightful and talented and hilarious rhetorical and theatrical and even athletic romp back and forth across the stage. LaFond almost hides her character only to pounce upon lines with great emotion or humor, which in turn make the scenes’ other characters more transparent and better understood.

No one, it seemed, was content to play small roles. While that could seem like a recipe for chaos among some youth, it wasn’t. Teamwork was clearly evident as each role was played with a sincere quest to fully play each part. At one point, when some prop was about to crash to the ground, a natural awareness caught the need and the catch was discreet and uneventful.

Every role was a dancing role and it was fun to watch as nearly everything was perfect. Even those missteps visible to the pickiest of observers were minimized by a natural selflessness – and those smiles!

‘Muzzy’s Boys’ (Nathan Nzanga, Trey Bohag and Simon Shumacher) were on top of every move, smiling because not only were they having fun, but because they had clearly put in the work to create that unmistakable blend of skill and familiarity and teamwork.

As well, the ‘working staff’ of big bank stenographers (Jaden Batara, Julianne Oshiro, Addy Bohag, Melvina Fletcher, Olivia Wilkinson, Catherine Lavy, Sarah Kaino and Amalya Benhaim) danced with a set of props that made everything done at Sincerely Trust eye-poppingly interesting.

Speaking of interesting, two roles were carried out flawlessly that most keenly freed the entire cast of characters from being just ‘dumb kids in the big city’ to being ‘fortunate souls discovering life’: ‘Mrs. Flannery’ (played by Molly Peterson) transitioned smoothly from being predictably oppressive to stunningly fun and lively, and ‘Muzzy Van Hossmere’ (Kat Rodriguez) bolted from her first appearance on the stage as a dynamic presence assuring any soul in that theater that life was worth living and that comfort and help was never far away.

The great gymnastic talent was pulled off naturally as cartwheels and splits and leaps were not presented as tricks, but that which highlighted or elevated their scenes. The show offers something for everyone. Even the costumes became characters, unfolding from scene to scene, keeping pace with complexities of plot and character development. Hundreds of varied and amazing costume pieces avoid the common pitfall of overstating the time period while remaining accurate for the period.

The actors took full advantage of such ‘ordinary things’ like lighting and sound and props, neatly managed by those out-of-view. Language becomes another ‘character’ in the play with well-carried Chinese dialogues between characters ‘Ching Ho’ and ‘Bun Foo’. Clever management of displayed translations between Chinese and English even manages to add humor to at least one scene.

Music carries great musicals and no exception could be found here. The thankless task of an orchestra is to create the backdrop for every scene and not ‘be seen’. Obscured only by an elegant interpretation of the musical score and their professional demeanor, it’s obvious why Shorecrest’s music department bears its strong reputation.

 One of the jobs of a director is to brag in the program about how good the show is going to be. Andy Kidd could not have done these students justice.

They more than stepped up to the plate and out-did their director's praise in showing talent and even class. From the musicians to actors, singers and dancers, I had to remind myself repeatedly that these were indeed high school kids doing such a great job.

This is perhaps the best $15 ticket in the area and seats should sell out next weekend. I don’t sit well for presentations and this show made me happier with that than I have been for years.

~~~~

Shorecrest Drama's musical Thoroughly Modern Millie will run from Thursday, May 19, through Sunday, May 22. Performance times are 7:30pm on Wednesdays-Saturdays, and 2:00pm on Sunday.

Tickets are $15 at the door, or $12 when reserved in advance. Reserve tickets online with the option to either receive your tickets by mail or at will-call on the day of the performance.

The Shorecrest Performing Arts Center is at the north end of the Shorecrest campus, 15343 25th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155.

Rehearsal photos courtesy Shoreline Schools.



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Food truck schedule week May 16-22, 2016

Seoul Kitchen

Ridgecrest Public House Week Food Truck Schedule
May 16 - 22, 2016
5 - 9pm (summer hours)


The Ridgecrest Public House at 5th NE and NE 165th sponsors food trucks outside their business every day of the week.

Those over 21 are welcome to bring their food inside the Pub to eat. And you can take in a movie at the Crest after you eat.

When the weather gets reliably better, outdoor seating will be available.

Ridgecrest Public House Food Truck Schedule 5-9pm daily:

Mon 16:Anchor End Pretzel Shoppe
Gourmet sandwiches on soft pretzels.
Sandwiches: burger, roast pork, salmon reuben, chicken, tofu taco, and fried Brussel sprout caesar.

Wed 18: Napkin Friends
Soups, sandwiches, salads
Pulled pork, grilled chicken, or mushroom sandwiches, meatballs and mushrooms, prawn salad

Fri 20: Streetzeria
Italian food, salads, salads on flatbread, 11 different pizzas.

Sat 21: Seoul Kitchen
Korean food.

Sun 22: Wicked Pies
New York style pizza, salads, focaccia sandwiches, gelato



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Photo: Migrating shorebirds at the ocean

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Wayne Pridemore took this photo of a migrating shorebird at Ocean Shores on April 20. See Christine Southwick's article on migratory birds here.



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LFP Council meeting with Kenmore and Northshore Fire Board Monday - on the agenda is idea to rename Bothell Way

The Lake Forest Park City Council will hold a Special Joint Meeting with the Kenmore City Council and Northshore Fire District Board on Monday, May 16, 2016.

The Agenda for the City Council Special Meeting:

  1. Introductions and Housekeeping
  2. Regional Fire Authority (RFA) Recap and Next Steps – Jim Torpin, Fire Chief, Northshore Fire Department
  3. Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (NEMC) – Bryan Hampson, Development Services Director; C. Stephen Sutton, Chief of Police, Lake Forest Park; and Carl Lunak, NEMC Emergency Coordinator
    1. NEMC Agreement Update
    2. Joint Planning Efforts
    3. Cascadia Rising Joint Exercise in June
    4. NEMC PowerPoint Presentation
  4. Sound Transit 3
  5. Regional Transportation Issues
  6. Idea to Rename Bothell Way in Lake Forest Park and Kenmore to Northshore Way or Lakeshore Way
  7. General Fire District and City Updates
  8. Staff Report
  9. Councilmember Reports, Comments and Initiatives
The meeting will begin at 6:15pm at Kenmore City Hall, Council Chambers, 18120 68th Avenue NE, Kenmore 98028.



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Shoreline City Council Monday 7pm

The Shoreline City Council will hold its regular meeting at 7pm on Monday, May 16.

Agenda Highlights

  • Proclamation of Armed Services Appreciation Day
  • Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation for Pavement Testing Services
  • Public Hearing and Discussion of Ord. No. 746 – Granting a Franchise to Century Link to Operate a Cable System in the Public Rights-of-Way to Provide Cable Services in the City of Shoreline
  • Promote Shoreline Campaign Update
  • Police Station at City Hall Project Update
Link to full Agenda
Comment on Agenda items

Attend meetings in person at City Hall Council Chambers 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133.

Watch the meetings live online or after the fact from the archived video.



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The Gallery at Town Center Presents: Daniel Burroughs and Jeanine Langerud


The Gallery at Town Center Presents: 
Daniel Burroughs and Jeanine Langerud 
May 17 – July 2, 2016


The Gallery at Town Center in Lake Forest Park is exhibiting a selection of artworks by painter Daniel Burroughs and photographer Jeanine Langerud, opening Tuesday, May 17, 2016.

See these works and the creations of over 90 other local artists during gallery hours: Tuesday – Saturday, Noon to 5pm. You are invited to an artist reception at the Gallery on Thursday, May 19 from 5pm to 7pm.


Daniel Burroughs is a Whidbey Island-based oil and acrylics painter who has been making art since his grandmother gave him and his identical twin paper and crayons at the age of five. After studying painting and sculpture at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia, he produced large, welded metal sculptures, worked as an assistant for German sculptor Klaus Ihlenfeld, and designed award-winning bridges in his career as an engineer.

Burroughs’ current work focuses on boats, as well as post-industrial landscapes with rusting trucks, trains, factories, and metal signs, and is often painted en plein air.


Jeanine Langerud’s interest in photography began with her first Brownie Kodak at a very young age. It continued throughout her life and finally, as she reached retirement age, she began to pursue it through community college courses, workshops, and on weekend photo studies with colleagues.

Langerud’s images have been accepted into the Shoreline, Edmonds, and Kenmore Arts Festivals from 2005 to 2015, and she has been privileged to show in the Shoreline Gallery, Walnut Coffee Shop, and Hellebore Gallery in Langley.

What could be better than being in the most beautiful places on earth such as Monet’s Garden in France, Keukenhof in Holland, the National Parks, wildlife refuges, tulip fields in LaConnor, or just a garden in your neighborhood? Beauty is just a step outside your door or around the corner.

The artist hopes her images will imbue those who view them with a renewed appreciation of the wonders of creation or, in the case of this show, the wonders of rusty old trucks! Most of these images were taken in the Palouse where rusty trucks abound.

The Gallery at Town Center
Photo by Jerry Pickard

The Gallery at Town Center is a program of the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Arts Council and is located inside the Lake Forest Park Town Center on the lower level. 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park 98155.

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to nurture all of the arts in the community through programs and events, arts education, advocacy, and support for artists and arts organizations.



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Barnes & Noble Northgate holds benefit event for Music4Life™

Barnes and Noble Northgate store

Barnes and Noble Northgate has dedicated the weekend of May 20-22, 2016 as a benefit for Music4Life, the Seattle-based program that provides ready-to-play musical instruments to public school students who need them.

Anyone who purchases a book, Nook, cheesecake, or other item online through the Northgate store or in person at the Northgate store during that weekend and uses a special voucher (below) will have up to 20 percent of their purchase -- at no additional cost -- donated to Music4Life.

No voucher? Ask the sales clerk to enter voucher number 11833530 on the sales slip before the sale is rung up.

“We are so excited to be working with Music4Life on this fund raising project,” says Janet Qualiotto of Barnes and Noble Northgate. “Barnes and Noble is dedicated to the communities that we serve. Music4Life's objective matches Barnes and Noble's goals of supporting children, literacy and the arts. The match is perfect. This event allows supporters to reach out to their family and friends. It is easy and fun way to support Music4Life.”

Live student entertainment is being arranged in the Northgate store for most of the weekend.

“We are very appreciative of this help for kids who need it and for the community spirit that Barnes and Noble is displaying,” says Music4Life President/CEO David Endicott. 
“Many students can’t get the educational benefits that come with participation in instrumental music programs. The free-and-reduced-lunch rate in some of our schools reaches as high as 80 percent.” 


Music4Life™ provides musical instruments to participating schools for students in need. The Seattle-based non-profit acquires “lovingly used” musical instruments from adults who no longer need them, gets them repaired and then provides them to participating public school districts for use by students in need. Besides Seattle Public Schools, Music4Life also operates programs supporting Edmonds, Highline, Mukilteo and Shoreline Public Schools. The program acquires used instruments from adults who understand that their highest and best use is to put them back into play. With adequate resources, Music4Life also buys new musical instruments for school districts.

For more information or to donate an instrument to Music4Life, contact DavidEndicott@Live.com , call 206-409-3275 or go to the website. Instrument donation forms are available here, as well as at designated instrument drop-off sites.


Print off the voucher and present it before your purchase is rung up 
or include it in your online order.


Music4Life™ is supported in part by grants from the Hazel Miller Foundation, First Choice Health; 4Culture (the former Seattle-King County Arts Commission); the Shoreline-based Knossos Foundation; various local Rotary and Kiwanis clubs; the Highline Schools Foundation; Nina McLemore LLC; as well as by the law firm of Garvey Schubert Barer; Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Rafael Carrabba Violins, the Newspapers in Education Program of The Seattle Times, Cascade Symphony Orchestra, Randy Oxford Entertainment, the Edmonds Center for the Arts, 88.5 KPLU Radio, Kennelly Keys Music stores, Music and Arts stores, Hammond Ashley Violins in Issaquah, the Guitar Center stores, Barnes and Noble and others.



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King County Democrats legislative action committee meeting Sunday in Shoreline

What's next for the Washington State Legislature? 
Come listen and ask questions of local legislators. 

King County Democrats Legislative Action Committee meeting 
Sunday May 15, 2016 
2-4 PM 
Shoreline Public Library 345 NE 175th St 

Guest speakers: 
46th LD Representative Jessyn Farrell 
32nd LD Representative Ruth Kagi

Meetings are open to anyone wishing to attend. 

KCD LAC Co-Chairs Sarajane Siegfriedt and Steve Zemke



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Review: Play detective at The Mystery of Edwin Drood now playing at SCC

Photo courtesy SCC

The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Rupert Holmes
Producer/Music Director Charles Enlow
Stage Director Teresa Thuman
Conductor Bruce Monroe
Choreography by Lee Ann Hittenberger
Costumes by Amanda Headley


Review by Doug Gochanour

Around 1869, Charles Dickens was writing a novel he called The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Dickens died before he could finish the book, but Rupert Holmes has turned the incomplete story into an interactive mystery musical.

The cast, crew, and 19-member orchestra provide an entertainment bonanza. This company creates a masterful performance, with wonderful costumes, singing, dancing and vaudevillian humor.

You’ll be glad you are there to enjoy this play within a play. Watch as each actor portrays at least two roles. First, they are members of the Music Hall Royale, as they commandeer an old abandoned theatre. Then, they assume the role of characters from Dickens’ novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

Edwin Drood
Photo courtesy SCC
 
Tradition has it that Drood was a young man, being portrayed by a female actress. The Drood dude was a dudette, another of the mysterious ways of the music hall.

This whodunit mystery invites the audience to participate throughout. Cast members poll the audience by walking among the rows of seats. This is presumably done to select the preferred outcome of the play for the evening, as no one really knows how it would have ended.

The setting is in Chesterham, England, near the time of Dickens. The mystery concerns the murder, or more exactly the disappearance of Edwin Drood. The set and costumes are amazing. The cast is outstanding. The orchestra coordinates perfectly with performers.

Do attend this fun experience. Be ready to laugh. Ferret out the culprit. Play detective. Have fun!

Photo courtesy SCC
 
Remaining performances:

May 15, Sunday 3:00 p.m.

May 20, Friday 7:30 p.m.
May 21, Saturday 7:30 p.m.
May 22, Sunday 3:00 p.m.

FREE PARKING! Beer, wine and refreshments available for purchase.

SCC Campus Theatre, Bldg. 1600, 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline 98133. (campus maps)

Ticket Information:
  • General Admission - $18
  • Seniors, Non-SCC Students $12
  • SCC Students and ages 15 and under - $10
  • Tickets at the door and online



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Shoreline School District considers K-5, 6-8 Grade Level Models

By Marianne Deal Stephens

On May 9, 2016 the Shoreline School Board had a Study Session* to hear about the work of the Instructional Program Planning Committee (IPPC) and the Facility Planning Committee. This school year, the District “made a commitment to evaluate future instructional configurations to meet the needs of students.” The IPPC, co-chaired by Director of Teacher Professional Practice and Evaluation Anzara Miller and Assistant Superintendent Brian Schultz, included many stakeholders, including district administrators, teachers, principals, classified staff, parents, and specialists.

The IPPC was tasked to examine three areas: preschool configuration, Highly Capable programs configuration, and grade band configuration. As they examined the areas, the committee was asked to reflect on current information such as: “instructional programming; standards alignment and requirements; best practices for delivery of rigorous content; addressing the social emotional needs of students; anticipated future needs.”

While IPPC recommendations could have ramifications for facilities, Assistant Superintendent Brian Schultz explained that the committee’s purpose was “to address the instructional needs of students and staff”. As they considered the instructional programs, the IPPC focused on the social emotional needs of students as well as efficiencies.

Preschool Programs
Hillery Clark, Early Childhood Education Specialist, explained both the current preschool configuration and the recommendation of the committee. Shoreline operates three programs:

Source:  Shoreline School District

The waiting lists show that there is greater need and demand than the District can currently offer. Federal Head Start Funding may begin covering full day programs; the District has requested funding for five full day classrooms.

The IPPC recommends a blending of staff and facilities so that the three preschool programs could share customized facilities (i.e., child friendly bathrooms) and increase access to all of the programs.

Source:  Shoreline School District

Highly Capable Programs

Every October, all Shoreline kindergarten students are screened for the Highly Capable Program. Students may also be nominated at any grade level by parents, teachers, friends, or themselves for testing. Selection is based on the Iowa Assessments (Reading and Math) and the Cognitive Abilities Test. The configuration of the program varies by grade level (see Highly Capable Program on the District website). At this time, the IPPC does not recommend a configuration change, but does suggest further research: “More time is needed and we recommend a committee be formed to explore research and best practices for the Highly Capable Program, grades K-12.”

Grade Model

The most complex question in front of the IPPC was whether the current K-6 and 7-8 configurations best serve the instructional needs of students and staff. Professional Development Specialist Anzara Miller explained how the group: examined current instructional programs; looked at K-8 learning standards by content areas; examined curriculum; learned from District TOSAs (Teachers on Special Assignments who support teachers in a particular subject area); and delved into the differences between 5th and 6th grade. Both Common Core State Standards and State curriculum are arranged in K-5 and 6-8 grade bands (see OSPI Washington State K-12 Learning Standards).

Grade Model: Math
Anzara Miller explained that there is a big shift between 5th and 6th grade math in the major content strands. To better understand the shift, the committee did problems from both 5th and 6th grade math curricula and learned that “a deep level of content knowledge” is necessary for 6th grade math.

Source:  Shoreline School District

Grade Model: Science
Ridgecrest 6th Grade Teacher Joe Peterson presented the committee’s work in the science content area. He noted that “we are asking students to do things that our classrooms are not necessarily equipped to do,” since they eat and do science at their desks and do not have specialized equipment or labs.

Source:  Shoreline School District

Main considerations for science are:  proper lab space and equipment; time limitations (science is 1-2 hours/ week in elementary vs. 1 hour/ day in middle school); and level of teacher expertise. It was noted that the District has looked for but could not find a 6th grade science curriculum that would both meet required standards and be possible in current facilities. Einstein Principal Nyla Fritz explained that many of the Next Generation Science Standards [Common Core standards are only for Math and English Language Arts] that should be met in 6th grade are pushed into 7th and 8th grade, so those years of science must make up for what cannot be accomplished in 6th grade.

Grade Model: English Language Arts and Social Studies
For English Language Arts (ELA) and Social Studies, standards and curriculum are designed for grades K-5 and 6-8. Currently, sixth grade students and teachers cannot access the full curriculum available. In addition, 6th grade teachers cannot participate in professional development with their 7th and 8th grade colleagues.

Grade Model: ELL Impacts
English Language Learner TOSA Melissa Sargent explained that ELL students have particular difficulties with the 6th grade ELA Springboard curriculum. Unlike the 5th grade ELA Wonders curriculum, Springboard only has one level and includes fewer redundancies for language learners. In middle school, a specialized ELA class for ELL students proceeds at an accessible rate; this model would provide more support for 6th grade ELL students than elementary pullout support.

Source:  Shoreline School District

Grade Model: Social Emotional Needs
Einstein Principal Nyla Fritz described how students’ social and emotional needs were a “constant piece” in the committee’s conversations. In the 11-14 age range, kids are going through the biggest period of brain growth since the time they were babies, and this adolescent growth is happening earlier than it used to. Research shows that fewer transitions are better, and with a two-year middle school, the kids are transitioning in and then right back out.

Source:  Shoreline School District

Parent Jaime Lopez shared that when he was first on the committee, “no way did I think that I would want my kid there [at middle school for 6th grade].” However, having looked at curriculum, he sees that K-5 makes sense, and when he considers the big transition of adolescence, he sees that “a third year in middle school would be beneficial.” He explained that the group explored this dimension thoroughly through a member-led subcommittee, and he thinks that the IPPC made the correct recommendation. The unanimously endorsed recommendation reads:

“The IPPC recommends that a 6/7/8 middle school configuration best meets the instructional and social-emotional needs of our students. Additionally, we recommend careful study and involvement of stakeholders in shaping best practices for Shoreline 6/7/8 middle school models.”
Source: Shoreline School District IPPC Recommendations May 9, 2016 

Assistant Superintendent Brian Schultz shared that the District had hoped for an 80% consensus among IPPC members, but ended up with unanimous recommendations. He reiterated that the charge of the committee was to look at instructional needs, and they looked at pieces of the needs and at the totality of the programs. The IPPC also researched nearby districts, and most have had a K-5 and 6-8 configuration for a long time. Shoreline is an “outlier.”

Grade Model: Next Steps
The IPPC recommendations will be passed to the facilities committee, which also has a broad stakeholder base. School Board Director Mike Jacobs expressed that he wants the process to move forward yet he also wants “the community to come to the microphone” to weigh in on any major decisions.

Acknowledging the importance of communication and feedback, Brian Schultz stated that “we have a strong relationship with our community and don’t want to lose one ounce of that trust.” At the Board Meeting following the Study Session, the Board voted to pass the recommendations to the Facilities Committee. It was noted that any changes, should they come about, would take years to implement.

Facilities Planning Update
Deputy Superintendent Marla Miller offered a very brief update on the Facilities Planning Committee. The committee has overseen a detailed assessment of conditions of the District buildings and has studied impacts of growth and class size changes. The committee will consider the IPPC’s recommendations and come out soon with a “preferred package for the next round of facility improvements” as well as “timing for financing and construction of the highest priority projects.” Any major construction would involve a two year hearing process.

*School Board Study Sessions are held to offer the Board an in-depth look at an issue. Minutes from Study Sessions in the past year can be found here.



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Photos: Rose and Calla Lily

Friday, May 13, 2016

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Pink roses and Calla Lily. I saw a house today with an entire bed of Calla Lilies in the front. Some of the rhodies are through blooming and some are just starting to blossom. We have beautiful flowers everywhere. Such a treat.




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For the Birds: International Migratory Bird Day

Wilson's Warbler, male, returning from Central America

Text and photos by Christine Southwick

The second Saturday of May has been declared the International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) in the Americas.

Why is this important? At least fifty of our favorite King County species migrate here each summer and return to Central or South America each fall. Almost all warblers, swallows and swifts, even some of our raptors, like Merlin, have flown long distances to breed here.

MacGillivray's Warbler stop over on migration from S. Amer.- bathing necessary too

Additionally there are another fifty over-wintering birds, like Fox Sparrows, that shelter in our mild winters here and leave about April to fly further north, often to breed in the Boreal Forests.

All shorebirds have long circular migration routes, some exceeding 15,000 miles annually, most flying from Central or South America up to their breeding grounds in the Arctic, and then back southward in the fall.

The majority of the 20 million shorebirds that migrate through the United States to their Arctic breeding sites each year depend on five key staging sites: Washington’s Gray’s Harbor, Alaska’s Copper River Delta, eastern Canada’s Bay of Fundy, Kansas’ Cheyenne Bottoms, and the beaches of Delaware Bay.

Some shorebirds, like Godwits and Snowy Plovers, do breed here and arrive at night after a prolonged flight,  arriving in mid-March and leaving by sometime in October.

White-crowned Sparrow, breeds locally, migrates south in winter

The majority of songbirds fly during the night, mainly, it is believed, to avoid predators, and their mass migrations are such that the beginnings of their southward movements show up on evening radar.

Strictly bug eaters, like the swallows and Vaux’s Swift, are forced to fly during the day to find the insects which fuel their long arduous flights.

For all birds on migration, resting and refueling sites make the difference between surviving or perishing.

Without stops along their routes that have water, and food, many die. Some of you may have heard the term, “Fall-out” when referring to spring migration, especially along coastlines or after a storm.

Varied Thrush, male  winters-over here  goes higher to breed

Exhausted birds, after an especially hard leg of their journey, upon reaching their much needed refueling stop, are so tired and famished, that they don’t have the strength to grasp a perch, and literally bounce off branches and sometimes fall to the ground. I had that happen one time in my yard, after a storm that caught a flock of returning robins. It was amazing.

Conservation efforts to save destinations and route stops were the impetuous for creating the IMBD, to raise awareness of the need to preserve unique feeding, resting and nesting stops and habitat.



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Shoreline Watch & Crime Prevention at the Echo Lake Neighborhood meeting Tuesday


The Echo Lake Neighborhood Association meeting on Tuesday, May 17, 7-9pm at Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N, room 301, Shoreline 98133, will focus on Shoreline Watch and Crime Prevention.

Shoreline Deputy Tim Meyer will talk about the Shoreline Watch program which replaced "block watches." Shoreline Watch makes it easy for neighbors to organize to watch over each other and report suspicious activity to police.

Watch groups usually gather for an outdoor social event on August 2nd, which is Night Out Against Crime.

All those who live or work within the boundaries of the Echo Lake Neighborhood are encouraged to attend. (Aurora, 205th, I-5, 185th). To be added to the mailing list and email list, use the contact form on the webpage.



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Memorial Golf Tournament and Dinner & Auction to benefit Wonderland

Wonderland auction

Wonderland Developmental Center is holding two very special fundraising events that share a day and location: Saturday, May 21, 2016. The Golf Club at Echo Falls near Snohomish will host the 17th Annual Justin Van Hollebeke Memorial Golf Tournament during the day and the Wonderland Dinner and Auction at night.

Both events raise money for Wonderland, a Shoreline nonprofit that provides therapeutic services to a monthly average of 200 families and their children with developmental disabilities and delays reflecting a variety of diagnoses, including autism spectrum disorder, Fragile X, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and fetal alcohol syndrome. Wonderland’s services are available to north King County and south Snohomish County families.

“These two events are Wonderland’s signature fundraisers of the year,” said Barbara Murray, Board President and Wonderland founder. “The staff, board of directors, and many generous volunteers work hard every year to make these events great fun for guests. 
"In exchange, we hope to raise over $100,000 to support our very deserving children and families. This year’s theme is ‘Watch us Grow,’ because Wonderland’s caseload has nearly doubled in four years and the agency will announce the new location of its administrative offices.” 

2015 winning golf team

The JVH Memorial Golf Tournament begins at 10am with contests for prizes, leading to a noon shotgun start and hole-in-one contest for $10,000 in prizes. Registration includes 18 holes of golf, cart, practice balls, lunch, and two drink tickets, as well as free beer on the course, a great value at $150. Players of all abilities are welcome and guaranteed to have a great time.

The Wonderland Dinner and Auction begins directly after the golf tournament at 6pm. Golfers and non-golfers alike will dine on prime rib or baked chicken with marsala wine sauce, and Wonderland’s signature Dessert Dash for delicious cakes and treats. This year’s live and silent auctions boast more than 100 items, including multiple Seahawks club seat packages, an Earl Thomas autographed football, and getaways including a Mexican cruise, weekend in Whistler, and a staycation in Seattle. A link to registration can be found here. Other donors include John Howie restaurants, Disneyland, local breweries, and many more.

Tournament namesake Justin Van Hollebeke suffered severe brain damage and began receiving help and family support from Wonderland when he was six months old. Sadly, Justin’s life ended just after his third birthday. The Van Hollebeke family and their friends have honored Justin’s memory and Wonderland’s contribution to the community by holding this golf tournament in Justin’s honor to help other children and their families get the same level of care and support Justin received.

Having fun and helping kids
at the Wonderland Dinner and Auction

Wonderland’s programs have offered developmentally delayed infants and toddlers a bridge to a brighter future for 47 years through an array of therapeutic services offered in the home. Services to developmentally delayed children positively impact health, language and communication, and cognitive development. Parents are able to better meet their child’s special needs from an early age and throughout life. Society benefits from reduced economic burden through a decreased need for special education later in life.

For event or sponsorship details, contact Rosie Cobos at rcobos@wdcbirthtothree.org or 206-364-3777.

Wonderland Developmental Center is a 501(c)3 tax exempt non-profit organization that partners to provides early learning support to children with developmental disabilities and their families as they live, learn, and play. Tax ID #91-0890276.



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Telephone town hall with specialists from Social Security and Health Insurance Benefits Advisors

Join the King County Library System (KCLS) for a live telephone town hall meeting with specialists from the Social Security Administration and Washington Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA). This free event will take place on Wednesday, May 18 from 10:30am - 11:30am. 

Topics will include how to make the most of your Social Security benefits, health insurance and Medicare coverage.

A telephone town hall is like a radio talk show, but you simply listen on your phone! Experts will take live questions from the audience.

On the day of the telephone town hall you will receive a telephone call from the library between 10:25am and 10:40am. Answer the call and stay on the line, as it could take a few minutes before the call starts. You will hear some introductory remarks and then be connected.

Be sure to include your telephone number in the registration to receive a phone call!

Brought to you by the Social Security Administration, Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, the KCLS Foundation and AARP.

Register here for the telephone town hall.



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Devan Kirk named WIAA Track & Field Athlete of the Week

Devan Kirk, in blue, gaining on runner from Selah
Photo by Corey Rainboth

Each week throughout the school year, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) recognizes twelve varsity athletes, a male and a female from each of the six classifications, who exhibited an outstanding performance for the previous week.

Devan Kirk, a Senior, from Shorewood High School was nominated by a community member and selected by WIAA staff as one of the Athletes of the Week for achievements in Track and Field.

Kirk ran the 400m in a school record time of 49.83, and finished the day anchoring the 4x400m relay with a split of 48.9.

In recognition of their accomplishment, each Athlete of the Week winner receives a congratulatory letter from WIAA Executive Director, Mike Colbrese, a commemorative WIAA State Athlete of the Week t-shirt, and a certificate. Winners are also posted to the WIAA website.



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Kenmore Air Seaplane Fly-In and Kenmore Waterfront Activities Fair this Saturday


Join both Kenmore Air and Kenmore Waterfront Activities Center for their events open to the public this Saturday, May 14.

Kenmore Air Seaplane Fly-In

Celebrate Kenmore Air's 70 years of flying in the Pacific Northwest at the 2016 Seaplane Fly-In. 

From 11am to 3pm, stop by the food trucks, listen to live music, and join in the other festivities. There will be a short presentation and a raffle at noon.

Scenic seaplane flights will be available at the Fly-In. Flights will depart from Kenmore Air’s Lake Washington terminal, 6321 NE 175th St, Kenmore, and include thrilling water takeoffs and landings.

70th Anniversary SeaPlane fly in at Kenmore Air
Photo courtesy Kenmore Air

Costs for scenic flights will be free for children under 10 years of age and $20 for children 10 – 18 years of age, and $40 for adults. Flights will be offered from 11:30am to 1:30pm, weather permitting. Note this will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once the spots are filled, there will not be any more sold. Passengers will check in at the front counter downstairs and pay, then will be given tickets with their scenic flight time on it. 

Kenmore Air also has an internationally renowned maintenance department. Guided facility tours will be available from 11:00am to 1:00pm, including a look at their new Otter Hangar. Completed last year, the new building is large enough to fit even a twin turbine de Havilland Otter on amphibious floats. Plus, you’ll be able to take your photo up close and personal with a seaplane.

Kenmore Waterfront Activities Fair

Get out on the water at the third annual Kenmore Waterfront Activities Fair from 11am to 3pm with activities happening at the Kenmore Waterfront Activities Center at Squire's Landing Park, 7353 NE 175th St, Kenmore, and at Log Boom Park, 17415 61st Ave NE, Kenmore.

Kayaks at the 2015 Waterfront Activities Fair
Photo courtesy City of Kenmore


Try out kayaks,stand-up paddle boards, dragon boats, canoes and rowing shells. Sign your kids up for summer paddling, rowing day camps or the dragon boat club, or join the adult dragon boating and rowing clubs. Check out the new public boat storage and see Kenmore's plans for expanding public waterfront recreation. There will be snacks and a raffle too!

Shuttle and parking information:

Parking can be found along NE 175th Street and at Log Boom Park with overflow parking at the front of CalPortland. A free shuttle will operate between Log Boom Park near the playground, Kenmore Air Harbor and Squire's Landing Park. Signs will be posted at the front of the event locations. Spectators are also encouraged to bike or walk the Burke-Gilman Trail.



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Meet the Alpacas at the LFP Farmers Market Sunday

Alpacas from Heart of Dreams at the LFP Market
Photo courtesy Third Place Commons

This Sunday the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market welcomes back favorite market guests, the sweet Alpacas from Heart of Dreams. Pam Wilmot and her best beasties will be at the market with a fine selection of naturally made yarn from the recently shorn alpacas. Pam will demonstrate the spinning of the fur into yarn, and will also have some beautiful and unique shawls made from their fur.

Heart of Dreams Alpacas is a small, family owned farm located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. It sits on five acres of rolling pastures, which are home to a growing herd of alpacas and many other animals.

Pam’s visits to the market with her alpacas have become a tradition and are one of the great, family-friendly highlights of the market season. So stop by, feed a carrot or two to the alpacas, and learn more about these wonderful farm animals while enjoying a day at the market.

Other market highlights this week will include fresh, organic asparagus and spring onions from Alvarez Organics, spring Rhubarb from Bautista Farm, and fresh cheese from Samish Bay, plus a new arrival on the vendor front, Cha New Life Farm.

The LFP Farmers Market is presented by Third Place Commons and runs every Sunday from 10am to 3pm at Lake Forest Park Town Center at the intersection of Bothell Way and Ballinger Way.



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Mini-Health School at Shoreline Community College

Inspired by the Mini-Medical School presentations by the University of Washington, the Pre-Medical Health Club from Shoreline Community College came up with “Mini-Health School” which consists of a series of three presentations held during the month of May.

They are all free, just a small fee for parking for the events before 4pm in the visitor parking lot. 

These presentations are:


• Tuesday May 17th 5pm-6pm in the quiet dining room in the PUB

Dr. Nancy Isenberg from Virginia Mason Hospital will be discussing Mindfulness in Science hosted by the Pre-Medical Health Club. Please join us with many questions. 



Wednesday May 25th 3pm in room 1508

Dr. Ernest Johnson will be presenting on the topic of Race and Health with a particular focus on Washington’s thesis on medical apartheid.

 
Thursday May 26th 10:30am-12:30pm in room 9202

UW Medicine “Doctor for a Day” workshop. Come practice your physical exam skills with the stethoscope and reflex hammer, with Medical students from the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Shoreline Community College, 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline 98133, campus maps

RSVP by email or message the club’s Facebook page with your confirmation: SCC Pre-Medical Science Club.



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Find out about Summer Fun with the Arts Council under the Yellow Tent at this weekend’s LFP Farmer’s Market

From the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Arts Council

Do you like art and summer fun?

Then make sure to stop by the big yellow tent and say “Hi” to the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Arts Council as you enjoy the food, flowers, and (hopefully) sun at this weekend’s Lake Forest Park Farmer’s Market.

The organization will be sharing information about their exciting summer arts events and programming, like the Shoreline Arts Festival, Concerts in the Park, and camps for kids and teens.

It’s a great opportunity to find out how you can take pART in your community and make this an unforgettable summer!

The Lake Forest Park Farmers market is held on Sundays from 10am-3pm at the Lake Forest Park Town Center, lower level, intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way.

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to cultivate creativity and inspire our community through the arts.



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Shoreline Planning Commission to discuss policies for 145th subarea at meeting Thursday

Shoreline Planning Commission Regular Meeting Thursday, May 19, 2016, 7pm. Shoreline City Hall Council Chambers, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133.

Agenda Highlights

  • Discussion of Potential Policies for the 145th Street Station Subarea Plan
Link to full Agenda
Link to full Packet with reports pertinent to 145th Subarea discussion

Comment on Agenda items using this email address



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Shoreline Schools to continue testing for lead in drinking water

Shoreline Schools issued this statement


In light of regional and national attention on the issue of lead in drinking water, we would like to provide you with information about this issue in Shoreline Public Schools.

During the 2004-2005 school year, water fixtures in all District schools and facilities were tested for the presence of lead. The District set an actionable level of 10 parts per billion (ppb), a more stringent standard than the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommendation of 15 ppb. Through the course of that testing, some fixtures tested higher than 10 ppb and the District took corrective action.

Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure that we are continuing to provide safe and healthy water in our schools, the District is going to retest all water fixtures at all schools and facilities. We anticipate completing this testing process by the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year.

If you have any questions, please contact Curtis Campbell, public information officer, 206-393-4412.



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Summer camps at Edge Performing Arts

Summer camp performance at Edge

Edge Performing Arts is hosting multiple summer camps for varying ages this summer in dance, musical theatre and acting.

This a great way for students of all levels to try a new dance style, explore the world of musicals or learn to express themselves through acting. All camps are designed to help both novice and experienced performers get the most out of each camp. Camps include:

  • Musical Theatre Dance
  • Creative Dance
  • Ballet and Tap Combo
  • Ballet and Jazz Combo
  • Hip Hop
  • Acting and Improv

The featured camp of the summer is a two-week, summer intensive musical production of 'High School Musical'. This camp will give kids the experience of auditions, learning a script, choreography, all music and staging culminating in a "just for fun" performance for family and friends.

This is great for performers that want a performance experience but don't want to sacrifice an entire summer. Lots of fun, fast paced musical theatre learning! All levels of experience encouraged to attend; ages 4th-12th grade.

For more information and to register, visit their website or call 206-747-7380. All camps will be held inside the Alive Juice Bar dance studio space in Ballinger Village in Shoreline.



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Serious injury accident on Aurora at 200th Thursday afternoon

Photo by Ernest Castillo


At 1:14pm on Thursday afternoon, May 12, an 85 year old driver from Kenmore was the cause of a three-car injury accident on Aurora at N 200th.

One of the other drivers, a 25 year old from Lynnwood, sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported by Medic 1 to Harborview.

No alcohol or drugs are suspected.

Photo by Ernest Castillo

Northbound Aurora Ave N was closed at N 200th St and Westbound N 200th St was closed between Ashworth and Aurora. Metro bus 331 was rerouted from N 200.

At 5:08pm the roads were open in all directions and buses returned to regular routes.



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