Hello AP/IB Boosters!
Contents
Guest Author: A Vote of Approval for Introducing Community Service Into the Everett School District’s Curriculum
I am the parent of an incoming freshman for 2005/06. I have previously sent two children through Archbishop Murphy High School (AMHS) but am electing to send my third child to Jackson High School for various reasons.
I have had some disagreements with the catholic school system but one thing that impresses me is the community service component. I have reviewed the proposal that is being drafted for submission to the Everett School District and I fully support it. At AMHS, the students not only have to complete service hours, but they have to write a reflective paper about their experience. This process enables them to step outside of their own little world and see things from a different perspective. It allows them to give and to feel good about contributing to a worthy cause. It changes them, in some way, into more compassionate human beings.
Community service requirements benefit the community as well as the student and have lasting effects on our youth. I hope your efforts with this proposal are successful and implemented the sooner the better!
AP/IB Boosters Community Service Proposal for High School and Middle School Students in the Everett School District
We appreciate all of the feedback we are continuing to receive on our Community Service proposal. Parents of students who have participated in Community Service at other schools always speak highly of the experience and how it has benefited their sons and daughters.
For high school students, we think the best program is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program’s CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) element. Even though we (Everett School District) do not have an IB option for our students, there is no reason why we cannot adopt the CAS component of IB.
For middle school students, we think some form of Service Learning is appropriate. This is common practice at IB middle schools and other exemplary middle schools. Case in point, Harbour Pointe Middle School in the Mukilteo School District.
Our latest draft proposals are available at:
http://www.apibboosters.org/CommunityService.html
Note:
After many discussions with PTA and PTSA groups (all of whom give countless hours in Community Service every year), we added a special section on our Community Service proposal’s web page.
"A Comment on the Practice of Using Community Service as Punishment
As of April 2005, at least one of the Everett School District schools has forms and policies in place that state that Community Service, along with Saturday School, will be used for punishment when disciplinary action is warranted.
That is the wrong message to students.
We kindly request that Community Service be elevated and viewed only as an honorable and respected activity - not as punishment!"
2005 National Volunteer Week, April 17-23
Last weekend, April 15-17, was National and Global Youth Service Days. This week is National Volunteer Week.
"National Volunteer Week began in 1974 when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order establishing the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. Since then, every U.S. President has signed a proclamation promoting National Volunteer Week. Additionally, governors, mayors and other elected officials make public statements and sign proclamations in support of National Volunteer Week."
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/04/20050414-1.html
"Inspire by Example is the theme of the 32nd annual National Volunteer Week - showcasing the power volunteers have to inspire not only other people to volunteer but also the people they serve. National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognize the efforts of volunteers across the country and to provide opportunities for all Americans to participate in volunteer service."
We (AP/IB Boosters) would like to thank all students, parents, teachers, administrators and community members who regularly volunteer and make Community Service an important aspect in their lives.
The following organizations are just some of the ways people are involved in our school community:
The Cascade HS PTSA
The Jackson HS PTSA
The Blue and Gold Club at Everett HS
The Heatherwood MS PTA
The Gateway MS PTA
The Eisenhower MS PTA
The Evergreen MS PTA
The North MS PTA
The Cedar Wood ES PTA
The Emerson ES PTA
The Garfield ES PTA
The Hawthorne ES PTA
The Jackson ES PTA
The Jefferson ES PTA
The Lowell ES PTA
The Madison ES PTA
The Monroe ES PTA
The Mill Creek ES PTA
The Penny Creek ES PTA
The Silver Firs ES PTA
The Silver Lake ES PTA
The View Ridge ES PTA
The Whittier ES PTA
The Woodside ES PTA
The 2005 Parent Group
The 2006 Parent Group
The 2007 Parent Group
The 2008 Parent Group
The Band Boosters
Global Outreach
The Everett Schools Foundation
The Everett School District Board of Directors
Student 2 Student Project Helps Freshmen Plan for Graduation, Future
Students in each of the Everett School District high schools recently completed training and are getting involved with this program. This is another Community Service type of activity.
http://www.k12.wa.us/Communications/pressreleases2005/S2S2005release.aspx
Excerpt from the OSPI web site:
The Student 2 Student: Change Your World project is an innovative, student-led effort to help high school freshmen understand the new state graduation requirements, connect the requirements to their own lives and learn how to use their high school careers to set goals and build a solid foundation for their futures. In participating high schools, juniors and seniors serve as facilitators, taking freshmen through a two-class-period session that includes hands-on planning activities and plenty of classroom discussion. Participants also watch a short video—produced by and starring Washington high school students—about using high school as a launching pad for their lives.
‘The core of the project is about telling the ninth-graders what we wished we would have known when we still had four years before we graduated’, said Kourosh Zamanizadeh, a high school senior from Vancouver. Zamanizadeh serves as one of two student members of the State Board of Education and as a leader of the Student 2 Student project. ‘We’re telling them information that too many students find out once it is too late to get back on the right track.’
Educator Supply and Demand in Washington State, OSPI 2004 Report
The following report was just released from the OSPI.
http://www.k12.wa.us/certification/pubdocs/supplydemand2004.pdf
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Findings
Possible Implications
Although the data provided in this report do not directly lead to specific recommendations, readers may find it helpful to consider the implications of this information.
Agencies, Boards, and Legislators
Agencies, boards, and legislators involved in policy decisions may wish to:
Colleges and Universities
Colleges and universities may wish to:
Personnel and Human Resource Administrators
Personnel and human resource administrators in school systems may wish to:
Media and the General Public
Media and the general public may wish to:
Public Review of Curriculum Material for the Everett School District, April 18, 2005
"On Monday, April 18, 3:30-5:30 p.m., at the Longfellow Annex, there will be an open house for the public to review materials being considered for adoption."
http://www.everett.k12.wa.us/everett/News
Early Childhood Development: What Parents Need to Know, Tue Apr 19, 2005 - 8:00 PM ET, U.S. Dept. of Education Webcast
The April edition of Education News will explore questions such as:
Washington Weekend at the University of Washington, April 21-23, 2005
One of the top 12 improvements we (AP/IB Boosters) would like to see for the Everett School District is better promotion of academic events in our community.
http://www.apibboosters.org/GoalsAndObjectives.html
Over the past 3 years, we have tried to set the example with our newsletter and web site.
One of those important events is the UW School of Engineering Open House.
http://www.engr.washington.edu/openhouse/
http://www.engr.washington.edu/openhouse/exhibits.html
It always draws thousands of K-12 students.
This year marks the inaugural Washington Weekend at UW that includes the School of Engineering Open House and much more.
Some of the events:
Thursday, April 21st
Dance Open House
All dance classes -- ballet, modern, composition, repertory -- are open for observation.
MBA Program Information Session
People interested in applying to the UW Business School's full-time MBA program are encouraged to attend this information session.
UW Tacoma Lecture: "A Patriot's History of the United States"
"A Patriot's History of the United States: From Columbus' Great Discovery to the War on Terror" is a prize-winning book co-written by the University of Washington Tacoma's Michael Allen. Allen, a Marine Corps veteran, is author of several books including "Frontiers of Western History," and the forthcoming "Congress and the West."
"Art and Culture of Germany: Bismarck and the Cult of Leadership"
The UW Department of Germanics and the Frye Art Museum present a series relating the art, history, politics, literature, and culture of Germany. Professor Richard Frankel of Louisiana State University, author of "Bismarck's Shadow," explores how famous images have been used factions seeking political gain. Frye curator Robin Held discusses artwork on display.
Friday, April 22nd
Earth and Space Sciences Open House
Earth and Space Sciences will open several labs, including Seismology, where Mount St. Helens is tracked; the Space Sciences lab, which studies sunspots and other phenomena; the Remote Sensing lab; and the Educators Resource Center of the Space Grant program. Workshops and lectures are planned, as well as a "Geology of Seattle" field trip.
Engineering Open House
Explore the world of engineering and science at the UW College of Engineering Open House. From water rockets to robot games to making liquid-nitrogen ice cream, there will be more than 100 hands-on exhibits. The open house is for students of all ages and anyone interested in learning more about engineering.
UW Women's Center Open House
If you've ever wanted to learn about the impact of women's leadership in the world, now's your chance. Our open house will teach you about women who have been world leaders, violence prevention, human trafficking, and the impact of campus and community programs promoting education for non-traditional students.
College of Architecture and Urban Planning Open House
The College of Architecture and Urban Planning's open house features student and faculty projects with strong community connections – local, national and international. Students and faculty from Architecture, Construction Management, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Design and Planning will discuss their work and their experiences collaborating with community members.
School of Art Open House
The faculty, staff and students of Art, Art History and Design invite you to their annual open house. Activities include a show in the Jacob Lawrence Gallery, exhibits of art and design, sale of student and alumni art, auction of graduate student art, open studios/classrooms, and a reception sponsored by L Rho Artists, Alumni and Friends.
School of Drama Open House
Visit Hutchinson Hall, home to the top-ranked School of Drama. You can observe students in the Professional Actor Training Program and get a sneak preview of the costumes for upcoming productions of "Execution of Justice" and "Orphee Aux Enfers." You can also meet with students and tour the facility.
School of Music Open House
The School of Music invites you to attend performances and min-lectures by our faculty and students. Highlights include an introduction to the saxophone family of instruments, including rare and unusual instruments, and a preview of scenes from our spring opera, Offenbach's "Orfee Aux Enfers," with commentary by opera director Claudia Zahn.
DXARTS Open House
DXARTS is a new research center and degree-granting program unique to the UW. DXARTS students do work ranging from digital cinema, computer animation and computer music to robotics, telematics and mechatronics. It fosters the invention of new art forms through a synthesis of digital computing, information technologies, science and engineering.
Open House at UW Health Sciences Center
Sponsored by the six UW Health Sciences schools – Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health and Community Medicine, and Social Work – as well as the UW Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center, this event will feature virtual reality medical presentations, high-tech patient simulator demonstrations, fascinating tours and educational opportunities designed for children and adults of all ages.
"As Hollywood Sees Us: The Drama of Communication Disorders"
Communication is more than just talking. But when talking is disrupted, one's life is dramatically changed. This drama is portrayed by the media as tragic, mysterious, and like it or not, as comical. Join us on a multimedia tour by the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences as you consider the consequences of living with a communication disorder.
Earth Week 2005 - Keynote Address
Part of Earth Week, the Keynote Address on Earth Day features speeches from KC Golden of Climate Solutions and Representative Jim McDermott. This event sums up the activities of Earth Week, reflecting on the significance of Earth Day and sustainability issues. Time for questions will be available.
College Bowl National Championship
The 2005 national championship features the top 16 teams from across the country in a contest of academic knowledge and quick recall. The games feature two teams of four players competing to answer questions in subject areas including history, science, literature, multiculturalism, geography, social sciences, arts, sports and current events.
An Evening With Charles Johnson
University of Washington Professor Charles Johnson discusses his career and status as a major American writer. His latest book is "Dr. King's Refrigerator and Other Bedtime Stories." He is also the subject of "Passing the Three Gates: Interviews with Charles Johnson," published by the University of Washington Press.
UW World Series at Meany Hall: Danza Floricanto/USA
The oldest existing professional Mexican folk dance troupe in Los Angeles, Danza Floricanto/USA presents the bold, colorful panorama of its Mexican heritage in "Fandango Without Borders." Music and dance come together to explore the essence of the culture, traditions and influence of the fandango, a blend of dance, music and celebration.
Saturday, April 23rd
Explore the Living Oceans!
The College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences open house features the research vessel Thomas G. Thompson, waterfront activities, hands-on family friendly exhibits and demonstrations. The 274-foot Research Vessel Thomas G. Thompson will be open for tours and faculty and students will have informative displays showcasing their research within the College.
Earth Day 2005 Service Project
Join the Student Conservation Association and the UW Program on the Environment at the Washington Park Arboretum for an Earth Day Service Project. After a morning rally, teenagers with SCA’s Conservation Leadership Corps will lead volunteers in an effort to restore and maintain the Arboretum. Come lend a hand!
Engineering Open House
Explore the world of engineering and science at the UW College of Engineering Open House. From water rockets to robot games to making liquid-nitrogen ice cream, there will be more than 100 hands-on exhibits. The open house is for students of all ages and anyone interested in learning more about engineering.
Applied Physics Laboratory Open House
(College of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences)
We integrate fundamental science and creative engineering to solve some of our nation's greatest challenges. Researchers and students present hands-on activities, exhibits and displays that showcase the diverse applications of our research including observing the oceans from space, polar science, climate change, undersea autonomous vehicles, and innovative uses for medical ultrasound technology. The open house is open to everyone of all ages interested in learning about these and other new and exciting applications of physics.
Spring Football Scrimmage
Can the Huskies rebound from last year to become a Pac-10 contender? This is your chance to get a first look at the Huskies under the direction of new coach Tyrone Willingham. With games against Notre Dame, Oregon and national champion USC on the horizon, the Huskies have their work cut out for them.
For a complete list of events with times and other important information, see the following.
http://www.washington.edu/alumni/weekend/
AP US History, College Board Online Event, Conflict Resolution and United States History, April 28, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (ET)
"Join Professor John W. Chambers from Rutgers' department of history and Arlene Gardner, director of the New Jersey Center for Civic and Law-Related Education (also at Rutgers), for an online workshop titled Conflict Resolution and United States History. They will explain how to teach students conflict resolution skills and help them apply these skills to conflicts in American history. Chambers and Gardner have been working in this area for ten years, developing a curriculum package with case studies of 20 conflicts in American history, to be published in September 2005."
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com
Minimum Admission Requirements for Freshmen at Washington Public four-year Colleges and Universities
"Members of the Higher Education Coordinating Board will hold a public hearing at Central Washington University in Ellensburg on Tuesday, April 19, to hear public reaction to the panel’s draft plan for revising the state’s minimum college admission standards. The meeting will begin at 4 p.m."
"The Higher Education Coordinating Board is required by state law to establish minimum admission requirements for freshmen at Washington's public four-year colleges and universities."
"Over the past several years, the board has found broad consensus among educators that the current minimum admission requirements are inadequate and that too many high school graduates are not prepared for college-level work."
The board is proposing the following revisions:
http://www.hecb.wa.gov/Research/issues/admissions.asp
These are all steps in the right direction. The last item (dealing with the rigor of coursework) is an especially important issue. It is and has been one of our priority issues.
http://www.apibboosters.org/WeightedGPA.html
Too many Everett School District high students try to protect their coveted high school GPA by avoiding AP level courses. Universities such as the University of California recalculate a student’s GPA giving extra weight to AP, IB, and UC approved honors courses.
For several years, we (AP/IB Boosters) have been encouraging the leading Washington institution of higher education (UW) to follow the UC lead. We invite you to do the same by writing the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB).
http://www.hecb.wa.gov/index.asp
WASL Season
The next 2 weeks are WASL testing days. We have mixed feelings about the mighty WASL and want to see it drastically improved. For now, it is all our state has. We wish the best of luck to all the test takers and their parents. Just do your best.
For WASL details, see the OSPI web site.
http://www.k12.wa.us/assessment/WASL/overview.aspx