Polar Bears team up to help the homeless
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Students from Beth Mosti's kindergarten class and Wendy Hogan's third-grade class work together to fill 40 plastic bags with food and other useful items for distribution to elderly homeless people in Seattle.
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Beth Mosti's kindergartners and Wendy Hogan's third-graders are teaming to help homeless people.
Last week, the Glacier Park Elementary teachers paired up their students to fill plastic bags with food and hygiene items that were being donated for distribution to elderly homeless people in Seattle. For the teachers, creating comfort kits is a perfect example of what it means to be a community contributor, which is a Tahoma Future Ready skill. Their students are enthusiastic participants.
"Not only have they displayed empathy and concern for others, they are thinking about those who are less fortunate," Mosti said.
Assembling comfort kits is something new for the students, and was inspired by an experience that Mosti and her students had on a recent field trip to the Seattle Center.
"My students and I were eating lunch in the Center House of the Pacific Science Center. There were several homeless people inside the Center House trying to get warm and possibly a bit to eat. It was very difficult to ignore the need that surrounded us," she said.
As her students began to ask questions about what they had seen, Mosti wondered if there could be a way to actively respond.
"I began to do research and found that there were organizations going out to provide sack lunches and dinners, hygiene items such as toothpaste for the homeless, which led me to the idea of comfort bags," she explained. "It was a way for students to contribute and be part of the entire process."
Mosti and her kindergartners found willing partners right next door in Hogan's third-grade classroom. The older students followed a checklist of items that would be included in each bag and the two-person student teams moved between two tables laden with food items such as granola bars, peanut butter crackers, applesauce and bananas along with gloves, hand and feet warmers, toothbrushes and water.
"My students felt really excited to be able to work with the younger students and contribute to a worthwhile project," Hogan said. "The partnership between kindergarteners and third-graders is a powerful one in and of itself. I'm grateful to Beth to invite us and the chance to be involved. It just feels good to help those in need and I think that resonated with all of my students."
Students filled 40 bags, which were later distributed by high school students working with Union Gospel Mission's MORELove Project. A parent of one of Mosti's former students, Lesa Say, volunteers with the MORELove Project and agreed to transport the comfort kits to the Union Gospel Mission.
Students are already talking about repeating the community service project in the spring, Mosti said, which is in addition to other projects they participate in, such as food and toy drives for Maple Valley Food Bank.
"At this juncture, my students are so excited that I have to continue our work," Mosti said.
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"Team Awesome" teaching duo amps up excitement
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| Tahoma Elementary P.E. teacher Megan Krise, center, does mountain climbers with a first-grade student during a turkey-themed game last week. |
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From the moment Tahoma Elementary students step in the gym, their energy is high and their enthusiasm is evident. Welcomed by a duo of teachers who have nicknamed themselves "Team Awesome," the students get right to work on their warm-up of the day, then gather in front of a white board to learn how to play a new game.
Although they weren't originally scheduled to team teach this year, Megan Krise and Haley Moser say that the system that has evolved in the past three months has benefits for them and their students.
"We are stronger together," Krise said. "We've almost become like the same person," she added, joking.
"Our goal is lifetime fitness: We want them to be excited about fitness when they leave us and go on to middle school. We want them to do it for themselves, not for anyone else," Krise said.
As she describes their program, Moser is working with students on their warm-up of laps, sit-ups a crab-walk and more. A few students are designated as "scouts," looking for good behavior among their classmates, which is recognized into an entry in the monthly "S.T.A.R.S." drawing. The acronym stands for: "Staying on task, Trying your best, Active listening and following directions, Respecting self, others and equipment, Sportsmanship and safety." Students whose names are drawn are recognized on the bulletin board in the gym.
At the beginning of the year, the teachers tried running separate classes in two sides of the gym with a curtain in the center, but the noise made it difficult on teachers and students alike. So, they combined forces -- team-teaching two classes combined -- and, they're glad they did.
"I've been the 'Lone Ranger' for so long," said Krise, who came to Tahoma from Federal Way this year. "It's nice to have instant feedback." The pair passes the lead back and forth from unit to unit depending on their expertise in the subject. Moser, who previously taught at Shadow Lake, just led a unit on volleyball; next up, Krise will lead basketball.
Explaining the new game called "Turkey Round-up," Krise and Moser tell the students that most them will pretend to be turkeys, and collect "food" (bean bags) one piece at a time from hoops that represent a farmhouse, such as the one in the foreground of the video. Their goal is to get all the food safely back to their coop, in the center of the gym floor, without being caught by a turkey farmer (four students carrying purple pool noodles). If a turkey is caught, it has to go to a blue dot representing a plate, and "gobble," until another turkey comes to set it free. The two turkeys perform five jumping jacks, mountain climbers, push-ups or another exercise, and then rejoin the game.
After roles are assigned, the "turkeys" gather in their new coop, and the "farmers" circle in wait. At Moser's shout of "Go!" a controlled chaos ensues, filled with the sounds of pounding feet, squeals, "gobbles," and laughter. In between rounds of the game, Moser and Krise lead the students in checking their heart rates.
Tahoma Elementary students have already learned about the five components of fitness: Cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, body composition and flexibility. Team Awesome is piloting one of three potential elementary-level P.E. curriculum programs that the district is considering adopting. The goal is to select "a consistently implemented, standards-based, comprehensive curriculum that is viable, fun, engaging, and innovative, and meets our common vision," said Tracy Krause, who teaches P.E. at the high school and is the subject lead for the district.
Asked which of the five components of fitness the turkey game was utilizing, the students responded in sync with Krise and Moser: "Cardiorespiratory endurance is my heart and lungs delivering oxygen to my working muscles for a long time."
Then, the teachers and students talk about how to refine the game to increase safety, and let the farmers pass their role to four new farmers. The next round begins.
Principal Jerry Gaston said that Krise and Moser have exceeded expectations in creating "exceptional experiences" for TES students. "Most notable of all is that they have made the decision to team teach. They have shown a deep commitment to ensuring that every TES student has a very positive experience," Gaston said. "Students are more excited than I have ever seen them to go to P.E.!"
Moser and Krise are also encouraging physical activity that reaches beyond the gym. Because studies have shown that an active brain is more engaged during learning, the team distributed cards with ideas for "brain break" or "brain energizer" activities for teachers to use to take a quick moment between lessons to add movement and help students be ready to learn when they sit back down. Teachers throughout the district are using these and other activities as "brain breaks."
Fifth-grader Fiona F. said she enjoys "Team Awesome," because they change the games in P.E. frequently, and because the "S.T.A.R.S." behaviors help keep students focused.
"They make it pretty fun, but we also push our limits, work on our endurance and check our heart beat," Fiona said.
Fourth-grade student Isaac F. said he particularly enjoys playing "zombie tag" in P.E., and said that of the five skills he thinks he uses flexibility a lot. Asked about Krise and Moser teaching together, Isaac said: "They work well together. They are a good team."
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Turkey Round-up at Tahoma Elementary School
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Tommy Bahama exec visits fashion design classes
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Students in Abby Durrett's fashion design class listen to Dave Boland of Tommy Bahama talk about the company's principles and methodology.
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Before a customer slips on a signature Tommy Bahama island-style shirt, the garment has gone through a myriad of steps to get to that point. Students in Abby Durrett's fashion design classes at Tahoma High School had the chance to hear about the "Life of a shirt" and much more when they had a visit from Dave Boland, senior vice president of Strategic Initiatives for the company.
Tommy Bahama, which is headquartered in Seattle and has a large warehouse in Auburn, sells a wide range of products from clothing to jewelry, fragrances and home decor. The company also has restaurants at some locations. Boland shared some of what goes into creating products for customers, how the company pulls inspiration from destinations around the world, and how fashion trends play into decisions. Additionally, he touched briefly on a number of different types of careers within a company like Tommy Bahama, to give the students an idea of the breadth of career options available to them.
One interesting aspect of Boland's talk was the fact that his path to the company -- and several of his coworkers -- wasn't a typical path to a high-level fashion industry job.
"You'll notice I don't really have any background in fashion design," he said.
After earning a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Washington, Boland worked for Boeing for eight years, then as a consultant for 21 years before starting at Tommy Bahama. He shared a bit about the company and the fictional character it's named after, how product development works, roles and responsibilities within the company, a snapshot of its customer base and a quick overview of its finances and sales.
Tommy Bahama designs apparel in three seasons, with four deliveries each, so that its retail stores will have fresh product at the front of the store each month, Boland explained. Designers consider an enormous range of factors when putting together a line, from connections between fall and spring pieces, to the color and print artistry, the color palette, and details such as lining up patterns and which buttons to select.
Senior Mikayla Willis said "I thought it was interesting how every little detail matters and they put a lot of thought into it."
They also have to plan ahead, and are currently working on designs for spring of 2019, because a line takes 16 to 18 months to develop from start to finish, he said.
"How do you design clothes for the future when you don't know what the trends are going to be?" one student asked. To help answer the question, Boland shared a presentation that the design team considered when building the line for spring of 2017, which was inspired by Santorini. In many cases, artists with the company actually paint the designs that end up on the apparel.
Junior Dana Whitman, who is nonverbal but communicates with a paraeducator, said via translation that she thought that the fabric design process was interesting.
Boland explained that designers look at trends, textures, and inspiration in many forms -- everything from existing fashions to architecture to rock formations.
"It's fun to go out to the floor -- it's interesting to see what (the designers) will bring in as part of their inspiration," Boland said. Students in the school's fashion club will have the chance to visit the Tommy Bahama design center early next month, to see some of that inspiration in person.
The students were interested in Tommy Bahama's licensing partners, or external companies that they contract with to design and produce a product such as glass tiles, mattress coverings, sunproof fabrics, Airstream trailers, beach chairs and more.
"It gives us a revenue stream and the chance to grow into a product without having to go hire people to design and create it," Boland explained. "Our expertise is in apparel -- we're not experts in beach chairs. ... In addition to revenue, it's also product visibility."
Freshman Fiona Huff said she thought the class was "amazingly lucky" to have the opportunity to hear from Boland.
Durrett's students are working on a project to design their own line and come up with their own brand. Some of their designs will hit the runway during the "Winter Art Flurry" art show at the high school at 6 p.m. on Dec. 6.
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Safety drills help ingrain swift, correct response
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Tahoma Elementary students walk out to the field during a recent fire drill.
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It's a sunny afternoon, and throughout the building, students and teachers are hard at work. In some classrooms, heads are bent over computers while fingers fly, writing personal narratives. In the gym, students hone their volleyball skills with the help of teachers. In the cafeteria, lunch is nearly ready. But the moment the fire alarm sounds, all those activities stop as students look to their teachers, and follow directions to safely leave the building.
Each Tahoma school building conducts a minimum of three fire drills and three lockdown/intruder drills per year, as well as one earthquake drill, in order to comply with School Board policy and state law. Students also participate in bus drills three times per year in the bus lane at school.
"We live in a world now where anything can happen at any time," Superintendent Rob Morrow said. "It's vital that our students and staff know how to respond in any given situation that unfolds. You can't risk not performing drills."
After each exercise, if any element needs attention or adjustment, the principal and the building manager work together to address it. If needed, they can also talk with the district's Safety Committee, or Sean P. Kelly, who leads the committee.
"Drills are important so that when the emergency happens -- and they're never planned -- students and staff and the community have a level of expectation of what to do," said Kelly, who is supervisor of operations for the district. In addition to meeting requirements, the repetition of drills helps the correct response become ingrained, for both students and staff, he said.
The district Safety Committee includes representatives from the School Board, Maple Valley Police, Maple Valley Fire and Life Safety, the Central Services Center and each building and department in the district. They meet quarterly, unless a special meeting is called, to review how drills are going, check up on safety items such as manuals of procedures, and to review student injury reports, employee Labor and Industries claims, and look for trends. In addition, when the bond-funded safety and security upgrades were planned, those items went through the Safety Committee, then to the superintendent and then to the School Board.
Another safety precaution at each building is a storage container that holds emergency supplies including drums of water, emergency food, tents and first aid equipment.
"The thinking behind that is if we had to evacuate the building after an event such as a large earthquake that affected bridges and transportation routes for commuters, then students and staff would be safe until a parent or guardian could arrive," Kelly said.
In addition to the drills, the district typically has several situations per year that end in either a shelter in place or a lockdown. Administrators will call for students and staff to shelter in place when there is a report of a large animal nearby, such as a bear on or near campus. In an event like that, normal activities proceed inside the buildings, but everyone stays inside. During a lockdown, which can be called for when suspicious activity is observed or if, for example, a bank robbery occurs and a suspect runs in the direction of a school.
"The police department is really good about contacting the school as soon as possible," Kelly said, noting that they also utilize the school radio frequencies if needed in an emergency.
Once a year for many years, the school district and local law enforcement agencies have worked together on an active intruder drill at the junior high. "Those drills help staff know what they (police and emergency personnel) are looking for when they first enter the building," Kelly said, adding that it also helps students and staff learn how to be helpful by not getting in the way of officers who are trying to find the suspect.
Lockdowns and intruder procedures are effective, as demonstrated on Nov. 14 in the northern California city of Rancho Tehama, when a gunman fired shots at an elementary school but did not gain entry to the building, as students and staff locked down and took cover.
The district employs a full time School Resource officer, Carl Bonnell, a police officer who works at the high school. In addition, Tahoma has three safety officers, who are district employees rather than commissioned law officers. They investigate harassment, threats and other allegations such as alcohol and drug use, bullying and cyberbullying. Lastly, the district also hires additional officers for extra hours to drive around to school locations, be a positive influence and available as a resource to staff and parents. Police occasionally park at school locations when they are not on a call, also, so a police presence doesn't always mean that the officer is responding to an incident.
District officials appreciate the partnership with local law enforcement and first responders, and also with parents. Sharing information and cooperating to investigate potential threats benefits everyone.
"If you hear something from a student or another parent that is concerning or threatening in any way, report it to the school itself, or call local law enforcement," Kelly said.
In addition to regular phones and emails, the district has several ways for people to report concerns anonymously through Safe Schools Alert:
Phone: 855-997-8625
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Volleyball, swim teams excel at state
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THS volleyball team takes fifth in state
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Courtesy photo
Back row, left to right: coach Mackenzie Krauter, coach Sara Russell, coach Mikayla McClain, Emily Smith, Kaileahna McCollum, Paige Anthony, Sadie Byrd, Patience O'Neal, Kaia Garcia, Layne Cooper, Manager Maddie Burdulis.
Front row, left to right: Chey Jones, Karlee Lewis, McKenna Peters, Kennedy Kibby, Lidia Zahajko, coach Kelly Kim, coach Maria Bahlenhorst.
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The Tahoma High School volleyball team took fifth out of 64 teams at the 4A Washington State Tournament over the weekend, bringing home the best finish in school history at that classification.
"The team had a blast this year at the state tournament," coach Kelly Kim said. "From singing karaoke on the team bus while waiting for our dinner reservations, to doing spa face masks together the night before our first match and then cranking up our warm-up music so loud the bleachers were rattling in the arena, all such memorable moments! Overall it was a great tournament."
"Despite a rocky preseason we really started playing together as a cohesive unit during our league play and on through the state tournament, and it definitely showed," Kim continued.
The first day of play at state the team defeated Jackson 3-1 then faced Curtis and lost 3-1. Returning on Saturday the Bears defeated Kennedy Catholic 3-2 and fought hard against Puyallup and won 3-2. Senior Emily Smith was picked to represent Tahoma on the state All-tournament team.
Other accomplishments this season included:
- An undefeated league season, and first-place finish in the NPSL Cascade Division.
- Second place finish overall in the NPSL, and a third seed from the District III tournament into state.
- Emily Smith, Patience O'Neal and Paige Anthony were named to the first team roster for the NPSL Cascade Division. Kennedy Kibby, Chey Jones, McKenna Peters and Kaia Garcia were all noted on the honorable mention list. The Tacoma News Tribune also named Emily Smith and Patience O'Neal to the All-Area second team.
"After 15 years of coaching, I would say this season was one of my most special seasons, partly because I was fortunate to have an amazing coaching staff," Kim said, noting that she referred to the team of five coaches this year as, "The Dream Team."
"Between the five coaches we had all positions and aspects of the game covered, and that's hard to find," she said. The three senior team captains, Emily Smith, Karlee Lewis and Patience O'Neal, showed tremendous leadership throughout the season, Kim added. "Although the seniors will be missed next year, the team will be returning nine members of this year's state team and the future continues to look bright for Tahoma Volleyball."
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Tahoma swim team sets records
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Courtesy photo
Members of the Tahoma girls swim and dive team pose for a picture at the state championships.
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The Tahoma girls swim and dive team competed at the 4A State Championships two weekends ago. Results for the girls who placed in the top 16 included:
- The 200 medley relay team of Amy Gill, Sydney Sears, Abby Mattern and Iliana Hammerstrom placed 10th and broke the school record (set 20 years ago) with a time of 1:54.12.
- Mattern took 14th in state in the 100 butterfly, with a final time of 59.28. That time places her second all-time in school history.
- Nishizawa placed 16th in state in the 500 free, and second place in school history with a 5:25.97.
- The 200 free relay of Amelia Blakely, Hammerstrom, Mattern and Nishizawa took 11th in state with a time of 1:42.35.
- Abby Nardella took third in the 50 back with a time of 47.74. She also swam her best time in the 50 free with a time of 38.27, placing second.
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Bond oversight committee reviews projects
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The volunteer committee that has provided oversight for the 2013 construction bond projects met for the final time in 2017 to review what has taken place and what remains to be done. On Nov. 2, the Tahoma Bond Oversight Committee viewed a presentation from Assistant Superintendent Lori Cloud and Superintendent Rob Morrow that described spending on completed projects, including a review of cost estimates compared to actual costs. Spending is below the original estimates, which leaves money available for ongoing projects as well as additional projects that the school board has yet to determine. The committee decided it will meet at least one more time, in 2018, but did not set a date. Committee members who attended are Rock Jenkins, Valerie Paganelli, Grifan Cayce, Warren Iverson, Sue Boyd, Linda Johnson, and Kris Azizeh.
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District kudos
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Choir students chosen for all-state choir group
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Eleven THS choir students were selected for this year's All-State Choir -- this is the largest number in school history. Three of the 11 will be in the All-State Jazz Choir, which includes about 20 members from across the state. Pictured, left to right are Elsa Miller, Amy Grinzel, Erin Stewart, Jared Loveless (jazz), Allie Orozco, Mina Klein, Lucia Flores-Wiseman. Not pictured: McKayla Jackson, Erin Stewart, Joel Thompson (jazz), Devan Toomey, Jordan Usselman (jazz).
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Students selected for all-state band
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Six Tahoma High School students will represent their school at the Washington All-State Honor Ensembles in February. The students are, from left, Marius Falconeer, Ethan Burt, Dakota Huffman, and Michael Hogg. Also chosen are Claire Cunningham and George Praggastis, who were not available for the photograph. The students will attend the state music convention during the Presidents Day weekend in February in Yakima, where they will work with a guest professional conductor and rehearse for three days before performing in concert on the final evening. Falconeer (trumpet) and Hogg (trombone) will perform in the All-State Symphony Orchestra. Cunningham (clarinet) and Huffman (tenor saxophone) will play in the All-State Wind Ensemble. Burt (tuba) and Praggastis (clarinet) will perform in the All-State Concert Band.
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"Miracle" opens Dec. 1 in THS PAC
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Just in time for the holiday season, the first-ever community production on the stage at the new high school will open Dec. 1.
"Miracle on 34th Street, the Play," is a classic holiday story that is fun for all ages. This comedy-drama tells the tale of a man living in a retirement home who gets a job working as Santa for Macy's Department Store. Named "Kris Kringle," the man changes the spirit of the holiday season for the better by challenging the blatant commercialism that surrounds us. The show is the first holiday community production planned for the new stage, presented through a joint partnership between Tahoma Drama Club and the Tahoma Performing Arts Boosters, and directed by Melissa Bean.
"This has been a wonderful way to celebrate our first year in our new performing arts center -- by having the community members who helped make this new building possible be a part of one our first theatrical productions. This has truly been a Maple Valley community endeavor, and it has been amazing to see so many wanting to be involved," Bean said.
"Miracle" stars Tahoma staff members in several roles: THS teacher Jeff Heil as Fred and Glacier Park teacher Debbie Arnold as Doris. Tahoma High teacher Martina Morgan plays Ms. Bloomingdale and Tahoma bus driver Ken Kinnear plays Judge Harper. A number of Tahoma students also fill cast roles.
"Miracle on 34th Street, the play," is presented through special arrangement with and authorized performance materials supplied by Dramatic Publishing, New York, NY. The play was adapted by Mountain Community Theatre from the novel written by Valentine Davies based on the Twentieth Century Fox motion picture "Miracle on 34th Street."
Tickets are available now for purchase online with reserved seating, and will also be available at the door beginning one hour before each showtime. Performances are at the Tahoma Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. on December 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9th; and matinees are at 2 p.m. on December 2 and 9. Tickets are $10 for general seating, $8 for senior citizens, $5 for children younger than 10. Buy tickets online at https://tahomadrama1.brownpapertickets.com/ or at the door.
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Spotlight on Shadow Lake
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Shadow Lake students perform plays focused on growth mindset
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The actors and artists who presented a short play version of the book "The Dot" last week. Behind them is one of the sets for the play, representing a student art show.
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Students from Sandee Heighton's fourth-grade class recently performed two brief plays to help younger students at Shadow Lake understand what it means to have a "growth mindset."
Based on the books "The Dot" and "Ish," the plays emphasized the concept that it's important in school and in life to keep trying and not give up -- that perfection isn't as important as the process of learning.
In "The Dot," a fictional student feels frustrated while trying to create a piece of art. Her teacher encourages her to keep trying, and the character works through her frustration. The cast included Jonah H., Tyler R., Laura F., Emilee D., Andrew V. and Evan J. Artists who made the sets and artwork used in the play included Josslyn D., Harvey S. and Hailey H.
After the play, the cast and artists talked with the younger Tigers about the concept of having a growth mindset.
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Reflections artwork celebrated
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Courtesy photo
Students, parents and PTA groups met recently to celebrate the works created by Tahoma students of all ages. During the annual Reflections awards nights, artwork by students from Glacier Park, Lake Wilderness, both middle schools and the high school was on display.
Glacier Park participants included Charlotte B., Graham R., Alice J., Adele R., Leah J., Alexander P., Rylan L., Trennan L., Andrei P., Yarettzi C. and Effie A.
From Lake Wilderness in the visual arts category for primary grades, Kiya G. received first place and Myles D. received second. In dance choreography, Emma S. received first place.
In the intermediate grades, for visual arts, Lola J. took first place and Jeremiah S. received second. In literature, Caroline P. won first place and Rod L. received second. In dance composition, Molly S. received first place and in photography, Maya G. received first place.
Other participants included Ashley S., Danika J., Malachai S., Serena R., Brooke P., Emmy D., Lydia G., Natalynn S. and Amy L.
From the middle schools, in visual arts, Hannah T., first place; Vea M., second place; Kurt M. and Lauren L. tied for third place. Honorable mentions included Monserrat C., Sophie A., Sean C., Hope D., Lily B. and Gwendalyn C. In photography, Jenna J. received first place. In literature, Tanveer G. received first and Kira C. received second. Participants included Dakota R. and Eliana S.
Tahoma High School participants included Sidney Gindroz, Emma Rochleau, Elsie Rochleau, Camryn Elliott, Lily Reeves and Victoria Montero.
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News briefs
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Gift drive for food bank now underway
All year-round, Tahoma staff and students work together to be community contributors. Each holiday season brings a special opportunity for students and families to make a direct impact in the lives of area residents, through the gift drive organized by the Maple Valley Food Bank and Emergency Services.
Each school building is participating. Please bring donations to your child's school before Dec. 8, when items will be picked up by the food bank.
Last year, 939 local children received gifts through the program, which offers parents who are in need the chance to select three to four presents for their children. The drive collects new, unwrapped gifts for children birth through age 12, and gift cards for children ages 13 to 18.
In years past, the food bank has received an abundance of donated gifts for children ages 4-7, volunteers offered the suggestion that students in older grades who would like to donate a gift might consider selecting something appropriate for a child their own age.
The program serves individuals and families who live in Black Diamond, Covington, Maple Valley and the Tahoma School District boundaries. For information, visit
www.maplevalleyfoodbank.org
Conscientious Workers recognized in November
The districtwide Future Ready skill of the month for November is "Conscientious Worker," which is described as being trustworthy, dependable, and able to effectively interact with others to get work done. Students take responsibility for results and demonstrate a strong work ethic.
Each school building throughout the district has been emphasizing one skill per month, with teachers and staff helping students recognize what that skill looks like when applied in real life. Posters about November's skill are displayed throughout the district.
Libraries at new elementary schools await next shipment
The libraries at Tahoma Elementary and Cedar River Elementary each received an allocation of new library books to start the year off, and another order will arrive soon.
"Some questions have come up again about our wonderful school library," Tahoma Principal Jerry Gaston said. "Because we are a brand new elementary, we were able to get an allocation for a brand new, full collection of library books this year. The first purchase we received to fill up our beautiful new library was early in the year and provided us with $40,000 worth of new books. In addition, there is another order to add to this collection that was delayed so that staff could also have input on the selection being ordered. This one is still on the way and is also considerably larger than the first, rounding out a library extremely full of all brand new books."
Cedar River Principal Fritz Gere said that Cedar River's library is also awaiting its second shipment of books.
GPES PTA gives $5 to every student for book fair
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The Glacier Park Elementary PTA gave each student $5 to spend at the organization's recent book fair. Here, two kindergartners enjoy their selections. Several classes were so excited that they wrote thank you notes to the PTA.
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Tahoma seeks more bus drivers
More bus drivers are needed for substitute positions that could lead to permanent jobs. Training is provided. These positions are ideal for people who are looking for part-time work during the school year. Drivers are paid $19.70 to $23.06 per hour, depending upon experience.
Concrete poured for Shadow Lake Elementary playground
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Workers pour a concrete slab for the new playground at Shadow Lake Elementary. Construction will continue as weather allows.
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Students enjoy volleyball tourney at Cedar River
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A Shadow Lake student serves during the recent elementary volleyball tournament hosted by Cedar River Elementary. It was day one of a three-day tournament between boys, girls and co-ed teams.
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A Cedar River student returns the ball during the recent after-school tournament, in which all six elementary schools participated.
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School Board recognizes outgoing member
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Tahoma School Board President Mary Jane Glaser reads prepared remarks in honor of Board Member Tim Adam's departure from the board. Adam is completing eight years of service and chose not to run for re-election. A farewell reception for Adam was held prior to the Nov. 14 school board meeting. Two candidates, Fletcher Barkdull and Valerie Paganelli, ran for the board seat that Adam is leaving. Paganelli won the election and will join the board at its Nov. 28 meeting.
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Coming up in Bear Country
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No school, districtwide, Nov. 23 and Nov. 24, for Thanksgiving
FRIDAY, Dec. 1
"Miracle on 34th Street, the Play" opening night, Tahoma High School PAC
Shadow Lake Elementary PTA family movie night, 7 p.m., SLES
SATURDAY, Dec. 2
Lake Wilderness PTSA Holiday Breakfast, 7-10 a.m., LWES commons
MONDAY, Dec. 4
Rock Creek Elementary PTO book fair, Dec. 4-8, RCES
WEDNESDAY
, Dec. 6
Winter Art Flurry art and fashion show, 6 p.m., Tahoma High School
FRIDAY, Dec. 8
Cedar River Elementary PTO holiday movie night, 6 p.m., CRES
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What's for lunch?
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The Tahoma School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Title IX Officer
Director of Human Resources
25720 Maple Valley Highway
Maple Valley, WA 98038
425-413-3400
TitleIX@tahomasd.us
ADA Coordinator
Director of Human Resources
25720 Maple Valley Highway
Maple Valley, WA 98038
425-413-3400
ADA@tahomasd.us
Section 504 Coordinator
Director of Special Services
25720 Maple Valley Highway
Maple Valley, WA 98038
425-413-3400
Section504@tahomasd.us
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