The Suburban Times » Schools

PR: NSF awards $344,055 grant to TCC

Ben Sclair — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:01:26 +0000

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a grant of $344,055 to Tacoma Community College to expand its existing Secure Logistics curriculum. The grant will allow TCC to develop continuing education modules for people working in the Secure Logistics field, and to further align coursework with industry-based best practices. The grant period began July 1, 2010 and ends June 30, 2012.

===> Posted on July 29, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

CPSD successfully passes transportation inspections

Ben Sclair — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:30:03 +0000

Clover Park School District’s buses and vehicles recently passed two inspections by the Washington State Patrol, both with outstanding results. The inspections—one scheduled and one a surprise—help to establish standards for the safe transportation of students, staff and community members.

===> Posted on July 29, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

PR: Partnership puts area nurses back to work

Ben Sclair — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:32:25 +0000

A pilot program will launch this summer to put local resident immigrants who are skilled in nursing back to work in local hospitals and clinics. Tacoma Community College, WorkForce Central, Franciscan Health System and MultiCare are collaborating to form an international nurse program. The program aims to find qualified immigrant or refugee nurses and provide them with additional training on U.S. nurse practices so they can pass the National Council License Examination (NCLEX). This will help address the nursing shortage locally.

===> Posted on July 25, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Tilzer wins IABM Award

Ben Sclair — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:51:08 +0000

Chris Tilzer, a student in Broadcasting and Video Production at Bates Technical College, is one of 10 recipients of the highly competitive International Association of Broadcasting Manufacturers (IABM) Engineering Student Award.

The only recipient from the United States, Tilzer will join other winners from France, Russia and the United Kingdom at the annual International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) this September in Amsterdam’s RAI Centre. The award pays for five days in Amsterdam at the IBC conference and exhibition, accommodation, travel and daily expenses.

===> Posted on July 20, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Caring for Kids Ready to Learn Fair Aug. 14

Ben Sclair — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:27:37 +0000

On August 14th at Lochburn Middle School from 9:00 am-1:00 pm Caring for Kids will be holding its annual fair for kids in need in our community. To qualify the kids need to be on free and reduced lunch and live in Lakewood, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Steilacoom or University Place. We will offer school supplies, new and good used clothing, hygiene products, hair cuts, sports physicals, immunizations and a host of other amenities.

Caring for Kids is an all volunteer organization, so if you would like to help or donate in support of the fair please email carekids@comcast.net or call 279-9777. Last year we helped 1,798 kids get a great start to the school year. Caring for Kids works with the schools all year long and spends an average of $9,000 a month during the year to provide basic needs. These are our kids, so please help us make a difference!

===> Posted on July 20, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Bruce Parker selected SHSD’s facilities and maintenance supervisor

Ben Sclair — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:36:23 +0000

Steilacoom Historical School District #1 announces the appointment of Bruce Parker as the new Supervisor of School District Facilities and Maintenance. “My goal as a supervisor is to have employees who feel valued and involved. In my experience, this leads to people who want to contribute their best,” said Parker.

Mr. Parker comes to the district with thirty years of experience in the building maintenance and construction fields. Since 1997, he has served as Maintenance Foreman (HVAC) with the Peninsula School District in Gig Harbor. He is both a licensed master electrician and electrical contractor. He also holds certification as a Universal Refrigerant Technician and other professional endorsements.

===> Posted on July 19, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

UWT boasts $235 million economic impact

Ben Sclair — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 20:11:51 +0000

A study released today at the UW Board of Regents meeting in Seattle shows that the three-campus University of Washington has an annual economic impact of $9.1 billion in the state. The study measures the direct economic impact of the university’s spending, plus additional indirect spending through businesses and individuals paid by UW who re-spent money within the state. UW Tacoma’s annual economic impact alone totals more than $235 million. That includes $102.2 million directly contributed to the state economy and an additional $132.8 million indirectly.

===> Posted on July 15, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Letter: School zone lights

Ben Sclair — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 22:12:21 +0000

What do you know about the school zone lights operating this morning? It seems a little early for summer school to have started. I question the need to operate these lights at the high schools and maybe the middle schools, too. What do your readers think of prohibiting the lights to operate at the high schools during the summer months?

Speaking of possible misuse of these school zone lights, did you notice they were used after the football games this past season at Harry Lang Stadium? Finally, I observed the CPSD buses limiting their speed to 20 MPH in all school zones, all day. This occurred during the entire school year, regardless of the time of day. What a waste of time. I think the LPD should ticket the buses for impeding traffic when the warning lights are not flashing. What do your readers think of that?

Greg Ellis
Lakewood

Editor’s Note: Following is a response from Kim Prentice, Director of Community Relations for Clover Park School District. If you have an opinion, please click through to the comments area.

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===> Posted on July 14, 2010 by Ben Sclair. 5 comments.

New administrators approved by CPSD Board of Directors

Ben Sclair — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 21:50:42 +0000

LAKEWOOD- The Clover Park School District (CPSD) Board of Directors approved the hiring of two administrators to fill vacancies in the district during the July 12 regular board meeting. The district welcomes Kristy Harris as the new director of financial services and Katie O’Brien as a new assistant principal at Lakes High School. The board also approved other new hires for the district as part of the monthly personnel actions listing.

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===> Posted on July 14, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Letter: ‘Help Tillicum kids stay in school’

Ben Sclair — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:50:20 +0000

Communities In Schools of Lakewood (CISL) is the local affiliate of the nation’s largest drop out prevention program. We have been located in Lakewood since 1993 and have seen the graduation rate increase from 40% to 70%. We are now looking for your help.

Beginning in the Fall of 2010, CISL will (grant pending) begin a large scale program at Tillicum Elementary. This will include additional academic support after school as well as enrichment activities and recreational games and team-building activity. This program will include roughly 75 students and will run 5 days a week after school.

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===> Posted on July 12, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Pierce College military program ranks high

Ben Sclair — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:55:11 +0000

Pierce College has been recognized by Military Times Edge magazine as one of the 50 Most Popular Colleges in its June/July issue. Pierce is ranked 14th out of the top 50, which is based on where active-duty military use their tuition assistance benefits. The data used in the ranking was provided by the Air Force, Army, Army National Guard, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

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===> Posted on July 8, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Pierce business students honored

Ben Sclair — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:56:33 +0000

Twelve students in Pierce College’s Business Management program were recently chosen for the Leadership Excellence Institute Award, an honor recognizing the program’s best students, as chosen by professors Dr. Paul Gerhardt and Doug Edison.

The awards were based on academic achievement (a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher), student involvement in the program, and contributions to the community outside the classroom.

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===> Posted on July 7, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Brandman and TCC launch new local option to earn bachelor degrees

Ben Sclair — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:34:22 +0000

Students could earn a bachelor’s degree in as little as three years through a new partnership between Tacoma Community College and Brandman University. The TCC/Brandman Virtual Transfer Program allows qualified students from TCC to transfer to the fully online degree programs at Brandman. The opportunity enables students to earn a degree at their own pace, whether that is faster or slower than the traditional four-year schedule.

The program is part of the Early Advantage Agreement that was signed by both institutions in fall 2009. The partnership allows for automatic admission to qualified students who successfully complete their associate’s degree at TCC. Brandman makes the transfer process easier and more streamlined.

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===> Posted on July 7, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Lakes’ Speech and Debate Team host competition for Hudtloff students

Ben Sclair — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:18:14 +0000

LAKEWOOD- Lakes High School’s Speech and Debate Team hosted a speech competition for Hudtloff Middle School students on June 17. The Lakes students were working with middle schoolers in Mary Carlisle’s Advanced Studies Program on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout June to tell them about various speech events and prepare them for the competition.

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===> Posted on July 7, 2010 by Ben Sclair. One comment.

PR: Tacoma Narrows Rotary raises funds for U.P. Library

Ben Sclair — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:04:23 +0000

During the Fund-a-Need portion of the annual spring for Kids auction May 8, Tacoma Narrows Rotary raised $34,500 for the teen area at the new University Place Pierce County Library. The library will name the new teen space for Tacoma Narrows Rotary in honor of the Rotary’s strong support of the library and youth in University Place.

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===> Posted on July 7, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Holocaust speaker talks with Lochburn students

Ben Sclair — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:23:13 +0000

English Language Learner students from Lochburn Middle School listen to the son of two Holocaust survivors, Sheldon Balberman, talk about their experiences.

English Language Learner students from Shelley Heinzman’s class at Lochburn Middle School listened to the son of two Holocaust survivors talk about their experiences. Sheldon Balberman conducted the presentation for the students on June 18.

The students studied the stories of Anne Frank and Sadako Sasaki which were part of an overarching theme on conflicts that lead to war and the children of war. The students created artifacts, posters, essays and visual art projects that were displayed in the classroom and library.

===> Posted on July 6, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Pierce College cyclists help feed the hungry

Ben Sclair — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:45:14 +0000

A team of dedicated Pierce College bike riders was undeterred by foul weather June 6 for the Fifth Annual Wheels to Meals fundraising bike ride for the St. Leo Food Connection, a local leader in the fight against hunger since 1982.

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===> Posted on July 1, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Principal assignments announced for 2010-11

Ben Sclair — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:38:57 +0000

LAKEWOOD- Clover Park School District Superintendent, Debbie LeBeau, recently announced the selection of a new principal and new assignments for three principals. The principals will begin their new assignments effective July 1, 2010, pending board approval.

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===> Posted on July 1, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

PR: Oakwood receives grant from Office of Education Ombudsman

Ben Sclair — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 03:14:15 +0000

Principal of Oakwood Elementary School, John Mitchell, discusses the School-Family Partnership project with parent volunteer, Lucia Michelot, and third-grade Teacher, Liz Colleran (left to right).

LAKEWOOD- Oakwood Elementary School has received a $5,000 grant from the Office of the Education Ombudsman (OEO) to develop a School-Family Partnership (SFP) pilot project. The purpose of the project is to provide training in collaboration with parents and teachers so they are partners in the education of students. The OEO will help the Oakwood staff develop a SFP team comprised of trained parents and staff. Twenty Oakwood staff members will be involved with the training along with 20 parents. Oakwood is the only school in the Puget Sound area to receive the grant. In addition to the grant money, the school will receive: Read more...

===> Posted on June 30, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Joel Lang appointed principal at Saltar’s Pont Elementary

Ben Sclair — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:07:08 +0000

Steilacoom Historical School District #1 announces the selection of Joel Lang as the new principal of Saltar’s Point Elementary School located in Steilacoom.

“I view Saltar’s Point Elementary as a place of hope and learning for everyone – students, staff and families. My commitment is to help the Saltar’s Point community make a great school even better,” said Lang.

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===> Posted on June 28, 2010 by Ben Sclair. 2 comments.

American Legion retires flag at Dower

Ben Sclair — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:48:29 +0000

Members of American Legion Post #187 in Lakewood retired the American flag at Dower Elementary on June 22. The school received a new flag in November, 2009 and wanted to retire the old one due to its weathered condition. The proper way to dispose of an American flag is to burn it. The veterans placed the flag into a fire with the student body observing the burning. It was explained when the flag burning has been completed, its ashes will be gathered and buried. This was an educational program for both students and adults. Lakewood Fire Department firefighters were also present to show support for the process.

===> Posted on June 28, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

PR: Continuing Education and Shakespeare Festival

Ben Sclair — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:57:14 +0000

“Methinks this summer doth stink too much” need not be your mantra for yet another boring summer. Pierce College is offering fun and excitement with a Shakespearean flair in July.

Earn 10 English or drama credits and see six plays at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Ore., with the Pierce College Continuing Education program this summer. (Note: K-12 teachers can choose to earn clock hours through the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction instead of college credits for completing this course.)

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival series at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom includes four evening classes before the festival (July 12-15) to help you understand the language and culture and five classes after the play series (July 26-Aug. 2). You’ll put those new skills to work with a trip to Ashland, Ore., July 21-23, for the festival. You’ll see six plays, including “Hamlet,” “Twelfth Night,” “Henry IV,” “American Night,” “Throne of Blood,” and “Pride and Prejudice.”

Cost is $999 and includes Pierce College tuition, tickets to all six plays, a backstage tour and discussion with an actor or director, and four nights in a hotel (double occupancy). Students must provide only their own meals and transportation to and from the festival.

You must register and pay by July 1 to reserve a space. For more information, visit www.pierce.ctc.edu/conted or call Kathleen Beaumont at (253) 840-8450.

===> Posted on June 28, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

CPTC Weatherization and Sustainability Expo

Ben Sclair — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 22:12:43 +0000

How are weatherization programs and the careers they create shaping up in Pierce County? How can individuals receive training in weatherization, or apply to have their homes weatherized? What part is weatherization playing in the development of a sustainable local economy? Learn about these issues and more at Clover Park Technical College’s Weatherization and Sustainable Careers Expo on June 30, 2010.

===> Posted on June 27, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

CPSD School Board Schedules Retreat

Ben Sclair — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 17:46:36 +0000

The Clover Park School District Board of Directors has scheduled a retreat for Monday and Tuesday, June 28 and 29. The retreat begins at 5 p.m. on Monday and will resume at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, in building 19, room 107 at Clover Park Technical College, 4500 Steilacoom Blvd. SW in Lakewood.

Topics for the retreat include the board values and priorities, standard operating procedures and budget, the superintendent’s focus for 2010-11, a school construction bond and building update, the board calendar and meeting and workshop times and the superintendent’s evaluation process and timeline for the upcoming year. For more information, contact the superintendent’s office at (253) 583-5190.

===> Posted on June 27, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

PR: Lakes’ Dixon Galbreath completes Eagle Scout project

Ben Sclair — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:20:40 +0000

Wendy Huber, Dennis Dixon, Sage Dixon Galbreath, Preston Bocchi, Holly Bocchi, Gary Cordingly and Bobby Cordingly (left to right) help Dixon Galbreath complete his Eagle Scout project at Idlewild Elementary.

LAKEWOOD— Lakes High School ninth-grader, Sage Dixon Galbreath, has completed his Eagle Scout project at Idlewild Elementary School. Dixon Galbreath organized and completed a quarter-mile, four to five foot wide running and walking track around the Idlewild playfield, which was officially opened on June 18. The track provides an all-season path for students and the community to run and walk on.

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===> Posted on June 24, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Bates receives ruling from Office of Administrative Hearings

Ben Sclair — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:48:19 +0000

TACOMA, Wash. – Yesterday, Thomas P. Rack, administrative law judge with the Washington State Office of Administrative Hearings, informed Bates Technical College Interim President Lyle Quasim that the college administration had prevailed in its hearing regarding the impending reduction in force of five probationary and tenured faculty members.

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===> Posted on June 24, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Letter: Woodbrook’s PTSA is now inactive

Ben Sclair — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:01:23 +0000

By Karen Lebeter, Tillicum

The Woodbrook Middle School’s PTSA is now inactive. We have not been able to meet the minimum member requirement to continue to be a part of the National PTA organization. The school used to have a PTO, but to start another we would have to file a 501(c)3 at a cost of over $700. Sarah Weiler and I have not had a child there for 2 years but tried to keep it going.

We awarded money we had earned through bookfairs and collecting Box Tops and Labels on Friday, June 18th. Beth Harrison is in charge of the student ASB and sports department. We gave her a check for $500 for a Scoreboard or other expenses for the Sports dept, and a check for $425 for the Student Body to be used as they wish (dance, party, supplies, etc.).Read more...

===> Posted on June 22, 2010 by Ben Sclair. 2 comments.

Computer Clubhouse offers summer programs

Ben Sclair — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:41:26 +0000

The Lakewood Computer Clubhouse will again be offering free programs this summer for youth ages 10-16. The summer programs are meant to be fun while strengthening skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) areas. Featured this summer will be:Read more...

===> Posted on June 22, 2010 by Ben Sclair. One comment.

PR: CPSD students receive Business Student of the Year scholarships

Ben Sclair — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 22:08:27 +0000

LAKEWOOD- The 2010 Business Student of the Year scholarships have been announced by the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. Lakes High School’s, Cameron Boyd, Sangbin Kwak from Clover Park High School and Ashok Chandwaney from Harrison Preparatory School received the scholarships at a reception on June 3. Each scholarship is worth $500. The students were selected based on their commitment to the spirit of free enterprise and their entrepreneurial goals and plans. Clover Park Technical College’s Joshua Gibson and TaNay Peters from Pierce College were also recipients of the scholarship.Read more...

===> Posted on June 17, 2010 by Ben Sclair. No comments.

Two Byrd School markers

Dave Sclair — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 22:03:22 +0000

Byrd School, the first school building north of the Columbia River, was built in 1855. Recently, developers of Lakewood’s Echelon Apartments at Steilacoom Boulevard and Lakewood Drive, erected a marker recognizing the school’s site inside the apartment complex. Additionally, another marker noting the school’s nearby location was erected years ago on what today is the Clover Park Technical School campus. The marker is on the north side of a building at the west end of the campus behind the fence next to Steilacoom Boulevard. The new marker will be formally unveiled in the near future.

===> Posted on June 17, 2010 by Dave Sclair. No comments.