nsidensidenside YourYourYourSchoolsSchoolsSchools VOL. XX NO. 2 III AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 408 Thank You for the Memories Inside this edition: by Linda Cowan

uring my 11 years as Superintendent of Auburn schools, I  Superintendent Farewell Dhave witnessed amazing achievements and acts of service throughout all 60 square miles of the Auburn School District.  2008 Teachers of the Students never cease to amaze me, as they continually reach beyond expectations—from the late bloomer who doesn’t Year and Finalists learn to read until third grade and then becomes a top student in his graduating class to the high school dropout who returns  Summer Lunch to school to complete her coursework online. Additionally, the Program selfless acts of service that students provide in the community are incredible. They truly make a difference in our community  and in our world. Students will be donating blood one week Honoring Community and then collecting food for the needy the next! I also have the good fortune of working with colleagues who  Transportation serve at the mission level—whether it is the dedicated teacher Department Award who spends countless hours in the classroom preparing lesson plans and tutoring students who need extra help or the principal  who sits with a child after school whose parents were delayed Going Green due to an emergency or the bus driver who stops to save the life of a community member in need. It is amazing to work  Farewell Retirees with such committed and caring individuals. Lastly, the community of Auburn is comprised of people who pervasively care about its young people. The parents and citizens of  Student Standouts Auburn want what is best for students and truly lead by example. A wonderful example of community in Auburn, and one of my favorite annual events, is Auburn Good Ol’ Days, where young and old alike congregate downtown to honor the past, celebrate today and build for the future.  Staff Accolades The close of this school year is a bit different than the rest, as I will be retiring after 40 years in public education. Yet the memories I have to take with me are priceless, and I would not trade them for anything. I have been blessed to work with such amazing students and staff, parents and community members, and a dedicated school board. So as the year and my career draw to a close, I thank you for the opportunity to serve our youth and thank you for the memories. 2008 Teachers of the Year Tim Wright Auburn Riverside High School English Teacher im Wright’s exuberant teaching style, scholarly pursuits and desire to teach all kids from Tbeginning to advanced make him this year’s high school level outstanding Teacher of SUPERINTENDENT the Year. Mr. Wright has worked in the English Department at Auburn Riverside since its doors Linda S. Cowan opened in 1995. Prior to his tenure at ARHS, he taught for three years at Olympic Middle School and student taught at Auburn High. In addition to his regular and AP classes, Mr. AUBURN SCHOOL BOARD Wright is the school’s AP coordinator for all honors classes. He is responsible for coordinat- OF DIRECTORS ing assignments, scheduling exams and signing up with the College Board. Mr. Wright also coaches track and cross country. Craig Schumaker, President Mr. Wright possesses a strong work ethic in his professional teaching career, which bodes Janice Nelson, Vice President well with the high expectations he sets for his students. “I am most rewarded when kids come Ray Vefik, Director back from college or a job to visit and tell me that my class made a difference in their learning Carol Helgerson, Director and lives. I always tell my students that they may not like the class now, but they will be grate- Lisa Connors, Director ful for it later on,” says Mr. Wright. Mr. Wright firmly believes that if students learn a strong work ethic, they will succeed in anything. Mr. Wright’s scholarly pursuits, which include earning a masters in curriculum, instruction and assessment, directly benefit the learning of his students. In fact, Mr. Wright’s class discussions can become so passionate that he is sometimes the learner when one of his students shares a thought he’s never considered before. Not wanting to put all his “professional eggs” in one basket, Mr. Wright has become a leader at Auburn Riverside and beyond. He is not only a dynamic teacher who initiated and started Auburn Riverside’s AP Language programs, but he also has been selected to score the AP language tests of students across the country. Mr. Wright makes it a point to connect to activities beyond the classroom, which he attributes to his broader and more realistic view of public education. He has become active in Olympia, speaking in front of the leg- islative body regarding educational issues. He also recently stepped in to take over two teachers’ workloads when they took unexpected leaves of absences. Mr. Wright’s energy is contagious inside and outside the schoolhouse. He dresses up as Portable Man during Halloween—cape, goggles and all—in honor of his portable classroom. He also loves to train for marathons with his dog, Runner, and never passes up a travel opportunity. This summer Mr. Wright and his friend will be taking a one-month excursion to Athens, Istanbul, Jerusalem and the Greek Islands. Mr. Wright is sure to bring back his experiences to the classroom next fall, never missing an opportunity to share his quest for adventure and learning with his students. article continued on page 2...

BOARD WELCOMES PUBLIC Non-Profit Organization The Auburn School District Board US Postage of Directors welcomes citizens Auburn School District No. 408 PAID interested in their local schools to 915 4th Street NE, Auburn, WA 98002 Auburn, WA attend the board’s regular meetings. (253) 931-4900 ~ www.auburn.wednet.edu Permit No. 162 The meetings are held the second and fourth Mondays of the month, at 7 p.m., in the board room at the James P. Fugate Administration Building, 915 Fourth Street North- east, Auburn, Washington. 22 Inside Your Schools - June 2008 www.auburn.wednet.edu

Ann Durham Michelle Hupperten Mt. Baker Middle School Seventh Grade Pioneer Elementary School Teacher On Language Arts/Social Studies Teacher Special Assignment (TOSA) nn Durham’s creative teaching style, commit- ichelle Hupperten raises the “teach- Ament to lifelong learning and dedication to reach Ming” bar through her commitment and all of her students at their learning level make her this passion for her students and colleagues, risk year’s middle level outstanding Teacher of the Year. taking and high expectations. She is this It doesn’t take long to notice Mrs. Durham’s pas- year’s elementary level outstanding Teacher sion for her students—whether it is students engag- of the Year. ing in Socratic debate or visiting the sites of Wash- “I know the kids I’m teaching today are our ington, D.C. and New York City over Spring Break. leaders of tomorrow,” says Mrs. Hupperten. Currently Mrs. Durham teaches honors and regular “It is part of my job to prepare students to language arts and social studies to seventh graders at become good citizens and leaders so they can Mt. Baker. It is her professional goal to motivate students to think and ask questions about take this country forward.” Mrs. Hupperten their world on a daily basis. “It’s really about sparking their curiosity for learning,” says understands that many of her students do not Mrs. Durham. “The Socratic debates help to spark their curiosity through dialogue among receive the support they need at home; therefore, she is one more person who can care for each other.” Socratic seminars are used to promote dialogue among a group of individuals and teach her students how to believe in themselves and live life to their potential. through metacognitive strategies. “The dialogue makes students think about their own think- Nine years ago, Mrs. Hupperten was hired as a first grade teacher at Pioneer and then ing,” remarks Mrs. Durham. “It also teaches students etiquette and communication skills.” decided to pursue second grade for a few years. In 2002, Pioneer had an opening for a TOSA Mrs. Durham uses such activities to empower students so that they believe they can instructor. Essentially, the position would reduce class sizes throughout the building during do anything they put their mind to—even if that means overcoming difficult obstacles. small-group reading blocks. Mrs. Hupperten considered the opportunity and decided to take Speaking from her own experiences, Mrs. Durham shares with her students personal a risk and go for it, as she felt ready for a change. The chance to teach reading to students anecdotes about the hurdles she has faced and overcome in life. In college, Mrs. Durham at all grade levels and to connect to the reading groups despite not being the students’ had a professor who told her to get out of education. “I knew it’s what I wanted to do, classroom teacher sounded both different and challenging. so I had to overcome that obstacle of someone telling me I would fail at it,” says Mrs. Mrs. Hupperten has fulfilled her role as TOSA with flying colors. She not only reaches Durham. Mrs. Durham’s personal anecdotes and care for her students make life in the students in her own classes, but also students across the district. She has presented the latest classroom a reciprocal relationship between teacher and student. “I try to get to know kids “best practices” on reading strategies to Pioneer, Hazelwood and Terminal Park Elementary on a personal basis in September. Forming a relationship with them before they begin to staff. Additionally, she has served on various OSPI committees and scored portions of the learn means they are more responsive when it is time to learn,” remarks Mrs. Durham. reading WASL. “I am interested in sharing what is taking place at the state level with my After receiving her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1981, Mrs. Durham taught fellow teachers,” says Mrs. Hupperten, “because it has a direct impact on the instructional fifth and sixth grades in the Kent School District for 15 years. In 2003, Mrs. Dur- practice of teachers in the school and district.” Mrs. Hupperten also recently obtained her ham’s stepdaughter was working with students with special needs at Mt. Baker national board certification, what she deemed to be a challenging yet rewarding process. “I through Americorps and mentioned to her how she thought her personality would be learned a lot about what I do well and what I can work on,” says Mrs. Hupperten. a great fit at a school like Mt. Baker. Thanks to good timing, there was a language Mrs. Hupperten takes the time to build community at Pioneer, particularly with parents. arts/social studies opening at Mt. Baker and Mrs. Durham didn’t hesitate to apply. She has offered two Love and Logic evening classes to parents and teachers. The strategies Since entering the Mt. Baker hallways, Mrs. Durham feels fortunate to work with such learned help one to create a more positive adult/child relationship. It’s especially impor- amazing staff and students. She also felt led to pursue her masters in literacy nearly 20 tant that Mrs. Hupperten reach the parents whose children are not yet in school. “Helping years after receiving her B.A. “It was great to learn new ideas and technology and begin young children from birth to school age by reading to them, talking with them and holding sharing with other teachers,” says Mrs. Durham. “Now I can use PowerPoint to teach a them helps them enter school better prepared in their minds and hearts,” remarks Mrs. lesson to my visual learners, which helps me to teach to the different modalities. The use Hupperten. of technology in my teaching has really changed my style of teaching.” In fact, technol- Mrs. Hupperten is excited and proud of her accomplishment, primarily because she knows ogy has helped Mrs. Durham more efficiently teach her daily reading activities and writ- she represents the great work of all educators. Mrs. Hupperten and her family look forward ing projects, such as the students’ yearlong journey writing their own autobiographies. to celebrate her success as Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Durham is involved in various building and district reading and literacy committees and attended the national differentiated instruction conference last year. She plans to attend again this year to continue learning how to create an in- clusive and individualized learning community. Her husband, also a teacher, likes to joke about her “TOYA” status; that is, “Teacher of the Year Auburn!” Teacher of the Year 2008 Finalists

Kirsten Gravning Shelley Harris Auburn Mountainview High School Math Chinook Elementary School Language Arts Teacher Specialist and Title I Coordinator On teaching math: I love what I do and I On staff: I’ve been here at Chinook for 16 do what I love. Sit me in a room all day and years because it is the staff that keeps me I would be content just doing math, so doing coming back. We are very cohesive and good that with kids is so much fun. The best part team players. I have worked in every grade is when kids suddenly get math for the first here at Chinook except fourth grade, and I time and they realize they really can do math. have team taught and grade level teamed in It frustrates me when as a society we still say, all those positions. ‘Oh, I can’t do math.’ If someone were to say, On students: I have had the opportunity to ‘Oh, I can’t read,’ that would be unaccept- loop with students, which is very rewarding. able. If I can change one kid who thinks that It helps for them to have that stable environ- way then I am successful. ment. The second year of a loop, which I’ve On teamwork: Kids are shaped when they come to you and they are shaped when they done three times, is wonderful because by the second year the kids know my expectations leave you—it’s a team effort. I wouldn’t be as good as I am without my department col- and the relationship is stronger. It is also fun to get to know the families. Right now I have leagues and administrators. They support me the way I want to grow as a teacher. a student whose mom I had when she was in fifth grade. Some of my current fifth graders I Looking back: I am an atypical math teacher. I think my quirks and different educational had for two years in a row when I taught a second and third grade loop, so this is my third background help me to connect to our lower level math students. My undergrad degree is year working with them. in math and computer science from University of Puget Sound. I caught the (teaching) bug On new position: Last August I went from my set-up third grade classroom to the Lan- after one of my UPS professors asked me to help him at his summer academic challenge guage Arts Specialist and Title I Coordinator position at the last minute. I walked into the program on Hilltop in Tacoma. I worked with inner city high school age students and was position unexpectedly, but I have found it so much fun to teach reading to all different hooked. I am thankful I got married and had the financial means to leave my inevitable levels of students. I am working with all children and their teachers, so it is nice to already Microsoft programming career for what I love doing. Teaching is a life choice and I love have that relationship and respect with the teachers. At Chinook we have the Walk to Read doing it. I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything. program so I take a portion of each grade level and work primarily on reading interven- tion strategies—from phonemics with kindergarteners to fluency and comprehension with fourth and fifth graders.

WATER QUALITY VOTING IS Public Records Request MANAGEMENT PROGRAM LEGAL NOTICE FREEDOM’S ANSWER Curtis Leonard, Auburn School District Auburn School District No. 408 is committed to providing safe drinking wa- Voter registration forms can be ob- director of human resources and legal ter as part of an overall safe and healthy environment for students, staff and tained from building secretaries affairs, serves as the district’s public members of the community. The program includes testing for lead and cop- or from the receptionist records officer. at the James P. Fugate per in all schools with water distribution systems constructed prior to 1985. When requesting public records, Test rsults are available for review at the Support Services Center. For details, Administration Building, 915 4th Street Northeast contact Mr. Leonard at (253) 939-4317 contact the Maintenance Department at (253) 931-4955. Auburn, Washington or [email protected]. www.auburn.wednet.edu Inside Your Schools - June 2008 33

Denise Baxter John Harlor Cascade Middle School Seventh Grade Math Terminal Park Elementary School Third Teacher On students: I love the energy of middle Grade Teacher school kids; each day is very different. I love On teaching: It is probably an old cliché, but working with the kids and their individual there is no such thing as a child who cannot talents. Every day I come to work and it is learn. There is not a student in my class who something new, different and interesting. I will not go out a better person than when they like to encourage students to learn and be confident enough to contribute in the class- came in. If it wasn’t for that, then I probably room. wouldn’t be here. My work ethic from my ex- On teaching: I teach everything from regular perience as a small business owner certainly to honors math classes. Since pre-algebra is transfers to the classroom. I try to impart a new to all of the students, it’s exciting to see good work ethic on my students, because it when they know they get it. We do coopera- tive grouping so there is a lot of teamwork in is important for them to learn that hard work class. We encourage students to make sure to will help them face life’s challenges. ask questions, and to come in before or after school for extra tutoring if needed. It feels On transitioning: I could be a third grade teacher forever because I love third graders, but good that kids are comfortable enough with me to ask me for help. I am sure to give the I appreciate the challenge of becoming a teacher of K-5 students as the new Language Arts kids who may fall behind the attention they need to catch on. and Title I Coordinator at Terminal Park next year. We use the Walk to Read model. I am On working in the community: It is great to work in the community where you live. Running into families, I get to know more than just the students but the families, too. I feel looking forward to the opportunity to build small groups and to continue to refine the pro- more connected with the kids and their families from being a parent and being involved cess so the model meets the needs of all students. My job will be to make sure that students in the community myself. I really enjoy teaching the children who live in my own com- not meeting state standards will receive intensive instruction and the time necessary to get munity. the extra boost they need. I will also make sure all Title I paraeducators are organized and working together for a common goal. On lifelong learning: Coming from business I am a goal-oriented individual, so one thing that drives me is being a little better every day. Receiving my national board certification 2008 Summer Lunch Program helped to solidify my teaching, but even still I can’t stop being a learner. Any opportunity I have to become better at what I do I’m going to take the opportunity. he Auburn School District summer lunch program provides free meals to children Tfrom June 23-August 22 at various community sites in Auburn, Algona and Pa- cific. All children ages 1 to 18 can stop by one of the 30-plus locations throughout the community. For a full listing of sites go to http://www.auburn.wednet.edu/ or call (253) 931-4972. Transportation Department Wins Nutritious lunches will be served, and some sites will provide healthy snacks. The program is also available to youth-related groups such as sports teams, day cares National Innovation Award and youth camps. he Auburn School District Transportation Department’s “Partnership Approach to Safe TRoutes to School” program has been declared a Top 50 Program of the 2008 Innova- tions in American Government Awards competition, administered by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard Kennedy School. Selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 applicants, the “Partnership Approach to Safe Routes to School” program represents the best in government innovation. Auburn School District’s program will be competing for a $100,000 award. The winners of the 2008 Innovations in American Government Awards will be announced and honored at an awards gala and reception in September of 2008. The “Partnership Approach to Safe Routes to School” innovation addresses two common large-scale problems: transportation inefficiency and childhood inactivity. The core of the innovation is the partnerships formed between the school district and community residents and profes- sionals, which are hardly a traditional element in school transportation plans. The purpose of the partnerships is to increase the practice of walking and Honoring Community cycling to school by creating safer school walking/cycling routes for the Auburn School District’s 14,500 students. The program has proven itself—providing safe walk routes to 20 uburn Parks, Arts and Recreation percent of the district’s student body population. And because more children are walking/ Ayouth program leaders Jim Westhus- cycling to/from school, the transportation department is eliminating unnecessary routes ing and Kjerstin Hardy were honored by within walk areas—saving the district money on personnel and fuel costs—and helping to Auburn School District at the Washington increase childhood fitness. Association of School Administrators (WASA) Metro Region 110 Community Going Green Recognition Awards Luncheon on May 16 for their support to the children of eticia Seltun, Lakeland Hills Auburn. Lhead custodian, and Dennis Twelve other school districts in Metro Turner, Olympic Middle School Region 110 nominated contributors head custodian, recently piloted who were also honored at the luncheon. green cleaning products at their Mr. Westhusing and Ms. Hardy were se- respective schools. “The biggest lected as the most outstanding group and benefit I’ve experienced so far is are WASA Metro Region 110’s selection my health; I haven’t had any sore to move on to the WASA statewide com- throats,” remarks Ms. Seltun. munity recognition awards program. Green products are gentler on Mr. Westhusing and Ms. Hardy provide opportunities for hundreds of Auburn School the body—especially for those District students to participate in a myriad of activities, as well as to learn the values of who suffer from sensitivities—and stewardship and volunteerism by providing opportunities for students to “give back” to their Students are adopting green habits. At Terminal Park reformulated with more benign in- Elementary, the school’s “Green Team” shows off all community. The following programs are just a few of the highlights of Mr. Westhusing and gredients. Ms. Seltun and Mr. Turner 2,000 empty milk cartons they and their fellow class- Ms. Hardy’s commitment to youth: used green products from Coastwide mates and teachers recycled in a week’s time. Laboratories, which have the FDA • “Reaching Out Fair” certified green stamp of approval. • City of Auburn’s Teen Council Third party grading systems combine several different criteria to label a product green. • Auburn middle school “Tobacco Fairs” Frank Nelson, operations and facilities maintenance supervisor, witnessed great results • “Late Nights” at Auburn High School and Auburn Riverside High School from the pilot project and will phase the green products into all schools. “The green prod- • Battle of the Bands and Paint the Bowl at Brannon Skate Park ucts must perform and cost equal to or better than conventional products,” says Mr. Nelson. • Auburn Pea Patch “And we are finding this to be true.” • Concessions sales at the City of Auburn’s outdoor movies Additionally, green products create less of an impact on the environment, and staff mem- • After-school study and recreation programs at Mt. Baker, Olympic and bers at Olympic and Lakeland Hills are excited to support the initiative. According to Mr. Cascade Middle Schools Nelson, “It’s a win-win situation.” www.auburn.wednet.edu Inside Your Schools - June 2008 44

Farewell Retirees Student Standouts Washington Aerospace Scholars A special thank you to all of you for your years of dedication and commitment to education. Congratulations Seven exceptional students in the Auburn School District have been on your retirement! Not pictured: Ronald Dick and Tamara Gullion. named 2007-08 Washington Aerospace Scholars: • Ashley Allman—Auburn High School • Travis Dietz—Auburn Mountainview High School • Sarah Frederick—Auburn High School • Bret Renschler—Auburn High School • Corey Smith—Auburn Mountainview High School • Justis Tena—Auburn Mountainview High School • Anna Vinnikova—Auburn High School The students named above are among 225 talented juniors from across the state who have been accepted into the first phase of the Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) program. The WAS program selects outstand- ing high school juniors to participate in a statewide, interactive, online learning experience, culminating in a six-day residential internship for Gary Brown Nancy Carlos James Denton select participants at The Museum of Flight in Seattle. Selected students Years of service to Auburn: 38 1/2 Years of service to Auburn: 18 Years of service to Auburn: 18 Years of service to public Years of service to public Years of service to public are encouraged to study math, science, engineering and computer science education: 38 1/2 education: 26 education: 36 as they interact with aerospace engineers and educators. My retirement plans: I’m just having so My retirement plans: I plan to spend My retirement plans: No travel plans yet. much fun; it’s the best time of my life. “more” time with my husband and our I plan to continue consulting for a few Washington Scholars I will never forget...Mountainview’s family. more years and spending time with my Auburn Mountainview High School senior staff; there was so much love when I I will never forget...the wonderful friend- wife and family at our summer home. left there. ships with fellow educators and parents I will never forget...my first Auburn Matt Burrows and Auburn Riverside High over the years. My students will always principals’ meeting—ask me about the School senior Michael Broch have been hold a special place in my heart. story sometime! named 2008 Washington Scholars. The Washington Scholars program recognizes the accomplishments of three outstanding high school students from each of the state’s 49 legislative districts. Students can use the scholarships at any public or independent college or university in Washington, and the scholarships are equal up to four years of full-time resident undergraduate tuition and fees. Matt will attend Western Washington University next fall. Michael will attend the Air Force Academy so his scholarship will Diane Hershberger T. Joe McCuistion Dorothy Murphy go to the runner-up. Years of service to Auburn: 31 Years of service to Auburn: 15 Years of service to Auburn: 8 Years of service to public Years of service to public Years of service to public education: 31 education: 37 education: 15 BioQuest Award Winner My retirement plans: I plan to travel and My retirement plans: To work for Habitat My retirement plans: I plan to go to Kien Thiet Nguyen, Auburn Mountainview High School junior, was read, enjoy my new grandson who will for Humanity, World Vision and in my Paris and Italy soon. Also, I will do more selected to attend the Seattle Biomedical arrive in July, and shop in the middle of backyard, and travel. volunteering as well as having fun with Research Institute (SBRI) BioQuest Acad- the day with no crowds. I will never forget...faculty roasts at the family and friends. emy, an intensive 30-hour summer program I will never forget...my amazing and end of the year with Greg Isham, and a I will never forget...the staff members at talented co-workers and the students who wonderful band of loose cannons on the the various schools I have worked at. But that will connect 36 high school juniors with make each day a new adventure. deck of The Auburn High. most of all I will never forget the students scientists in the BioQuest Discovery Lab. and their smiling faces. SBRI’s world-class researchers will share their knowledge and passion for science while introducing high school students and their teachers to the crucial role of research in improving global health. Kien will acquire interests and skills that can lead to careers in scientific research and meet state-mandated science education learning requirements.

WAVE Scholar Kendall Ross, Auburn Mountainview High School senior, was awarded the Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) Linda Myers Jacqueline Smith Linda Westendorf Scholarship. This award provides six Years of service to Auburn: 14 Years of service to Auburn: 10 Years of service to Auburn: 25 quarters or four semesters of tuition and Years of service to public Years of service to public Years of service to public services/activities fees at a Washington education: 32 education: 24 education: 25 State institution of higher education, an My retirement plans: I have no definite My retirement plans: First, to concentrate My retirement plans: I plan to do what accredited Washington State independent plans. I have always been active in the on getting rested up. Second, I hope to I want...whenever I want! Of course college or university, or a licensed private volunteer community so I will probably be able to devote more time to my duties traveling and spending more time with spend some of my time helping worthy as an ordained Episcopal deacon. I have my wonderful grandchildren. vocational school. causes. several hobbies, too. I will never forget...the feeling I get at Kendall’s passion for vocational education developed her freshman I will never forget...working with our I will never forget...many of my students the start of each new school year—a year. She excels in both marketing and sports medicine. Kendall will students in the community. and the way they matured and developed new beginning. attend the University of Washington in the fall and major in communica- during their high school years and their tions, hoping to pursue a career in community relations. post-high school achievements.

• Dick Scobee Elementary School principal Greg Brown was named the Washington Staff Accolades State Grand Elks Lodge Distinguished Citizen of the Year. Mr. Brown frequently partners with local companies and organizations to improve his students’ education, • Debra Gary, principal of Pioneer Elementary School, was awarded the Washington including Boeing Employees Credit Union and Sterling Savings Bank. Mr. Brown is on Health Foundation’s (WHF) 2007 Hero of Health for Healthy Systems Award. Debra the Communities in Schools Auburn advisory board. He also is a member of his neighbo- Gary’s design and implementation of a Coordinated School Health Program at Pioneer hood’s homeowner’s association. Elementary School has helped children better engage in healthy habits including • Cascade Middle School sixth grade math and science teacher Scott Weide was awarded nutrition and exercise. a $10,000 Qwest technology grant. The grant will enable students to determine Olson • Mt. Baker Middle School orchestra teacher Melinda Wharton was selected as the Creek’s viability for salmon habitat by studying different aspects of the creek including Outstanding Music Educator of the Year for the Green River music region. The honor is temperature, stream flow, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity and nitrates. bestowed upon the music educator with the most votes from music educators in a certain • Arlista Holman, Auburn Senior High School registrar, was awarded the 2008 Washing- district. ton State Classified Employee Excellence Award on April 4 at the State Capitol Build- • Michael Decker, fifth grade teacher at Dick Scobee Elementary School, andJennifer ing Senate Chambers. Ms. Holman was honored with a certificate and a $1,000 check. Miller, eighth grade science, math and reading teacher at Olympic Middle School, were • Auburn Mountainview High School science teacher Deborah Rumbaugh was awarded named the 2007 Washington Science Teachers Association (WSTA) Science Teachers the Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence (AASTE) in a surprise presenta- of the Year for the elementary and middle levels for their leadership and dedication to tion. Ms. Rumbaugh was one of four educators in Washington State recognized for science education for all students. teaching excellence through creative and effective contributions in the science class- • Isaiah Johnson, assistant principal at Mt. Baker Middle School, has been named a 2008 room. Ms. Rumbaugh received an unrestricted cash grant of $5,000, and Auburn Truancy Award Ceremony Winner and received the Innovator Award from the Juvenile Mountainview High School received a restricted grant of $5,000 to be used to expand Justice Services Division for his dedicated work in reducing truancy in the Mt. Baker or enhance the school’s science program, purchase new science resources, or further the schoolhouse by motivating students to attend school each day. professional development of its science teachers.