nsidenside YourYour SchoolsSchoolsSchools VOL. XXII NO. 2 AUBURN NO. 408 Inside this edition:  Student Achievement III  Teachers of the Year  Classified Employee of the Year  2009-10 Retirees  Linda Cowan Schools of Distinction Award Auburn Schools Dedicate Time to Improve Student Learning Winners Through Professional Learning Communities  New District Logo  Summer Lunch uburn School District is committed to improving A student learning. One strategy for this improvement Program includes having teachers work together in Professional Learning  Summer Food Academy Communities (PLCs), or small teaching groups, to:

• Align curriculum with the state standards for each course and grade level • Examine students’ work • Create common assessments or tests SUPERINTENDENT • Analyze students’ testing data to determine goals to improve Dr. Kip Herren every student’s learning • Identify students that need additional time and support to meet standards or move beyond standards Look at Professional Learning School staff is excited to improve student learning through Communities in Action PLCs. Beginning on October 4, 2010, Auburn School District will move to 60 minute “late starts” on designated Mondays to www.auburn.wednet.edu/PLC.html provide staff the time to work in PLCs. Students will attend all of www.auburn.wednet.edu/PLCarticles.html their classes within the shortened school day; breakfast and lunch www.auburn.wednet.edu/PLCvideos.html will be served at all schools; and buses will run one hour late to AUBURN accommodate this time. Auburn School District is working with community partners SCHOOL BOARD and local daycares to identify options for families that may need OF DIRECTORS childcare during these late starts. Your child’s school will provide You are invited to learn more about updates in the following weeks. A sample school schedule and Professional Learning Communities Ray Vefik, President additional resources about PLCs are available on the district during community meetings on Carol Helgerson, Vice President website. Auburn School District is committed to all students Lisa Connors, Director achieving high standards of learning. Craig Schumaker, Director June 15, 2010 Janice Nelson, Director

Learn More About 6 to 7 p.m. Professional Learning Communities or BOARD WELCOMES www.plcwashington.org June 17, 2010 PUBLIC www.auburn.wednet.edu/PLC.html 6 to 7 p.m. The Auburn School District Board of Directors welcomes citizens www.auburn.wednet.edu/Superintendent/ interested in their local schools to DistStratPlan.html James P. Fugate attend the board’s regular meetings. Administration Building The meetings are held the second and fourth Mondays of the month, at 915 4th Street NE, Auburn 7 p.m., in the board room at the James P. Fugate Administration Building, 915 Fourth Street NE,

Auburn, .

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED SERVICE ADDRESS

(253) 931-4900 ~ www.auburn.wednet.edu ~ 931-4900 (253) Youth Safety

915 4th Street NE, Auburn, WA 98002 WA Auburn, NE, Street 4th 915

Permit No. 162 No. Permit Hotline

Auburn, WA Auburn, 1-866-LIVE TIP ext. 150

PAID 1-866-548-3847 ext. 150

US Postage US ALL Calls Kept Confidential Non-Profit Organization Non-Profit Page 2 Inside Your Schools - June 2010 www.auburn.wednet.edu Students Make Gains Through Teacher Collaboration for Student Learning

ssessment results show that Auburn School District’s focus on reading has made Adramatic improvements for students. Teachers use this data to monitor student progress and make necessary adjustments in instruction based on what their students know—or do not know. According to Assistant Superintendent of Student Learning and Technology Rod Luke, “The assessment data provides valuable information to our teachers. Teachers Senior Anna Gage Submits Winning can monitor student progress and individualize instruction based on their students’ current learning levels.” Design for New Auburn School District At Chinook Elementary School, teachers use assessment data from DIBELS and other in-class assignments to ensure every student’s progress is monitored and every student Logo receives individualized instruction based on what he or she knows or does not know. This focused work, also referred to as Professional Learning Communities (PLC) or he Auburn School District Board of Directors selected Auburn Collaboration for Student Learning (CSL) at the high school level, provides teachers the TMountainview High School senior Anna Gage’s logo design to be used to time to make instructional decisions based on data. create the new Auburn School District official logo. “Teacher collaboration at Chinook is improving student performance. We intentionally Anna Gage, an advanced graphic design student, will be recognized on work together to review student assessment data to improve instruction. The results are Monday, June 14, at 7 p.m. in the James P. Fugate Administration Building for amazing. Our students are learning more. The assessment data proves it,” states Lenny her outstanding work and accomplishment. Holloman, principal of Chinook Elementary School. Auburn School District uses the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills The clean, simply stated logo design incorporates the new Auburn School (DIBELS) to assess student progress in early literacy skills throughout the school year District slogan, “Engage Educate Empower,” which was the brainchild of and from year to year. All students in grades K-5 are measured on their ability to read student, staff and community focus groups in late 2009. The new logo will be text accurately and quickly, also referred to as reading fluency. DIBELS is a reliable and featured on district stationery, printed materials and website. valid indicator of early literacy development and is predictive of later reading proficiency. The Auburn School District Logo Design Contest invited all students K-12 to DIBELS results from Winter 2010 reveal that students in grades K-5 are making submit a logo design that complements the new district slogan, “Engage Educate reading gains and closing the learning achievement gap. From Fall 2009 to Winter 2010, all Empower.” Students were asked to create their entries within a 4” x 4” space and grade levels have shown improvement in reading fluency. Auburn School District’s English describe, in 25 words or less, how the logo complements the new district slogan. Language Learners (ELL) across all grade levels have also demonstrated significant gains The Auburn School Board was impressed with all 181 student logo entries. in early literacy skills. DIBELS also measures student progress from year to year. From Fall 2008 to Fall 2009, The outstanding design of each student represents the school district’s visual second graders showed a 10 percent increase in reading fluency. In 2008, 464 out of 953 arts programs at their best. second graders were on target, while 578 out of 996 second graders were on target in 2009. In all other grade levels, scores remained steady or increased. At Chinook, where collaboration time is built into the school-day schedule and teachers meet once a week in grade-level teams, the dedication to improving learning for all students is paying off. In one year (Winter 2009 to Winter 2010), the first grade DIBELS Community Makes a Difference scores increased from 64% to 91%. Second grade scores rose from 48% to 55%. And for Chinook’s kindergarten students, scores increased from 21% to 73%. The following School Board Gold Star Volunteer Award graph shows the results of kindergarten students who are meeting or exceeding grade-level Each year the Auburn School District Board of Directors honors outstanding expectations in reading fluency. The graph reveals growth between the 2008-09 school year volunteers with the Gold Star Volunteer Award. The award recognizes individuals who and the 2009-10 school year. Additionally, the graph shows growth between each quarter provide support to Auburn schools. The 2009-10 Gold Star Volunteer recipients are: within the two school years. Auburn School District teachers will continue to work together to improve student learning, using DIBELS and other assessment tools to provide intervention and enrichment Macaria Velasquez-Chavez: Gildo Rey Elementary parent volunteer opportunities for every child. Jim Krause: Hazelwood Elementary volunteer Steve Corbett: Terminal Park Elementary parent volunteer

WASA Community Recognition Award Auburn citizen Pat Montgomery was honored with the 2010 Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) Community Leadership Award. Pat is an outstanding advocate for education. He volunteers on Hazelwood Elementary School’s DIBELS assessment team and helps kindergarteners learn to read at Gildo Rey Elementary School. He has worked diligently on the PTA as Legislative representative and participates in the Quality Education Council. Pat serves on multiple district committees including boundary and citizens’ ad-hoc committees. Pat is a voice for parents of South King County school districts. He champions adequate funding models, student achievement requirements, and health and wellness for all schools in the state.

Free and Reduced Price Meals Gold Star Award Program The Auburn School District participates in the USDA National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs, which can entitle qualified he Auburn School District Gold Star Award students to free or reduced-price meals. Students who qualify for free or reduced TProgram seeks to recognize volunteers—individuals price meals can receive breakfast at no or groups—who provide support to Auburn schools. The charge. For lunch, students who qualify for reduced price meals can receive lunch for $.40 per day (students in grades K-3 who qualify for reduced-price meals receive lunch at no award program accepts nominations year-round and is charge). All meals (breakfast and lunch) include a choice of entree, milk, and a trip through open to the entire community. the fresh fruit and vegetable bar. To enroll in the free and reduced-price programs, fill out and return to the school kitchen, the application sent home the first day of school. Parents of For more information regarding the program or to access new students will receive an application upon enrollment. Applications are also available at the nomination form, visit: every school office, every school kitchen, and on the district website, www.auburn.wednet. http://www.auburn.wednet.edu/SchoolBoard/GoldStarProgram. edu/ChildNutrition/ChildNutritionServices.html. A new application must be completed each year. You may apply or reapply for meal benefits at any time during the year. Please list the html. entire family (and all students) on one family application. Foster children also may be eligible for these benefits. www.auburn.wednet.edu Inside Your Schools - June 2010 Page 3

Congratulations 2009-10 Teachers Thank You, Retirees of the Year

he Auburn School District TBoard of Directors recog- nized the 2010 Teachers of the Year during the May 24 school board meeting. One high school teacher, one middle school teacher and one elementary school Laurie Dooley Shirley ‘Sam’ Cutler Marilyn Duckworth teacher were selected at the Auburn Riverside Lakeland Hills Transportation High School district level—Elaine Hogg, Elementary Bus Driver Arleen Burkhalter and Michael Health Tech Counselor Martin. Two of the teachers, Elaine Hogg, Michael Martin and Arleen Burkhalter Arleen Burkhalter and Michael Martin, have been selected to move on to the regional competition. One teacher from each region will move on to the state competition. The state winner will move on to the 2011 national competition.

Elaine Hogg Auburn High School Special Education Teacher Elaine Hogg is the Auburn School District 2009-10 high school level outstanding teacher Sharon Gilbert Bruce Phillips of the year. Ms. Hogg has dedicated 17 years to help students with special needs learn how Barbara Sharrard Chinook Auburn Riverside Alpac Elementary to become independent, contributing members of the community. Elementary High School Teacher Ms. Hogg uses early intervention, direct instruction and parent involvement to improve Teacher Principal student academic success. She tailors instruction based on children’s individual learning styles and needs, and stays current on the latest research and best practices to improve her quality of teaching. According to Ms. Hogg, “Teachers should show growth year after year, working to high standards.” Ms. Hogg serves as a mentor teacher and supervises student teachers and interns as the Structured Learning Center Department Head at Auburn High School. Ms. Hogg leads a large department where colleagues collaborate in order to ensure all students excel academi- cally and socially. This year state testing shows that the students have made significant gains. Recently Ms. Hogg helped open the district’s newest educational facility for the Transi- Beverly Spalding Michael Spangler Brad Sprague tion Assistance Program (TAP). TAP is designed for Auburn School District students with Auburn Riverside Auburn Riverside West Auburn special needs between the ages of 18 and 21. Students receive focused instruction on im- High School High School High School proving their daily living and work skills, while increasing their access to the community. Teacher Teacher Principal Ms. Hogg stays active in the community as a Special Olympics and hospital volunteer. Also retiring (not pictured): She also brings volunteer opportunities to her students to teach them about citizenship and Nancy Beard, giving back to their community. Auburn Mountainview High Ms. Hogg has a master degree in special education from the University of Wisconsin- School Administrative Assistant Superior and a bachelor degree in special education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Harold Ray Jr., Cascade Middle School Custodian Claire. She continues to pursue learning opportunities to grow and improve her skills as Jeannie Finney, an educator. Auburn School District Bus Driver Cynthia Dean, Dick Scobee Elementary School Arleen Burkhalter Kristine Timm Shirley Vogt Paraeducator Mt. Baker Middle School Physical Education Teacher Gildo Rey Cascade Middle Jan Cunningham, Elementary School Olympic Middle School Teacher Arleen Burkhalter is the Auburn School District 2009-10 middle school level Librarian Paraeducator outstanding teacher of the year. Ms. Burkhalter practices a holistic approach to education by using curriculum that includes academics, electives and physical education. Ms. Burkhalter has taught physical education in the Auburn School District for 22 years. Her students receive direct instruction about health and nutrition, the benefits of movement, individualized fitness plans and goal-setting. According to Ms. Burkhalter, “My lessons are developed to ensure that every student is active and successful.” 2010 Summer Lunch Program Ms. Burkhalter is a leader at the district and building level. This year she helped he Auburn School align the health and fitness curriculum to Washington State standards, wrote the middle District is partner- school district power standards for health and fitness, and created the health and fitness T ing with community classroom-based assessments for grades 6-8. Over the past 14 years, Ms. Burkhalter has served on the Mt. Baker School Improvement Team, Leadership Team and IEP Team. She organizations to offer is also the PAWS Health and Fitness Content Leader. Ms. Burkhalter has been involved free meals to children in the hiring of both certificated and classified staff members who have made incredible ages 1 through 18 impacts in the K-12 system. from June-August, Outside of the classroom, Ms. Burkhalter is the head track coach and one of the girls’ Monday-Friday. Last and boys’ basketball coaches. She attends many of her students’ extracurricular activities summer more than to build repertoire with her students, and she supports school and community fundraisers 70,000 meals were by organizing sports tournaments, PTA fundraisers and more. served. The program Ms. Burkhalter earned a master of education in curriculum and instruction from the is also available to University of Washington and a bachelor of arts in education from Western Washington University. She attributes her passion for education to her father, who taught fifth grade youth-related groups for 30 years. In fact, he was her fifth grade teacher. such as sports teams, day cares and youth camps. The meals are free and no registration is required. A variety of hot and cold lunches will be offered daily Michael Martin and include entrée, cold milk, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Terminal Park Elementary School Fifth Grade Teacher Sites will be located throughout Auburn, Algona and Pacific. All children are Michael Martin is the Auburn School District 2009-10 elementary school level invited to participate at any site. It is a wonderful opportunity for all children in outstanding teacher of the year. Mr. Martin’s leadership and innovation produce not only the community to gather and share a nutritious meal. The summer food program academic gains for his students but also professional growth among his colleagues. will also be delivering lunches to apartment complexes throughout the city. For the most up-to-date lunch serving times and locations, please go to the Auburn School District Child Nutrition Services web page at: Article continued on Page 4... www.auburn.wednet.edu/ChildNutrition/ChildNutritionServices.html. www.auburn.wednet.edu Inside Your Schools - June 2010 Page 4

2009-10 Teachers of the Year article continued from Page 3... Summer Food Academy 2010 Mr. Martin encourages collaboration in the classroom to maximize learning. Students set goals, discuss concepts and reflect on their work together. Mr. Martin also ensures time is ummer Food Academy is reserved for one-on-one mentoring and instruction and uses assessment data to drive daily Sa three-day summer camp instruction. According to Mr. Martin, “We are a community working together to learn new for students entering fourth and things. I am not here to control or direct students but to guide and mentor them to success…. fifth grades in any Auburn school. Establishing relationships with my students allows me to set high expectations for them. Students arrive at 8:30 a.m. They are willing to work harder because they know I want them to be the best student and and head straight for the the best person they can be.” kitchen to prepare a nutritious Mr. Martin teams with his fellow teachers to reflect on their teaching practices, discuss best breakfast from scratch such practices, and examine research and literature to expand their own knowledge. Mr. Martin as fresh scones with jam, and is a member of Terminal Park’s School Improvement Leadership Team and co-founded yogurt parfaits with berries the school’s professional book club for staff. He advises the after-school homework and from the garden and homemade enrichment club, and coaches basketball and volleyball. granola. Students tend the At the district level, Mr. Martin is assisting with the design and implementation of a garden and orchard before standards-based report card. The standards-based report card holds teachers accountable for preparing a nutritious lunch, teaching and assessing specific content beyond general subject areas. Additionally, thanks including pizza with homemade to the 1-4 grading scale, students and families can track progress toward grade-level dough, sauce and toppings from the garden, hand-rolled sushi, garden quesadillas and fresh expectations and are more aware of their strengths and areas of improvement. garden salads. Mr. Martin also enjoys providing students the opportunity to participate in environmentally The Summer Food Academy is held at Washington Elementary School. Classes are conscious programs like recycling and vermicomposting. Mr. Martin founded Terminal Park’s held Wednesdays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $59 per week Green Team, a group of students committed to lessening their impact on the environment. (includes breakfast and lunch daily). For more information, contact Child Nutrition at (253) 931-4972; e-mail: ChildNutrition@ auburn.wednet.edu; or download registration form at: Lea Hill Elementary School Office Manager www.auburn.wednet.edu. Lori Sanford Is the 2010 Washington State Classified School Auburn School Board Announces Employee of the Year Linda Cowan Schools of Distinction

ori Sanford, the office manager at Lea Hill Award Winners LElementary School, is the 2010 Washington uburn Riverside High School, Mt. Baker Middle School and Lea Hill Elementary School State Classified School Employee of the Year. Aare the 2010 Linda Cowan Schools of Distinction Award Winners. The Auburn School Mrs. Sanford and seven other Board, Superintendent Kip Herren and former Superintendent Linda Cowan will present the regional finalists were recognized by State awards to the students and staff of the three schools during school-wide assemblies in June. Superintendent Randy Dorn at a ceremony The award annually recognizes one high school, one middle school and one elemen- in the Old Capitol Building in Olympia. tary school for academic Mrs. Sanford was named the 2010 state achievement growth within award winner. She was chosen by a state at-risk student populations. selection committee comprised of award-winning educators and representatives from the All schools receive a plaque following organizations: Public School Employees of Washington; Washington Education and monetary award. Association; Washington State Board of Education; Washington State Parent Teacher The high school level Association; Washington Association of School Administrators; and Washington winner receives $3,000; Directors Association. the middle level $2,000; Mrs. Sanford first walked through the doors at Lea Hill as the parent of a kindergartner a n d t h e e l e m e n t a r y in 1982. She quickly became an indispensable parent volunteer in the library, the resource level $1,000. The award room, and on the PTA and district committees. encourages schools to In 1992, Mrs. Sanford joined the staff at Lea Hill, where she has remained for the past 18 continue their efforts in years as the office manager. Mrs. Sanford’s primary goal is to provide a welcoming, safe, closing the achievement gap for all students. learning environment for all students. She is known for her upbeat, friendly demeanor and The award honors former Auburn School District Superintendent Linda Cowan for her unparalleled work ethic. She is hailed by her colleagues as a “true professional,” the “poster 30 years of service in the Auburn School District, 40 years total in public education, and for person for efficiency” and “a joy to work with.” her dedication to improving the quality of education for all children. Mrs. Sanford supports the smooth, daily operations of Lea Hill including managing school budgets and substitutes; greeting students and families; publishing school newsletters; organizing daily schedules and the principal’s calendar; and even chairing the school’s safety committee that was awarded multiple grants to purchase safety equipment for the school crossing zone. Public Records Request “Everything (Lori) does contributes to our primary goal—increase student achievement,” VOTING IS remarks Lea Hill Principal Ed Herda. “She treats all patrons with respect. She helps me keep FREEDOM’S ANSWER Curtis Leonard, Auburn School things in perspective. Her positive and professional attitude is a constant reminder for me to Voter registration forms can be ob- District director of human resources do the same, even on tough days.” tained from building secretaries and legal affairs, serves as the or from the receptionist district’s public records officer. at the James P. Fugate When requesting public records, Summer Time Fun at Administration Building, contact Mr. Leonard at: 915 4th Street Northeast (253) 939-4317 or the Pool! Auburn, Washington [email protected]. he Auburn School District swimming pool, located Tat 516 4th Street Northeast, is open for lap swim Monday through Friday from 6-7:30 a.m.; Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.; and Tuesday and Thursday from 12-1 p.m. The charge WATER QUALITY for lap swim is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and MANAGEMENT PROGRAM LEGAL NOTICE youth, and $9 for family. The pool is also open for public swim. The adult fee is $3, seniors and youth Auburn School District No. 408 is committed to providing safe drinking are $2.50, and $9 for family. Swimming lessons are water as part of an overall safe and healthy environment for students, staff and currently available, and the pool can be scheduled members of the community. The program includes testing for lead and copper for pool parties. Annual and quarterly passes are also in all schools with water distribution systems constructed prior to 1985. Test available. More information, schedule and details are results are available for review at the Support Services Center. For details, available at the pool or by calling (253) 939-8825. contact the Maintenance Department at (253) 931-4955.