Webucator is a weekly publication produced by the Tacoma Public Schools Public
Information Office for district staff members. To submit story ideas or inquire about a
published story, contact Pam Thompson at pthomps@tacoma.k12.wa.us or call the
Public Information Office at 253-571-1015.
Nov. 19, 2010
Principal spends day on roof
Dates to remember
Nov. 1-Dec. 3: District United Way campaign
Nov. 20: Meeker M.S. holiday bazaar, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nov. 22: Fern Hill E.S. Spanish-speaking Family Night
Nov. 22: Town Hall meeting re: gangs, 5 to 8:30 p.m., Roosevelt E.S.
Nov. 22-Dec. 17: Optional enrollment open
Nov. 30: First Responders Day
Dec. 3: First Creek M.S. silent auction, musical revue and dinner, 6 p.m.
Dec. 9: Mt. Tahoma H.S. financial aid information night, 7 to 8 p.m.
Dec. 9: Fern Hill E.S. K-1 musical and CIS bingo family night
Dec. 10: CAB holiday bazaar, raffle, garage sale for Tone, third floor, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dec. 11: Hilltop Artists holiday glass sale, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Save the date: April 30, 2011: Grant Center for the Expressive Arts annual auction
With Cheerios, a laptop, coffee
mug, walkie talkie and cell
phone, Sheridan E.S. Principal
Kelly Evans is set for his day on
the roof of the school. His
student doubled their sales for
the PTA fundraiser from the past
two years, and chose to have
Evans spend the day on the roof
to do his part for the fundraiser.
Sipes takes Best in Division
Upcoming events
Teacher quality initiative and Listening Tour launched
Superintendent Art Jarvis and TEA President Andy Coons have formed an alliance on
the issue of teacher quality in the classroom with the primary goal to benefit all children
in the Tacoma public school system.
Their joint statement says, “We want to take advantage of a unique opportunity in the
evolution of education. Every day brings more national media attention, commentary
and movies about the immense challenges facing the education system. The heart of
these conversations has a singular goal to promote higher achievement for every
student and every school.”
In addition, the current labor agreement between Tacoma Public Schools and the TEA
expires at the end of August 2011. While we soon will enter contract bargaining, we
believe, the issues surrounding teacher quality need our attention now. Within that
context, the school district and Tacoma Education Association have agreed to work
together to identify and integrate best practices for teacher quality.”
The first major step in the process is a Listening Tour that launches Nov. 30 and runs
through the end of January. The Listening Tour will include a series of forums—some
with targeted stakeholder groups and some for the general public. TPS and TEA want
to give interested people an opportunity to share their expertise, views and
suggestions about how we can do better in Tacoma. Through moderated discussions
at these forums, TPS and TEA will listen to their stakeholders, including students,
teachers, parents, civic leaders and advocacy groups.
To read the entire joint statement and Listening Tour meeting dates, click here. For the
press release on the alliance of TPS and TEA, click here. You can follow the progress
of the Teacher Quality Initiative at its Web site:
www.tacomaschools.org/teacherquality.
Michael Sipes, a Wilson High
School senior, won Best in
Division and a $50 cash prize at
the Northwest Carvers
Association Show Nov. 13-14.
Marilyn Oviatt’s sixth period
woodcraft class students at
Wilson H.S. display their recent
projects.
Carlson teaches woodcraft
skills at Franklin
Hilltop Artists holiday glass sale Dec. 11
The Hilltop Artists will host a VIP event and pre-sale Friday, Dec. 10, from 6 to 8 p.m.
at the Jason Lee Middle School hot shop and gym, 602 N. Sprague St. This event is
for donors who gave $200 or more in 2010 to the Hilltop Artists.
A holiday glass sale for the general public will be Saturday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1
p.m. at the hot shop and Jason Lee gym.
For more information on either event, visit the Web site at www.hilltopartists.org or call
253-571-7670.
Doug Carlson teaches Franklin
E.S. students carpentry skills
during his lunch time once at
week.
News and updates
Backpack project for Tone homeless teens in eighth year
This will be the eighth year for the Keith Allen Brokenshire Memorial Backpack Project
for homeless teens headed by Vera Brokenshire, Keith’s mother. The project supports
the Tone Resource Center and homeless teens. The goal is to provide Tone with 60
backpacks filled with supplies the teens need.
“There is something new this year,” Brokenshire said. “If you would like to sponsor a
specific teen, let me know and I will send you a sponsorship form that they have filled
out. We know that the economy is difficult right now and for just that reason, these
backpacks are needed more than ever. These teens are attending school and trying
their very best to make something of themselves. With your help, we can encourage
them and bring a little light into their lives with these backpacks.”
Franklin students team up for a
wood project as Doug Carlson
helps them.
Skyline honors veterans
Individual items for the backpacks can be donated. If you make a cash donation,
please make checks payable to the Tone Trust. For more details and a list of items
needed for the backpacks, click here.
To arrange for pick up of backpacks, contact Brokenshire at 253-861-3577 or e-mail
her at Vera.brokenshire@nustarenergy.com.
2011 Classified School Employee of the Year nominations open
Every year the Washington State Classified School Employee of the Year program
recognizes nine exceptional school employees from across the state and selects one
outstanding educator to as the Washington State Classified School Employee of the
Year. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) will accept one
nomination from each of Washington’s nine educational service districts (ESDs). A
state winner will be selected by committee from this slate of nine regional nominees.
More information about the program including a link to the online nomination and
application forms is available at this OSPI Web site. Information is also available
through this Memorandum 060-10M.
John Ramsey, Kyrell McClelland
and Zack Brentin, the Skyline
E.S. color guard, presented the
colors at the school’s Veterans
Day assembly. Don Whisner,
Skyline’s music teacher, directed
third graders in a medley of
patriotic songs.
2012 Teacher of the Year nominations
Every year the Washington State Teacher of the Year (TOY) program selects one
outstanding educator to serve as the Washington State Teacher of the Year. OSPI will
accept one nomination from each of Washington’s nine educational service districts
(ESDs) and the consortium of Washington’s Tribal Schools. A state winner will be
selected from this slate of 10 regional nominees. More information about the program,
including a link to the online nomination and application forms, is available at the OSPI
Web site under Education Awards or click on Memorandum 061-10M.
TBA students take Accuplacer test
Recently, 16 Tacoma Business Academy (TBA) students engaged in a powerful
enrichment opportunity and took the Accuplacer test. In partnership with Resources for
Education and Career Help (REACH), this test was given at no charge.
Skyline E.S. students and staff
members listen to Lt. Col. Joseph
The Accuplacer is a suite of tests that quickly, accurately and efficiently assesses
reading, writing, math and computer skills in two hours. The Accuplacer is a leading
assessment tool used by TBA students and staff to assist in the identification of
academic strengths and weaknesses, which allows for better planning of class
schedules when entering the TBA/Bates Technical High School program.
Kelly speak about what it means
to be a veteran. Kelly also
answered audience questions.
Balloons festoon office
As part of the testing program, a follow-up session will be scheduled to review and
interpret individual student assessment results.
Janet Hopkins, TBA instructor, said, “It’s great to have the collaboration with REACH.
This allows our students to assess and determine their individual skill levels when it
comes time to plan their personal short- and long-term educational goals.”
To learn more about the TBA, click here.
CAB helps those in need this Thanksgiving
The Central Administration Building (CAB) committee would like to challenge each
department at CAB to donate Thanksgiving dinners for TP”S students in need and
their families.
First Creek M.S. elves inundate
Principal Delores Beason with
Veterans Day balloons.
Birney builds a flag
Each $39.99 dinner serves four to six people and consists of: a10- to 12-pound turkey,
two pounds of stuffing, three pounds of mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, cranberry
sauce, dinner rolls and pumpkin pie.
For every $10 donation, you will receive a paper turkey to place your name on for the
“turkey wall” in the CAB lobby. The department with the highest amount raised will
receive a special honor. Checks may be made out to Tacoma School District. In the
memo field please note: Turkey Dinner. Please send or bring checks or money to the
Finance Department no later than Nov. 19.
Birney E.S. fifth graders build a
flag for Veterans Day. The stars
are gloved hands.
Contact anyone from the CAB Committee with your questions: Dee Kirkevold, Barbara
Marshall, Betty Meidinger, Kari Reed, Sherry Lamb, Susan Walters or Nikol Cartledge.
The CAB committee is combing its efforts with Life Center to feed as many students
and their families in need as possible.
High school essay contest deadline Nov. 30
The National Ready Mix Concrete Association (NRMCA) conducts an annual high
school essay contest open to all high school students ages 16 to 18 at the beginning
of the school term. The Washington Aggregates and Concrete Association hosts the
state essay contest in cooperation with the national association. Check the Web site at
www.washingtonaggregates.org for details. Winners in the state and national
competitions will receive scholarships. For more information, contact Sarah Hamner at
206-878-1622 or e-mail her at shamner@washingtonconcrete.org.
Birney students construct an
American flag for their Veterans
Day assembly.
School Psychology Week
Services for Reed teacher
Reed Elementary School teacher Mary Lorraine Grinkley
Edwards passed away at the University of Washington Medical
Center in Seattle Nov. 9. Edwards was born Feb. 20, 1952, in
Beaufort, South Carolina, and began her career as a teacher in
Beaufort, where she worked up until she met and married the
late Oliver Edwards of Bluffton, S.C. Their marriage brought
them to Washington and Mary to Reed Elementary School
where she taught up to the time of her passing.
Services will be in her home state of Beaufort, S.C. Flowers may be sent to Marshel's
Wright -Donaldson Funeral Home, 1814 Greene Street Beaufort, S.C., 29902. Read
more on The News Tribune’s Web site.
Applause
Boze E.S. staff members Mike
McCabe, psychologist; Mark
Bates, LRC teacher; Anita
Asmussen, speech and language
pathologist; and Diane Clark,
counselor, celebrate School
Psychology Week, Nov. 8-12.
Mt. Tahoma Key Club helps
Sipes wins Best in Division in carvers’ show
Congratulations to Michael Sipes, a Wilson High School senior, who won Best in
Division and a $50 cash prize at the Northwest Carvers Association Show at the
Western Washington Fairgrounds in Puyallup Nov. 13-14.
Sheridan principal works from the roof
“Our kids did an incredible job with our PTA fundraiser – doubling sales from the last
two years,” Sheridan Elementary School Principal Kelly Evans said. “I told them that if
they reached the target I would either dye my hair orange (not much to do there), have
a stylist come in and cut all my hair in front of them (not much to do with that one
either), or spend the day on the roof. Guess what they chose – the kids are excited.”
Evans was lucky that the sun chose to shine Nov. 12 when he spent the day on the
roof as his contribution to the fundraiser.
Mount Tahoma H.S. Key Club
members tape up a box of sorted
medical supplies at the Gathering
Project. From left to right, the
students are Hilary Vo, Micayla
Smith and Chinue Carpenter.
Gray hosts Literacy Night
Lincoln lauded in Education Week article
Lincoln High Schools gets a primo photo and focus in a national Education Week story
on successful public schools. Go, Abes!
—Principal Pat Erwin
Note: Link to the Education Week story, “Regular Public Schools Start to Mimic
Charters.” In a few communities, charter schools are starting to collaborate and share
practices with other public schools.
Franklin students learn woodworking skills
We are proud of our Franklin Elementary School woodworkers led by our office
paraeducator’s husband, Doug Carlson. He donates his lunch time once a week to
share his carpentry skills with our students. They have made a wood car for
themselves or to give as a gift and are currently working together to create a wood
planter box to give to a neighborhood nursing home. The goal is to help students
achieve success in learning basic skills and to promote Franklin’s bucket-filling theme
of doing good deeds for others.
—Carol Costanza, Franklin school counselor
A Gray M.S. student, Vita Agapov,
enjoys a family Literacy Night.
New Baker takes shape
First Creek’s sports teams
Athletic Director Waymon Cruell of First Creek Middle School led coaches and
students through exciting session I sports. Varsity Soccer Coach James Sears led the
team to 4 wins and 5 losses. Victoria Mukisa’s great defensive plays throughout the
year contributed to the wins this season. Goalie Celeste Thornberg guarded the goal
with great skill preventing many goals. ASB President Nodia Rogers showed great
leadership both on and off the field. Junior Varsity Soccer Coach Brenda Carr cheered
her team to 4 wins and 2 losses. Kudos for a successful and hard-fought season.
To read more about First Creek teams, click here.
“Varsity Basketball Coach Syed Husain record of 5 wins and 4 losses couldn’t have
been prouder of his team led by Elijah Hightower and BJ Armstrong,” said ASB
Advisor Rachel Smith-Mosel. “Great things are expected of these athletes as they
move onto high school sports.”
The junior varsity basketball team, under the leadership of Coach Jacob Manning, saw
a record 5 wins and 4 losses, thanks in part to Donald “The Rocket” Means, who
averaged 15 points per game. Great rebounding and defensive plays by Kameron
Smith, better known as “The Tree,” rocked the court. Coach Kercherval is very proud
of his First Creek “C Team.” Over the course of the season, the improvement was
noted by cheering parents/guardians, according to Smith-Mosel. The coaches and
players celebrated the hard work and excellent sportsmanship with an ice
cream/cake/pizza social. Kids reminisced, and adults reiterated the messages of hard
work plus fair play equals success on the court and in life.
The new Baker M.S. is taking
shape on the Harmon Park end of
the school campus at the right in
this aerial photo. The building will
be completed December 2011,
with students able to occupy it in
January 2012, according to
Planning and Construction.
The old Baker buildings are on
the right side of this photo. The
new school will be 118,920
square feet. The second phase of
Birney students build American flag
Birney Elementary School celebrated our country's veterans with an assembly Nov,
10, and the Allstar fifth graders put together an American flag with gloved hands
representing the stars. Jane Stillman led the packed gym with a sing-a-long. There
were poems and performances as well as a video presentation by fifth-grade teacher
Chris Hartley.
—Debbie Passmore, Birney computer lab
Gray hosts Library Night at South Tacoma Library
Gray Middle School literacy teachers would like to thank all involved in making our
October Library Night at South Tacoma Library a success. A Title 1 reading teacher
shared that at least 464 people attended the Library Night that included story time,
grades online demos and treats of Krispy Kreme doughnuts and apple cider.
Janet Myers, the manager at Fern Hill/South Tacoma public libraries, shared some
exciting data for Oct. 21. Total circulation for the day was 701, with an average
circulation on a Wednesday about 450. She estimates about 250 items were checked
out during Gray’s Library Night. Also, there were 45 new applications for library cards,
which did not include the many patrons who already had accounts and updated their
records and/or paid their fines. The South Tacoma Library’s total receipts for the day
were $260 when an average daily receipt is usually less than $50. Myers hopes that
many of Gray’s visitors will now become regular library users.
—Jean Sheckler, literacy instructional coach
Professional development and staff opportunities
Retirement statement for 2009–2010 is available online
You may go online to view your 2009–2010 annual retirement statement at
www.drs.wa.gov. The Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) no longer
automatically sends this statement out in paper form.
You can use the Defined Benefit Access to review your annual statement, which
shows your service credit and defined benefit contributions. To view your annual
retirement statement: Go to this Web site.
Login if you’re a current user; or follow the simple instructions to sign up. If you have
questions about Defined Benefit Access or do not have access to the Internet, please
contact DRS at 360-664-7000, or toll free at 1-800-547-6657. You may also e-mail
DRS at recep@drs.wa.gov.
Tech tips
ProQuest helps with journal articles
ProQuest is a resource for professional journal articles. To learn how to find ProQuest
through the district Web site, click here.
Commute trip reduction
Transit sales tax on Feb. 8 ballot
The Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners voted to put forward a ballot proposition
on Feb. 8, 2011, to exercise the final .3% sales tax authority available to Pierce Transit
(.3% is three cents on a $10 purchase). If this transit sales tax measure passes, it will:
 Preserve the current service levels;
 Provide more frequent buses;
 Provide additional services during peak travel times;
 Provide more direct routes; and
 Make minor increases in service areas.
If the sales tax measure fails, a 35-percent service level reduction is projected, and
the project will be the demolition
of the existing school and
construction of a synthetic track
and field.
Quick Links
Event Calendar
Job openings
News & Information
Policies & Procedures
Professional Development
Staff classifieds
Webucator
there will be a decrease in the frequency of buses as well as reduced weekend service
and elimination of special event service such as the Puyallup Fair and Freedom Fair,
among other reductions.
For more information, go to www.PTtomorrow.org.
Community opportunities
Town Hall meeting Nov. 22 at Roosevelt
A community conversation with Attorney General Rob McKenna about potential 2011
legislation around gangs, gang crime and the effects on the community will be
conducted in a town hall meeting Nov. 22 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Roosevelt Elementary
School, 3550 E. Roosevelt Ave.
A free pizza dinner will be from 5 to 6 p.m. Please RSVP to Safe Streets at 253-2726824. The program is scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by a panel discussion and
a question-and-answer session from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The purpose of the town hall meeting is to listen, learn, understand and positively
impact Attorney General McKenna’s proposed omnibus gang legislation designed to
bring statewide coordination of effective gang prevention and intervention strategies
and enhanced sentencing guidelines.
For more information, contact Safe Streets at 253-272-6824 or e-mail
campaign@safest.org.
TAM celebrates 75 years with Tacoma history series
Tacoma Art Museum (TAM) is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a Tacoma history
series of presentations on the first Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. Bring a sack
lunch and hear Tacoma historians discuss various aspects of the city’s history. This
six-lecture series runs concurrent with the exhibition “Mighty Tacoma: Photographic
Portrait 2010.” The series are free with museum admission. You can also pre-order a
boxed lunch from The Works Café at 253-272-4258, ext. 3037 or e-mail
tam@jonzcatering.com.
Darlyne Reiter, who wrote the South Tacoma history book, will present South Tacoma
on Dec. 2. Connie Mernaugh Moisio, one of Steve’s Gay 90s can-can dancers will
perform in costume that day.
Neighborhood Patrol Academy Nov. 20
Learn how to start and sustain a neighborhood patrol to help make your neighborhood
a safe and welcoming place. Safe Streets is hosting this one-day session to teach
Tacoma and Pierce County residents how to safely and effectively make a difference
in neighborhood safety. The academy’s instructors are experienced community
mobilization specialists, 911 emergency communications and law enforcement
officials.
The academy will be at the Tacoma Police Headquarters, 3701 S. Pine St., Room
1210. To register e-mail cware@safest.org or rkhlom@safest.org. Visit the Web site at
www.safest.org (news and events).
For more information about forming a block group in your neighborhood, contact your
community mobilization specialist at 253-272-6824.
Help buying your first home link missing
John L Scott offers a free 1st Time Home Buyers class, and a link was missing in the
Nov. 12 Webucator to information about programs for public and private school and
community and technical college employees.
For more information, contact Curtis Gibson at 253-691-2521 or e-mail him at
Curtisgibson@johnlscott.com.
Tacoma School District No. 10 complies with all federal and state laws and regulations and does not discriminate
on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or ancestry, the
presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person
with a disability, age, familial or marital status, honorably discharged veteran or military status. This applies to all
educational programs and extra-curricular activities. Inquiries regarding the application of the above should be
directed to Laurie Taylor, assistant superintendent, Human Resources, telephone 253-571-1252. Inquiries
regarding the application of Title IX should be directed to Jennifer Kubista, director of Athletics and Activities, telephone 253-571-1123. Inquiries
regarding the application of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (concerning students with disabilities who are not eligible for special education)
should be directed to Jennifer Traufler, executive director, Student Services, telephone 253-571-1224. Inquiries regarding accommodations for
disabled employees and the public should be directed to Leslie Nohr, Disability Accommodations Office, telephone 253-571-1021. These individuals
may be contacted by mail at P.O. Box 1357, Tacoma, WA 98401-1357.