White Center Now: The blog about White Center

Students from White Center and other parts of the Highline Public Schools district participate in the Tekerz Robotics Club, which sent us good news to share with you!

The Tekerz Robotics Club, based in Burien, demonstrated resilience and excellence at an interleague robotics competition held Saturday, December 14 at Baker Middle School in Tacoma. Competing in the nationwide FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), two teams from the club, consisting of 22 students, showcased their innovation and teamwork skills. Despite numerous setbacks this year, both Tekerz teams made it to the playoffs and one earned the prestigious 2nd Place Think Award, which recognizes creative problem-solving in overcoming engineering obstacles.

The 2024 season presented significant challenges for the Tekerz Robotics Club, starting with the theft last fall of expensive equipment essential to the program. However, community donors stepped in, raising funds to replace the stolen items. Compounding these difficulties, a fire at the Southern Heights school location over the summer forced the club to relocate just weeks before the season began. Adding to these challenges, the club was unable to secure the OSPI state funding grant they had relied on for many years, creating additional financial strain. Nevertheless, the students and their coaches maintained their focus and determination, embodying the club’s mission to foster STEM education and leadership skills.

“The outstanding job that both teams did – going undefeated during the qualification matches – says a lot to their ability to overcome the many hurdles that were placed in front of them. They came together as a team, put in the time and showed that they have the knowledge and ability to prove their excellence.” said Coach David Dammann. The club’s success is bolstered by a dedicated team of volunteer professionals, alumni mentors who have been with the program since its inception in 2011, and older students who take on leadership roles to mentor younger members.

Established in 2011, the Tekerz Robotics Club has built a reputation for excellence, frequently advancing to state-level competitions. The program brings together students from multiple schools within the Highline School District and surrounding areas. Looking ahead, the club will prepare for the spring season, which features the FIRST Robotics Challenge (FRC). Unlike FTC, which is open to students in grades 7 through 12, FRC caters specifically to high school students and involves building larger, more advanced robots.

The Tekerz Robotics Club’s mission extends beyond competitions, aiming to build confidence, foster creativity, and promote STEM education in the community.

For more information about the Tekerz Robotics Club or upcoming events, please contact:

David Damman
Head Coach, Tekerz Robotics Club
hathawulf@gmail.com

As part of the latest round of community outreach, Highline Public Schools reps will be at Dubsea Coffee in Greenbridge on Saturday to talk about the upcoming bond vote and the Evergreen High School plan that’s part of what the bond measure would pay for, if passed in November. Just drop in with your questions and/or comments between noon and 2 pm Saturday (September 24th) at 9910 8th SW.

Who will lead Highline Public Schools when Dr. Susan Enfield leaves as superintendent? The district has announced three finalists, and town halls next week during which you’ll hear from them, one finalist at a time. Here’s the announcement:

The Highline Public Schools Board of Directors named three finalists for the position of superintendent of Highline Public Schools, following a community engagement process.

The finalists are:

Dr. Concie Pedroza
Dr. Keisha Scarlett
Dr. Ivan Duran

“Through our community process, Highline Public Schools community members laid out high expectations for our next superintendent,” said School Board President Aaron Garcia. “These highly qualified candidates are a result of that community process and each of them reflects the qualifications and characteristics our constituents told us they value.”

Dr. Concie Pedroza began her career as a classroom teacher and later served as an elementary, K-8 and high school principal. She currently serves as the associate superintendent in Seattle Public Schools, the largest district in Washington state, overseeing schools, academics, student services and African American male achievement.

Dr. Keisha Scarlett is chief academic officer for Seattle Public Schools and formerly served as chief of equity, partnerships, and engagement. Dr. Scarlett has dedicated her career to advocating for academic opportunities and environments that tap into students’ inherent brilliance, particularly those furthest from educational justice.

Dr. Ivan Duran is a proud product of public education. An early passion for reading and learning sparked his interest in being an educator. He has served more than 30 years in public education and is currently chief of acceleration and recovery for the Renton School District. From 2017 to 2021, Dr. Duran was superintendent of the Bellevue School District.

To read more about the finalists, visit the Highline website at: highlineschools.org/finalists

Next week, the finalists will each spend a day in Highline where they will tour schools and meet with students, a few stakeholder groups and school board members. Each day will end in a virtual town hall. At the end of each town hall, the community will immediately have an opportunity to provide feedback on the finalists through an online form.

Town Hall with Dr. Concie Pedroza
Monday, February 14
6:15-7:00 p.m.

Town Hall with Dr. Keisha Scarlett
Tuesday, February 15
6:15-7:00 p.m.

Town Hall with Dr. Ivan Duran
Thursday, February 17
6:15-7:00 p.m.

The questions to be asked of the candidates at the town halls are pre-selected. Some of the questions were generated through a community-wide ThoughtExchange. Student moderators will emcee the town halls and ask the questions.

To watch the town hall, visit the Highline website at: highlineschools.org/townhalls

To provide feedback on the finalists, visit the Highline website at: highlineschools.org/feedback

The School Board anticipates appointing a superintendent following the finalists visits. The new superintendent will begin on July 1, 2022.

At right in that photo provided by Highline Public Schools is Aaron Garcia, elected in November to represent White Center and vicinity on the School Board. He took office Wednesday. Also announced by the district:

The Highline School Board has a new leader. During the December 4 board meeting, the board elected Angelica Alvarez as the new board president.

Alvarez has was first elected to the board in November 2009, representing neighborhoods in Burien.

“I am excited and honored to serve the Highline community in this leadership role,” said Alvarez. “In this role, I will continue to advocate for all our students, schools and families.”

Bernie Dorsey was elected to serve as the board vice president. He has served on the board for more than a decade and was most recently the board president. Dorsey represents neighborhoods in the Normandy Park and Des Moines communities.

Garcia won the District 1 seat with 53 percent of the vote.

The Equity in Education Coalition is resuming Lunch and Learn events at Bethaday Community Learning Space in White Center with this event, “Destigmatizing Mental Health,” on Wednesday, April 17th. All are welcome – RSVP’s are requested; go here.

Another Lunch and Learn event in White Center this week. Here’s the announcement:

On Wednesday, November 14th at 12 PM at the Bethaday Community Learning Space, the Equity in Education Coalition, CIRCC, and the Racial Equity Team will be hosting a Lunch and Learn event: The Intersection of Mental Health and Racism.

We think it’s time to discuss the intersection of mental health and racism – about stigma in our communities, about how racism influences our mental health. Join us in a conversation with Katie Mahoney, with the National Alliance on Mental Illness; Cherryl Jackson Williams, Mental Health Professional at Renton Schools; and Tracy Stewart, clinical psychologist.

You can RSVP here. Bethaday Community Learning Space is at 605 SW 108th.

The Equity in Education Coalition continues its series of Lunch and Learn discussions today, again at noon at Bethaday Community Learning Space in White Center:

Free, but RSVPs are appreciated – go here.

The Equity in Education Coalition‘s next Lunch and Learn at the Bethaday Community Learning Space in White Center is at noon tomorrow, and you’re invited. This will be the group’s third event there.

It’s Tuesday – and that means it’s Election Day. Highline Public Schools has a levy replacement on the ballot, and you have until tonight to cast your vote – if you’re sending it in via postal mail, you’ll want to be sure it carries today’s postmark; if you are dropping it off in a ballot dropbox, get it to the one at White Center Library (1439 SW 107th) before 8 pm. Look for first-night results here around 8:15 pm. (Looking for levy info? Here’s how the district explains it.)

From South Seattle College:

With graduation season in full swing, the TRiO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) at South Seattle College wants to help community members achieve their own academic and career goals. From June 19-25, EOC advisors will hold Educational Opportunity Week, visiting seven local community centers to offer free one-on-one help to adults with questions about paying for and attending college.

The EOC provides guidance and assistance to adults who want to begin or restart their college education or career training. Services are free to eligible individuals, and EOC staff primarily aims to support low-income students, first-generation college students and veterans (including family members). EOC advisors are trained to provide assistance with financial aid (FAFSA), funding options, career guidance and college admissions applications to adults who seek to enter or continue an academic or vocational degree or certificate program, whether that program is at South Seattle College or another college or university in the area.

(Here’s the local community center getting a visit:)

· June 22: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Greenbridge Community Center, 9800 8th Ave SW, Seattle

Educational Opportunity Center Hours and Contact Information

The EOC is located at South Seattle College’s main campus (6000 16th Ave SW in West Seattle), and open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Please note the Center will close at 1 p.m. on Fridays from June 23 – Sept. 28. Extended hours are available by appointment.

To learn more about Educational Opportunity Week, schedule a one-on-one appointment or to create a personalized educational plan with an EOC advisor, please call 206-934-5208 or email trio-eoc@seattlecolleges.edu.

From Highline Public Schools – this is happening tonight:

Meet the Finalists for the New Evergreen High School Principal

The small schools on the Evergreen Campus are unifying as a single school under the leadership of one principal. We invite students, families, and the community to join us for a Principal Candidate Forum to meet the two finalists for the new principal at Evergreen High School.

Principal Candidate Forum
Wednesday, February 15
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Evergreen Campus Cafeteria
830 SW 116th St.

At the forum, attendees will have an opportunity to ask the finalists questions and provide the district feedback.

Vietnamese and Spanish interpreters will be at the meeting.

Learn more about the reunification process at highlineschools.org/highschools.

After two rounds of vote-counting last night, it appears the Highline Public Schools bond is passing. It has 65 percent approval – at least 60 percent is required – and more than the minimum number of votes:

Approved – 19,696 – 65%
Rejected – 10,552 – 35%

Details of the bond are here.

Looking for school(s) for next year? Thursday night brings a chance to find out more about West Seattle Montessori School and Academy in White Center. From 6 to 7:30 pm, the open house “gives parents and prospective families a chance to meet our staff, teachers and tour the facilities. You’ll be able to view samples of student work and pick up application materials. Our teachers and staff are available during and after the Open House to answer questions.” WSMS & WMA are at 11215 15th SW.

Thanks to Sarah Fox for the photo from White Center Heights Elementary, which is joining in today’s regional #BlackLivesMatterAtSchool solidarity action, as noted here earlier this week.

Received from organizers of a campaign to turn the Evergreen campus back into Evergreen High School:

A coalition called ONE EVERGREEN made up of concerned parents, teachers, and alumni has started a petition to undo what they perceive as a flawed educational model at the former Evergreen High School because they feel it leaves the north end of the Highline School District dramatically underserved.

Please sign their petition if you support reuniting Evergreen Campus into one high school again.

BACKGROUND

In 2008, Evergreen High School was one of several conventional high schools in the Highline School District rendered into three autonomous schools sharing the same campus (“small schools”) under the hope that a reduction in the principal-to-student ratio would improve graduation rates. The sales pitch at the time said teachers would get to know all the students better, which would boost test scores.

Reality has not met expectations. Instead, redundant principals, a limited range of classes, a fractured sense of community, high teacher turnover, and only 35 classes for students to choose from have left families feeling cheated. It is easy to see why when contrasted with the school spirit, sports, band, and 105 classes available to students at conventional high schools in the same district.

The ONE EVERGREEN Coalition asks that you educate yourself on the inequities of small schools and sign the petition to reunite the Evergreen Campus.

For more information, including quotes by students, demographics, charts showing Evergreen teachers’ years of experience over time, and course catalog comparisons from Highline high schools, please visit evergreensuccess.org

Here’s a one-sheet the group is circulating.

It’s the first day of the 2015-2016 school year for most local students, as noted here last month, so just a reminder to be careful out there! In addition to Highline Public Schools, in the White Center area, Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School is back in session too. West Seattle Montessori (in WC) will be starting next Wednesday (September 9th).

(Photo courtesy Highline Public Schools)
Big congratulations in order for a local teacher – here’s the announcement from Highline Public Schools:

Mount View Elementary teacher Jamie Ewing earned first place in The Henry Ford’s Innovative Nation Teacher Innovator Awards. Ewing is one of ten first place winners in the country.

The award recognizes educators who are using the classroom to inspire innovation, creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking among their students.

“I would like to congratulate this nationwide group of educator innovators who are truly changing the way students are learning in the classroom,” said Patricia Mooradian, president of The Henry Ford. “I look forward to welcoming them here this summer and watching as this program continues to grow.”

Winners were selected by a team of judges based on their original and creative approaches to teaching, their resourcefulness, and the positive impact they make on a daily basis in the classroom. Student engagement, learning goals, and evidence achieving those goals were also taken into consideration.

“Jamie is a collaborative teacher who consistently shares his expertise, commitment, and innovative thinking with our learning community,” said Mount View Principal Lisa Escobar. “He engages students by empowering them to solve meaningful problems using critical thinking and technology.”

First place winners will receive a week long “Innovation Immersion Experience” at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan, taking place July 25 – July 31, 2015. The experience includes behind-the-scenes tours with curators and archivists, a teaching innovation workshop, and a special recognition ceremony.

Ewing is a National Board Certified Teacher. Microsoft inducted Ewing into its Expert Educator Program in 2013, and he was named a 2015 Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIE Expert). He has also been named a 2013 Innovative Teacher of the Year recognized by the Academy of Arts and Sciences in Education and 2014 Teacher of the Year recognized by the Museum of History and Industry.

(Highline educators demonstrating this morning at 16th/107th)
Today’s the day that Highline Public Schools are closed as the Highline Education Association has its one-day walkout to protest the state of education funding. Picketing is happening in various locations now (including 16th/107th), and then around noon, walks/marches are planned – locations are in this post on the HEA’s Facebook page – the Evergreen campus is one of the starting points. Today’s school day is scheduled to be made up on May 26th.

All over the region, teachers are staging one-day walkouts to protest the state of education funding, among other things. Today, Highline Public Schools announced that its teachers plan to walk out one week from tomorrow – Thursday, May 21st – so it’s closing schools that day:

All schools in Highline Public Schools will be closed on May 21 due to a teacher walkout.

The Highline Education Association (HEA) — the teachers’ union — has voted to participate in a one-day walkout on May 21. Highline does not have enough substitute teachers to cover all classes that day, so school is cancelled on May 21.

Highline will make up the school day on May 26, the district’s scheduled snow make-up day.

HEA wrote in communication with its members, “The target of HEA’s May 21 Day of Action Walkout is the WA State Legislature, not the Highline School District.”

Did you know that White Center Heights Elementary has the state’s first Vietnamese-language-immersion program? Find out about it in this story published by the Seattle Globalist (which, like WCN, is a Seattle Times news partner).