Youth survey: Drinking rates up among high school seniors
May 14, 2013
More high school seniors binge drink in the Issaquah School District than their peers in the state, according to the results of the 2012 Healthy Youth Survey.
Every two years, students across the state are asked to voluntarily take an anonymous survey of nearly 250 questions about risky behaviors and other items related to their well-being. The survey — a joint effort between the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Family Policy Council and several other state agencies — was administered in October to 295,899 Washington students, in grades six, eight, 10 and 12.
Issaquah School District passes state audit
May 14, 2013
State auditors found no problems in finances or accountability within the Issaquah School District for the 11th year in a row.
Each year, state law calls for each school district to go through two audits — an accountability report and a financial audit report. The audits took place between Sept. 1, 2011, and Aug. 31, 2012, and, just like the previous 10, found no blemishes on Issaquah’s record.
District to hold open house for departing superintendent
May 13, 2013
After more than four decades serving public education, Dr. Steve Rasmussen will receive recognition and well wishes from the Issaquah School District as he leaves for retirement.
In an open house on June 5 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the ISD Admin Building at 565 NW Holly Street, a reception will be held to commemorate his years of dedication. Remarks will be made at 5 p.m.
Paula Phelps to become next director of high schools
April 26, 2013
NEW — 4:36 p.m. April 26, 2013
In a letter sent to Issaquah High School families, the school’s principal, Paula Phelps, announced that she would leave her post at the end of the school year to become the district’s executive director of high schools.
“For the past 15 years, this school community has been such a family to me,” Phelps wrote. “I can’t tell you what a rich experience it has been to watch your students learn, grow, laugh and leave here ready to pursue their dreams.”
Phelps said she originally turned down the offer from Superintendent Steve Rasmussen. Now that she is making the move, Phelps told families that the district wants to work closely with them in the process of selecting a new principal. A survey to help shape the selection criteria is on its way, she added.
Local teachers earn National Board certification
April 23, 2013
The Issaquah School District has 15 more National Board Certified teachers, bringing its total to 112.
National Board certification is considered the highest professional credential a teacher can obtain and typically takes more than a year to complete. It requires teachers to demonstrate how their work improves student achievement and their knowledge of the subjects they teach. As part of the process, teachers build a portfolio that includes student work samples, assignments, videotapes and a thorough analysis of their classroom teaching.
Washington, with a total of 6,740, is now fourth in the nation for most National Board certified teachers. Those who complete the process receive a $5,000 bonus from the state.
Kokanee Fry Release To Issaquah Creek / April 19, 2013
April 23, 2013
Issaquah school district gets nearly $35,000 in donations
April 2, 2013
Local students got a nearly $35,000 helping hand March 13 when the Issaquah School Board approved several donations to the district.
The Beaver Lake Middle School PTSA donated $9,366 to help staff members buy iPads, books, a pulse oximeter, microphones, chess games and an algebra set.
Timeline for schools, fields construction updated
March 26, 2013
Several of the Issaquah School District’s construction projects in the next few years are likely to be finished early, while others are set to take longer.
That’s according to the district’s updated timeline for projects funded by the $219 million bond passed by voters last April. A month after the special election, district Director of Capital of Projects Steve Crawford drafted a preliminary project schedule.
‘The Frog Prince’ at Briarwood Elementary / March 15, 2013
March 19, 2013
Volunteer now for school levy committee
March 5, 2013
Every four years, the Issaquah School District asks local voters to approve levies to pay for educational essentials that the state does not fund, including school buses, classroom technology and about 20 percent of the operations budget.
Because current levies expire next year, the district is forming a community committee to help plan the renewal levy measures.
Representatives from the business, senior citizen and at-large communities are needed to attend three or four meetings on Wednesday evenings in April and May.
Call 837-7024 or email Levy2014@issaquah.wednet.edu if you are interested.
