Vashon Island Child - Vashon Island Child-Fall 2012

back to school

2012 guide to education on Vashon

Published by The Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

Generously Sponsored by

VASHON

2 Island Child – Fall 20122

StaffPublisher ......................................................................... Daralyn AndersonEditor ........................................................................................ Leslie BrownSection design and cover design ............................................. Nance ScottAdvertising ............................................ Daralyn Anderson, Matthew OldsIsland Child is published biannually by Sound Publishing Inc. No part of this publication may be reprinted without the permission of Sound Publishing. For additional copies, call (206) 463-9195 or email [email protected]. ©2012 Sound Publishing Inc.

Note: As of press time, the dates in the School Calendar on page 9 are set. Throughout the year, however, some may change. Confirm dates by calling the Vashon Island School District office at 463-2121 or visiting www.vashonsd.org.

The annual back-to-school drive was launched more than a decade ago by Islanders Lauri and Bob Hennessey and their three children — a family effort to help students with financial needs start the school year on a positive note.

It’s since been adopted by Vashon’s active PTSA, often garnering up to $3,000 worth of backpacks, notebooks, calculators, glue sticks, pencils, cray-ons and binders.

This year’s drive is under way now. Those who want to give can drop off items throughout August at Movie Magic Espresso between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily or in bins at Thriftway. Or give items to volunteers who will be seeking contri-butions in front of Thriftway this Saturday and Sunday.

The PTSA is also accepting financial contribu-tions, which will be used to buy needed items.

Send checks to the PTSA at P.O. Box 2364, Vashon, 98070.

Those families who would like to receive items can do so from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 29, at the Vashon Maury Community Food Bank at Sunrise Ridge near Granny’s Attic. A Spanish interpreter will be on site.

“It’s open to anyone who needs a hand in get-ting the family equipped for the school year,” said Jackie Merrill, the PTSA’s vice president.

Natalie Johnson/Staff Photo

A fifth-grade class recently gathered at a pond in the woods behind Chautauqua Elementary School. The retention pond has become an outdoor learning laboratory for students, providing opportunities for hands-on discoveries.

Vashon is a great place to raise kids. From our excellent schools to our many fine youth-oriented programs, children on Vashon are nurtured, challenged and sup-ported by an Island community that clearly cares about them and their future success.

At John L. Scott, where many of us are parents, we’re grateful both for the trust many of you have put in us and for the opportunity we have to give back to the community. It is particularly important to us to find ways to support our kids, as well as the schools and other organizations that help them to become fine adults.

So please join us in supporting our Island’s young people. And take a moment to feel some pride. We have great kids and a great community behind them.

— The Vashon John L. Scott Family

FROM THE SPONSOR Support our kids: Give to the annual back-to-school drive

ABOUT ISLAND CHILD

This supplement, published by The Beachcomber, gives parents and other care-givers a comprehensive look at the Island’s educational resources.

Though Vashon is small, we boast several educational options for families — from excellent public schools to highly regarded private ones. Vashon also has several preschools, a few after-school enrichment programs and many, many after-school clubs — for the budding dancer, musician, artist or explorer.

As this supplement points out, Vashon residents walk their talk, supporting the public schools and the academic lives of our children with a handful of vibrant non-profits. Each one helps our young people embark on a path toward a bright future.

— The Beachcomber Staff

www.vashonbeachcomber.com

What to donate? Backpacks are in great demand, organizers say. Other items include: safety scissors, college-rule paper, calculators, glue sticks, Elmer’s Glue, cray-ons, pens, colored pencils, regular pencils, pencil boxes, ball point pens, rulers, tape, Kleenex, three-ring binders, notebooks, erasers, dividers and hand sanitizers.

A great way to get involved in public education on Vashon is to join the PTSA, a local and active group of engaged parents and teachers who offer support, energy and expertise to the Island’s three public schools.

The PTSA meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at the library in McMurray Middle School. Come to a meeting and join the organization. Or visit its website — vashonptsa.org — to sign up and get more information about the group.

The PTSA’s big fundraiser is an annual auction, usually held in early spring. It also hosts a large

number of events at all three schools — includ-ing family science nights, career fairs, a field day, recreation nights, staff appreciation week, a film festival and book fairs.

And for those who have kids in elementary school, consider kicking off the school year with the PTSA’s icebreaker, a social event at Chautauqua Elementary School from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30. Enjoy icepops, meet your child’s teacher and get to know other parents.

Contact PTSA president Erica Davidson at [email protected] or vice-president Jackie Merrill at [email protected].

GET INVOLVED: JOIN THE PTSA

Contents 3 | Vashon Island School District A note from the superintendent

4 | Chautauqua Elementary School

5 | McMurray Middle School

6 | Vashon High School

9 | Calendar

10 | Educational Alternatives FamilyLink StudentLink

11 | Community Support Vashon Island Public Schools Foundation Partners in Education Vashon Community Scholarship Foundation

11 | Private Schools The Harbor School Carpe Diem

12 | Kid Connections Clubs, sports, drama Preschools, day care, enrichment programs

3

Vashon School Board of Directors

As you dust off your backpacks and gather your supplies and tools for a new school year, I’d like to recommend a few things for you to bring along to make the most of your experience.

Please bring your curiosity and imagination to feed your creativity and stimulate new ideas and ways of thinking. Be thoughtful and flexible in considering alternative ways to solve problems. Set aside your fears, take responsible risks, try new things, and discover your growing competence. Collaborate with classmates to learn from each other and take time to really listen and understand the perspectives and ideas of others. Most important, bring along your sense of humor. Learning is more meaningful when it is fun.

No doubt you have grown and changed over the summer, and so have we. We just finished a summer institute that has deepened our knowledge of learning in and teaching of mathematics and science. Our humanities, social studies and English teachers worked together to coordinate learning targets and lessons at all grade levels. All have a renewed commitment to teaching the habits of mind that will enable you to enjoy a lifetime of learning.

You will meet several outstanding new teachers and staff who have joined us. They were chosen for their love of teaching, their competence and experience and for being “just the right fit” for our Vashon commu-nity. I’m proud of the professionalism of our faculty and staff and the com-mitment they make to your education and growth each day.

You will also notice many changes on our high school and elementary school campuses. Vashon Island High School is transforming daily while construction is under way to complete our new building by December 2013. The old science building has been demolished, and the temporary, yet well-equipped, portable classrooms are ready and in place. During the

school year, you’ll be able to watch as the new high school progresses between Building A and the gym. We are working to minimize the effects of the construction process and ask for your cooperation to “mind the signs” to ensure safety for all. At Chautauqua, the district offices have moved to a portion of the third floor, and classrooms have been reopened on the first floor. As a result of these improvements, students will have bet-ter access to our outdoor classrooms in the forest and garden.

Our school district prides itself in providing the best in academic instruc-tion, the arts, sports and extracurricular activities. Families, businesses and community members have helped to make this possible through generous donations to the Vashon Island Public Schools Foundation, for which we are extremely grateful. We are also fortunate to have strong partnerships with Vashon Allied Arts, Partners in Education and the Vashon PTSA, each of which provides significant support to our academic and arts programs. The Vashon Park District and many athletic support organizations ensure that our children have great opportunities to develop physical and leadership skills for healthy living. I’m proud to be part of a community that stands for a deep commitment to the health, education and welfare of its youth.

I wish each and every one of you a successful school year. Welcome back!

— Michael Soltman, superintendent

Steve EllisonPosition [email protected]

Dan Chasan, chairPosition [email protected]

Bob Hennessey, vice chairPosition [email protected]

Kathy JonesPosition [email protected] 300-2441

Laura WishikPosition [email protected]

OFFICE DIRECTORY

The school district offices are located in Chautauqua Elementary School at 9309 Cemetery Rd. S.W.

The mailing address is P.O. Box 547, Vashon, WA 98070

District main number: 463-2121 Fax: 463-6262

Michael Soltman, superintendent, ext. 8123

Donna Donnelly, assistant to superintendent, ext. 8123

Paula Cummings, student services director, ext. 8120

Roxanne Lyons, curriculum director, ext. 8115

Amy Sassara, human services director, ext. 8111

Thomas Dargel, business manager, ext. 8106

Sarah Day, school nurse, 463-2882, ext. 245.

Email addresses for employees in the school district follow a formula: the first initial of the person’s first name, followed by his or her last name, @vashonsd.org. For example, Michael Soltman can be reached at [email protected].

AN OPEN LETTER TO VASHON’S STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS

Welcome back to a thriving district


Chautauqua Elementary School

AccomplishmentsThis past spring our fourth- and fifth-grade “Math is Cool” teams

traveled to Moses Lake to compete in an all-day competition where math skills were practiced individually and in a team sport. Our fourth-grade students brought home the eighth place trophy, while our fifth-grade students brought home the second place trophy. Math instruction in the upper grades at CES offers a place for our highly capable mathematicians to grow and challenge one another to solve complex mathematical problems. This opportunity allows our students to compete quite successfully against prominent private and public schools in the region and the state.

We said goodbye to Mrs. Buehl. Twenty-four years of amazing art instruction and experiences have been in the hands of our dear Carolyn Buehl. Carolyn has brought her own amazing art into our schools, while writing grants to Vashon’s Artists in the Schools program for some wonderful community artists to enhance our chil-dren’s art experiences. Now it will be up to our own Tara Brenno, an artist in her own right, to carry the torch as our art teacher.

What’s cool about Chautauqua? It is such a treat, as principal of this vibrant school, to take guests on tours of CES. While children are exploring Asian culture in the first-grade classrooms, robotics is in full-swing in the fifth-grade commons area. Walking past Mrs. Heath’s class, we chance to hear the beautiful voices of our oldest children singing in Spanish, and if we’re lucky enough to tour during the fourth-grade birding unit, we can catch a glimpse of both realis-tic and whimsical birds reflecting the integration of science and art.

This year, as we entered our second year of a new, healthier foods program, we added composting and recycling to our lunchtime procedures. Our oldest children led the way as we entered this new phase toward a greener Chautauqua. In celebration of our connection between the CES garden, healthy foods and student involvement, our

multi-age teachers wrote an artist-in-residence grant. Kristen Reitz-Green mentored our multi-age students as they put paint to canvas in giant, mouth-watering renderings of vegetables and fruit. These canvases will grace our cafeteria for many years to come.

Science is alive and well at CES. Thanks to PTSA funding, Trish Howard wrote a life-sciences curriculum for our school using the surrounding forest, pond and garden as natural classrooms for our students’ studies. The third-grade teachers took that education a few steps beyond our campus to visit the Island forests with natural-ists Barbara Gustafson and Trish Howard. Partners in Education (PIE) made that opportunity a reality.

Physical education teacher Rochelle Munger brought a new con-cept to CES this year, playfully dubbed the Peace Ball. She brought a ping-pong-sized ball to an assembly this year, a representation

of the world globe. She then told the children that the adults in the building were looking for acts of kindness this year and, when such acts were spotted and recognized by a staff member, a small piece of string would be given to the child who had done the kind thing. The pieces of string were tied together and wrapped around the tiny globe, and the size of that ball grew and grew. We ended the year with a tightly wound string ball the size of a basketball.

We have enjoyed a wonderful year of children knowing what is expected of them, stepping up to those expectations and moving beyond to create the environment in which people thrive.

Looking aheadThanks to the efforts of our schools foundation and the community

at large, Chautauqua begins a new year with a stable and excellent teaching and support staff. There are some changes to note. Through a district vision to more seamlessly integrate technology into instruc-tion, we will have a technology integration specialist who will work with teachers. Our music teacher, Andy James, has stepped into that new position, and we’re excited to work with him in this new arena next year. A new music teacher was hired this summer.

Thanks to PIE grants and support from Vashon Allied Arts, staff members continue to incorporate the arts into their programs to educate the whole child and connect children to the larger world.

As Chautauqua moves into our third year of a new reading program, staff will continue to support that effective instructional method while further studying reading instructional practices. Staff collaboration and a school-wide focus to further extend Response to Intervention as a support for student success in the area of mathematics is a major focus during this new school year while we continue to support literacy and science instruction. We will continue to learn how to best implement our new life-sciences curriculum that uses our campus for meaningful field experiments. Our school staff will continue their outstanding outreach in support of their students by meeting with families, communicating student progress and continuing to strengthen the ties between school and home. We will continue to work with our volunteers who support our school with hours of time and talent. They are an essential piece of a school that thrives.

— Jody Metzger, Principal

Jody Metzger, Principal

AT A GLANCEYvette Butler .....................CounselorPhone .................................. 463-2882Fax ....................................... 463-0937Students ........................................515Teachers...........................................36Support staff ..................................27Volunteers .................More than 300

Courtesy Photo

Two Chautauqua students take a look at a book in the play-ground at the elementary school.

Harsi Parker Photo

Students display the colorful birds they created as part of the popular fourth-grade birding program, which has garnered national attention.

5

McMurray Middle School

OverviewAs a learning community, McMurray Middle School prepares

its students during the transition from elementary school to high school. We are committed to helping students achieve their fullest potential through dynamic instruction, challenge and unique learning activities during the significant sixth, seventh and eighth grades.

We appreciate the diverse learning styles and abilities of middle school students and are responsive to their developmen-tal and social characteristics. As a middle school, we recognize the intellectual, creative, social and emotional nature of young adolescents. We challenge each student to master essential academic skills, to acknowledge individual potential, to identify one’s strengths and challenges and to explore one’s effective and creative possibilities while developing a sense of respect and responsibility to one’s self and peers.

McMurray’s program is a blend of core academics, explora-tion and skill-building that helps create a community of lifelong learners. Challenge, exploration and acceptance are all part of the McMurray program. These aspects are fostered by students and staff who work to establish a school climate of positive communication, collaboration and cooperation.

AccomplishmentsMcMurray focused diligently on helping each student develop

key literacy and critical-thinking skills this past year, and we will continue with this emphasis during our 30-minute homeroom period. We made great gains in supporting and challenging each of our students toward academic excellence, particularly in read-ing and math. Our school climate was enhanced in many ways through our student mentors, student leadership, homeroom advisers, student-led conferences, classroom meetings and posi-tive recognition and cultural enrichment programs.

We strive to engage the community and our families. The last

several years have seen a marked increase in volunteerism in the school, in a variety of settings, helping to make our school a special place for learning. Additionally, student-led conferences and online family and student access to our database system were implemented last year with great success.

Our entire school participated in Challenge Day at the begin-ning of the year. This day focused on many homeroom team-building activities designed to strengthen community, respect and involvement throughout the school.

High percentages of our students participated in and excelled in the various activities McMurray offers. All of our sports teams received Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) recognition as distinguished and outstanding scholar-athletes.

We continued to collaborate with a variety of partner groups, such as the PTSA, Artists in the Schools and Vashon Youth &

Family Services to support our students’ success. Reading and math assessment and intervention, prevention activities and student mentors were very successful in helping students reach their fullest potential.

Eighth graders also took part in 10 different experiential learning programs during Exploratory Week in June with out-standing achievement.

Goals for the year-

ing curriculum and an expectation of excellence for all students continue as our highest priorities.

and student responsibility will be emphasized throughout the year in our homerooms and throughout the school.

-nity through a variety of outreach and communications will continue to be a high priority.

Events and programs

McMurray students participate in a wide variety of activities such as recreation nights, Knowledge Bowl, the science fair, sports teams, drama productions, band concerts, Student Council, yearbook production, History Day, student mentorship, Egypt Festival, Tech Club/Lego League, Math Olympiad, Math Counts, Math Is Cool, Eighth-Grade Exploratory Week and many service opportunities.

— Greg Allison, Principal


Math teacher Jenny Granum works with students, using an online program called the Kahn Academy.

Greg Allison, Principal

AT A GLANCEGates Johnson ...Executive AssistantCarolyn Zike ......................CounselorPhone .................................. 463-9168Fax ....................................... 463-9707Students ....................................... 400Teachers...........................................21Support Staff .................................... 8Volunteers ................. More than 150

Courtesy Photo

Steffon Moody, a Vashon thespian, applies makeup on a McMurray student while others watch. Moody was working with students as part of the popular Artists in the Schools program.

Rik Forschmiedt Photo/RiksImages.com

McMurray student Jeffrey Parrish pours on the steam, winning a race at a cross-country meet last fall.


AcademicsVashon Island High School focused on success for every stu-

dent this past year. We instituted SMART periods, a time when students could get extra tutorial assistance from their teachers, complete projects and work on homework. Students appreci-ated the additional staff support.

VHS students continue to exceed state averages in statewide mandated testing, SAT scores and graduation rates. The school is recognized nationally as a No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School and as a School of Distinction by Washington state’s Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. We continue to participate in the University of Washington’s College in the High School program, offering Oceanography 101 and Geology 101 in alternating years. We also continue to offer advanced placement courses in calculus, English and government and politics. We are pleased to be reinstating AP Chemistry this year. Advanced placement courses offer seniors the oppor-tunity to earn college and high school credits consecutively, without leaving campus.

In addition, VHS is proud to offer two new Career and Technology Education classes in the 2012-13 school year. We will offer IT Academy for the first time, as well as trebuchet (catapult) Design and Construction. Students hope to par-ticipate in inter-district trebuchet competitions next year. These classes have been added as part of our ongoing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) development.

Japanese language students led by Noli Ergas, John Burke and Laurie Martin visited our sister school in Himeji, Japan, last

spring. Students also spent time in Tokyo.

The VHS debate team won the WIAA State Academic Scholastic Award — the sixth time in seven years — for hav-ing the highest team GPA of all participating 1A high schools in the state. Sayward Nelson, Lili Stenn, Iris Spring, Julia Zaglin and Cate Stackhouse all qualified for the WIAA State Debate Championships.

Arts, theater and musicVHS fine arts students had an eventful year. Erica Walker

(oboe) and Graham Hazzard (snare drum) placed first in regional competitions and qualified for State. The Percussion Ensemble took first place at Regionals and placed fourth at State. VHS drama students earned standing ovations for their work throughout the year. Theatre Arts I students all performed in an evening of short scenes and monologues. Theatre Arts II students presented a powerful production of “The Laramie Project,” the true story of the murder of Matthew Shepherd. The Musical Theatre Production students wowed the communi-ty with a vibrant performance of “Legally Blonde: The Musical.”

Co-curricular eventsVHS clubs have been active in promoting a positive school

climate. ASB sponsored an action-packed Homecoming Week, climaxed by the traditional football game and class floats parade and a dance at the country club. For the first time in years, ASB also sponsored a Spring Spirit Week, encouraging all students to participate in school activities. Amnesty/Interact promoted capital punishment awareness campaigns and spon-sored the Empty Bowls fundraiser for the Vashon food bank. The Gay-Straight Alliance sponsored The Day of Silence to draw attention to bullying and inequity in our society.

VHS extra-curricular programs continued to be strong. Volleyball won the Nisqually League title for the first time. Boys’ tennis, girls’ tennis, fall cheer, girls’ basketball, boys’ basketball, band, track, baseball, fastpitch and golf all won WIAA Distinguished Scholarship awards based on team cumu-lative GPA. Volleyball, Girls Soccer and Cross Country won WIAA Outstanding Scholarship Awards based on team cumulative GPA. The cross country team won the Nisqually League sports-manship award, and Coach Kevin Ross was named Nisqually League Coach of the Year. Girls’ basketball placed third in the

Nisqually League, boys’ basketball placed fifth in the league. Wrestling sent six wrestlers to State.

Boys’ soccer placed second in the Nisqually League, fourth in tri-district and qualified for State competition. Fastpitch softball won the Nisqually League Sportsmanship Team Award. Golf sent Cole Devereau to the state competition again. Cat Amick and Victoria Zaknich competed in the state tennis competition.

A new high schoolA highlight of the year was the ground-breaking ceremony

for our new high school. VHS students and staff were joined by the community for this historic event. It was a day of celebra-tion and excitement. The band played, Superintendent Michael Soltman, Board Chair Dan Chasan and business leader Tom Langland led our celebration. The new classroom building is slated to open in January 2014.

— Susan Hanson, Principal

Vashon Island High School

File Photo

Students listen during a period in Colleen Carlson’s freshman English class.


VHS Architect Brian Carter, VISD capital projects manager Eric Gill, VHS principal Susan Hanson and community member John “Oz” Oswald break ground for the new high school.

Susan Hanson, Principal

Stephanie Spencer, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director

AT A GLANCESusan Haworth ................. Freshman and Junior CounselorLaurie Martin .................Sophomore and Senior CounselorMJ Hartwell ...........Career SpecialistPhone ...................................463-9171Fax ....................................... 463-1944Students ........................................520Faculty .............................................34Support staff ..................................10Volunteers .....................................148

Rik Forschmiedt Photo/RiksImages.com

Taylor Hernandez goes over the final hurdle in a 100-meter race last spring.

7

Vashon Island

Generously sponsored by the Vashon Island offi ces of

www.vashonsd.org

September4 1st Day of School Chautauqua Elementary McMurray Middle School Vashon High School12 Chautauqua Elementary Open House/Curriculum Night19 McMurray Middle School – Open House20 Professional Development Day, two-hour late start

October3 VHS Open House4 Professional Development Day, two-hour late start

9, 10 & 11 – Partners In Education will hold its annual Phone-A-Thon. Please answer the call! Pie Funds a wide array of creative programs and innovative materials for our public schools.

12 Teacher In Service-No School 17, 18, 19 Parent/Teacher Conferences–No School 25 Professional Development Day, two-hour late start

november8 Professional Development Day 12 Holiday – Veterans’ Day – No School21 Early Release 22, 23 Holiday-No School Thanksgiving Break 29 Professional Development Day

december13 Professional Development Day 18 Early Release 19-31 Winter Break – No School

january17 Professional Development Day, two-hour late start21 Holiday – Martin Luther King Jr. – No School31 Professional Development Day, two-hour late start

februaryThe Seventh Annual Spell It!Saturday, Feb. 3, At Vashon High School. A fundraiser for the Vashon Community Scholarship Foundation will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Watch adult and teen teams face off as they tackle some of the hardest words known to humankind!14 Professional Development Day, two-hour late start18 Mid-Winter Break-No School

march7 Professional Development Day, two-hour late start21 McMurray – Professional Development Day, two-hour late start

april5 Early Release8 Spring Break-No School18 Professional Development Day, two-hour late start

may2 Professional Development Day, two-hour late start16 Professional Development Day, two-hour late start27 Holiday – Memorial Day – No School30 Professional Development Day, two-hour late start

june6 Professional Development Day, two-hour late start18 Last day of school, half day for all students

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11

Private Schools

Carpe Diem Primary School10014 S.W. Bank Road (the Land Trust Building)

Type of program: Independent school for students in kindergarten through third grade.

Contact: Director and teacher Janice Campbell at 375-8898 or [email protected]

Openings: Currently has a waiting list.

The mission of Carpe Diem is to educate the whole child. The school’s two main goals are to teach and model good character and create an academic environment where students develop an attitude of healthy risk-taking to learn new skills and concepts.

Setting personal goals for the development of good character qualities and core academic

excellence are back-bones in the school’s learning environment. At Carpe Diem, stu-dents and teachers see good character as a key to being a happy and successful person as well as a good peer leader. Carpe Diem teachers believe there is no ceiling to learning. They set high standards for student achieve-ment and expect each student to work to his or her personal best.

Through experiential thematic units and integrated studies, the school’s teachers strive to create lifelong learners who continue to be curious about our world of nature, arts, sci-ence, literature and cultures.

At Carpe Diem, students and teachers believe that the classroom exists beyond the walls of their school. Through wilderness activities and nature studies, students learn to appreci-ate the fragile beauty of nature and gain an understanding of the importance of their role as Earth stewards.

Special needs students are accepted depend-ing on qualifications of the applicant and the school’s ability to accommodate the need.

Foreign Language: French or Spanish are incorporated into the curriculum.

Student-teacher ratio: Three teachers for up to 28 students for core academics; two teachers for up to 28 students for all enrich-ment activities.

Meals: Students bring their own.

School Calendar: School starts in September and ends in mid-June.

Website: www.carpediemschool.org

The Harbor School15920 Vashon Hwy. S.W.

Type of program: Independent school for students in fourth through eighth grades.

Contact: Head of School James Cardo at 567-5955 or [email protected].

Openings: Now enrolling only for sixth grade and eighth grade for 2012-13; contact the school for details.

Since 1995, The Harbor School has helped young students reach their potential by provid-ing them with an outstanding, fully rounded educational experience. In a smaller environ-ment, with relationships built with teachers over multiple years, a child’s strengths are nur-tured and celebrated, engendering a noticeable self-awareness and confidence.

The middle years are developmentally cru-cial, and The Harbor School helps an early ado-lescent navigate the path to young adulthood with encouragement, self-discipline and wide-ranging experiences. Early on, students learn to take responsibility for their own education.

A rigorous academic program features a full schedule of traditional courses taught by experts in their fields. Class sizes are always under 16 students, so personal attention is guaranteed. Academics are student-centered, meaning that the students are coached and guided through lessons that are discovery-based, with the students researching, analyzing and demonstrating the facts. Knowledge and skills are practically based and actively applied.

The Harbor School travels extensively to expand students’ awareness of their

world, exploring on-Island and in the Pacific Northwest regularly. They also have opportuni-ties to visit such destinations as Washington D.C., New Orleans and Guadalajara, Mexico.

Assessment at the Harbor School is authen-tic, in that work is evaluated fully by the teacher and student. “Personal best” is the hallmark of success, not an arbitrary grade, and a student’s voice is highly valued. The parents are involved closely, and the three-way com-munication among student, parent and teacher is central to our model.

Finally, The Harbor School is an uplifting community. Its cornerstone values are evident in all interactions, making the school a respect-ful, compassionate haven. Personal growth is valued.

Approximately 60 percent of the school’s alumni matriculate to Vashon High School, where they have been highly decorated with academic and extracurricular laurels. Alumni have attended some of the top colleges in the country, including Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, Duke and MIT.

Foreign Language: Spanish is taught to all students.

Student-teacher ratio: Nine to one.

Financial aid: Yes, available to families who qualify.


School calendar: 2012-2013 school year calendar is posted online.

Website: www.harborschool.org

Courtesy Photo

Sixth graders gather around James Cardo during their annual orientation trip to Camp Niwana.

Courtesy Photo

Carpe Diem students Ivy Staczek, Mackenzie Shore and Leah Kearns enjoy reading together.

There are many ways to support Vashon’s fine public schools. And with budget cuts at the state level, that support has proven more critical than ever. Here are a few of the key programs in place that support public educa-tion on Vashon.

The Vashon Island Public Schools Foundation

The foundation was created three years ago to bridge the gap between state funding for education and what the Vashon Island School District needs to maintain quality programs. And for the last three years, the foundation has filled that need, raising close to $500,000 annually for the district.

But the foundation’s goal is not to respond to yearly funding crises, Superintendent Michael Soltman has said. Its purpose is to help sustain a quality school district. Increasingly, he says, it’s important that Islanders see education as a public-private partnership that requires widespread commu-nity involvement.

To that end, the foundation — a nonprofit governed by a 12-member board — will once again step in this year with a significant fund-raising campaign. For more information, visit its website at www.vashonschoolsfoundation.org.

Partners in EducationVashon Partners in Education, or PIE, is an

all-volunteer organization that strengthens the learning environment at Vashon’s public schools by funding creative programs and innovative educational materials. Every year, with funds donated by the community, it hands out dozens of grants — supporting everything from a robotics club to artists in schools to literacy projects.

PIE holds several fundraising events, includ-ing an annual phone-a-thon, which this year will be held on Oct. 9, 10 and 11. Contact pres-ident Ingrid Petersons at [email protected] or visit www.vashonpie.org for more information.

The Vashon Community Scholarship Foundation

This community-based foundation sup-ports Vashon High School graduates who seek support in their post-high school educational efforts. Supported by Vashon organizations, businesses and individuals, the foundation in June handed out $120,000 in scholarships to 94 graduates.

The foundation’s biggest fundraising event is a spelling bee for adults and teens, called Spell It! The 2013 spelling bee — its seventh one — will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at Vashon High School.

To learn more about VCSF, contact Barbara Gustafson, this year’s co-president, at 463-1638.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

11

Private Schools

Carpe Diem Primary School10014 S.W. Bank Road (the Land Trust Building)

Type of program: Independent school for students in kindergarten through third grade.

Contact: Director and teacher Janice Campbell at 375-8898 or [email protected]

Openings: Currently has a waiting list.

The mission of Carpe Diem is to educate the whole child. The school’s two main goals are to teach and model good character and create an academic environment where students develop an attitude of healthy risk-taking to learn new skills and concepts.

Setting personal goals for the development of good character qualities and core academic

excellence are back-bones in the school’s learning environment. At Carpe Diem, stu-dents and teachers see good character as a key to being a happy and successful person as well as a good peer leader. Carpe Diem teachers believe there is no ceiling to learning. They set high standards for student achieve-ment and expect each student to work to his or her personal best.

Through experiential thematic units and integrated studies, the school’s teachers strive to create lifelong learners who continue to be curious about our world of nature, arts, sci-ence, literature and cultures.

At Carpe Diem, students and teachers believe that the classroom exists beyond the walls of their school. Through wilderness activities and nature studies, students learn to appreci-ate the fragile beauty of nature and gain an understanding of the importance of their role as Earth stewards.

Special needs students are accepted depend-ing on qualifications of the applicant and the school’s ability to accommodate the need.

Foreign Language: French or Spanish are incorporated into the curriculum.

Student-teacher ratio: Three teachers for up to 28 students for core academics; two teachers for up to 28 students for all enrich-ment activities.


School Calendar: School starts in September and ends in mid-June.

Website: www.carpediemschool.org

The Harbor School15920 Vashon Hwy. S.W.

Type of program: Independent school for students in fourth through eighth grades.

Contact: Head of School James Cardo at 567-5955 or [email protected].

Openings: Now enrolling only for sixth grade and eighth grade for 2012-13; contact the school for details.

Since 1995, The Harbor School has helped young students reach their potential by provid-ing them with an outstanding, fully rounded educational experience. In a smaller environ-ment, with relationships built with teachers over multiple years, a child’s strengths are nur-tured and celebrated, engendering a noticeable self-awareness and confidence.

The middle years are developmentally cru-cial, and The Harbor School helps an early ado-lescent navigate the path to young adulthood with encouragement, self-discipline and wide-ranging experiences. Early on, students learn to take responsibility for their own education.

A rigorous academic program features a full schedule of traditional courses taught by experts in their fields. Class sizes are always under 16 students, so personal attention is guaranteed. Academics are student-centered, meaning that the students are coached and guided through lessons that are discovery-based, with the students researching, analyzing and demonstrating the facts. Knowledge and skills are practically based and actively applied.

The Harbor School travels extensively to expand students’ awareness of their

world, exploring on-Island and in the Pacific Northwest regularly. They also have opportuni-ties to visit such destinations as Washington D.C., New Orleans and Guadalajara, Mexico.

Assessment at the Harbor School is authen-tic, in that work is evaluated fully by the teacher and student. “Personal best” is the hallmark of success, not an arbitrary grade, and a student’s voice is highly valued. The parents are involved closely, and the three-way com-munication among student, parent and teacher is central to our model.

Finally, The Harbor School is an uplifting community. Its cornerstone values are evident in all interactions, making the school a respect-ful, compassionate haven. Personal growth is valued.

Approximately 60 percent of the school’s alumni matriculate to Vashon High School, where they have been highly decorated with academic and extracurricular laurels. Alumni have attended some of the top colleges in the country, including Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, Duke and MIT.

Foreign Language: Spanish is taught to all students.

Student-teacher ratio: Nine to one.

Financial aid: Yes, available to families who qualify.


School calendar: 2012-2013 school year calendar is posted online.

Website: www.harborschool.org

Courtesy Photo

Sixth graders gather around James Cardo during their annual orientation trip to Camp Niwana.

Courtesy Photo

Carpe Diem students Ivy Staczek, Mackenzie Shore and Leah Kearns enjoy reading together.

There are many ways to support Vashon’s fine public schools. And with budget cuts at the state level, that support has proven more critical than ever. Here are a few of the key programs in place that support public educa-tion on Vashon.

The Vashon Island Public Schools Foundation

The foundation was created three years ago to bridge the gap between state funding for education and what the Vashon Island School District needs to maintain quality programs. And for the last three years, the foundation has filled that need, raising close to $500,000 annually for the district.

But the foundation’s goal is not to respond to yearly funding crises, Superintendent Michael Soltman has said. Its purpose is to help sustain a quality school district. Increasingly, he says, it’s important that Islanders see education as a public-private partnership that requires widespread commu-nity involvement.

To that end, the foundation — a nonprofit governed by a 12-member board — will once again step in this year with a significant fund-raising campaign. For more information, visit its website at www.vashonschoolsfoundation.org.

Partners in EducationVashon Partners in Education, or PIE, is an

all-volunteer organization that strengthens the learning environment at Vashon’s public schools by funding creative programs and innovative educational materials. Every year, with funds donated by the community, it hands out dozens of grants — supporting everything from a robotics club to artists in schools to literacy projects.

PIE holds several fundraising events, includ-ing an annual phone-a-thon, which this year will be held on Oct. 9, 10 and 11. Contact pres-ident Ingrid Petersons at [email protected] or visit www.vashonpie.org for more information.

The Vashon Community Scholarship Foundation

This community-based foundation sup-ports Vashon High School graduates who seek support in their post-high school educational efforts. Supported by Vashon organizations, businesses and individuals, the foundation in June handed out $120,000 in scholarships to 94 graduates.

The foundation’s biggest fundraising event is a spelling bee for adults and teens, called Spell It! The 2013 spelling bee — its seventh one — will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at Vashon High School.

To learn more about VCSF, contact Barbara Gustafson, this year’s co-president, at 463-1638.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Vashon boasts a rich array of clubs and activities. How can you find the program that might work best for your child? Here are a few ideas.

VASHON PARK DISTRICTThe park district offers a wide range of activi-ties that will get your kids moving. Among the popular programs and clubs it sponsors are:

Visit its website for a complete listing.

Website: www.vashonparks.org

Phone: 463-9602

VASHON ALLIED ARTS

organization, and its Blue Heron Arts Center is a bustling place every afternoon.

dancers with the skills, support and confi-dence to dance for years.

Other popular classes, all taught by profession-als in the field, include pottery, photography, art, drama, glass-blowing and basket-weaving.

directed by the talented Marita Ericksen. Visit its website for more information.

Website: www.vashonalliedarts.org

UMO SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL ARTSUMO Ensemble has been around for nearly two decades, offering its own brand of inno-vative, sometimes wacky, always creative

Physical Arts, which offers a bevy of after-school activities nearly every day of the week.

Acrobatics, clowning, aerial performance and circus arts are among the many classes it offers.

Website: www.umo.org

VYFS PLAYSPACE

replete with an indoor playroom, a natural playground, a full kitchen and private rooms

facility where parents and caregivers can play with their children, meet with their peers and have access to parent educators and classes.

Website: www.vyfs.org

VASHON WILDERNESS PROGRAMThe Vashon Wilderness Program offers nature programs for youth from age 4 through

modern naturalist knowledge with ancient wisdom, creating a safe place for children to explore and learn more about nature.

Teens meet for workshops throughout the year.

Website: www.vashonwildernessprogram

HOMESTEADHomestead is an educational experiment that takes place on seven acres of farm and forest

“farm and wilderness learning community,” Homestead integrates core routines that

world with experimental, arts-based learning.

curriculum. Programs include:

“Cascadia: The Place, the People and the History,” an after-school study guild exploring Cascadia through story, crafts and ancient technologies.

Website: www.homesteadschool.org

LA PETITE ETOILE

located at Bethel Church, has expanded its offerings for older students this year.

and high school students from 3 to 4 p.m.

from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on late arrival days for

comprehension, reading and writing.

Website: vashonfrenchschool.blogspot.com


Enrichment programs and after-school activities

PRESCHOOLS, DAYCARES AND OTHER AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMSThe Barbie School:Cedarsong Nature School: Outdoor preschool. Visit www.cedarsongnatureschool.org.

Chautauqua Early Childhood Program: Preschool for children with developmental delays

A Child’s Garden Montessori: 9924 or www.achildsgardenmontessori.com.

Creative Preschool: El Gato con Botas: elgatopreschool.blogspot.com.

Heartstone Center: [email protected].

Huckleberry Kids: Kids Are People Too: Klahanie Nursery School: Nursery school and preschool for infants and toddlers. Call the

La Petite Etoile: vashonfrenchschool.blogspot.com.

Little Tree Montessori: Preschool and kindergarten. Contact Teri Tipton at 463-9249 or see www.littletreemontessori.com.

Love and Laughter Drop-in Preschool:

Starbreak Adventure School: or see www.starbreak.org.

Vashon-Maury Cooperative Preschool: www.vmcp.org.

Vashon Kids School Age Childcare:

The Beachcomber’s spring issue of Island Child, published in April, contains more information about day care and preschool programs. Drop by the office for a copy.

SOME MORE IDEASOther clubs are available for Vashon kids. Consider some of the following:

Boy Scouts Troop #294

Camp FireCub ScoutsExplorer Program

Eyes on the Future

Olympus Pony Club

Rockbusters

Rock Riders 4-H Club: Call Marie Bradley,

Vashon Dance Academy -

Courtesy Photo

Lacrosse is a popular club sport offered by the Vashon Park District.

Courtesy Photo

Dance programs are offered by the Vashon Dance Academy, VAA and the park district.

13

Jr. Crew — Returning rowers and novices age 13-18

Soccer — Kindergarten and pre-kindy... others as space available

Basketball — Sign up for 2013 League — Boys & Girls, Kindergarten through Grade 6

Island Dance Theatre — Beginning Ballet to Pointe and Tumbling too, ages 3 to Adult

Ski School Preview

And, remember...Vashon Pool is open through Labor Day.

Vashon Kayak Center is open to September 30. Friday through Sunday (by appointment for groups over 4).

And, the Skate Park is open all year ‘round

Wednesday through Sunday.

FUN For Fallat Vashon Park District

All New

Come out and PLAY!Come out and PLAY!

ESSENTIALS 4

206-463-7706Email your order and we’ll

have it waiting for you!www.essentials4.net

SchoolSupplies

Check out our Gift website: 17326 Vashon Hwy SW

We’ve done your shopping!

SCHOOLSUPPLIES

AT GREAT PRICES

ready to go! School

Supplies &Backpacks

Galore!

Vashon Island DentalOffice of Michael L. Maki, DDS and Marc O. Langland, DDS

Serving patients 12 months or older. Our up town location makes it convenient for getting

chores done during your child’s appointment. We offer minimally invasive, cosmetic, crown and bridge, root canals,

oral surgery, dentures, all digital x-rays and more. Call or stop by our office in town, we would love to meet you!

(206) 463-9282www.VashonIslandDental.com

Vashon’sKid Connections


Its more than West Seattle’s coolest toy store!

Education, Services and Great Stuff

for Kids!Dental Care of Vashon

Advanced family & cosmetic dentistry

We also make it affordable as preferred providers for most

insurances, including Washington Dental Service.

Cedarsong Nature School’sForest Kindergarten

for 3-6 year oldsan entirely outdoor program where children learn through direct experience with nature.

Monday – Friday 9 am–noon Tuesday/Wednesday 12:15–3:15pm

www.cedarsongnatureschool.org

[email protected]

Annie Robe rts’Cello & Piano Studio

Education, Services and Great Stuff for

Kids!

15

Summer Is A Good TimeTo Get Your Physical!

Well Child Checks - Comprehensive exam covered by most insurance plans. Includes developmental screening, immunizations and sports form if needed.

College Physicals - Full exam and college immunizations. Bring your college forms for completion at appointment.

Camp & Sports Physicals - A brief exam focused on completion of sports physical forms (not usually covered by insurance).

Adult Physicals - A comprehensive exam for adults including preventive care and screening for cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Vashon Health Center

Gary A. Koch, MDMichael P Kappelman, MDKim Farrell, MD

M Stephanie Lee, PA-C Laurel Kuehl, MD Jeffery HansPetersen, MD

Call to Schedule Your Appointment Today

463-3671

LeeAnn Brown, CFP®

Learn how to dramatically lower the cost of college

www.pugetsoundcollegefunding.com 206-567-4600

Fauntleroy Children’s CenterChildcare & early education for children 1 month to 12 years

NAEYC Accredited

9131 California Ave. SW SeattleJust minutes from the Fauntleroy Ferry Dock

www.fauntleroychildrenscenter.org

Call for information about current openings.

Now

Enrolling!

206.932.9590

Spanish Studio Vashon

Spanish Classes for All Ages and All Levels

My name is Victoria Clayton, I am a native Spanish teacher.

Everyone can learn a second language, but everyone learns differently. In my

classes I strive to accommodate different learning styles and create activities that engage every person. My classes are interactive and fun. Adult evening classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels.

Come join our Spanish literature class.

859- 7796 [email protected]

CiCi Carson 206-463-9828www.westsidestables.com

EST. 1985

Start Your Search at: www.VashonHomes.com

Vashon Islandis proud to sponsor this guide.

We were ALL kids once!

Phone: 206/567-1600

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Documents

Vashon Island Child - Vashon Island Child-Fall 2012