Soundings.Volume 6

Number 3

Spring 2016

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An Alliance for LearningA Message from Superintendent Michael Soltman

An alliance is a relationship among people or groups that have joined together for mutual benefit or to achieve some common purpose. I can think of no better word to describe the relationship between our school district and the Vashon community. We are all inter-woven parts of an island-wide network, an alliance for

quality education. The forthcoming May 15 ED Talks (see story below) is a perfect example of a collaborative effort that will enlighten us all about the scientific research that is happening on Vashon. Other examples abound. When our call went out for funds to re-place four aged automated external defibrillators (AEDs) that are out of compliance and cannot be reprogrammed to current Heart Association standards for CPR, OCCU (Our Community Credit Union) responded positively saying, “The word community is in our name and the best way to serve our community is to keep everyone safe.” OCCU is one of our many business partners. Other island businesses support us through generous contributions to the Vashon Public Schools Foundation. We are appreciative of all efforts to support our unfunded needs and encourage you to support these island businesses and make your own donation to help reach the Foundation’s fundraising goal of $269,000. The Vashon schools are indeed fortunate to have so many dedi-cated organizations and volunteers to enhance and reinforce classroom activities. For example, Chautauqua’s third grade students invited ex-perts into their classroom to find out about current research on various topics. When Paul Wahlen’s class learned about Colony Collapse Disor-der (CCD) from bee expert David Skrzypek, his students decided to take action by making a school “pollinator” garden to help give local bees a more balanced diet and develop more resistance to the disease (see below). On page three are a few of the many ways islanders (and in some cases, their dogs!) serve the needs of our students. On April 26 you will be voting on a renewal of our expiring Tech-nology and Facilities Capital Projects Levy. This levy provides funding for preventive maintenance and major facility repair, and for the district’s technology operations, equipment, and training. Please note that current state funding does not provide for these purposes, and school districts are completely dependent upon local levy funds to meet these needs. Since 2010 the district has collected $900,000 annually from this levy. Our proposal for the next four years is to increase the levy annually by an inflation factor of approximately 2 percent. Therefore, beginning in 2017 the collection will be $920,000 and grow to $980,000 in the fourth year of collection. See page four of Soundings and go to our website for additional details about the purposes of this levy. And please remember to mail your ballot by April 26. Thanks for your continuing interest and support.

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ED Talks To Be Held on May 15Building on the success of last year’s thought-provoking and well-attended event, the Vashon Nature Center in partnership with the Vashon Island School District will hold its second ED Talks on Sunday, May 15, from 2:00 until 5:30 pm at the Open Space for Arts & Community. The brief, wide-ranging talks will be presented by both working scientists as well as by high school faculty and students and will focus on scientific research conducted on Vashon Island.

Greg Rabourn, Vashon’s King County basin steward who will emcee the ED Talks, is a big supporter of the event as an educational opportunity

At left, Amy Bogaard, natural science and outdoor education coordinator at Chautauqua Elementary School, talks with third grade students who are preparing to plant a polli-nator garden to attract butterflies and bees. Bogaard, whose experience includes engineer-ing, farming, and horticultural education, en-joys helping teachers by bringing the natural sciences into classrooms and assisting them in aligning the school’s curriculum with the Next Generation Science Standards.

Continued on page 2

Goertzel Named New Principal Following a wide search and thorough review process, Rebecca Goertzel has been selected as the new principal of Chautauqua Elementary School. Goertzel has had a 20-year career in education as a classroom teacher, principal, university faculty member, research associate, and educational consultant. “Her credentials and experience are very impressive,” said Michael Soltman. “She is known for her ability to foster a positive school climate and create an engaging and thriving learning community. We look forward to her arrival in July.” Goertzel will replace Jody Metzger, who is retir-ing in June.

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SoundingsSoundings is published periodically by the Vashon Island School District 402, P.O. Box 547, Vashon, WA 98070-0547, for Vashon residents and businesses. The district complies with all federal laws, rules, and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including language), sex, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, creed, religion, age, veteran or military status, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in any district programs or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The district is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer encouraging application of qualified minori-ties, women, and disabled persons for employment and other opportunities. The VISD is a drug-free, weapons-free, and smoke-free workplace and educational setting. Direct inquiries regarding compliance, grievance, or appeal procedures related to district title IX, Affirmative Action, or Section 504 of the ADA should be directed to Paula Cummings by phone at 463-8532. For information concerning the district prohibition of harassment, intimidation and bullying board policy, contact Donna Donnelly at 463-8534.

Board of DirectorsBob Hennessey, chair Toby Holmes Steve Ellison, vice chair Zabette MacomberDan Chasan Michael Soltman, superintendent

Theater Department to Present Musical ‘Anything Goes’ in MayThe Vashon Island High School The-ater Department will present the time-less musical comedy “Anything Goes” on three weekends in May beginning May 13. “This show has no meaty mes-sages, its just gorgeous, melodic, and fun,” says director Stephen Floyd.

The popular Cole Porter musi-cal, which features such standards as “You’re the Top,” “I Get a Kick out of You,” and “Anything Goes,” is set in the American jazz age aboard a cruise liner from New York to London. The show has been revised and updated since the 1930s when it was initially written and produced. Because of its popularity, it is often staged on Broad-way and elsewhere. Maggie Laird is serving as music director.

The cast and crew will be drawn mostly from Floyd’s theater arts class. “We have a wealth of talent this year,” says Floyd. “We could do two full productions with our understudies.” Floyd points out that in addition to building self-confidence, the experi-ence teaches students teamwork and stagecraft skills that some students will develop into careers.

Evening performances include May 13, 14, 21, 22, 27 and 28 at 7:30 pm. Sunday afternoon performances are May 15, 22 at 2:00 pm, and May 29 at 3:00 pm.

Tickets are available at the Vashon Bookshop, the VHS office, or directly from Rotary Club members for their benefit performance on May 21.

“Our schools are strengthened and enriched through partnerships with island organizations and volunteers who, through a range of fundraising and educational activities, support and enrich our classrooms,” said Su-perintendent Michael Soltman. The Vashon Island School District salutes the following organizations.The Vashon Public Schools Foundationwww.vashonschoolsfoundation.orgTo maintain excellence in Vashon’s public schools, the school district is espe-cially grateful to parents, the business community, and Vashon Island citizens for helping to bridge the gap between reduced public funding and current budget requirements. This year’s campaign goal is $269,000. Specific funding requests are detailed on the district’s website. Please consider making a gift.

Partners in Education www.vashonpie.orgPartners in Education (PIE) enhances Vashon’s public-school learning envi-ronment by funding activities and materials requested by those closest to the educational process—teachers. Each year, teachers, staff, and other community members submit grant proposals to PIE that identify specific needs or opportu-nities not addressed by the existing school budget.

Vashon Parent-Teacher-Student Associationwww.vashonptsa.orgComposed of parents, teachers, and staff, the PTSA’s mission is to encourage and facilitate parental and community involvement in the schools by• increasing communication between home and school; • supporting teachers and administrators in their efforts to create a healthy

and challenging classroom environment; • creating opportunities to bring families into the schools; • educating the community on local school board and legislation issues; and• developing fundraising strategies to supplement classroom and extracur-

ricular programs.

The Vashon Community Scholarship Foundationwww.vashonscholarshipfoundation.orgThis foundation was established in 1986 by a group of parents and other com-munity members to solicit and coordinate financial support from the commu-nity for graduating seniors who wish to continue their education and training. Its mission is to• help seniors realize their strengths and abilities and plan for their future;• celebrate achievement, recognize and empower students; and• foster and facilitate community support for continuing education.

Vashon Youth & Family Serviceswww.VYFC.orgVashon Youth & Family Services helps islanders raise thriving, resilient children and youth through a variety of social services for children and families that include: school-based emotional intelligence and support for at-risk student programs; individual and family counseling; homeless assistance; parenting sup-port; emergency financial assistance, and; substance abuse treatment. Its ongo-ing work with the schools includes a range of services and projects that include, for example, helping develop a preschool for the island’s neediest families and working with teachers on suicide prevention.

Vashon Allied Arts – Artists in the Schoolswww.vashonalliedarts.org/artists-in-schoolsThrough this model state and National Endowment for the Arts-supported program administered by Vashon Allied Arts, Vashon teachers bring local artists into classrooms to enhance the curriculum. Artists provide residencies in visual, performing, literary, and media arts. Participating artists mentor teachers to build knowledge and explore new teaching strategies. Students gain valuable skills, unlocking expressive pathways to all learning.

Vashon Rotary Club Foreign Exchangeswww.rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYouthThe Rotary Club sponsors both long- and short-term youth exchanges that pro-mote international understanding by bringing foreign students into the Vashon schools and Vashon students into schools in foreign countries.

Community Partnerships

Amy Kessel - Women’s Leadership CoachAndrew Will WineryBangasser & Associates Inc.Behesht KombuchaCarol Harrold PhotographyDragon Heads CiderEssentials 4Fair Isle Animal ClinicGoforth-Gill ArchitectsGo Forth With Courage Parent CoachingHeery InternationalHerbal BloomIntegrus ArchitectureIsland Home Center & LumberJohn L. Scott Vashon IslandJoyce Olsen CPAKeith Putnam ArchitectureLake Kennedy McCulloch CPA

LDM WorldwideMay KitchenMcIntyre Construction Services Inc.OCCUOrca EatsPalouse WineryPink Tractor FarmPlum Forest FarmSawbones WorldwideSeattle DistillingSnapdragonSusan Lofland RealtorThe Hardware Store RestaurantTracy Barrett DesignsVashon Ace HardwareVashon PharmacyVashon TheaterVashon ThriftwayWindermere Real EstateZombiez

Vashon Island Public Schools Foundation2015-16 Business Partners

S U P P O RT VA S H O N B U S I N E S S E S

for the whole community. “The wide variety of short presentations keeps participants up to date on what other islanders are doing to study, restore, and protect our natural world,” he says. “The succinct nature of the presentations keeps this one-of-a-kind seminar fast, fun, and entertaining.”

“It’s exciting to learn about all the research that is happening right here on our island,” says Bianca Perla, director of the Vashon Nature Center, who is coordinating the event and has engaged six island scientists who will speak about their ongoing work at this year’s symposium. “We try to choose a broad cadre of natural research man-agers who are involved in both stew-ardship and restoration efforts,” she said. Perla and other Nature Center staff also mentor students in the field.

High school biology teacher Elisa-beth Jellison, who is planning the VHS faculty and student participation, be-lieves that the event gives students and the community a window into how scientists work. “I have no doubt that it will inspire many of our students

to think about careers in scientific research,” she said. Tenth grade biol-ogy classes taught by Jordan Browning and Melissa Kehl are required to do ten hours of field work during which they study and explore the island’s ecosystems using the same empirical methods as working scientists. During the ED Talks they will discuss such top-ics as —How are sea star populations faring on Vashon beaches? How are juvenile salmon populations faring in Vashon streams? What are predators (coyotes and owls) eating on Vashon? What influence does deer grazing have on plants in Chautauqua Forest? Presenters include:

Cheryl GreengroveAssociate Professor of Geoscience at UW TacomaJennifer LanksburyWashington Department of Fish and WildlifeGib DamannZero Waste VashonDerek ChurchillResearch Associate at UW School of Environmental and Forest SciencesBianca PerlaFounder and Director of the Vashon Nature Center

HELP WANTEDAmy Bogaard, who coordinates activities in the Chautauqua Pond

and Forest, an innovative outdoor learning environment adjacent

to the school’s campus, would appreciate some help clearing the

area of blackberries and other invasive weeds on Friday, April 22,

from 9:00-1:00. Contact her at ABogaard@vashonsd.org.

ED Talks to Be Held on May 15Continued from page 1

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Bike Shop Owner Shares Expertise with McM StudentsBrian Starr, proprietor of the new Vashon Bikes shop in Burton and a 2005 graduate of Vashon High School, welcomed an opportunity to teach an elective Mountain Biking class at McMurray Middle School this spring, a course con-ceived by Larry Dubois, a sixth grade teacher there. Seventh grade humanities teacher Tim Heryford, who approached Starr, envisioned a course where Starr would teach students to perform their own bike maintenance and on-the-trail re-pairs—skills that would encourage safety, confidence, and self-reliance. “I see all sorts of values in elective classes like this,” says Heryford. “They teach students the value of pursuing personal passions, as well as less tangible skills in social in-teraction, etiquette, and community-building.” For his part, Starr has learned a lot about the teaching process and how best to explain a rather complex subject. “I wondered at the beginning how I would be able to fill a 50-minute period,” he said. “I quickly learned the opposite was true.”

Long-time Reading Tutor Enjoys Volunteering“Nancy doesn’t have a background in teaching, but she ‘reads’ kids very well,” says Chautauqua’s Title 1 reading specialist Gail Labinski of volunteer Nancy Wingett. For the past several years Wingett has volunteered her time to help students with language difficulties learn to become better readers. She has no children in the schools, but likes to work with kids and values reading skill as a basic building block of education. “She’s also a ‘quick study,’” Labinski added. “Our approach is research-based with targeted instructional strategies, and not always simple. Nancy comes to me to identify specific problems, and we deter-mine methodology together.” For her part, when asked why she volunteers, she replied, “I love these kids and find it rewarding to help them. I would encourage others to find a way to volunteer in the schools.” Members of the community who are interested in tutoring students in reading may contact glabinski@vashonsd.org or 206-463-8559.

Interns Enrich Spanish Language Education at CESThis year the teaching of Spanish at Chautauqua Elementary School has been enriched by two interns, Andres Cervantes from Tunja, Colombia, and Laura Belmonte from near Barcelona, Spain. Belmonte is assisting in Margie Butcher’s third grade class while Cervantes is working with Holly Boyajian’s first grade and Sarah Hamill’s second grade classes. Butcher, who previously worked at the John Sanford International School in Seattle, understands the value of having native speakers in her classroom. “Along with their infectious enthusiasm, each of these young people brings a rich cultural perspective to language learning by exposing students to their native customs and music,” she said. “We are fortu-nate to have them here.” Next year the program will expand to three interns and more classes. Belmonte and Cervantes are spending the year at Chautauqua through the California-based Amity Intern Program. They are living with local host families, and the program will be looking for host families for next year as well. Interested families may contact Chautauqua at 206-463-2882.

VHS Students Put Technology to Work for CommunityThe high school’s technology courses have ignited the imagination of students, and some have put their learning to use to benefit the community. Seniors Bran-don Fairbanks, center, and Jacob Danielsen, right—shown here discussing prob-lems with their teacher James Culbertson—are two such examples. Fairbanks, who has become an exceptional videographer, has been helping VARSA (Vashon Alliance to Reduce Substance Abuse) by recording and photographing the organization’s educational lectures and panel discussions for wider distribution and effectiveness. Danielsen has been helping the local station Voice of Vashon develop video streaming technology, and in the process has discovered innova-tive uses for common tools of the trade. Where school equipment didn’t exist, he took the initiative to write grant proposals for new tools that have become part of the VISD technology inventory.

Therapy Dogs and Their Owners Help Improve LiteracyPaws to Read is a program that enables children to read aloud to a rigorously trained and certified therapy dog to improve their literacy and self-confidence in a comfortable, non-stressful environment. On a recent visit, third grader Jonathan Palmer (right) shares his book with his canine friend “Rain.” Vashon’s own certified Paws teams, who meet regularly with CES students in the school’s library, include (from left) Jeanne Haflinger and “So-phie,” Susan Hedrick and “Tosca,” Kathy Farner and “Zeppo,” Sue Beeson and “Molly,” and Jinna Risdal and “Rain.” Not pictured are Susie Kutscher and her dog “Henry” and Anne O’Leary and “Boru.” Nancy Her-rington serves as the school’s coordinator. Members of the community who are interested in knowing more about this program may contact volunteer coordinator Jinna Risdal at jinna.vashon@gmail.com.

OUTSIDE IN / INSIDE OUT

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDVASHON WAPermit No. 4

Vashon Island School District No. 402P.O. Box 547 Vashon, WA 98070-0547www.vashonsd.org206-463-2121VASHON–MAURY ISLAND RESIDENT

At its February 23 meeting, the Vashon Island School District Board of Directors approved a resolution placing renewal of the district’s expiring Technology and Facilities Capital Projects Levy before the voters on April 26, 2016. The school district will ask voters to renew the levy for four years. This levy provides funding for major repair, improvement, and preventive maintenance of district facilities and equipment, and funding for technology operations and equipment. “Basic Education Funding” provided by the State of Washington is not sufficient to fully fund our district’s operating expenses or our capital facility maintenance and technology programs. Renewal of this levy ensures the continuing excellence of our school programs and maintains our investment in our school facilities by funding:

• Major repairs, improvements and preventive maintenance needed to maintain our investment in our school facilities and equipment

• Instructional technology and network upgrades for teaching, student computing, presentations, publishing, special education, and district operations

If approved, the renewal of the Technology and Facilities Capital Projects Re-placement Levy would provide $920,000 plus an approximate two percent infla-tion factor each year for four years from 2017 through 2020.

School Board Approves Resolution

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REPLACEMENT LEVY ON APRIL 26 BALLOT

Proposed Technology and Facilities Capital Projects Levy Amounts

Collection Year Maximum Levy Amount* Approx. Levy Rate/$1,000 Assessed Value

2017 $920,000 $0.382018 $940,000 $0.382019 $960,000 $0.382020 $980,000 $0.38

Levy Renewal InformationNearly 100% of the district’s annual expenditure for major facility repair, improvement, and preventive maintenance, as well as the district’s technology equipment and operations are funded by this levy.

The heating systems, roofs, walls, doors, and floors need constant mainte-nance. A primary focus of this levy is to continued implementation of our com-prehensive preventive maintenance plan to extend the life of our facilities and equipment. A description of the levy projects is available on our website – www.vashonsd.org or at the district office.

Local capital levy dollars make up the difference between what it costs to operate our schools and what the state funds. State basic education funding pro-vides almost no designated resources for technology operations or major facil-ity/capital renovation or improvements. Vashon Island, like most school districts in the state, relies on local levy support to maintain the integrity of our facilities and to fund technology programs and services.

Technology and Facilities Capital Projects Levy History 2006-2016

Collection Years Maximum Annual Levy Amount

2006-07 $1,240,0002008-09 No collection*2010-12 $900,0002013-16 $900,000

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does this levy support the school district’s operations?This levy would enable the district to: • Continue to fulfill the preventive maintenance plan and sustain capital investments through

adequate staffing and repairs and improvements to facilities and equipment. • Continue to implement technology that enhances instruction and is essential to business

operations. Along with hardware, software, and network upgrades, this levy would fund training and technical support so that staff could effectively use the new technology.

• Redirect general fund dollars to teachers and textbooks. Paying for capital needs with a capital levy allows a greater portion of the general fund to be used for instructional and co-curricular programs.

What are the goals of the technology portion of the levy?The district must maintain a basic level of technology and update it regularly. This levy will fund the following technology components:• Staffing for technology support and network management• Network infrastructure upgrades• Training for teachers• Computer upgrades in classrooms, libraries, and labs• Software licensing

What are the goals of the capital maintenance portion of the levy?• Staffing for preventive maintenance• New and reconditioned equipment• Major facility repairs and system replacement• Integrated preventive maintenance management system

Why is the technology portion of the levy important to learning?A revolution in technology has changed our expectations for what and how students learn. Technological advances have given educators access to tools and resources that play an increas-ingly vital role in the process of educating all of our students. Today, potential employers and institutions of higher learning assume that a student not only knows how to use a computer, but also is proficient in several applications. The district must maintain a basic level of technology and update it regularly so that our students have what they need to be successful in our global society.

Does Washington State pay for technology in local schools?The state does not fund technology, though it does require that Washington schools provide technology education. The school district has only one option for funding technology and that is through this locally approved levy.

Will my taxes go up if I vote for this levy?An annual inflation factor of 2% is included in this levy. The levy tax rate amounts to about $.38 per $1,000 of assessed value. For a $460,000 home (2016 average assessed value on Vashon), it will cost about $175 per year. Tax exemptions may be available to homeowners who are 61 or older, disabled, or who meet certain income requirements. For more information, call King County Department of Assessments at 206-296-7300.

Why does the district need to collect local taxes for preventive maintenance and technology?Computer hardware, software, professional development and technical support have never been funded from Washington State’s basic education budget. Furthermore, the state provides inadequate funding for preventive maintenance and major repairs. Consequently, many districts, including Vashon, have implemented technology programs and funded preventive maintenance with limited general-fund dollars or by passing capital maintenance/technology levies supported by the community. By renewing this levy, VISD can continue to deploy adequate technology for education and business operations and fund our commitment to preventive maintenance.

What is the difference between a bond and a levy?Bonds are used to fund major facility upgrades like the new high school. Levies sustain ongoing facility maintenance and technology programs.

* During this period, the district received a settlement award for CES construction deficiencies. No levy was collected as a reimbursement to voters.

* Annual levy increases include inflation factor of approximately 2%