Our friends at the White Center Community Development Association alert us to an upcoming educational business seminar on small business tax, funding and financing on Monday, March 15th from 6pm – 8pm at Chase Bank (1616 SW 100th Street).

Here are the details:

WHAT: Educational seminar on small business tax, funding and financing.

WHEN: Monday, March 15th from 6pm – 8pm.

WHERE: Chase Bank Meeting Room, located at 1616 SW 100th Street in White Center.

INFO: From a flier:

Do you own or think of owning a business in White Center? Do you have business tax-related questions?

Are you interested in finding out about funding/financing sources to start/operate your business?

Would you like to pick the brain of an expert in business development and a couple of CPAs?

You are invited to: AN EDUCATION SEMINAR ON SMALL BUSINESS TAX, FUNDING & FINANCING

Presented: Cornerstone Funding Company

Location:    Chase Bank – Meeting Room

Address:    1616 SW 100th Street

Date & Time: Monday, March 15 6pm – 8pm

RSVP is required by emailing Nhan Nguyen at nhan@wccda.org or call 206.694.1082 Ext. 166.

The Highline School Board voted unanimously Wednesday night (Mar. 3rd) to move ahead with a federal grant application that would require major changes at White Center’s Cascade Middle School, as well as SeaTac’s Chinook Middle School.

Cascade Middle School is located at 11212 10th Avenue SW in White Center.

Here are more details from a press release sent to us:

The grant opportunity is part of new federal regulations that identify high-poverty schools with large numbers of struggling students. In order to get the funds, districts must agree to restructure the schools by next fall.

Last week, a team of 45 people, including teachers, central office staff, parents, and community partners, gathered for a two-day summit to begin formulating a restructuring plan. Sarah Weir of the White Center Community Development Association, one of the community partners to participate on the planning team, said she left the summit “feeling really optimistic about the passion and commitment of the people who serve our kids.”

“We recognize the need for school reform. We believe all students are capable of reaching their dreams, and we’re excited about the possibilities these changes will mean for our students,” said Chinook teacher Amber Larson. She emphasized that “school staff, central office leaders, the school board, and parents all hold responsibility and need to work together to make changes.”

Theresa Carlson, Cascade teacher and vice-president of the Highline Education Association, agreed, “We need to start climbing this mountain and taking some risks. We are all in this together.”

The school board endorsed the planning team’s outline and directed the district to submit the federal grant application on Friday. Elements of the plan include:

• Increasing accountability of the school board, central office administrators, and parents, as well as teachers; and giving a senior administrator authority to make bold decisions to support the schools.
• Increasing involvement of parents and community organizations in the schools through two-way communication, bi-lingual staff, parent advisory teams, and other means.
• Developing new ways of evaluating staff and providing meaningful incentives for staff and administrators.
• Rethinking the way school is delivered, such as trying innovative ways of structuring the school day.
• Use strategies that have been successful in other high-poverty, highly diverse schools, such as adjusting schools schedules to provide more learning time.
• Setting ambitious goals for student improvement and expecting all students to become prepared for post-high school education and the workplace.

The planning team also calls for the school district to support the restructuring plans through policy, technical assistance, commitment from the school board, and creation of a plan to sustain the changes beyond the life of the three-year grant.

Superintendent John Welch told the school board the plan “builds on the great work that is already happening at Chinook and Cascade.”

The federal accountability program requires school districts to choose one of four restructuring models:

• Closure: Close the school and send students to other schools in the district. The school board ruled out this option for Chinook and Cascade because other middle schools do not have room to accommodate all students.
• Restart: Open the school under a third party education management organization. This option was also rejected since charter schools are not allowed in Washington and the state has not issued a list of approved third parties.
• Turnaround: replace principal and at least 50% of staff. This option was also eliminated.
• Transformation: Replace the principal, reform the instructional model, develop teacher evaluations with student growth as a factor, increase community engagement, and extend learning time.

The school board decided last week to use the “transformation” model at both schools.

Highline Superintendent Welch acknowledges that the four federal models take a narrow approach to improving student achievement.

“The models imply that sole responsibility for getting middle school students to grade level is with the middle school teachers and principals,” said Welch. “We know there are other issues that need to be addressed—in elementary schools, in our system as a whole, and in the community. Still, this is an opportunity to gain some resources we haven’t had before to tackle issues at the middle school level.”

The school district expects to know by March 26 if the funds will be granted. The money could start flowing to the schools by April. If that happens, teachers would start professional development this summer. There could also be summer programs for incoming 7th graders. The schools would open in September with the changes in place.

According to a press release, nearby school South Seattle Community College is partnering with the U.S. Census Bureau to “help achieve a complete and accurate count of the nation’s growing population.”

The release says:

By supporting the 2010 Census, the college hopes to raise awareness of this important initiative and work to increase the overall response rate of historically hard-to-count college and university students.

The partnership will involve sharing information about the census on the college website, www.southseattle.edu, and encouraging students to complete and return their 2010 Census forms. Off-campus sites NewHolly and Georgetown will also participate in outreach activities.

In addition, a Question Assistance Center (QAC) will be established on the main campus in Cascade Court room 123 (former site of Bernie’s Bakery), where staff will answer questions from students and members of the community.  The QAC will be staffed from 11 am to 7 pm on the following dates:

• Tuesday, March 16
• Wednesday, March 17
• Tuesday, April 6
• Wednesday, April 7
• Tuesday, April 13

South Seattle Community College is located at 6000-16th Ave. SW, in West Seattle. Driving directions: www.southseattle.edu/campus/map.htm#sscc.

For more information about the 2010 Census, visit 2010census.gov.

Wednesday, April 14

South Seattle Community College (located nearby at 6000 16 Ave S.W.) will be offering a number of very ‘green” non-credit Electric Vehicle classes, beginning with a safety course this Saturday, Feb. 27th.

The classes, part of a partnership with the Seattle Electric Vehicle Association, will be taught by a group of experienced instructors who have converted over two dozen vehicles.

Here are the details:

WHAT: A series of non-credit Electric Vehicle classes

WHERE: South Seattle Community College, located at 6000 16 Ave S.W.

WHEN: Class times vary – see details below:

• Electric Vehicle Conversion Workshop
  Instructor:  Ed Stegall
  An intensive six days hands-on learning class that teaches the basics in converting a gasoline engine to electric power.
  8 am – 5 pm     M T W Th F Sat  March 22-27     $899
• Electric Vehicle Safety Systems
  Instructor:  Roger Wright
  Learn how to keep your electric vehicle safe; how a DC system works, what parts go into it, and why you should have these parts.
  9 – 11:30 am            Sat     February 27     $35
  ** Enrollment is still open for the February 27 class. **
  6:30 – 9 pm             T       May 25  $35
• Introduction to AC Drives for Electric Vehicles
  Instructors:  Dan Bentler and Frank Jump
  Learn the advantages and disadvantages of DC and AC motors. Gain valuable insight and knowledge of how AC drives work and how to apply them to vehicles. Class will provide hands-on operating demonstrations of motors and variable-frequency drives and other motors using bench-top equipment VFDs.
  9 am – 4 pm             Sat     April 24        $65
• Electric Vehicle Component Technology for Conversion
  Instructor:  Cory Cross
  Learn about what parts go into a conversion and how they connect to each other. Strong emphasis placed on learning to read schematics and understanding why the parts are connected that way.
  6 – 9 pm                Th      May 13  $45
• Electric Vehicles – Batteries
  Instructor:  Stephen Johnsen
  Topics include: general overview of popular suitable batteries for EVs; comparison of costs and specs on various batteries available; calculating the kWhr rating of my pack; how to extend battery life; charging and recycling of batteries.
  6:30 – 9 pm             T       May 18  $45
• Electric Bicycles
  Instructor:  Ed Stegall
  Go through the process of actually converting a normal bike to electric. Class also covers bike safety, bike laws and basic maintenance and tips for doing your own conversion on your own or with a kit.
  Class fee of $99 includes two sessions.
  6 – 9 pm                Th      June 3
  9 am – 4 pm             Sat     June 5

INFO: From a press release:

The six-day workshop guides students through the complete process of converting a vehicle from a gasoline engine to electric power.  By the end of the workshop, the group will have completed one running electric car conversion capable of highway speeds, with a 30-60 mile range on one charge.

Electric Vehicle classes fill quickly and interested students are encouraged to sign up early.

REGISTER: Register online at www.LearnAtSouth.org, or call (260) 764-5339 for more information.

South Seattle Community College’s Continuing Education division offers 150 classes each quarter, ranging from computer skills to cooking to home repair. Designed to fit into busy schedules, these classes offer the lifelong learner variety and flexibility, with online and classroom instruction.

The Seattle Electric Vehicle Association was founded in 1979, with a mission to educate, demonstrate, and proliferate electric vehicles. The interests of SEVA members represent a wide spectrum of Electric Vehicle interests range from fast dragsters to NEVs, from home conversions to Teslas.  For more information, visit the website at www.seattleeva.org.

Together with the King County Sheriff’s Office, Burien and SeaTac Police are continuing their twice-yearly “Citizen’s Police Academy” program with an orientation on Thursday, March 11th, and classes on Wednesday nights from 6pm-9pm.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Citizen’s Police Academy Training

WHEN: Starts Thursday, March 11th and continues through April 24th. Classes are held on Wednesday nights from 6pm to 9pm at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center in Burien.

Classes will run for 13 weeks, plus a graduation ceremony including a certificate of completion and pictures with police staff. A light meal will be provided for students. There are presentations by many of the Sheriff’s Office Units and several opportunities for hands-on experiences, plus a field trip to the King County Communications Center.

The training sessions are held twice a year in the spring and fall. The sessions require approximately 20 hours to complete. There is a minimal fee for tools supplied to students, enabling them to build their own emergency response kit.

WHERE: Initial meeting is at the Burien/Normandy Park Fire Station, which is located at 15100 8th Ave SW in Burien; subsequent classes will be at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center in Burien.

COST: FREE!

INFO: From a press release:

Graduates of the Citizen’s Police Academy will have a better understanding of the law enforcement role in the criminal justice system and an appreciation for the many challenges facing law enforcement in today’s complex society. They will also be better able to assist offices in improving their neighborhoods and communities.

The goal is for emergency personnel to train members of neighborhoods, community organizations or workplaces in basic preparation and response skills. CERT members are then integrated into the emergency response capability for their area.

SeaTac and Burien Fire and Police Departments partner in offering this eight-week training held on weekday evenings, with a Practical Fianl Exercise held on a Saturday. Sessions require approximately 20 ours to complete. There is a minimal fee for tools supplied to students, enabling them to build their own emergency response kit.

Training is designed to cover the following:

• Disaster Preparedness
• Fire Safety
• Disaster Medical Operations (Triage, Treating Life Threatening Injuries, and Assessment, Treatment and Hygiene.)
• Light Search and Rescue
• Team Organization
• Disaster Psychology
• Terrorism

Graduates will also be eligible for the Ride-Along program, in which you can spend up to an entire shift riding with an officer.

This course is an unforgettable experience and it’s completely free for anyone who lives or works in the cities of SeaTac or Burien!

There are two sessions each year and they fill up fast, so register early with your local Community Service Officer.

If you are interested in attending the next session and would like an application sent to you by mail, please contact CSO Mechee Burnett at mechee.burnett@kingcounty.gov or 206.973.4917 (you can also download a PDF application here).

• SEATAC: If you are from the SeaTac area, please contact: CSO Eloise Kruger: 206-973-4915 or ekruger@ci.seatac.wa.us
• BURIEN: If you are from the Burien area, please contact: CSO Nicki Maraulja: 206-296-3333 or nicki.maraulja@kingcounty.gov

The Museum of Flight is holding an Engineering Fair this weekend, which will include the 15th Annual Popsicle Bridge Contest, which will be held Saturday, Feb. 13th from 8am to 5pm.

High School engineering students will be tasked with creating bridges made entirely of Popsicle sticks and white glue, which to us sounds like a lot of fun (especially if they have to eat a lot of Popsicles beforehand to prepare).

Perhaps the winner of this contest can help fix the deteriorating South Park Bridge just down the hill?

Here are the details:

WHAT: Engineering Fair & the 15th Annual Popsicle Bridge Contest

WHEN: Saturday, Feb 13th from 8:00am-5:00pm

WHERE: William M. Allen Theater at the Museum of Flight, located at 9404 East Marginal Way South in Seattle; Phone: 206.764.5720

INFO: From the Museum of Flight’s website:

The Younger Member Forum of the American Society of Civil Engineers will put on a competition of bridges built using only Popsicle sticks and white glue. Each year teams of high school students from local schools build bridges that are strong, efficient, as well as aesthetically pleasing. The bridges will be judged and then tested to failure with a hydraulic press. Be sure to be in the room as each bridge snaps and broken Popsicle sticks fly everywhere. At 12:00 noon the winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded.

In the Museum’s Side Gallery, the Puget Sound Engineering Council will celebrate the annual National Engineers Week with an Engineering Fair. Local chapters of national societies representing the entire span of engineering disciplines will staff booths all day where those interested in engineering careers can learn more about the exciting opportunities available. Several university engineering departments and student clubs will also be represented.

Here’s a video about the Popsicle bridge competition:

Story & Photos by Janet Grella

Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence celebrated their major donors and board participants at a special awards luncheon at The House Restaurant in Burien on Wednesday, Feb. 10th.

According to Holly Moore, Foundation Executive, the luncheon was made possible by an Anonymous Donor’s $2,000 gift.

Chef Will and hostess Stephanie prepared and served a four-course meal to 39 guests, while Board President Maya Mendoza-Exstrom, Highline Superintendent John Welch and the Foundation’s Holly Moore awarded five couples for their personal and financial support to the Foundation over the 10-years since the Foundation was started.

In the first of what will be an annual event plaques of appreciation were give to:

• Eric and Suzanne Aasness
• Sandra and Denny Eliason
• Tom and Leann Russell
• Nanci Tangeman and Chris Blumenthal
• Sharon and David Wilson (who were acknowledged posthumosly for their long-term support Highline Schools Foundation)

Ms. Moore also shared a “traveling plaque” with the audience that included the recipient’s names. It will be displayed at various schools throughout the Highline School system.

Superientendent Welch noted the good efforts and commitments of the Highline Schools Foundation, and their funding of programs during these “challenging financial times.” He particularly called attention to the arts and athletics support given by the foundation.

If you are interested in donating to or learning more about Highline Schools Foundation for excellence, click here.

Here’s Janet Grella’s Photo Slideshow of the event:

Click to View Janet Grella’s Photo Slideshow

Highline School District students can earn money for their schools by participating in the 2010 Cove to Clover 5K race, which is coming to the Burien area Sunday, March 14th (read our previous coverage here).

The Grand Prize will be $1,500, donated to the winning school. The winning school will be determined by which one has the highest percentage of registrants compared to the school’s total enrollment – $5 will be donated to each school whose name is entered into the “Registration Code” for online registrants (and every registrant must enter a code).

Entries must be received by 11:59pm Monday, March 1st (two weeks before race day, which is March 14th) to be counted toward a school’s total.

Here are the details of how kids can help their schools:

School Registration Contest: $1,500 Grand Prize (donated to winning school)

Here are the current standings:

Current School Registration Status (updated nightly)

White Center’s Educare Early Learning Center is hosting “Wednesdays with WCELI” this Wednesday, Feb. 10th from 9am to 10am at their offices at 625 SW 100th (next to White Center Heights Elementary School).

This is a new monthly series, and this week’s topic is “How to Enroll in Educare.”

Here are the details:

WHAT: Wednesdays with WCELI at the Educare Early Learning Center

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 10th from 9to 10am

WHERE: Educare Early Learning Center, located at 625 SW 100th in White Center

INFO: The topic is “How to Enroll in Educare,” and will include:

• Coffee/Tea and light morning refreshments provided
• Children welcome activities provided for aged 2-5
• Interpretation available

For more information, call (425) 917-7728.

Beverly Park Elementary School (located at 1201 South 104th Street), is one of 11 schools honored for completing the first level of King County’s Green Schools Program.

It is one of four Highline School District schools recognized; the others include Gregory Heights Elementary in Burien, Madrona Elementary School in SeaTac, and North Hill Elementary School in Des Moines.

Each school received a “We are a King County Green School” banner, a certificate of recognition, a success story on the program Web site and mention in a press release issued by King County.

Participating schools receive assistance on how to conserve resources such as paper, electricity and water, and they are often rewarded with reduced utility and garbage disposal costs.

“Each of these 11 schools has involved its whole school community – students, teachers and administrators – in reducing garbage and increasing recycling,” said Dale Alekel, King County Green Schools Program manager.

Highline Schools honored include:

• Beverly Park Elementary School (unincorporated King County)
• Gregory Heights Elementary School (Burien)
  
• Madrona Elementary School (SeaTac)
• North Hill Elementary School (Des Moines)

These schools completed level one of the program by initiating or improving recycling practices and engaging in waste-reduction strategies, such as decreasing paper use. Success stories for each school are at this website.

According to the King County website, some of Beverly Parks’ achievements include:

Waste Reduction and Recycling:

• Beverly Park Elementary School increased its recycling rate from 33 percent to 38 percent.
• To compost food and yard waste, paraeducator Karen Eng spearheaded the creation of two outdoor worm bins. With help from the Green Schools Program, sixth grade students from teacher Rosanne Esposito’s class participated in a King County Green Team workshop on how to compost using a worm bin. Each lunch period, selected students collect food scraps and tend the worm bin.
• The school started recycling breakfast milk cartons and currently recycles approximately 150 milk cartons and 120 juice cartons per day. Custodian Archie Champion has led this effort.
• Recycling containers provided by the Green Schools Program were added to the lunchroom for milk cartons, juice boxes, plastic bottles, aluminum cans and food scraps.
• School staff placed recycling stickers on all recycling containers. Provided by the Green Schools Program, the stickers list what can and cannot be recycled.
• Beverly Park has adopted and promoted a double-sided copy policy which has helped decrease paper waste.

Participation in the King County Green Schools Program has grown each year. To date, 10 of King County’s 18 school districts have received assistance or are now participating, and in doing so they have increased recycling, reduced energy and resource consumption, and engaged students in benefiting the environment.

The program has helped more than 300 schools cut waste and save resources since its inception in 2003. By providing hands-on assistance, including school visits, tailored recommendations, help with outreach to students and staff, and recycling containers and stickers, the Green Schools Program provides schools and school districts with the support they need to set up and maintain effective conservation practices.

In addition to providing schools with the hands-on help they need, the program offers a website, www.kingcounty.gov/GreenSchools, with useful tools and resources.

Schools interested in receiving assistance to improve conservation practices can contact Dale Alekel at dale.alekel@kingcounty.gov.

WCB Advertiser Three Tree Montessori invites parents and kids to their Open House this Saturday, Jan. 30th from 10am – Noon.

Here’s what they’d like you to know:

Come see the beautiful classrooms, gardens and playgrounds, meet the teachers, and learn about Montessori programs for children ages one through twelve.

All are welcome!

Three Tree Montessori is located in Burien at 220 SW 160th, near Sylvester Middle School. More info at their website here.

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by thousands of interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

White Center’s own Health Sciences and Human Services High School (HS3) is one of two Highline School District schools to be selected to U.S. News and World Report’s 2010 list of America’s Best High Schools.

HS3, located in White Center, earned a bronze award, and Des Moines’ Aviation High School earned a silver. They were the only two South King County schools to make the list.

The list, published annually since 2008, identifies the country’s top-performing high schools.

“The goal is to provide a clear, unbiased picture of how well public schools serve all of their students – from the highest achieving to the lowest achieving – in preparing them to demonstrate proficiency in basic skills as well as readiness for college-level work,” according to the U.S. News and World Report website.

“HS3 and Aviation are examples of our effort to reinvent high school to better prepare all students for college, career, and citizenship,” said Highline Superintendent John Welch. “Both are innovative schools that are preparing students for the math and science careers that will dominate the new economy.”

Health Sciences and Human Services High School, one of three small high schools on the Evergreen campus in White Center, is the state’s only health sciences-themed high school. According to Principal Paula Montgomery, many students aspire to be nurses, doctors, scientists, social workers and educators. In 2008, HS3 was one of four Washington schools chosen by the Washington Global Health Alliance for a partnership designed to enhance Washington’s position as a leader in health sciences by nurturing the next generation of global health leaders.

Aviation High School is the nation’s first aviation-themed college prep high school. All core subjects are taught in the context of aviation, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Aviation was the third highest-scoring high school in Washington on the 10th grade WASL in 2009. A hallmark of the school, led by Principal and CEO Reba Gilman, is its many aviation industry partners and professionals who mentor students one-on-one.

To earn the silver distinction, schools 1) exceeded statistical expectations for all students on state achievement tests in math and reading; 2) exceeded the state average on test scores for black, Latino, and low-income students; and 3) had high levels of participation and performance in Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses. Bronze awards went to schools that met the first two criteria. The gold distinction was awarded to the 100 top-scoring schools that met all three criteria.

In all, 30 Washington state schools earned bronze awards, 17 earned silver awards, and four earned gold awards.

Highline School District is looking to hire a Site Manager for its Beverly Park Elementary School, located at 1201 South 104th Street in White Center.

The starting salary is between $36,400 – $38,272, DOE, plus benefits.

The deadline to apply is Jan. 22nd (or until the position is filled), and you should send cover letter & resume to llavorl@hsd401.org.

Here’s the listing:

Purpose Statement: To develop and maintain programs and partnerships to support the academic, health and social success of students in accordance with the goals of the CSC strategic plan

Essential Functions:

• Communicate the CSC full-service community school mission and vision to community, parents, staff and students
• Develop and supervise a range of programs, during and afterschool, as well as throughout school breaks.
• Recruit, orient and supervise full-service community school staff, volunteers and interns
• Collaborate with Principals and key stakeholders to develop site work plan
• Participate in school committees and decision-making bodies
• Ensure program objectives are achieved in compliance with professional standards and according to District and CSC policies and full service community schools vision
• Work with school and CSC staff to design projects that meet youth development objectives
• Plan, develop and implement programs to meet student needs
• Recruit and manage collaborative program partners to expand offerings; especially those that affect issues of disproportionality and increase academic success of students
• Collect data, administer surveys and other evaluation tasks as required
• Grant writing/reporting or other fund development for specific programs or projects as needed
• Work collaboratively with CSC staff
• Other duties as assigned
• Proficient ability to use Microsoft Office Suite (excel, word, power point, publisher, etc.);

Job Requirements:

ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Ability to work within a school setting and effectively communicate with staff, parents, and students.
• Ability to schedule and facilitate numerous activities, meetings and events; gather, collate and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment
• Flexible and able to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances
• Ability to problem-solve day-to-day program issues
• Ability to communicate with diverse groups; maintain confidentiality; deal with changing priorities; work under frequent interruptions; and work as part of a team.
• Posses a working knowledge of youth development
• Ability to facilitate group discussions, including conflict resolution
• An understanding of and ability to complete complex multi-step written and oral instructions
• Knowledge of skills needed students to make healthy, successful progress academically, emotionally and socially.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records; plan and manage projects
• Ability to operate standard office equipment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work under limited supervision following standardized practices and methods
• Ability to lead, guide, and coordinate others
• Utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization’s services.

Working Environment:
This job is primarily performed within school buildings in a generally clean and healthy environment. Some travel is required locally to meet with program partners and nationally to attend conferences and trainings.

Experience and Education:
Bachelors degree in job related field, such as education, social work, recreation, etc. Six years of youth development, program management and supervision experience may substitute.

Job related experience is required. At least two years of youth development program management and staff supervision is required, in addition to education requirement.

Terms of Employment:

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint and Background Clearance is required; First Aid and CPR training required within first 30 days
• The position is Full Time; starting salary is $36,400 – $38,272, DOE plus benefits.
• Position reports to the Community Schools Director.
• Please send cover letter & resume to llavorl@hsd401.org.
• Position closes on January 22, 2010 or until filled.

Want to see other Job Listings in the White Center Area? Check out our Jobs page, with continually-updated listings.

January is National Mentoring Month, and to celebrate, Neighborhood House is launching the Recruit-A-Mentor Challenge, where they’re trying to double the number of volunteer mentors for area middle school students.

Here’s what they say:

Mentors are an important component of CASASTART. Each month, mentors join our students in various activities during after-school hours. These activities range from educational to simply hanging out. By being present each month, mentors become positive adult role models to our students which they may not otherwise have if it were not for the CASASTART program. The time commitment is two hours per month with the students plus some planning time with the other mentors. We ask that mentors commit at least six months to the program.

If you (or anyone you know) are interested in becoming a mentor, please e-mail RominaR@nhwa.org for more information on how to get started as a mentor.

ABOUT NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE:
Neighborhood House is a multi-service, non-profit agency located in several public housing communities in the Seattle area. Last year, we
served 13,500 clients, 80% of which are refugees/immigrants. Our services include early childhood education, ESL classes, job placement, drug/substance abuse prevention, transportation for seniors just to name a few. The mission of Neighborhood House is to help diverse communities of people with limited resources attain their goals for self-sufficiency, financial independence, health, and community
building.

Our website is located at www.nhwa.org.

Westside School, which is located nearby at 10015 28th Ave SW, is holding a fundraiser to help send its 4th and 5th graders to Islandwood, and outdoor educational facility located on Bainbridge Island.

All you have to do is mention this code when shopping at any Barnes & Noble, including the one in nearby Westwood Village:

584235

Here’s more info:

Westside School Bookfair December 3, 4, 5 and 6: Help Our 4th and 5th Graders go to Islandwood!

On December 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th, you and your family can support the Fourth and Fifth grades’ 4-day trip to Islandwood by doing some holiday shopping at ANY Barnes & Noble in the country!

Please give your friends and relatives this number, 584235, to use any time on those days and 10% or more of the sales will come back to Westside School.  Locally, the 4th and 5th graders will be running activities tables and reading to kids in the children’s section of the Westwood Village store so that parents can shop unimpeded.

They will also man a “wrap for tips” table at the entrance of the Westwood village store.

Vouchers, in the form of bookmarks, were handed out to the students on Monday, November 30.

The Highline School District has been awarded $200,000 towards a five-year $1 million grant to expand community schools programs at White Center’s Cascade Middle School, as well as Chinook (SeaTac), as well as to establish programs at Sylvester (Burien) and Pacific (Des Moines) middle schools.

The grant is funded by The Seattle Foundation and the Raikes Foundation.

According to a press release:

Highline partners with the non-profit Community Schools Collaboration to provide academic and enrichment programs to students after school, as well as other support services to student and their families. The partnership will use the grant funds to create a support system that will help students achieve their maximum potential in school, work and life, including programs that ease the elementary school-to-middle school and middle school-to-high school transitions.

“This initiative helps schools connect to nonprofits and other neighborhood resources in ways that really make a difference for middle-schoolers in our community,” said Michael Brown, vice president of community leadership at The Seattle Foundation.

“We are grateful for the Seattle Foundation’s investment in Highline and the prospect of a long-term partnership,” said John Welch, superintendent of Highline Public Schools. “Thanks to the Foundation’s funding, many of our students will benefit from academic support and enrichment programs that will effectively extend their school day and their opportunities for learning.”

The Seattle Foundation is the oldest and largest community foundation in the region. It’s mission is create a healthy community through engaged philanthropy, community knowledge and leadership.

The Raikes Foundation is a private family foundation focused on support for young adolescents so that they can grow up to be healthy, contributing members of society.

More information on the Highline School District available at their website.