Educational program:
Why is the educational program changing?
As Dr. Chip Kimball, our superintendent, has noted, the needs of students have changed. They are facing a world that changes with increasing speed, an expectation that they will change careers multiple times, global competition for jobs, and more. Dr. Kimball has launched Vision 2020 to ensure that our students are prepared for their futures. Rebuilding Lake Washington High School gave this school a chance to be in the lead of the district’s work in our secondary schools to meet those needs. While students at Lake Washington High School and other schools in this district generally have been successful at meeting state standards now, we aspire to do an even better job of preparing our students for their lives ahead.

What are the changes?
Students will be divided into four houses, to which they will stay connected throughout their three years at Lake Washington High School. Each house will have a consistent group of teachers so that the teachers get to know these students very well. The goal is for each student to know that at least one adult in the school knows and cares about them. Teachers in the houses will also work together to do interdisciplinary teaching, finding ways to make learning relevant to students, especially through real-world contexts. The goal is to provide personalized learning that is relevant to students.

Who determined what these changes will be and how?
Staff volunteers formed a planning committee, made up of four subcommittees.

• Small learning community committee – best instructional model for LWHS
• Continuity, design and implementation committee – development of integrated units of study within a small learning community
• Rigor, relevance and relationships – rigorous and relevant curriculum; connection of students to staff and to curriculum
• Other important learning program group - relevant vocational opportunities and skills; strategies and programs that meet the needs of all students

Was there parent input?
On the educational program side, parents have not been involved to date. We have relied on teachers, who are the educational experts and who must implement these plans. They have done a tremendous job of researching current best practices and determining which ones they believe will work best for our community. We are telling parents about our program at this time so that we can get parent understanding and response to the plans.

How will this new program be phased in?

Will students still be able to take AP classes? Career and tech classes?
Yes. Since some classes may have only one or two sections, such as an AP Physics class, they may not be offered in all four houses. Although students will stay in their houses for most core classes, they may take specific classes in other houses.

Will the houses have themes?
No. Research showed that schools that have set up themed houses tended to create a hierarchy of houses, with some perceived as providing more rigor and a better education than others. We want to ensure that all students at Lake Washington have the same opportunity to receive a quality education.

Will students be able to choose their house?
No. Each incoming class will be divided among the four houses so that each house reflects the demography of the high school as a whole.

Will there still be one Lake Washington High School? One mascot?
Absolutely. That was one of the reasons the staff stayed away from a small schools concept, in which several separate schools occupy the same building. They felt it was important to preserve the identity and history of Lake Washington High School. So indeed, all will still be Kangs, and all Kangs will participate together in extra-curricular activities.

Will teachers get any special training in preparation for this program?
Yes. Professional development will begin in 2008-09. Teachers will prepare to begin working with the incoming sophomores in 2009-10 in a small school setting. As more teachers get involved in 2010-11, they will be trained the previous year. And by the time the new school opens, all teachers will be prepared to teach in this new small school environment, to provide personalized learning.

Building:
When will the new building open?
Fall 2011, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

When will construction start?
This summer (2008), construction will begin as the portables and outbuildings behind the school will all be demolished or removed. The back parking lot and access through the 75th street gate will be restricted from this summer through the construction period since it will be part of the construction zone. Only authorized personnel working on the modernization project will be allowed in the construction zone.

How will construction affect portables and other outbuildings?
All portables behind the school will be moved and outbuildings demolished. Northstar portables will be moved to the Northwest parking lot in front of the school.

If portables and outbuildings are being removed this summer, where will those teachers go?
Some teachers will share classrooms and/or use multiple classrooms. Lake Washington High School staff members have been fully briefed on the construction impacts. They understand that the next several years will require some flexibility and patience on their part.

How will construction affect building use?
It is district policy to restrict building use during construction. Outside groups generally will not be allowed to use the building during the construction period.

How will construction affect parking?
There will be no parking behind the school, effective this summer. A temporary parking area will be created in the grassy area to the north of the school. Even with this additional temporary parking, the number of spaces at the school will drop. Students, staff and visitors are encouraged to take the bus, carpool, bicycle, walk or get to school by means other than one person in a car.

Where will Northstar go?
Northstar’s portables will be moved to the north side of the building for the duration of the construction period. Northstar will have its own area in the new school, on the first floor of the building. It will have its own entry.

Who was involved in designing the building?
McGranahan Architects was hired to design the building, in conjunction with a modernization committee made up of high school staff, the two junior high principals and a Northstar parent. The design was based on the district’s educational specifications plus input from a research team that visited some of the best high schools in the U.S. to learn how they are doing things.

Was there parent or public input on the building?
The district’s educational specifications were developed with parent input. A Northstar parent served on the building design committee. Public meetings have been held with neighbors in the immediate area around the high school.

What if the houses just don’t work? Can this building be used for a traditional high school?
While a traditional comprehensive high school program could be run in the new building, we believe its design will add to the success of the new educational program.

Will sports teams operate as usual?
The softball team will be most affected since their field will be in the construction zone and unavailable for use. An alternate field is being sought for that team to use during the construction period.

Will the stadium be remodeled as part of this program?
The modernization bonds only pay for the school building itself. They do not cover the cost of athletic fields or stadiums.