Lake Washington School District Named to Washington Green 50 List
Seattle Business Magazine revealed the 2011 Washington Green 50 list of the most sustainably operated companies and organizations in Washington on September 22. Lake Washington School District was the only K-12 educational institution on the list. The University of Washington and Washington State University were the other educational institutions named. A panel of expert judges chose the winning organizations from a pool of more than 150 nominees.
Frost Elementary School Tree Mosaic Takes Shape
With the help of local artist Nicole Appell, Frost Elementary School students in Kirkland have created stones that are now taking shape as a tree mosaic on the school’s grounds. Classrooms made ceramic stones with glass mosaic inlay in a variety of shapes ranging from about eight to 10 inches across. These stones will be arranged today, September 23, in the shape of a tree at the point where two paths diverge behind the school, symbolizing themes from the Robert Frost poem “The Road Not Taken.” Next Friday, September 30, the district’s grounds crew and volunteers will fill in between the stones and put the finishing touches on the work. This project has been a collaboration between the Frost PTSA, the school and the district’s facilities staff.
Cops and Kids Partner Up in Redmond
On Thursday, September 15, the 90 Stella Schola Middle School students along with teachers and parents worked with the Redmond Police Department’s Demonstration Management Team. These are the officers who are called in when many people need to be moved/controlled/protected. The Demonstration Management Team practiced their drills in moving large groups of people from one area to another in a peaceful but decisive manner. As the afternoon progressed, some students volunteered to be injured so the officers could tend to and move them to safety. Other students volunteered to distract the officers by throwing approved ice and water bottles at them when the signaled to do so. Others chanted as if in a demonstration. Students were instructed to “cease and desist” all activity if they were touched on the arm by an officer.
After the activities ended, officers met with smaller groups of students who asked questions about the law enforcement profession and got to know the officers. “I loved our demonstration chant,” said seventh grader Eliza Ludlam as she grinned and raised a fist, “…Save our Cows!” Eighth grader Derek Tseng commented, “Can we do this again? It was fun and I learned something too!” After the group picture in front of the SWAT vehicle, students took time to shake the hands of the officers in honor of their service every day.
By collaborating with the Redmond Police Department in this way, it allows the officers to practice peacefully moving a large group of people safely. Students learned that if things get out of hand in a large group setting, it is wise to leave when asked to do so, for their own safety and for the safety of others.
Redmond High School Resource Officer Tom Goepfert, Neighborhood Resource Officer Julie Beard, and
Police Support Officer Dave Merkle talk to Stella Schola students after the practice was done.