Show and Tell: Schools and youths in the news
Jason Lee earns national ‘whole child’ honor
Jason Lee Middle School in Tacoma is the winner of the ASCD (formerly the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) Vision in Action: ASCD Whole Child Award.
The national organization cited Jason Lee’s support for students entering middle school and its success in preparing them for what comes next. Incoming sixth-graders attend a four-day orientation camp in August, where they are connected with seventh- and eighth-grade student mentors. The organization recognized Jason Lee for using the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) college preparatory system. Jason Lee teachers formed a committee that meets monthly and sends information to teachers to support cultural responsiveness. ASCD pointed to the school’s counseling and on-site mental health services offered through a community partnership.
Lister’s Frazier chosen elementary principal of the year
Kate Frazier, principal of Lister Elementary School in Tacoma, has been named 2016 Washington Elementary Principal of the Year by the Association of Washington School Principals and the Elementary School Principals Association of Washington.
During her time at Lister, those who nominated her said, Frazier has transformed the school into a data-driven, family-focused school where student growth has been constant and the opportunity gap continues to narrow. They said “her efforts on behalf of struggling students are exhaustive and the results significant.”
Frazier was praised for reducing suspension rates and increasing attendance, visiting classrooms daily and connecting with students at school and in their neighborhoods. A team from the Elementary School Principals Association of Washington visited Lister, noting the principal “created something real and authentic that was not only centered on the whole child but on the community as a collective whole.”
St. Patrick’s student recognized for poetry
Megan Clavenna, a seventh-grader at St. Patrick Catholic School in Tacoma, is one of four West Coast winners in a competition sponsored by the Missouri-based Seventh Grade Poetry Foundation. Her winning poem is titled “Silent Sacrifices.” Winners receive $25 and are invited to read their works before an audience in Missouri or via video. See a livestream of the event April 13 at 7GP.org.
Steilacoom sponsors resource fair for special needs families
Steilacoom Historical School District invites families to attend the Exceptional Family Resource Fair for families with disabilities 5:30 pm to 7 pm April 26 at Pioneer Middle School, 1750 Bob’s Hollow Lane, DuPont.
This is an opportunity for families of students with special needs to learn about available services and resources, including training, estate planning, employment, recreational opportunities, life skills services and more.
Agencies participating include Joint-Base Lewis McChord, FEAT of Washington, Department of Social and Health Services, Metro Parks of Tacoma and Job Corps.
Superintendent of public instruction candidate forum in Puyallup
Candidates for the office of superintendent of public instruction will take part in a candidate forum 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 20 at Aylen Junior High School, 101 15th St. N.W., Puyallup.
Gene Sharratt, director of the Washington Student Achievement Council, will lead the discussion, which begins 6 p.m. Audience members are invited to meet the candidates 5:30 to 6 p.m.
This story was originally published April 11, 2016 at 1:00 AM with the headline "Show and Tell: Schools and youths in the news."