Graduation season is here, and once again the spotlight is on our seniors as they walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. Each graduate has accomplished a major milestone. For a few, the journey [...]
Public education is under attack," warned my friend Mark Edwards in his presentation to the 100+ attendees of our recent National School Boards Association (NSBA) technology site visit. Unfortunately, his comment was spot on. America's [...]
Spring is here: Daffodils are in bloom, the Mariners are about to take on the Oakland A's in the first game of the regular season, the Vancouver Farmers Market just started its 24th year, and [...]
Each January we tend to think about our personal accomplishments of the past year. We look at what we might improve and make resolutions. Some we keep, some we don't, but at least we've made [...]
Sixth grade is a make-or-break year. According to research, most middle grade students develop their off-track indicators in sixth grade. Students who show indications of falling off the graduation path in the sixth grade have [...]
I’d like to introduce you to Kianna Carter. She graduates from Lakes High School near Tacoma on June 18. Next fall, Kianna will attend Washington State University Vancouver. She plans to major in human development [...]
Hope springs eternal. Sounds like the epitaph for this year's Seattle Mariners who have struggled mightily over the past decade. Although there is no Bambino Curse on Safeco Field, I suspect we lifelong Mariner [...]
The employees of Vancouver Public Schools constantly amaze me with their strong commitment to our mission and vision for students, staff, families, and community. I feel blessed to work with the greatest group of talented [...]
Survival Skills by Kay Ryan, Poet Laureate Here is the virtue in not looking up: you will be the one who finds the overhang out of the sun and something for a cup. You will [...]
I’d like to introduce you to a group of personal “life coaches” in our schools. These men and women are LAP/Grad Advocates whose responsibilities include guiding a group of selected high school students to ensure [...]
This past month, Vancouver Public Schools hosted the second annual weLearn Technology Showcase. The event highlighted the ways in which our schools are transforming student learning through the use of 21stcentury technology. iPods, iPads, laptops, [...]
