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1. coachbeth
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   My critter is entering the world of kindergarden in the fall, and I am nervous about the Highline School District. Anyone have something good to tell me about White Center schools? Please?

   Posted 4 months ago #         

2. Anonymous
   Member Profile

   kootchman ... would you please be so kind as to share why you responded to coachbeth's question so negatively? What have you read, heard, or experienced first hand that would have you say that?

   Posted 4 months ago #         

3. WSB
   Member Profile

   

   Actually, I just deleted his post. The forums are for people to request and receive helpful information, not empty snark, and we don't stand for people trying to subvert the original mission. In particular, the request was not for "tell me good and bad," it was "tell me good." If you don't have anything good to say to a request like that, don't say anything.

   Meantime, to the original question, we cover White Center on our separate site, White Center Now. Haven't had nearly as much school news there as here on WSB, but the Highline district has some unique points. Evergreen High School, for example, has the "small schools" breakout setup. The district itself is on a superintendent search right now, but the interim supe has been keeping an interesting online journal of visits to the district schools:

   http://highlineschoolssuperintendent.blogspot.com/

   Aviation High School is part of the Highline district and has a whole lot going on:

   http://www.museumofflight.org/press/aviation-high-school-launches-next-era-breaking-ground-new-campus-museum-flight

   But that's down the road. Did you look up some of the individual school reports? Like this one for White Center Heights Elementary: http://www.hsd401.org/ourschools/elementaryschools/whitecenter/WCHPerfRpt1011.pdf

   Posted 4 months ago #         

4. Anonymous
   Member Profile

   coachbeth ... In my humble opinion the Highline School District has many wonderful educational opportunities for children and families. I know of two of their elementary schools that offer dual language programs. From what I remember the district has a strong focus on reading and math. Since the district is so much smaller than Seattle I believe they have a better pulse on each school and the individual needs of the students and community they serve. Highline School District is very rich in diversity which I think is awesome. You can have one classroom and have students who speak English, but also can speak another language. Depending on your philosophy ... many of the elementary schools offer half day kindergarten. The principal of Madrona Elementary, a school with over 90% free and reduced lunch was just awarded the 'Distinguished Principal Award,' from the state of Washington. Madrona Elementary is a perfect example of what excellent teaching, collaboration, leadership, and belief in each and every child's ability to learn and succeed can yield. You only asked about elementary school but let me tell you about Aviation High School ... in three words ... cutting edge and amazing. The only negative thing I have to say is I hope Seattle School District gets their act together and can follow the high school model that Highline has implemented. Both of my children attend public schools in West Seattle. Best of luck.

   Posted 4 months ago #         

5. SpeakLoud
   Member Profile

   Transition in to Kindergarten is HARD no matter where you go-it's a giant step for you and your little one. I bet your child has had an incredible childhood so far and has been provided all that they need to succeed-like love, food and a good book! Go visit the school you are assigned, attend ALL the events between now and September, meet the K teachers and show your kid where the bathrooms are and play on the playground over the summer. What YOU do to provide your child with a good transition in to Kindergarten will make all the difference. For what it's worth I know 4 children in Highline schools, all early grades and they are doing as well as any one can in public school. Oh and try to meet some other families so you can connect now and transition together-it really helps!

   Posted 4 months ago #         

6. coachbeth
   Member Profile

   thank you all for your help. And thank you for the WSB for repealing that post. It made me want to cry. We live close to White Center Heights and it seems so new and shiny and would love to send him to a diverse school. Thanks again!

   Posted 4 months ago #         

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