sound publishing east - education directory 2016

2016

EDUCATIONDIRECTORYYour Local Guide to Everything Learning

Looking for more direction and focus for your college & career path?

www.youthcareercompass.com

My ‘thing’ is helping you fi nd your thing – so let’s do this thing together!New and current college students and new graduates –

join us for our online courses starting Summer [email protected]

16

32

89

1

Welcome!Sound Publishing’s Eastside Reporter Group is pleased to provide local families

with an overview of the resources, insights and choices that are available with many of the top public and private education institutions on the Eastside. From grade school through college, the information in this directory will inform families and students about local education options, school history, accomplishments, missions and more.

Regional PublisherWilliam Shaw 425-453-2710

O� ce CoordinatorsCheryl Helser-GarciaCeleste HoytBrook Rose

EDUCATION DIRECTORY 2016 TEAMEditorial Team Special ThanksAllison DeAngelisJoseph Livarchik Katie Metzger Ryan Murray Andy NystromSamantha PakMatt PhelpsCarrie Rodriguez

Regional Advertising DirectorJim Gatens 425-440-0437

Ad Account ExecutivesBrad MurrayJen GralishChloe EkbergMolly GrossiEd PingulTisha Sandhop

Sr. Layout Designer Diana Nelson

Production Design TeamSonny EbaloMelanie MorganWendy Fried

EDUCATION DIRECTORY 20162

If you’ve dreamed of a degree, it may be closer than you think. In fact, it’s right here in Kirkland. At Northwest University, we’ve been educating leaders since 1934. We’re accredited at the highest institutional levels and offer a variety of ways to conveniently earn your degree. Most of our on-campus programs meet just one night each week. Others are 100% online. We’re just down the street and would love to show you all that’s possible.

Visit discovernu.com/reporter

Undergraduate | Graduate | Doctoral | Adult EveningOn Campus and Online

WE KNOW WHAT WE ARE,BUT KNOW NOT YET WHAT WE MAY BE.

Wil l iam Shakespeare

Your Local Guide to Everything Learning 3

Bellevue College celebrates 50 years By Dr. David Rule

Have you visited Bellevue College? For a half century, Bellevue College has served the Puget Sound, helping

our community achieve its educational goals, dreams and aspirations.

We changed our name to Bellevue College in April 2009 to usher in our baccalaureate degrees — we currently offer 10 and expect to add more in the coming years. Bellevue College offers more baccalaureates than any of the other 34 Washington schools in the community and technical college system. This is not surprising, as we are also the third-largest higher education institution in Washington state (after the University of Washington and Washington State University). More BC students continue on to four-year schools than any other community college in the state.

And while the name may have changed and the breadth of offerings has grown, we still honor and serve the original mission of open-access and rigorous, quality associates degrees, certifi cates and trainings.

In addition to bachelors, and associates degrees, students come to BC for focused education and training to prepare them for careers in fi elds

such as healthcare or technology. Others are mid-career professionals who use our many Continuing Education opportunities to update their skills, boost their careers, delve into a new fi eld or get creative.

We partner with over 1,800 Puget Sound businesses to prepare students to consider the next thing, not just do the current thing; to think critically, and to adapt to changing environments and emerging technologies.

BC also assists specialized learners with a variety of programs, including Running Start for advanced high school students, Adult Basic Education, Worker Retraining, English as a second language, and our innovative Occupational Life Skills program that supports cognitively-challenged students in achieving an associates degree.

We are a tremendously diverse population committed to maintaining an environment in which every member of the campus community feels welcome to participate in the life of the college.

In celebrating our 50th year, we can’t help but look forward to the next 50. I encourage you to visit and see for yourself what makes Bellevue College a leader on the Eastside and beyond.


Grades 6 -12 eastsidecatholic.org

Inspiringlifelong learners,global citizens,compassionate

leaders

1632190

425-861-5454 www.gttadance.com

17945 NE 65th • Suite 100 • Redmond 98052

ENROLLING NOW

• Tap• Ballet• Jazz• Hip Hop• Lyrical

Ages 2 through Adult

AGES 2 - ADULT

16

31

21

7

BCS prepares students for post-high school successBy Kevin Dunning

Bellevue Christian School was established in 1950 and is now one of the largest independent schools in the Puget Sound area. With an enrollment of 1,000 students in preschool-12th grade, our mission is to prepare young people to live fully for God in a rapidly changing world with the ability to understand, evaluate and transform their world from the foundation of God’s unchanging values.

Students are taught to integrate faith, academics and community across three campuses located in Clyde Hill, Medina and Woodinville. The rigorous comprehensive curricular programming includes 10 Advanced Placement programs, Elementary Advanced Math, accomplished Fine and Performing Arts, Enrichment programs, and Athletics, as well as a Service Learning program.

In the spring of 2016, Bellevue Christian School was voted the “Best of 425” in the categories of “Best Private High School” and “Best Private Elementary School.”

The majority of our students graduate to attend prestigious universities, colleges and trade schools across the nation. Our alumni consist of respected Fulbright scholars, doctors, lawyers, teachers, entrepreneurs and more. With a signifi cant number of our faculty holding advanced degrees in their fi elds and a solid community to support growth and learning, it’s no wonder our students go on to experience further academic and professional success.

Learn more about our rigorous academic curriculum and the supportive community that exists at Bellevue Christian School by visiting our website, www.bellevuechristian.org, or scheduling a tour by calling 425-454-4402, ext. 215 or emailing [email protected].


Inspiring students through math competitions Submitted by Ellipsis Academy

It was still early in the morning of Feb 27, 9 a.m. to be exact. The parking lot of The Bear Creek School in Redmond was already full and there were hundreds of kids and parents lined up to check in for the Ellipsis Academy Math Challenge Masters math competition.

The excitement and energy from the kids, their parents and tournament volunteers fi lled the hallway of The Bear Creek School. It was an amazing sight.

“It is truly amazing to see how math competition sparks student’s interest in math and inspire them to continue to challenge themselves to do better,” said Elly Sarwono.

Sarwono is an active Lake Washington School District parent who is passionate about education. She is also the founder of Redmond’s Ellipsis Academy, which started the Math Challenge competition.

“This statewide annual math competition is a fun, exciting and competitive event that focuses on both fundamentals and problem solving skills, which encourages critical thinking and logic,” Sarwano said.

“Whether we like it or not, competitions are part of life, be it for schools or jobs or many other things in life. I believe exposing students to healthy competitions early is crucial and will go a long way towards developing their fundamental life skills,” she said. “Of course, like anything in life, this needs to be done in a balanced way and ensure that kids will have fun, as well.”

Helping young minds grow has always been Sarwano’s passion and she believes that every student has potential to shine. Ever since she decided to become a stay-at-home mom and left her

executive job 19 years ago, she has been involved in numerous work helping students in class with math and reading. She believes in making math fun through games, logical puzzles and group activities.

In 2007, she started “Math in Action” enrichment programs at and for Norman Rockwell Elementary. These after-school math enrichment programs go beyond the math games to include math competitions, as well. Students participated in math competitions throughout the Seattle area including Math is Cool, Math Olympiad and Math Kangaroo.

Since Math in Action began in 2007, parents and other schools outside of Rockwell have wanted Sarwano to bring her programs to their schools. Her passion in helping as many students as possible inspired her to start Ellipsis Academy (www.EllipsisAcademy.com).

Ellipsis Academy provides math enrichment programs and math competitions for elementary and middle school students in grade two through eight. Ellipsis math programs foster excellence in fundamental math skills, problem solving and critical thinking while maintaining a fun and enjoyable environment.

Ellipsis math classes go over concepts beyond what is covered in schools. Although the students are learning advanced concepts, they are balanced with fun and games to make sure the kids are enjoying themselves and are engaged. Students love this approach and they have asked her why her program can’t run through the end of the school year rather than end about a month prior.

“It’s really a rewarding feeling to hear students said that,” she said. “It’s just really sweet and makes it all worthwhile.”


We are a Middle & High School!• Small Class Sizes • Dual Enrollment •

• Personalized Education •• Credit Retrieval and Distance Learning •

Register by July 15, Receive $250OFF Your 1st Month Tuition!

ISSAQUAH ACADEMIC INSTITUTE, INC OPENING IN SEPT!

Call 425 837 9077or 425-401-6844 Today!

www.AcademicInstitute.com

16

31

84

0

100% girl centeredCatholic, College-Preparatory

Education for Girls, Grades 5-12

FOREST RIDGESCHOOL of the SACRED HEART

www.forestridge.org425.641.0700

Cascadia is the state’s specialist in two-year academic transfer degrees | by Cascadia College

Cascadia College in Bothell is the state specialist in two-year academic transfer degrees.

Students can earn an associate degree at Cascadia, then transfer their credits to complete their bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution. Students from Cascadia go on to universities across the state and throughout the country.

The college offers associate of arts degrees in business, engineering, natural and physical sciences, technology, nursing, sustainable practices, and

integrated studies, a bachelor’s degree in sustainable practices, and a blended enrollment program with Bastyr University leading to bachelor’s degrees in exercise science, human biology, psychology and nutrition with culinary arts.

Cascadia shares its modern, green campus with University of Washington Bothell.

Students enjoy small classes, outstanding faculty, caring staff, full access to the world-class University of Washington library, a new student activities and recreation center and convenient public transportation.

For a tour schedule, contact [email protected] or visit our website at www.cascadia.edu


Make an Impact ona Child’s Life

Kenmore Campus: 425.486.9333

www.MorningStarSchool.com

Helping children succeedin school since 1997

Full & Partial Child Care forAges 2 1/2 to School Age

1630218

• Caring Teachers

• Preschool Classes

• PreKindergarten

• Early Achievers Program

MISD builds reputation for excellence over 75 yearsBy Dr. Gary Plano, superintendent of the Mercer Island School District.

The Mercer Island School District is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year and has built a reputation for excellence, combining academics, cultural

expression and athletic achievement. We are educating more than 4,300 students with new century skills in critical thinking, collaboration, invention and creativity.

The district’s mission is to prepare students to be successful in a world that is constantly evolving, from technical advancements to changes in our community’s demographics.

The 2020 Vision and Mission begin

when students enter our elementary schools and continue through middle and high school until they are prepared for college and their careers. The district is consistently ranked among the best in the state and maintains a graduation rate of over 95 percent. Our graduates move on to the fi nest colleges and universities in the world.

Our enrollment continues to grow as new families move to Mercer Island. We are eagerly looking forward to the opening of our fourth elementary school, Northwood, when the 2016-17 school year begins Aug. 31. The fall will also see completion of new classrooms, commons and gymnasium at Islander Middle School. Both projects were the result of a successful bond proposition supported by the community in 2014.

At the same time, we continue to enhance our curriculum, with the addition of an elementary school Spanish-language program for all K-5 students beginning with the 2016-17 school year.

The district is a technology leader, with more than 3,000 iPads in use in grades four through 12 to enhance digital learning. Apple Education has honored us for innovation in applying technology in the classroom.

The Mercer Island Schools Foundation, our PTAs and community boosters contributed over $2 million to our schools last year. That fi nancial support ensures our schools are the very best regionally and nationally.

For more information about the district and its programs, please visit our website at mercerislandschools.org, fi nd us on Facebook at facebook.com/mercerislandschooldistrict and follow us on Twitter @mercerislandsd.


Call 425-883-3271 for a tour.• Child-centered, joyful atmosphere with

strong academic focus• Experienced, Montessori-certified

teachers• Preschool, kindergarten and elementary• Family owned and operated since 1977• Summer, before & after school

programs• Prep Program, (starting ages 2 1/2-3)

425-883-3271www.sammamishmontessori.com

The Sammamish Montessori School In Redmond

Now Enrolling


strong academic focus•Experienced,Montessori-certifiedteachers• Preschool, kindergarten and elementary• Family owned and operated since 1977•Summer,before&afterschoolprograms• PrepProgram,(startingages21/2-3)

425-883-3271www.sammamishmontessori.com

The Sammamish Montessori School In Redmond

Now Enrolling


strong academic focus•Experienced,Montessori-certifiedteachers• Preschool, kindergarten and elementary• Family owned and operated since 1977•Summer,before&afterschoolprograms• PrepProgram,(startingages21/2-3)

16

31

21

7

Transfer degrees,the affordable option for students By Dr. Amy Morrison Goings, President of the Lake Washington Institute of Technology in Kirkland

Each year, thousands of students make the decision to go to college, but for some the price of tuition keeps them from enrolling. The cost to go to college shouldn’t be a barrier to additional education. Attending one of Washington state’s 34 community and technical colleges is a smart and affordable option.

Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) for example, is 33 percent less expensive than our local fl agship university. Students can start at LWTech and then move to a university.

Many people don’t think of technical colleges as having transfer options available, but we do and we’re affordable. According to the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, 40 percent of all bachelor’s graduates from public universities in Washington state start at a community or technical college.

At LWTech, the latest transfer degrees are perfect for students who want to major in engineering, pre-med, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, pre-vet and computer programming at a four-year university. That’s because at LWTech, every associate degree transfers and/or articulates to public and private colleges and universities.

That plus affordability, transferability and accessibility are part of our workforce mission for getting our students ready for jobs.

On top of it being more cost-effective to go to a community or technical college, LWTech offers small class sizes, one-on-one attention from a student success navigator who supports students throughout their program, a hands-on approach to education (yes, even in traditional transfer programs) and there are also hundreds of scholarships and grants available to students.

LWTech has just introduced a new opportunity for this fall where the fi rst

10 graduates of the Lake Washington, Northshore, Riverview or Issaquah school districts to enroll at LWTech will have their fi rst quarter paid for by receiving grants and scholarships. This opportunity applies to students enrolling in the associate of science — transfer in biology (ideal for pre-med, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, or pre-vet), computer and electrical engineering associate in science — transfer, and mechanical/civil/aeronautical/industrial/materials science engineering associate in science — transfer programs.

Cost shouldn’t be a barrier to education and a bright future.

To learn more about LWTech’s transfer degrees and major related programs, scholarships and grants, go to www.lwtech.edu or call 425-739-8300.


Growth and success in the Lake Washington School District Submitted by Dr. Traci Pierce, Superintendent for the Lake Washington School District.

The Lake Washington School District is thriving and growing. This year 25 district schools received Washington Achievement Awards, more than any other district in the state, Our district vision is Every Student Future Ready: Prepared for College, Prepared for the Global Workplace, Prepared for Personal Success.

On average, Lake Washington students score 16 percent higher in reading and 22 percent higher in math than their peers across the state on state accountability measures. Annual test scores are just one measure of student performance. The district’s strategic plan includes specifi c indicators and highlights of our work toward achieving the following fi ve strategic goals:

Goal 1: Ensure academic success for

every studentGoal 2: Provide safe and innovative

learning environmentsGoal 3: Recruit, hire and retain highly

effective personnelGoal 4: Use resources effectively and be

fi scally responsible Goal 5: Engage our communities As one of the largest and fastest

growing school districts in the state, Lake Washington’s enrollment stands at 27,830. Based on our trends, enrollment is projected to grow to over 32,000 by 2030.

As superintendent of the Lake Washington School District, I am proud to serve the families of Kirkland, Redmond and Sammamish. The Lake Washington School District is committed to our goal of ensuring academic success for every student. As our communities grow, our district grows, and as our district grows, so does our unwavering commitment to serving students and families.

Ready!Register Now!

You’re

LWTech.edu/youreready

Lake

Was

hing

ton

Inst

itute

of T

echn

olog

y is

an

equa

l opp

ortu

nity

inst

itutio

n.

Washington’s only Public Institute of Technology


For nearly 30 years, The Goddard School has been a trusted name among parents and families.

Its classrooms are safe, nurturing learning environments for children 6 weeks old to 6 years old, offering age-appropriate opportunities to explore and discover. Highly trained teachers lead each child to reach developmental milestones, preparing the children for social and academic success.

The Goddard School’s F.L.EX. Learning

Program (Fun Learning Experience) is based on academic research that shows children experience the deepest, most genuine learning when they are having fun. The program focuses on academic, social, creative and child-centered development to provide a well-rounded experience and ensure children become respectful, confi dent and joyful learners.

The Goddard School located in Redmond is at 4200 228th Ave. NE. For more information, call 425-882-1100.

The Goddard School offers a safe, nurturing environment Submitted by The Goddard School

A nonpro� t community music school

• Private and group lessons• 21 di� erent instruments and voice

• Award-winning faculty• Convenient location• All ages and abilities

1331-118th Ave. SE | Suite 400 | Bellevue, WA 98005 425-644-0988 | www.musicworksnw.org

FREE Instrument Discovery DaysSept 18, 2016 | January 8, 2017

March 26, 20171:00 PM - 3:00 PM

1631133


UW Bothell ranked among the best in the Pacifi c Northwest for quality, affordability and outcomes | By University of Washington Bothell

The University of Washington Bothell provides students of great promise across the state of Washington with an opportunity to earn a prestigious University of Washington degree. The majority of its students come from King and Snohomish counties.

Money Magazine ranks UW Bothell best in the Pacifi c Northwest in terms of quality, affordability and outcomes. Payscale.com ranks UW Bothell top 50 in the nation for its return on investment.

By the numbers:• Students enrolled through the 2015

and 2016 academic years will fi nd a 15 percent tuition reduction over the two years.

• About half of the University’s students are fi rst in their families to earn a four-year degree.

• More than a third of all UW Bothell students are Pell-eligible.

• The retention and graduation rates are in the top 15 percent of similar public four-year universities in the nation.

• More than half of all UW Bothell students graduate with zero debt.

With fi ve schools and nearly 50 majors, UW Bothell is meeting the demand of the region’s employers by graduating highly qualifi ed leaders and collaborators.

Students who attend UW Bothell fi nd a unique leading-edge education that includes high impact learning

experiences, community-engaged collaborations and committed faculty who teach collaboratively across disciplines.

Undergraduate and graduate students engage in relevant research and hands-on projects with community partners that result in real-world solutions. Just ask Robby Shaffer, a fi rst generation student who took advantage of many research opportunities at UW Bothell. The mechanical engineering graduate (2016) and his team used a shipping container to design and build a solar powered cooler for a local farm to keep harvested produce fresh longer. The potential benefi ts to farmers and communities around the globe are boundless.

Business administration graduate Karishma Sharma (2016) landed a job with Microsoft months before her graduation. The UW Bothell advantage, she says, is that students experience a small campus community where they can build networks with professors and community partners, “The fi rst year I was here, an accounting professor asked me if I wanted to attend a Costco shareholders meeting.”

Faculty work closely with students to provide a transformational experience, educating inside and outside the classroom, providing the real-world experience that employers want.

That is why more than 17,000 alumni now working in business, education, healthcare, the arts, science and technology chose UW Bothell.

Applications are still being accepted for Autumn 2016. Visit www.uwb.edu/admissions/apply for more information.


Encompass Early Learning CenterBy Nikki Fisher, Encompass Early Learning Center

Encompass is an independent, non-profi t organization that has been serving families in the Snoqualmie Valley, Issaquah, Sammamish and greater Eastside for 50 years. Our mission is to partner with families to build healthy foundations for children. Through our Early Learning and Pediatric Therapy programs we take a comprehensive approach to promote the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of children. In the past year, Encompass served nearly 3,000 families. We continue to provide innovative programming to meet the needs of our growing community because we believe what happens early in life matters and that supported families strengthen communities.

Encompass offers the only preschool program in the Snoqualmie Valley with a NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accreditation as well as a four out of fi ve Early Achievers rating from the Washington Department of Early Learning. Alongside full-tuition students, low-income families have the opportunity to attend our preschool through participation in the state funded

Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP).

Our Early Intervention program is geared towards families of infants and toddlers with developmental delays. Family support and therapy take place in the home using an evidenced based parent-coaching model. The Encompass Pediatric Therapy Clinic in North Bend provides services such as speech, occupational, physical and behavioral health interventions for children up to age eight.

If you are interested in hearing more about the programs at Encompass or you want to learn how to get involved, please go to our website at www.encompassnw.org.

Encompass Early Learning Center1407 Boalch Ave NWNorth Bend, WA 98045425.888.2777

Encompass Pediatric Therapy Clinic209 Main Ave SNorth Bend, WA 98045425.888.3347


Classical Montessori Education

Give the Gi� � an Inspired Education

• Joyful Learning

• STEM Curriculum

• Elementary 6-9 years

• Early Childhood 2.5-6 years

• Before and After School Care

• Summer Programs

10723 NE 38th Place Bellevue, WA 98004425-822-6001 | www.chestnutmontessori.com

• Elementary 6-9 years

Issaquah School District creates culture of kindnessBy Ron Thiele, Superintendent of the Issaquah School District.

As I refl ect on my third year as superintendent, I appreciate this opportunity to share the

Issaquah School District’s progress with the community.

First, I would like to thank everyone who voted in our recent school bond election. With your approval, we may now move forward to address the tremendous growth in our region. This allows us to build learning environments that support our teachers and students who continue to perform at the highest level in academics, athletics and activities. Additionally, I would like to inform you of our district’s efforts to create a culture of kindness, enhance sustainability and improve safety.

I am proud of the work that our students and staff do on a daily basis to promote a culture of kindness. When I walk into a school building, I see so many visible examples of kindness, such as Buddy Benches, mix it up lunches and

school-wide efforts to support community social services. We are fortunate to have so many students, staff and community members who support the idea of creating a culture of kindness. As we become an increasingly diverse community, we are focusing professional development efforts on cultural competency. We want to ensure that everyone in our schools feels welcome, supported and cared for.

The Issaquah School District is a leader in sustainable practices, including water conservation, waste management and energy effi ciency. Every school in our district has earned King County’s Level II or above Green Schools designation, as has the district. King County has also recognized numerous staff with Earth Hero awards. Puget Sound Energy has acknowledged us for reducing our consumption of electricity, even as the District has grown. At the national level, the U.S. Department of Education recently awarded our district its Green Ribbon Award for reducing our water consumption.

As we continue our efforts to create safe schools, in addition to performing emergency drills, trainings and safety upgrades to facilities, we also believe that safety includes the social and emotional health and well-being of our students. This year, the district launched a new positive behavioral, social and emotional support program, which included adding student support coaches in our elementary and middle schools. We have also added mental health counselors at our comprehensive high schools and put two elementary pilot programs in place to address this important aspect of safety.

As superintendent, I could not ask for a better district to work for. Every day I am grateful for our amazing students, staff, parents and community. We could not achieve all of this without our partnership with the Issaquah Schools Foundation and our Parent Teacher Student Associations. The level of involvement and support we receive truly puts our district in a class of its own.


• Individualized Curriculum, tailored to meet the needs of each child• World Languages• Arts, Drama, Music• Science and Technology• Physical Education• Values Through Character Education• School Houses and Clubs• Global Community Awareness

While journeying towards academic excellence, we are committed to developing ethical, creative and compassionate children.

Bellevue • Kirkland • RedmondPlease visit our website: www.cedarcrestacademy.org to fi nd our more

about Cedar Crest and to schedule a tour.

Individualized Curriculum,

Now accepting applications in selectclasses for the 2016-2017 school year

CEDAR CREST ACADEMY • 2125 112th Ave NE • Bellevue • 425.454.1234

Now accepting applications in selectNow accepting applications in selectclasses for the 2016-2017 school yearclasses for the 2016-2017 school year

Cedar Park Christian School: Transforming hearts and minds in a decidedly Christian community | By Cedar Park Christian School

Cedar Park Christian School (CPSC) is a private, Christian PreK-12 program located in Bothell. The mission of the school is “Transforming hearts and minds in a decidedly Christian community.”

In June, CPCS held commencement ceremonies for its 19th graduating class, with alums now spread literally around the globe fulfi lling careers that seek to honor God and share the love of Jesus Christ.

In teaching from a Christian worldview, the aim of Cedar Park is to not only excel in core competencies like science, reading, writing and math but to pass on the “values, traditions and loyalties” that are actually at the core of what it means to have a complete and impactful education.

In addition to Christian focus and worldview, one of Cedar Park Christian’s compelling features is its size. The school is small enough to have low teacher to

student ratios and maintain a relational, community-oriented culture. It is also large enough to offer a full array of academic options including a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) emphasis diploma and Concurrent Credit (the opportunity to simultaneously earn college credit while taking CPCS high school classes) at the high school level and a full menu of extracurricular options including athletics, forensics, robotics, band, drama and choir at all grade levels.

Cedar Park Christian is one of the most affordable private Christian schools in the region. That affordability is strategic because we want as many families as possible to have the opportunity for their children to get the highest quality preparatory education in a decidedly Christian community.

For more information about Cedar Park Christian School, visit www.cpcsschools.com.


Turning a bad report card into hope for struggling learners | By Cornell Atwater, executive director, LearningRx- Issaquah

Report cards. Seldom have two words caused such anxiety for both students and

parents. For some, poor grades can refl ect feelings of inadequacy (as a student or a parent), worries about being held back a grade, or fears of not getting into a good college.

Who’s to blame for learning struggles?For parents, these fears often manifest

as blame; blame on the student, the teacher or themselves. And while the assumptions that less-than-stellar grades are a refl ection of poor teaching, lack of intelligence or laziness on the part of the student, or poor parenting, they are almost always untrue.

The truth is, most bad report cards are just a refl ection of a struggling learner, many of who have an above-average IQ. That’s because IQ is simply an average of the combined strength of all our cognitive skills — the underlying tools we need to successfully focus, think, prioritize, plan, understand, visualize, remember, solve problems and create useful association. They include things like attention, visual and auditory processing, memory, logic and reasoning, and processing speed.

It’s very common for a student to have an average or above-average IQ score and a learning problem at the same time. For example, a child who struggles with reading may have a severe defi ciency in the sound blending and phonemic awareness (two sub-skills of auditory processing), and be well above average in other cognitive abilities. When you lump it all together and average it out, it’ll look like there’s no problem because the IQ score is average. In fact, that score is masking what could be a serious problem.

What about genetics?It’s not surprising that parents who

struggled in school often experience anxiety over their children’s report cards. While it’s likely that most of the concern stems from the parent’s hope for their child to get better grades than they did, another fear is that they’ve somehow genetically passed on their learning struggles.

Certainly, genetics can contribute to a small part of learning struggles (like reading diffi culties); but the majority of learning struggles are simply the result of weak cognitive skills. Students with ADHD, for example, tend to have weak selective, divided and/or sustained attention. Even learning struggles that are inherited don’t need to be lifelong labels or diagnoses; cognitive skills can be strengthened to make learning easier, faster and even FUN!

So how do you strengthen weak cognitive skills?

Cognitive skills training (also known as “brain training”) uses intensive, one-on-one programs to tackle the source of learning struggles and fi x them with permanent solutions. Effective brain training customizes programs based on the results of an initial cognitive skills assessment and uses exercises founded on years of clinical and scientifi c research.

Unlike tutoring, which is academic-based, brain training is skills-based. While tutoring can be effective when a student has fallen behind in specifi c subjects (such as history) due to an illness, injury or family move, cognitive skills training improves the underlying skills needed to perform tasks (like reading and math) to make


learning easier in any subject. Cognitive skills training physically

changes the connections in the brain and it works for all learning disabilities: dyslexia (“trouble with words”), ADHD, dyscalculia (“trouble with numbers”), and certain autism spectrum disorders, including Asperger’s syndrome. In fact, because brain training treats the root cause — not the symptoms — of learning struggles, it can make anyone a stronger learner. From athletes looking for the mental edge and senior citizens fi ghting age-related cognitive decline, to soldiers and stroke victims fi ghting the effects of traumatic brain injury, cognitive skills training is changing lives by changing brains.

Let cognitive skills training change your

child’s future by making learning easier. Make this your child’s last bad report card. Take the fi rst step toward helping your child become a more effi cient, effective and confi dent learner by having their cognitive skills assessed. You have nothing to lose and a future of better report cards to gain!

Cornell Atwater, executive director, LearningRx- Issaquah opened in 2009 to help individuals change and transform their lives. The potential for faster learning, better grades, improved confi dence and long term success exists in all of us. LearningRx is the key to unlocking that potential. For more information, contact 425-657-0908 or visit www.learningrx.com/issaquah.

LearningRx-Issaquah (425) 657-0908

50% off an initial LearningRx Cognitive Skills Assessment Package.

Testing regularly priced at $300.

B’s & C’s in school, but wants to go to college

Has a hard time with attention & focus

Smart & hardworking, but struggles with reading and homework

Di� erent Challenges, One Solution.

Now Open in Issaquah!

www . l e a r n i n g r x . c om / i s s a q u a h

Offer expires 7/31/09

Prepare your child for any challenge

with cognitive skills training from

LearningRx. We specialize in

helping kids overcome learning

struggles. Unlike school, our program

STARTS with a test—a diagnostic

assessment that pinpoints de� cient

learning skills. Then we customize a 12 to 24

week brain training program to strengthen

your child’s ability to read, think, study

and learn. No amount of tutoring will

improve performance the way LearningRx

does. Students average a 4-year

improvement in underlying learning

and reading skills and results

are guaranteed.

Call (425) 657-0908

and schedule your child’s assessment today!

LearningRx195 NE Gilman Blvd., Suite 100Issaquah, WA 98027www.LearningRx.com/Issaquah

E Sunset Way

Front St. NNewport Way NWNW Gilman Blvd.90

O 9/30/09

summer-2009-isandbeyond-7-27-09.indd 36 6/29/09 8:16:54 AM

Different Challenges, One Solution. The potential is there. LearningRx can help your child achieve it. Prepare your child for any challenge with cognitive skills training from LearningRx. We specialize in helping kids overcome learning struggles. Our program starts with an assessment that pinpoints de�cient learning skills. Students average a 3-year improvement in underlying learning and reading skills.

P R E V E N T S U M M E R S L I D E • A D H D • A U T I S M • D Y S L E X I A • E N R I C H M E N T

Get Help Now!

www.learningrx.com/issaquah

Summer Programs still available. CALL NOW!


























are guaranteed.

Call (425) 657-0908



E Sunset Way

Fron

t St.

NNewport Way NW

NW Gilman Blvd.

90

O 9/30/09




Get Help Now!






Cognitive Skills Assessment Package.























are guaranteed.

Call (425) 657-0908



E Sunset Way

Front

St. N

Newport Way NW

NW Gilman Blvd.

90

O 9/30/09




Get Help Now!




























are guaranteed.

Call (425) 657-0908



E Sunset Way

Front

St. N

Newport Way NW

NW Gilman Blvd.

90

O 9/30/09




Get Help Now!




























are guaranteed.

Call (425) 657-0908



E Sunset Way

Front

St. N

Newport Way NW

NW Gilman Blvd.

90

O 9/30/09




Get Help Now!




























are guaranteed.

Call (425) 657-0908



E Sunset Way

Front

St. NNewport Way NW

NW Gilman Blvd.

90

O 9/30/09




Get Help Now!



Different Challenges, One Solution. The potential is there. LearningRx can help your child achieve it.Prepare your child for any challenge with cognitive skills training from LearningRx. We specialize in helping kids overcome learning struggles. Our program starts with a diagnostic assessment that pinpoints de� cient learning skills. Students average a 3-year improvement in underlying learning and reading skills.


























are guaranteed.

Call (425) 657-0908



E Sunset Way

Front

St. N

Newport Way NW

NW Gilman Blvd.

90

O 9/30/09




Get Help Now!



16

19

33

0


HELPIn-Home TutoringHigh School CreditSAT/ACT Diagnostic & Test Prep

One-on-one or sharedSammamish & Issaquah

ALL-SUBJECTTUTORING

MATH • SCIENCE • FOREIGN LANGUAGE • STUDY SKILLS

when and where you need it

FREE CONSULTATION(425) 562-3545 • PacificLearningAcademy.com

Proud sponsor of your local schools foundation

16

31

86

3

NSD is one of the top in the state | By Francois Larry, NSD

The Northshore School District proudly provides a world class

public education to the greater Bothell community. Covering 60 square miles, the Northshore School District comprises the cities of Bothell, Kenmore, Woodinville and unincorporated areas of King and Snohomish Counties.

From a district population of 130,000 people, we serve more than 20,600 young people in 32 schools. With more than 2,000 employees, Northshore is the second-largest regional employer. More than 85 percent of our $210 million annual operating budget supports our employees, and those employees by and large live, work and reinvest directly in our local economy.

Northshore continues to grow

rapidly, and a number of schools are challenged with overcrowding. But within this challenge, there is tremendous opportunity we are seizing. Construction of our fourth comprehensive high school, North Creek High School, is underway in the north Bothell area. Slated for opening in the fall of 2017, North Creek High School will enable the district to implement four-year high schools, convert to grades 6-8 middle schools, and relieve overcrowded elementary schools as they move from K-6 to K-5 confi gurations. Instructional opportunities for students will be enhanced through district-wide grade reconfi guration.

Northshore is governed by a fi ve-member volunteer, elected school board. The board sets the goals


and direction of the district, adopts policy and hires and supervises the superintendent to administer district programs and operations. Our primary goals are success for all students, high standards of performance, to be fi scally responsible in support of student learning and community engagement and partnerships. We are focused on making sure that all students leave our schools career and college ready.

A wide variety of program offerings exist so all students can fi nd a path to success. Examples include pre-school, full-day kindergarten, elementary and junior high advanced placement, a parent cooperative program, junior high challenge courses, exceptional music programs and a wide range of sports and activities. Rigorous high school programs include Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, College in the High School, Tech Prep and Running Start.

We are proud of our reputation as an outstanding school system. Northshore students consistently score well above state and national averages on standardized tests and college entrance exams. More than 93 percent of Northshore students earn a diploma within fi ve years of starting high school, and more than 80 percent pursue higher education. Many families choose to relocate in Northshore because of the school system.

“Northshore Schools” is routinely listed as a selling feature for homes in our district, and our school community works hard every day to earn that distinction.

Northshore’s strengths lie in the quality of our staff and the high expectations of our community. This community consistently supports public education as a critical means to build and sustain a thriving community and vibrant local economy.

©2016 Kumon North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

FO

R AGES

3+

WE MAKE YOUR SMART KIDEVEN SMARTER!

SCHEDULE A PARENT ORIENTATION TODAY.

Kumon Math & Reading Centers of

The unique Kumon Methodcan give your child anacademic advantage.

kumon.com

KIRKLAND206-380-1663

KIRKLAND - JUANITA425-305-3500

REDMOND425-869-3939

REDMOND RIDGE425-495-4968 1

63

01

83


16

19

34

9

Register for School Year Programs!Engage your K-12 student in any of these great programs:

LEARN MORE AT:

projectfun.digipen.edu

⊲ ProjectFUN Studio ⊲ ProjectFUN Weekend Workshops ⊲ ProjectFUN Afterschool

⊲ ProjectFUN Homeschool

STEM at Northwest Yeshiva High School By Melissa Rivkin

Did you know that Washington state ranks second in the nation in the concentration of STEM jobs, yet roughly 45,000 STEM jobs will go unfi lled

due to a lack of qualifi ed candidates? At Northwest Yeshiva High School

(NYHS), we are constantly responding to our students’ needs for advanced Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. This fall, we will offer a full STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) curriculum to a select number of incoming freshmen thanks to our partnership with the Center for the Initiatives in Jewish Education

(CIJE) and the Samis Foundation. STEM students will take scientifi c engineering, biomedical engineering, advanced math and advanced chemistry and will work with a STEM advisor to develop and present a STEM culminating project their senior year. NYHS will be one of a handful of high schools in the state offering a full STEM curriculum.

Bob Court, our academic dean, refl ects on the changes he has seen in his four decade career, “We are constantly surveying our alumni and we have noticed a signifi cant increase in our college alumni majoring in sciences and an uptick in the number


BEING BILINGUAL IS GOOD FOR YOUR BRAIN!Children who develop their intellect and character in a bilingual, bi-cultural setting have increased critical thinking skills, a greater ability to focus and an appreciation of cultural differences.Advantages that last a lifetime!

425-653-39704211 W Lake Sammamish Parkway SEBellevue, WA 980084211 W Lake Sammamish Parkway SE

www.� sw.org

1632185

of our students who apply directly to engineering schools. Our world is changing at lightening speed and we owe our kids to prepare them to meet the demands of 21st century living. Currently, we offer University of Washington computer science, pre-calculus and calculus. Students earn up to fi ve college credits per course. Adding a full STEM curriculum for our students who so desire, will help them learn the knowledge they need to favorably compete in our multifaceted and changing world.”

Recent graduate Maya Pogrebinsky, class of 2016, will study computer science at Georgia Tech this fall.

“I’ve taken advantage of rigorous science, math and rocketry courses at NYHS,” Pogrebinsky said. “Offering

STEM is a great option. I am very excited for future students.”

As part of our advancing STEM and technology, we will be offering new laptops to incoming freshmen and a bank of new convertible laptops for all students as well as a state of the art 3D printer for student use this fall thanks to a generous grant from the Samis Foundation.

To learn more about NYHS, the Pacifi c Northwest’s premier college preparatory Jewish high school, and STEM at NYHS, visit www.nyhs.org or contact Melissa Rivkin, director of advancement and admissions, at [email protected] or 206-232-5272 ext. 515.


Rewire your brain: Overcome learning and reading strugglesBy Cornell Atwater, executive director, LearningRx- Issaquah

Brain research confi rms fi ve important facts:

1) Over 80 percent of learning and reading problems are due to weak cognitive skills — not due to poor instruction, vision, hearing or motivation.

Cognitive skills determine how easy, fast and well we learn and perform. They are the mental tools required to process information, and the better the tools the better the performance. They are the underlying tools that enable individuals to successfully focus, think, prioritize, plan, understand, visualize, remember and create useful associations and solve problems. A child’s cognitive skill set is made up of several cognitive skills including auditory and visual processing, short and long-term memory, logic and reasoning, processing and attention skills. Each of these skills plays a specifi c and necessary role and must work in concert before an individual can learn effectively.

According to 130 studies by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 88 percent of those students who struggle to read have signifi cant weakness in auditory processing.

Unfortunately, these cognitive skills are often ignored. Instead, we continue to ask our students to work harder or try again.

2) Tutoring often fails because symptoms are targeted rather than causes.

In a 2005 study of 56,000 students using 36 different tutoring programs, the average result after one year of tutoring was less than two weeks of net reading gain, and even less in math. But another 2011 study showed that when reading instruction followed cognitive training, the average net gain in reading was over three years. Studies show that six months of cognitive skills training intervention can dramatically raise these cognitive skills.

3) Studies show that mental skills can be changed.

Neuroscientist Dr. Lori Bryan concludes there is mounting scientifi c evidence demonstrating that in order to effectively

address dyslexia and reading struggles, multiple brain regions and networks must be addressed. She credits cognitive skills training as an intervention that recognizes the interconnectivity and interdependence of neurobiological systems in the development of reading skills.

Functional MRI and other scans have shown changes in the brain. Research focusing on brain plasticity and its implications for executive function and cognition has exploded in recent years in the fi elds of neuroscience, cognitive psychology and education, and evidence is mounting that shows exercises designed to strengthen cognition correlate with physical changes in the brain. This has tremendous implications for children and young adults with learning diffi culties and individuals seeking to enhance their cognitive skills to gain an edge in school.

4) Mental skills can be improved - not by teaching, but by practice and training.

Activities such as skiing or playing piano require training, not teaching. It is the same with building mental skills. Fifteen hours of lecture about playing piano will get you minimal improvement compared to 15 hours of practice. The same is true of cognitive skills.

5) Three reasons why your fi rst step should be to determine the real cause for learning and reading struggles.

A cognitive assessment will:1) Eliminate guesswork. You can know

the exact cause for most learning, reading or performance struggles.

2) Help you avoid wasting money, time and effort pursing the wrong treatment choices. A cognitive assessment helps you understand what skills need to change in order to improve learning performance

3) Provide a baseline measurement of cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

Your child does not have to struggle in school. Every child has the ability to learn and to be taught.

For more information, contact 425-657-0908 or visit www.learningrx.com/issaquah.


Your Portal to a Sound Education.

October 18, 2016North Seattle School FairNorthgate Comm.Center6-8 p.m.

October 26, 2016Independent School Fair for People of ColorRainier Comm. Center 6-8 p.m.

November 1, 2016 Eastside School FairChinook Middle School, Bellevue6-8 p.m.

VISIT US | 2016 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FAIRS

Our 40+ member schools serve students in a variety of grades while adhering to the accreditation standards established by the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS). www.pugetsoundindependentschools.org.


The only AMS-accredited Montessori school in Sammamish and Redmond. Serene 5-acre campus • Farm animals on-site • Infants through Elementary

A world of education, right here in your backyard.

MCHkids.com • o�[email protected](425) 868-78055003 218th Ave. NE, Redmond, WA 98053

15

96

68

7

EDUCATION DIRECTORY 2016 Your Local Guide to Everything Learning

sound publishing east - education directory 2016

Documents