vashon island child - vashon island child-fall 2015

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 • Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber WWW.VASHONBEACHCOMBER.COM 1

2015

Chautauqua Elementary • McMurry Middle School • Vashon High School • Private Schools

A Guide to Education on Vashon Island

Generously Sponsored by

A supplement of The Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber • August 26, 2015

WWW.VASHONBEACHCOMBER.COM Wednesday, August 26, 2015 • Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

Island Child – Fall 2015

My favorite day each year is when school opens in September and we are met at the doors with student and parent enthusiasm,

anticipation, curiosity and joy.

What is true for our students is also true for our faculty and staff. Rested from vacation, our faculty anticipates your return and has been invested in the joy of their own learning over the past several weeks. We study newly adopted curriculum, coordinate lesson plan-ning together and prac-tice new teaching and learning strategies. We all have a commitment to teaching the habits of mind that will enable you to enjoy a lifetime of learning. School district families will meet several outstanding new teachers and staff who have joined us. They were chosen for their love of teaching, their competence and experience and for being “just the right fit” for our Vashon community. I’m proud of the professionalism of our faculty and staff and the commitment they make to your education and growth each day.

Many of our parents and graduates describe the Vashon public school system as having the attributes of an expensive private school education. We offer high quality academic programs and a wide range of opportunities in the arts, sports, music and travel in the classroom and through co-curricular clubs and activities. For the past two years, our students have earned the Washington Academic Achievement Award, placing in the top 5 percent of high

schools across the state. Our school district prides itself in providing excellent, rigorous and engaging programs.

The culture within each of our three public schools is built upon a deep compassion and caring for one another. Our mission, “To equip every student to engage, thrive, and con-tribute within an ever-changing world,” guides our commit-ment to the success of every student. We are committed to the development of the whole child in which each develops a love and personal responsibility for learning, explores and embraces individual gifts and passions, learns to become a contributing citizen and develops essential life and academic skills with plans for continued growth.

We welcome and value students from diverse backgrounds who may have ethnic, economic, and/or learning differences because they often teach us to appreciate and accept each other in an increasingly diverse world. Our joy is to know every student as an individual and to provide each student with the tools and learning opportunities he or she needs to prepare for college or a career and ultimately to lead produc-tive lives as citizens.

Our public schools thrive because of our community sup-port. We are so grateful for the contributions of funding and expertise from Vashon Partners in Education (PIE), Vashon PTSA, Vashon Allied Arts, Vashon Nature Center and many others. The Vashon Island Public Schools Foundation has nearly achieved this year’s goal of raising $247,000 for our mental health and suicide prevention initiative, science and math program enhancements and a variety of equipment, materials and program supports not covered by other types of funding. Our public schools and students thrive because of our community support. Thank you.

I wish each and every one of you a successful school year. Welcome back!

— Michael Soltman, Superintendent

WELCOME TO VASHON’S STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS

School year opens with excitementVashon is a great place to raise kids. From our excel-lent schools to our many fine youth-oriented programs, children on Vashon are nurtured, challenged and sup-ported by an island community that clearly cares about them and their future success.

At John L. Scott, where many of us are parents, we’re grateful both for the trust many of you have put in us and for the opportunity we have to give back to the community. It is particularly important to us to find ways to support our kids, as well as the schools and other organizations that help them to become fine adults.

So please join us in supporting our island’s young people. And take a moment to feel some pride. We have great kids and a great community behind them.

— The Vashon John L. Scott Family

FROM THE SPONSOR

Contents13 | Chautauqua Elementary School

14 | McMurray Middle School

15 | Calendar

18 | Vashon High School

19 | Educational Alternatives FamilyLink StudentLink

19-20 | Private Schools Harbor School Carpe Diem Homestead School

For a directory of island preschools, stop by The Beachcomber office for the spring issue of Island Child.

STAFF

Publisher ........................... Daralyn AndersonSection editor .................... Susan RiemerSection design and cover design ............... Nance ScottAdvertising ........................ Daralyn Anderson

Island Child is published biannually by Sound Publishing Inc. No part of this publication may be reprinted without the per-mission of Sound Publishing. For additional copies, call (206) 463-9195 or email [email protected]. ©2015 Sound Publishing Inc.

Note: As of press time, the dates in the School Calendar on page 7 are set. Throughout the year, however, some may change. Confirm dates by calling the Vashon Island School District office at 463-2121 or visiting www.vashonsd.org.

Vashon school district board of directors

Vashon’s school board members include, from left, Dan Chasan, Bob Hennessey, Kathy Jones, Steve Ellison and Chair Laura Wiskhik. The board meets throughout the year at 7 p.m. at Chautauqua Elementary School, typically on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month, though dates vary. For more informa-tion about the board, including board member contact information and meeting dates, see vashonsd.org. For the upcoming November election, John Osbourne is challenging Dan Chasan, and Toby Holmes is challenging Laura Wishik. Kathy Jones is not running again; Jake Jacobovitch and Zabette Macomber both filed to run for her seat. Ballots for the Nov. 3 election will be mailed in mid-October.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 • Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber WWW.VASHONBEACHCOMBER.COM Page 13


AccomplishmentsThis past year we added a new ECEAP (Early

Childhood Education and Assistance Program) pre-school thanks to the grant writing and persistent efforts of Roxanne Lyons. This preschool provided the dual languages of Spanish and English. The increasing opportunities for children to learn Spanish made for an exciting year of collaboration among our teachers who teach Spanish. Holly Boyajian (first grade), Sarah Hamill (second grade) and Victoria Clayton (kinder-garten) continued to offer a language experience to our young students.

Chautauqua is a school where children are challenged to discover their skills and conceptual understandings through problem solving, researching and investigat-ing. Children take a big leap beyond providing “the answer” to providing evidence that backs up answers and discoveries. Students thrive academically through interesting problem-solving and project-based learning opportunities.

Our school culture relies on children and adults knowing and supporting SOLE in our school. Every student in our school should be able to tell anyone who asks what SOLE means. They will tell the inquirer that SOLE stands for respect for Self, Others, Learning and our Environment. These expectations are supported through weekly social/emotional instruction. We’re proud of the actions of our students and the commit-ment of our staff to instill thoughtful behaviors and attitudes in our children.

At the end of this past year, we bade a fond fare-well to several of our teachers. Meri-Michael Collins resigned her position in the Learning Resource Center at the end of December. Mary Heath retired at the end of the school year to seek new adventures in Montana. Sara Barry retired from the developmental preschool as well. They will all be missed, and we wish them well in their next pursuits. Each of these remarkable teachers made a huge impact on the lives of our children.

Looking ahead Our community and the Vashon Schools Foundation

have provided funds to continue a reduction in class size in the early grades. This effort has allowed us to begin a new year with an excellent teaching staff and a wonderful support staff. We begin this year with five new classroom teachers. Karolina Clevenger is mov-ing from a support position in the Learning Resource Center to take the lead teacher position in our devel-opmental preschool. Sarah Hallstein is moving to our area from Rome, Georgia, as a second-grade teacher. Margie Butcher joins us from the John Stanford International School to teach our third-grade Spanish extension class. Paul Wahlan has moved from the Franklin Pierce School District and will teach third grade. Also, Jenni Wilke, who has been in our school as a parent, AmeriCorp volunteer and para-educator, will join the third-grade team with her own classroom. Finally, Rachel Paxton joins us from Virginia to teach fifth grade.

We are fortunate to work with excellent science coaches in our community. This coming year Roxanne Lyons will support science in our school through coaching and connecting citizen scientists with our teachers and our students. Our partnerships with Partners in Education (PIE) and Vashon Allied Arts

allow us to provide innovative experiences for our chil-dren. The arts are alive and well in our school thanks to the artists in our schools program and the huge effort our partners put forth to ensure our children receive a most well-rounded education.

We look forward to another year of bright-eyed chil-dren walking through our front doors. They are the heart and the soul of our school community, and with all our efforts, they will engage in what we have to offer, and they will contribute to each other’s learning.

Spanish Studio VashonBefore and After School Spanish Classes

at Chautauqua Elementary SchoolMy name is Victoria Clayton, I am a native Spanish teacher.Everyone can learn a second language, but everyone learns

differently. In my classes I strive to accommodate different learning styles and create activities that engage every child. My classes are small, fun and interactive.

Classes are Monday through Thursday, once or twice a week options. In addition, I offer two weekly adult classes.

Call or email for more information or to register 206-859- 7796

email: [email protected]

Participate in your child’s education!

Discouraged with common core? Afraid to home school on your own?

Christian cooperative group of home schoolers have several openings for this 2015-2016

school year for grades 5th/6th and 8th/9th.

Call to inquire at

206-567-4070

Chautauqua Elementary SchoolJody Metzger, PrincipalKathryn Robinson, Vice Principal

AT A GLANCEYvette Butler .......................CounselorPhone ................................463-2882Fax ....................................463-0937Students .....................................524Teachers .......................................30Support staff .................................30Volunteers .................. More than 300

Susan Riemer/Staff Photo

Alayna Aldrich and Landon Cunningham, students at the new preschool at Chautauqua, enjoy the wonders of a wet, fall day on the playground.

The annual Chautauqua Elementary School Icebreaker

will take place from 1 to 2 p.m.

Thursday, September 3.

Elementary students and parents

are invited to meet their teacher,

see their classroom and have a

snowcone before the school

year starts.



OverviewMcMurray Middle School is a unique learning com-

munity, focused on preparing students during the transition from elementary school to high school and helping them to engage, thrive and contribute. We offer a strong core curriculum, dynamic instruction, chal-lenge and support for all students. Additionally, a wide range of appealing elective and exploratory courses are offered that cultivate students’ intellectual, creative, kinesthetic and social development.

We strive to develop positive relationships with students in a variety of ways. McMurray staff are com-mitted to challenging each student to master essential academic skills, to acknowledge individual potential, to identify one’s strengths and challenges. Students routinely explore their affective and whole selves, while developing a sense of respect and responsibility for others and their environment.

Our blend of core academics, electives and skill- building helps create a community of engaged learners. Challenge, exploration, acceptance and support are all part of the McMurray program. These aspects are fostered by students and staff who work to establish a building climate of positive communication, collabora-tion and cooperation.

Highlights and Honors • All students participated in Community Day

designed to create a positive and welcoming environ-ment at the beginning of our school year.

• Math is Cool Competitions-Division II Regional first place award — 6th grade 2015.

• Math is Cool Masters Competition Finalists, 2015.• FIRST Lego League team regional finalists, 2014.• Symphonic Band (7th and 8th grade) Rating 2 at

the Commencement Bay Band Festival, 2015.• Over 200 students qualified for M.A.S.T.

(McMurray Academic Success Team) Honors in 2015 with a 3.5 or higher GPA or improved GPA of .5 or bet-ter.

• Sixty 8th-grade students qualified for the President’s Award for Academic Excellence by earn-ing a 3.5 GPA or better for their entire Middle School years.

• Football won the JV league championship in 2014.• WIAA Team Outstanding Scholarship academic

awards were earned by volleyball (3.719 average GPA), girls’ soccer (3.594 average GPA), girls’ basketball (3.592 average GPA) and track (3.694 average GPA).

• WIAA Team Distinguished Scholarship academic awards were earned by football (3.397 average GPA), boys’ soccer (3.470 average GPA), volleyball (average 3.448 GPA), boys’ basketball (average 3.31 GPA) and wrestling (3.205 GPA).

• 80 percent of our students participate in a wide range of interscholastic sports (see above) and one or more of our clubs: Chess Club, Prevention Club, Journalism Club, Yearbook Club, Equality Club, Art Lab, Feature Fridays, Disc Golf Club, Vocal Music Club, Executive Council and Friday Movie Nights.

• McMurray hosts over 200 volunteers annually, cre-ating a welcoming and successful partnership with our parents and the community.

• More than 250 students displayed their unique artistic talents at two Night of the Visual and the

Performing Arts in January and May.• 140 eighth-grade students participated in

Exploratory Week in June, choosing from a range of 10 week-long experiential learning activities.

Goals for 2015-2016• Student engagement, literacy, critical thinking and

academic excellence and growth for all students con-tinue as our highest priorities.

• Developing a positive, safe, respectful and inclusive school climate will be emphasized throughout the year.

• Developing positive partnerships with students, home and the community through a variety of out-reach and communications.

Courtesy Photo

McMurray Middle School teacher Larry Dubois won the Vashon PTSA’s Doors of Opportunity award last year. The award is given annually to a teacher or administrator who exceeds expectations and “opens doors” for students. Above, Dubois drives a crew of students around on the school’s Community Day.

McMurray Middle SchoolGreg Allison, Principal

AT A GLANCEGates Johnson ...... Executive AssistantCarolyn Zike .......................CounselorPhone ................................ 463-9168Fax ....................................463-9707Students .....................................370Teachers .......................................22Support Staff ...................................8Volunteers .................. More than 200

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Vashon Islandwww.vashonsd.org

School Calendar

2015-2016

• September1-3 Teacher In-Service Days7 Labor Day Holiday - No School8 First day of school for:

Chautauqua Elementary McMurray Middle School & Vashon Island High School Full day of classes

17 Professional Development Day 2-1/2 hour delayed start

24 Vashon Island High School – Open House29 Chautauqua Elementary – Open House30 McMurray Middle School – Open House

• October1 Professional Development Day

2-1/2 hour delayed start16 Teacher In-Service Days21-23 Parent/Teacher/Student Conference Day

for Chautauqua Elementary School – No classes for Chautauqua PreK - 5th grade.

• November5 Professional Development Day

2-1/2 hour delayed start11 Veterans Day – School Closed19 Professional Development Day

2-1/2 hour delayed start25 Student Half Day – Dismissal Times

(All Kindergarten Students Attend) No breakfast or lunch served. • Chautauqua Elementary 11:50 • McMurray Middle School 10:45 • Vashon Island High School 10:5526-27 Thanksgiving Break – School Closed

• December4 Last day of Trimester-Chautauqua10 Professional Development Day

2-1/2 hour delayed start21 – 31 Winter Break – School Closed

• January 1 Winter Break – School Closed14 Professional Development Day

2-1/2 hour delayed start18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day

School Closed28 Last day of semester for McMurray Middle School

and Vashon Island High School29 Teacher In-Service Day

School Closed

• February 11 Professional Development Day

2-1/2 hour delayed start15 President’s Day – School Closed16 – 19 Mid-Winter Break – School Closed25 Professional Development Day

2-1/2 hour delayed start

• March11 Teacher In-Service - Snow day make up17 Professional Development Day

2-1/2 hour delayed start 24-25 Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences

for McMurray Middle School No classes for McMurray

25 Last day of Trimester-Chautauqua31 Professional Development Day


• April 11 – 15 Spring Break – School closed21 Professional Development Day


• May12 Professional Development Day

2-1/2 hour delayed start26 Professional Development Day

2-1/2 hour delayed start30 Memorial Day – School Closed

• June18 Vashon Island High School

Senior Class Graduation 2016 - 2pm23 Student Half Day – Release Times • Chautauqua Elementary 11:50 • McMurray Middle School 10:45 • Vashon Island High School 10:5524 Snow Day Make-Up Day

Class of2016

A Spe cial Th anks to

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A Guide to Education on Vashon Island



Vashon Island High School completed another suc-cessful school year in 2014-2015. Our students were award winning in multiple areas; our staff again demonstrated their high commitment and care for the education of our students, and our community poured countless hours of time, talent and treasure to help make our school the best it can be. After completing our first full year in our beautiful new building, there is much for us to be grateful for. We look forward to continuing to improve our learning environment so all students can find success at Vashon High School.

AccomplishmentsFor the second year in a row, Vashon High School

students placed in the top 5 percent among all high schools for academic achievement and graduation

rates. It also improved the achievement of traditionally struggling students. Our Washington Achievement Awards reflect the commitment of our students and staff and the support of our community.

We won national awards for our literary magazine, HUM, our yearbook and for the design of our new building. Our 10th and 11th graders scored between 20 and 30 percentage points higher than the state average on the new, more rigorous state assessments. We main-tained our Level 1 Green School status and are quickly approaching Level 2 as measured by our sustainabil-ity practices. We had a National Merit Scholarship

Finalist, three semi-finalists, and we dramatically increased our enrollment in higher level math and science courses for the coming year. Our com-mitment to a high-quality academic learning environment remains at the core of our mis-sion and purpose.

Our students also thrived outside the classroom. More than 70 percent of our stu-dents participated in activities, including theater, robotics, debate, athletics and school-based clubs.

In the field of competition, VHS students were highly suc-cessful. Girls’ cross-country won league and district. Wrestling won league, placed second in regionals and eighth in state and featured a two-time state champ. Boys’ basketball won league and district, placed fifth in state and included the 1A player of the year. Several coaches were named League

Coach of the year, and the vast majority of our teams earned state honors for their collective GPAs.

The robotics team finished first in state and compet-ed in the West Super Regional in Oakland, California. Our school winner for the National Poetry Out Loud competition qualified for the state final, and we once again sent a pair of debate students to the state com-petition. We even had a state solo winner out of our music program. Additionally, our Japanese language students hosted 20 students and two staff from our sister school, Himeji Minami High School, in Himeji, Japan.

Looking AheadThis coming year VHS will have several new course

offerings to continue fulfilling our mission that stu-dents thrive, engage and contribute out of their learn-ing. Our 11th- and 12th-grade English courses have diversified, included more female authors and will allow for more choice from students. We have diversi-fied and increased our physical education and science offerings, as well as continued popular and effective electives.

Additionally, we have started two support programs to better meet students’ needs. First, Pathways success-fully completed a pilot last spring and will more fully launch this year to provide a school within a school as an additional alternative to our successful StudentLink and FamilyLink. Pathways will allow students to self pace in their curriculum, receive more personalized support, take up to three classes with other students at VHS and earn credits on a pass/fail basis. Our other support program will be AVID, a program to increase effective study habits, academic achievement and ulti-mately to gain college entrance for students.

We are excited to continue to support all our stu-dents as they work to successfully launch from Vashon Island High School to the next steps in their lives.

Come visit the new high school if you haven’t yet done so, check out our new digital alumni display and feel the pride of our shared accomplishments.

Courtesy Photos

AP art students and their friends, left, celebrate the end of AP exams with a dart painting and waffle party, and John Kehl, a member of the Robotics club, works on a robot, right.

Vashon High SchoolDanny Rock, Principal

Kelly Kirk, Assistant Principal

AT A GLANCEPaul Peretti ........................CounselorTara Vanselow ...................CounselorMJ Hartwell ............. Career Specialist and CTE DirectorPhone ................................ 463-9171Fax .................................... 463-1944Students .....................................550Faculty ..........................................34Support staff .................................10Volunteers ................................... 146

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StudentLinkStudentLink is a contract-learning program in which

students in grades 9 to 12 take personal responsibility for their education. Students meet weekly with teacher Nan Hammett to develop their individual learning plan, document 25 hours per week of independent learning and progress toward completion of their high school diploma. They participate in designing a course of study that is meaningful to them, based on their

interests and learning style. Students who are willing to be creative and are able

to manage their time and work independently are most successful in this program. Still, StudentLink offers many opportunities for support of independent learning.

Last year Guided Learning tutors met with students one-on-one and also led small group courses in busi-ness math, geometry, history of the English language, creative writing and study of fairy tales.

Volunteers also played an important role in support-ing our students. Daphne Purpose has tutored students individually in a variety of subject areas and also man-aged our small resource library for the past six years. Last year Terri Colello volunteered to connect and sup-port students with post-secondary planning.

StudentLink doesn’t issue grades; courses are pass/fail. However, we review progress every month to ensure that students are moving forward with their

courses. Last October we introduced an additional measure that encourages students to evaluate their own engagement and commitment to their learning: the StudentLink Studies Personal Responsibility Scale.

Student initiative is also demonstrated by the indi-vidual projects students choose throughout the year. One student finished his first novel; another earned a bike mechanic’s certificate and another developed a summer tutorial project around literacy.

StudentLink students participated last year in the Smarter Balanced Assessments required by the state. Our tutors helped prepare students for this new test in English/language arts. Students also participated in the math and biology end of course exams.

The StudentLink classroom is located in the K Building of the Vashon High School campus. For more information about our program, contact us at 463-9171 ext. 5504/5506.

Educational AlternativesJulie Hanger, Program Manager

AT A GLANCEDanny Rock ..........................PrincipalJulie Hanger............Program ManagerJim Gilmour & Richenda Hawkins ............... TeachersJanet Chapman ...... Program SecretaryPhone ............... 463-9171, ext. 5503 Students ...................................... 60

Nan Hammett, Teacher

AT A GLANCEDanny Rock ..........................PrincipalJulie Hanger ...........Program ManagerNan Hammett ........................ TeacherJanet Chapman .................... Program SecretaryPhone .......463-9171, ext. 5504/5506 Students .......................................26

FamilyLinkFamilyLink is a community of homeschooling fami-

lies, teachers and staff who are committed to provid-ing quality education in a way that acknowledges the individual interests and learning styles of each student. FamilyLink teachers partner with parents to create learning plans, develop teaching strategies and learn-ing activities, find curriculum and access district ser-vices. In addition to teacher support, it offers enrich-

ment classes, family-friendly activities and events, a resource library and computer lab, regular communi-cation, the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an educational support fund for each student.

Last year we presented a block system of enrichment classes on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students in two multi-age groups grades K-2 and 3-5 took classes in language arts, math, science, art and drama. This year we plan to hold a similar schedule of classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays for grades K-2, 3-5 and 6-8. Classes are meant to complement learning at home. Parents are invited to participate in enrich-ment classes with their children.

In FamilyLink, parents may choose curriculum tai-lored to the learning style of their student and their own teaching style. Our teachers can recommend curriculum for parents new to homeschooling, and we have a variety of samples in our resource library. Parents may also take advantage of subscription curri-cula in keyboarding skills, math and reading, to name

a few. This year, we will offer Odysseyware online cur-

riculum, which includes courses in core and elective subjects for students in grades 3-12. Odysseyware lessons and instructional tools are designed to equip learners with resources for academic success, incor-porating a mix of grade-appropriate text, instruction videos, activities and games. Odysseyware lessons also integrate numerous instructional supports to address diverse learning styles and allow for collabora-tion among learners, parents and teachers. We plan to have a parent training for interested families early September.

FamilyLink is housed in two portables on the Vashon High School campus. These facilities provide the program with offices for consulting and administra-tive staff, a resource library and small computer lab, and classroom space. Additional classroom space is located in the K Building. For more information about FamilyLink enrollment and services, contact us at 463-9171, ext. 5503.

Harbor School Main Campus: 15920 Vashon Hwy. SWCarpe Diem Primary School is now a

division of Harbor School.Type of Program: Independent school

for students in kindergarten through 8th grade, kindergarten through 3rd at Carpe Diem Primary campus and grades 4 through 8 at Harbor School’s main campus.

Head of School: James CardoAdmission contact: Niamh Prince,

Admissions Director, at 567-5955 or [email protected]

Website: www.harborschool.orgOpenings: Limited availability in

grades 4 and 5 for 2015-16 school year. Now accepting applications for fall 2016-17; The application deadline is Jan. 30. Decisions will be mailed out in early March.

Since 1995, Harbor School has helped young students reach their potential by providing them with an outstanding, fully rounded educational experience.

Small class size (10 to 16 per grade) with relationships built with teachers over multiple years allows each child’s strengths to be nurtured and celebrated, engendering a noticeable self-awareness

and confidence.The middle years are developmentally

crucial, and Harbor School helps early adolescents navigate the path to young adulthood with encourage-

ment, self-discipline and wide-ranging experiences. Early on, students learn to take responsibility for their education.

A vigorous academic program fea-tures a full schedule of traditional courses taught by experts in their fields. Students are coached and guided through lessons that are discovery-based, with the students researching, analyzing and demonstrating facts.

In recent years, Harbor School has retooled completely its integrated arts curriculum to enhance and build upon a strong theme-based learning environ-ment. This includes art courses for all students. Additionally, expanded elec-tives provide students with greater artis-tic options and allow them to explore their creativity fully.

Harbor School’s Travel Study program expands students’ awareness of their world. Besides exploring our own island throughout the year, travel study trips take students throughout the Pacific Northwest, as well as far-off adventures

Private Schools

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Linda Crayton Photo

Friendships bloom at Harbor School and Carpe Diem.



to Washington D.C., Louisiana, Spain, Oregon and California, just to name a few. With more than 30 days spent out of the classroom, students grow their inde-pendence and learn to adapt to a changing world.

At Harbor School, work is evaluated by the teacher and student. Personal best is a hallmark of success, not an arbitrary grade, and a student’s voice is highly valued. Parents are involved, and three-way communi-cation among student, parent and teacher is central to the school.

Finally, Harbor School is an uplifting community. Its Cornerstone Values are evident in all interactions, making the school a respectful, compassionate haven.

Approximately 50 percent of the school’s alumni matriculate to Vashon High School, where they have been decorated highly with academic and extracur-ricular laurels. Alumni have attended many of the top colleges in the country, including Dartmouth, Brown, Middlebury, Columbia, Duke, MIT, Wesleyan, and both the UW and the WSU Honors Programs.

Foreign Language: Spanish is taught to all students.Average Class Size: 14 (varies by grade)Tuition: $10,080 - $13,185 Financial Aid: Yes, available to qualifying families.Governance: Board of Trustees. Harbor School is a

non-profit organization.Accreditation: NWAIS Candidate Member

Meals: Students bring their own.

Carpe Diem Primary SchoolNew Location: 17708 Vashon Hwy SW (Located in

the Presbyterian Church), administrative offices locat-ed on Harbor School’s main campus – 15920 Vashon Hwy. SW

Type of Program: Independent school for students in kindergarten through third grade.

Head of School: James CardoAdmission contact: Niamh Prince, Admissions

Director, at 567-5955 or [email protected]: www.harborschool.orgOpenings: Now accepting applications for fall 2016-17.Admission deadline: Jan. 30, decisions are mailed

out in early March.In 2015, after 25 years as a private school, Carpe

Diem Primary School became a division of Harbor School, realizing a vision to create a united kinder-garten through eighth-grade independent educational program on Vashon. This July, Carpe Diem primary classrooms moved to a new larger space in the Vashon Presbyterian Church, and we welcomed our new teach-er Joleen McCauley to the faculty team, joining Carpe Diem veterans Andrea Braganza and Jaffrey Clark.

Carpe Diem teachers focus on the education of the whole child. The school teaches and models good character and creates an academic environment where students develop an attitude of healthy risk-taking to learn new skills and concepts.

Carpe Diem Photo

These students focus on a science lesson at Carpe Diem.

Setting personal goals for the development of good character qualities and core academic excellence are backbones to the learning environment. Students and teachers see good character as a key to being a happy and successful person as well as a good peer leader. Our teachers believe there is no ceiling to learning. They set high standards for student achievement and expect each student to work to his or her personal best. Through experiential, thematic units and integrated studies, the school’s teachers strive to create lifelong learners who continue to be curious about our world of nature, arts, science, literature and cultures.

Key to Harbor School’s focus on travel study, the teachers at Carpe Diem believe that the classroom exists beyond the walls of the school. Through wilder-ness activities and nature studies, students learn to appreciate the fragile beauty of nature and gain an understanding of the importance of their role as Earth stewards.

Foreign language: Spanish is incorporated into the curriculum.

Student-teacher ratio: 10-to-1. Three full-time teachers with additional staff for enrichment activities.

Meals: Students bring their own.

Homestead Farm and Wilderness School

Homestead Farm and Wilderness School is a multi-age primary school for children ages 6 to 11.

The school is located on seven diverse acres of farm and forest. The program blends an academic and arts-based curriculum with a hands on practicum with the natural world of plants and animals.

A warm organic grain is served mid-morning. The student-to-teacher ratio is 12 to 1, and special needs students can be accommodated. The school follows the public school holiday calendar. It meets from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

There are openings; contact Dana Schuerholz at 466-7398 or [email protected] to register. For more informa-tion, see homesteadschool.org

PRIVATE SCHOOLSCONTINUED FROM 19

THE PRESCHOOL

HOUR9 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Monday thru Friday

• ABC’s / 123’s / colors• Music & Singing• Art (Painting, Clay, Crayons, etc)• Crafts• Social activities, Games and Play• Cooking • Field Trips • Storytelling and Drama

4 & 5’s: Mon, Wed, Fri2 & 3’s: Tues & Thurs

*Afternoon care available*

206-408-7559

Vashon Island DentalOffice of Marc O. Langland, DDS

Serving patients 12 months or older. We strive to make dentistry fun for kids! At our office, we use modern techniques to ensure a positive experience. We offer cleaning, exams, flouride, BPA-free sealants and fillings, and orthodontic evaluations.

Call or stop by our office in town, we would love to meet you!

(206) 463-9282www.VashonIslandDental.com

17425 Vashon Hwy SW • Mailing: PO Box 673, Vashon Island WA 98070



Nov. 15, 2015, 12-2pm

Voted South Sound Magazine’s 2014 & 2015

Committed to providing personalized treatmentfor the whole family in a gentle relaxed atmosphere.

University of Washington School of Dentistry graduate 1998

17 years practicing dentistry

10 years living and practicing on Vashon

Now welcoming new patients.

Leif RasmussenDDS, PLLC

206-463-368519715 Vashon Hwy SW • Vashon, WA 98070

www.VashonDental.com

Read this guide online with your paid subscription at

www.vashonbeachcomber.com

vashon island child - vashon island child-fall 2015

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