For the Reporter
Several Kent School District programs were finalists in The Road Map Project Awards Program on March 4.
iGrad, Parent Academy for Student Achievement (PASA) and district programs that promote college were chosen as programs that advance equity and eliminate opportunity gaps for students in the South Seattle and South King County region. PASA received a Special Recognition Award.
A panel of 15 judges, comprosed of local and national experts, determined several special recognition awards for overall excellence.
“High student achievement is our No. 1 priority at the Kent School District,” said Superintendent Edward Lee Vargas. “All of these nominees are the result of dedicated leaders and a passion to maximize all our students’ potential. I am proud that these programs were recognized, as it is a reflection of the commitment of district staff to innovation in education.”
The Road Map Project is a community-wide effort aimed at dramatically improving student achievement from cradle to college and career in South King County and South Seattle.
Special Recognition Award winner PASA provides a nine-week course for parents who want to learn how to navigate the school system and guide their child’s path to college, career, and a successful future. Parents and teachers collaborate to transform their child’s educational environment, both at home and at school, so that all students can achieve their greatest academic potential and be prepared for their futures.
“PASA is a proven, innovative way to help students succeed,” said Dr. Millicent Borishade, assistant director of Family & Community Services. “The key to long-term educational success for students is enabling parent engagement, and this program has been very well received by our parents.”
Also featured as finalists were iGrad and KSD programs that promote college.
iGrad is an academy school designed for students ages 16 to 21 who have dropped out of school. Students can complete a GED, a high school diploma, an AA degree, or a professional certificate tuition-and fee-free. Classes are in three-hour blocks Monday through Thursday with Fridays dedicated to individual and small group tutoring and counseling services. Students are able to work their schedules around jobs, childcare, and transportation options. They have flexible schedules to manage their life both inside and outside of school.
Kinder to College is an opportunity for kindergartners and their families to visit local college campuses to encourage aspirations for higher education. The District follows this up with College Bound Conferences for middle school students and their families. Continued participation qualifies them for a College Bound scholarship.
Elsewhere
In support of education in Western Washington, BECU has awarded community grants to 46 local schools. This year marks the 13th year that BECU has awarded over $100,000 in community grants to support education projects that help promote student excellence. Of this money, $10,798 went to Kent schools.
BECU school grants are given out each year to local schools to help fund educational materials, programs and events, environmental learning trips, and technology tools such as calculators, microscopes, electronic dictionaries and more. Grants are awarded in three categories: Financial Literacy, Environmental Sustainability, and Technology Tools. Each grant is awarded based on specific need up to a maximum of $2,500. …
The following students from the Kent area were recently listed on the fall semester dean’s list at University of Portland: James Cutler; senior, civil engineering; Rachel Schmidt, senior, nursing; Sara Bindl, sophomore, business administration; Scotty Hearron, freshman, secondary education; Yasmin Abubakar, junior, elementary education. …
The following students from Kent made the Seattle Pacific University autumn quarter dean’s list: Isaac Aaberg; Kelly Becker; Cierra Cooper; Rachel Douglass; Sarah Grace; Syba Mathew; Alexis SiuLun Ng; Jeanette Parvu; Bethany Peter; Rebecca Peter; Andy Phan; and Jonathan Van Schenck. …
Kent’s Sophia Wagner, an Auburn Mountainview senior, has been named one of more than 3,000 candidates for the U.S. Presidential program. Candidates were elected from nearly 3.4 million students who are expected to graduate from U.S. high schools this spring. Inclusion in the program is a high honor, recognizing the student’s academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, character and involvement in community and school activities. Wagner, daughter of Daniel and Brigitte Wagner, scored 2380 on her SAT. In addition to her academic success, Wagner earned first-team All-South Puget Sound League, The News Tribune and Seattle Times’ All-Area team honors for her play in soccer. Wagner attended Pine Tree Elementary and Mill Creek Middle School in Kent before transferring to Auburn Mountainview. …
Kent’s Christopher Rumble (junior, digital media arts major) made the dean’s list at Canisius College (Buffalo, N.Y.) for fall semester. …
The following students from Kent made fall semester dean’s list at Saint Martin’s University: Matthew S. Cruz (freshman, computer science); Cody B. Gilomen (senior, mechanical engineering); Madison V.Hibbard (sophomore, business administration); Kyle Howlett (sophomore, mechanical engineering); Elizabeth C. Mills (sophomore, biology); and John J. Perko (senior, mechanical engineering).
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