Ferris’ Cinda Parton Named State Science Teacher Of The Year

Thu., Oct. 7, 1999

Carlos Acevedo Staff Writer

Ferris High School’s Cinda Parton is well-known for having a broad influence in science education. Not just at Ferris, but statewide.

It was the scope of her impact that won her this year’s Secondary Level Science Teacher of the Year award from the Washington Science Teachers Association.

Parton will be recognized, and presented a $750 check, at the annual WSTA teachers’ conference Oct. 29-31. The theme of this year’s conference is “Putting science into the 21st Century.

The WSTA selects winners based on how much they support science education “outside of their own world,” said WSTA Awards Chair Peggy Willcuts.

In Parton’s case that included helping develop the district’s science curriculum, participating in the Science Olympiad and presenting at National Science Teacher conferences, in addition to her teaching responsibilities. The award is particularly special to Parton.

“The reason this award is such a big honor is because of the caliber of teachers I come into contact with,” she said. “It just makes me real proud to be recognized among such a terrific group.”

Eleven people were nominated for the award.

G-Prep names commended students

Gonzaga Preparatory School’s Helena Baldasty has been named a commended student in the 2000 National Merit Scholarship program.

Commended students placed among the top 5 percent of over 1.2 million students nationwide who took the 1998 preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

City Council approves skywalk

A proposal to build a skywalk from Lewis and Clark High School’s new field house, currently under construction, and LC’s main building, was approved at Monday’s Spokane City Council meeting.

Building the skywalk is “extremely important” to ensuring the health and safety of students, school district construction supervisor Ned Hammond told council members.

Of concern is the busy Stevens Street students would otherwise have to cross during class changes.

The skywalk is the latest in a slew of school district proposals regarding the multimillion dollar LC renovation project to pass in council.

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