Liberty Lake Elementary one of top schools in state
Liberty Lake Elementary was one of 100 schools in the state named a “School of Distinction” this week by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The State Superintendent’s Learning Improvement Award goes to the top 5 percent of elementary, middle and high schools and alternative schools that have shown progress in raising student achievement in math and reading during a six year period. The OSPI evaluates WASL scores in determining which schools deserve recognition. The principal of each “School of Distinction” received a trophy and banner to display.
Other Spokane County schools receiving the recognition include Indian Trail Elementary in District 81, Cheney High School and Deer Park High School.
Eastern Washington schools also receiving the award include Springdale Elementary, Sadie Halstead Middle School in Newport, Tekoa High School, Rosalia Elementary and Secondary School, Odessa Middle and High School, Columbia High and Elementary, Colville High School and Selkirk Junior-Senior High.
The Star Spangled Banner
The third-, fourth- and fifth-grade classes at East Farms Elementary will present a drama about the story of the Star Spangled Banner called “O! Say Can You See!” at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the school, at 26203 E. Rowan Ave. The play is set in 1814 and includes well-known folk songs as well as a tribute to the armed forces. All are welcome to attend.
Marching band competition
The Central Valley High School marching band recently competed in the 12th annual McKenzie Classic Marching Band and Color Guard Invitational at Evergreen High School in Vancouver, Wash.
In the preliminary competition Central Valley won Class AA and swept the Caption Awards – High General Effect, High Music, High Visual, High Percussion and High Auxiliary.
In the finals the school placed sixth out of 14 schools, with the marching band from Mead High School taking fifth.
East Valley auction and harvest festival
East Valley High School will host two events this week. The first is a Booster Club auction today, followed by the National Honor Society fall harvest festival on Thursday.
Today’s auction will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the school, 15711 E. Wellesley Ave. The event is raising money for the Booster Club, which supports various programs at the school. Admission is $5 at the door.
The annual harvest festival will run from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the school. Last year more than 1,700 children attended the event, which includes a not-too-scary haunted house, games, face painting and more. The party is open to all children through the fifth grade and costumes are encouraged.
National Merit Scholars
Eight students at Central Valley High School have been recognized through the 2008 National Merit Scholarship Program. Senior Kyle Brown has been named a semifinalist and is eligible to be named a National merit finalist. He scored in the top one-half of 1 percent of all students in the nation on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
Seven other seniors were named “Commended Scholars” for earning scores in the top 5 percent of all students taking the PSAT. They are: Kendra Brown, Kaleena Dobson, Ryan Fisher, Jared Mola, Lingbo Tong, David Wang and Randi Wilson.
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness
Students and community members attending the last home football game of the season at Central Valley High School on Thursday can make a statement against pancreatic cancer by buying shirts and bracelets.
Purple balloons will be handed out at the gate and the Ryan Larsen Band will play at a tailgate pre-game event with food. Those attending are asked to wear purple.
Proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Foundation. Students at the school have been involved with the foundation since Karen Hittle, wife of Principal Mike Hittle, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Game time is 7 p.m. at gates open at 5:30 at the school, 821 S. Sullivan Road. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students. Call 228-5100 for more information.