School Notes: Pledge deadline near for College Bound Scholarship
Spokane Public Schools seventh- and eighth-graders living in low-income families may be eligible for a College Bound Scholarship, on the condition that the students sign a pledge to graduate from high school. The pledge must signed by next Thursday.
According to a district press release, students must make good on their promise, demonstrate good citizenship and seek admission to a college or university. Their family income will be rechecked and college admission will be confirmed after the student graduates from high school.
The scholarship will be based on tuition rates at Washington public colleges and universities and will cover the amount of tuition and fees not covered by other state financial aid awards, along with $500 for books.
The district said the scholarship program is an important incentive to their students because more than half qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
For more information about the scholarship program call (888) 535-0747, email collegebound@hecb. wa.gov or visit www.hecb.wa.gov/ paying/waaidprgm/CollegeBoundScholarship.asp.
School volunteers receive recognition
Spokane Public Schools honored its volunteers for the 2010-’11 school year. The volunteers spent time in the classroom, assisting students and teachers, chaperoning field trips and providing extra hands when needed. The following volunteers were recognized for their outstanding efforts, for going above and beyond in and out of the classroom.
Pam Kellogg, a volunteer at Arlington Elementary School, was honored as a volunteer coordinator, PTO president and food drive organizer. A district press release said that she knew every Arlington student by name and had a connection with each child.
Cooper Elementary recognized Jennifer Johnson for her dedication. Johnson would work on laminating projects for the whole school, chaperone trips and knew every classroom’s needs and teacher’s preferences.
Holly Meginniss, a volunteer at Shaw Middle School, was recognized for her efforts as a resource for the Shaw band program, drawing on her experience from playing the French horn in a competitive marching band through college. Meginniss offered help to students who wanted to learn the instrument and modeled respect and commitment for students as well as a passion for music.
Gloria Updike, a volunteer at Madison Elementary, was honored for her assistance to the fourth-grade teachers, her upbeat and positive attitude and her connection to the students.
Grant Elementary honored Heidi Hash for her initiative, her friendliness toward new families and her ambition to create new projects to preserve Grant’s after-school sports programs, such as an annual walk-a-thon to help raise money, along with a hat, glove and sock drive for the school.
Adams Elementary recognized Kim Merkel for her hard work without complaint and her care of staff and students. Merkel has been a volunteer at Adams for 12 years. It is noted that she donates an immense amount of time to the school and is an inspiration because of her work ethic, her support and her smile.
Lewis and Clark Instrumental Music Parents’ Association was honored for “behind-the-scenes” efforts in the LC music department. The group organized fundraisers to pay for new uniforms, instruments and music specialists, along with chaperoning band/orchestra competitions and home football games. The parent association also created a newsletter to keep music parents informed. Because of their efforts, the music director was able to focus his time on the students and their music.