Education notebook: SPS honors four outstanding employees

Spokane Public Schools has announced this year’s Distinguished Classified Employees. They are Mark Kelly, Hannah Alaskar, Dale Floyd and Angela Hayes.

Kelly is the lead operator of the SPS Print Shop and has been with the district for more than 33 years. Kelly is said to set a high standard for work in the print shop and makes every print shop customer feel important.

Alaskar is a paraeducator at Logan Elementary and is known for supporting struggling children by always keeping a positive attitude and continually improving her craft.

Floyd is the head custodian at Willard Elementary. His colleagues report the school facilities have never looked better and in addition to the pride Floyd takes in his work, he also works hard to connect with students and staff.

Hayes is the assistant secretary at Ridgeview Elementary and has been noted for the courage and compassion she brings to the workplace, inspiring her coworkers to lift one another up.

West Valley deputy superintendent to resign

The West Valley School District has announced the resignation of deputy superintendent Doug Matson, who will retire at the end of the school year. Matson has been with the district for 31 years, heading the district’s finances and developing expertise on school budgets.

He is a two-time past president of the Washington Association of School Business Officials and a member of the State Accounting Advisory Committee, as well as the State Safety Net Committee for Special Education.

The district does not plan to hire a replacement superintendent and will instead reorganize its business office to accommodate.

Mead’s Highly Capable evaluation now open

The Mead School District’s Highly Capable Program evaluation is open now through Feb. 28. The program aims to provide students with enhanced and accelerated learning opportunities provided they have demonstrated advanced academic performance when compared to other students of their same age and experiences, or if they have intellectual or creative aptitude within a specific domain.

Anyone can refer a student for consideration. Highly Capable testing follows in the spring. Those with questions can contact Rob Haugen at (509) 465-6040 or rob.haugen@mead354.org.

Medical Lake looking at new math program

The Medical Lake School District’s secondary math content team and curriculum coordinating council are recommending a digitally integrated math program called HMH Into AMA for various high school algebra and geometry curriculum.

Families, staff and community members are invited to review the recommended instructional materials. Those interested can visit hmhco.com/programs/into-aga. Questions can be directed to Kim Headrick, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning at kheadrick@mlsd.org or (509) 565-3100.

Nine Mile Falls School District wins grant

The Nine Mile Falls School District recently received a $30,000 Phillips 66 grant. The district will use the funds to replace over 150 Chromebooks.

Phillips 66 is a diversified energy manufacturing and logistics company. The company provides grants to entities that are either a 501(c)(3) charitable organization or a political subdivision and in areas that Phillips 66 has a strong business presence.

Phillips 66 defined areas of focus with which the grants must align: education and literacy, the environment and sustainability, and community safety and preparedness.