‘Soap for Hope’
Students at Olympic View Elementary are asking for donations of new and unopened toiletry items for the homeless in the community. Suggested donations include shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shaving cream and soap. These can be in either full-size containers or travel size. All items collected will be donated to FUSION, which will then distribute them to the homeless in Federal Way. Call Kathy Good at (253) 945-3508 or e-mail kgood@fwps.org.
Decatur scores grant for English skill development devices
Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to Decatur High School’s SkillsUSA club to fund a program called Sed de Saber for Spanish-speaking adults in Federal Way. This academically sound language instruction program is a blended approach of technology, personal instruction and student-to-adult practice. The goal is to help the participants develop workforce language skills important to personal and professional success.
A roll-out of the program was held Oct. 28 at the Decatur Career Center. Spanish-speaking adults in the community were presented with nine machines for use over 16 weeks. They’ll use the machines to hear and repeat phrases that will be useful in conversation and casual use in the community, such as in grocery stores, or in specific job fields such as construction. The individuals using the machines will also have access to tutors via the telephone. Decatur students will provide language practice opportunities.
CTE teachers Luke Thompson (automotive technology), Sean Smith (engineering technology) and Paul Joraanstad (commercial photography) spearheaded the grant.
Todd Beamer High School blood drive
During the two-day Fall Blood Drive, Todd Beamer had 239 registered donors, which closely rivaled the school’s record-setting spring 2008 blood drive. That drive was tops in Cascade Regional Blood Service’s 66-year history. Call (253) 945-7974 or e-mail robinl@crbs.net to learn more.
Thomas Jefferson students earn high marks
Thomas Jefferson students have earned recognition from the College Board: Karen Carpenter received the designation “National Hispanic Scholar.” Karen was one of only 5,000 students nationwide so honored for their PSAT test scores and GPA. She is also one of eight National Merit Commended students.
Other TJHS National Merit Commended students include Sophia Vo, Jason Allmaras, Katherine Kraabel and Jeffery Yang.
Finally, Jelayna J. Stephens was named an Outstanding Participant in the National Achievement Scholarship program. Jelayna scored in the top 3 percent of the 160,000 black students who took the PSAT during 2008. Although she is not one of the top 1 percent that will go on to the scholarship round, this recognition is shared with about 1,500 colleges.
