Soundings (10/25/05)
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George Bowen introduced the Student of the Month. This is a program in its fifth year, started originally by Becky Elmendorf to help recognize students who make a contribution to the community (volunteering); provides an honorarium of $100. October's "student of the month" is Chris Hamm. Chris's project is part of the Eagle Scout eligibility: He and his team painted the flag poles and refinished the plaques (honoring Whatcom County veterans) at Moles Funeral Home Green Acres. He served as councilor at Black Mountain Camp, and is part of "Order of the Arrow". Good work, Chris!
Whatcom North: Gary Snyder. Chicago Rotarian Dick Rutlidge.
Also, Steve Clarke, Terry Beardsley's guests Rachel and Jeanne, Carl, Dean Jim and Tracy Hamm, and Debbie Granger.
Flag Salute and Invocation by Jerry Simmons.
Announcements:
* Grape & Gourmet FINAL committee chair meeting next Wednesday, November 2nd at 5:30 pm in the Board Room at the Lakeway Inn. This is an important meeting for the coordination of the event.
*Art Runestrand: Saturday, Nov. 12th, will be the next opportunity to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. 8-4:30 pm see Art for sign-up.
* Bill Unrein offered 2 tickets to the District 5050 Foundation Dinner to be held November 12th at the Langley BC Coast Hotel.
Bucks in the Bay
Mimi Ferlin - Welcome Hamm family;
Bob Rice - introduced Matt Holmes, a WWU student recipient of Frank Gehry Scholarship?
Marjorie Brown - trip to Banff, Coeur d'Alene, go Ducks;
Bob Tull - Foundation check, BD, anniversary, missed meetings;
Terry Beardsley - for office staff;
Bob Moles - Thanks Steve Clark, congrats to Chris Hamm, steelhead fishing, trip to Honduras in February 3 spots open;
Bob Newell - missed meetings, Kohler Wisconsin.
Sergeant at Arms - Patti Imhof
Hunting, politics, football, heath care, growth, Anna, Curt Smith, Mike Ryan, John Templeton, Sarah Rothenbuhler, Frank Chmelik, Dale Brandland.
Program - Orphalee introduced Steve Clarke, the principal of Bellingham Hish School. Awarded "Principal of the Year" in Washington State, and a finalist for the National Title. What makes a successful high school? The BHS was a $30 million remodel, re-opened in 2000. of os the planning included the kids (a planning committee of 130), the teachers and staff. Steve said the outcome was to concentrate on three ideals:
1) BHS would be a school for everyone, everyone should have a place there, and feel valued and welcome.
2) Every student will be responsible for taking care of the facility, and today the building really does look like new.
3) Expect quality work from everyone all the time; including teachers and custodians.
Last year BHS scored higher in the WASL in every subject across the board; very impressive for a school with such a mixed socio-economic base. There were 286 suspensions at the old BHS in the 1990's, last year there were only about 65. Only 6 fights in 6 years. Steve is enthusiastic about the new generation of kids, better now than before, although drugs and alcohol are always a concern. Kids nowadays are very busy, sometimes too busy. More parents involved now. WASL is a very high standard to meet. "Culminating project" now a requirement for graduation.
Respectfully submitted,
Stowe Talbot