News, comments, and announcements

It was "Iron Chef" ala Longview

Longview Nutrition Service staff members experienced their own "Iron Chef" competition recently as the kitchen specialists and visitors from neighboring districts had a little fun familiarizing themselves with new lunch regulations for next school year.

Patterned after the reality show on The Food Network, participants were randomly assigned to teams, and each team was given a basket of "mystery"  ingredients that complied with next year's requirements.

The new requirements were reviewed and distributed to participants, and each team's task was to develop a tasty and appealing meal that would be a federally-qualifying school lunch.

Talented student musicians from Longview compete at state solo and ensemble event in Ellensburg

Many of Longview's brightest and most talented musicians competed at the WIAA/WMEA State Solo and Ensemble Contest held at Central Washington University in Ellensburg April 27 and 28, 2012. 

In each category, 22 students or groups competed for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place.  Also, students or groups that earned a superior rating were acknowledged.

Congratulations to the following "Superiors" at state: Brent McKenzie, Alto/Soprano Saxophone, RA Long Victoria Campbell, Piano, Mark Morris Zachary Brill, Baritone, Mark Morris The Monarch Women's Septet, Women's Vocal Large Ensemble, Mark Morris.

Mark Morris Knowledge Bowl takes 2nd in state on Saturday, March 17th; R. A. Long's team finishes 8th

The Mark Morris Knowledge Bowl team took second place at the state Knowledge Bowl tournament held at Marysville-Pilchuck High School. Eighteen 2A teams competed in the event which was held Saturday, March 17th.

Members of the Mark Morris team are Bruce Kirkpatrick, Austin Brumbaugh, Grant Avalon and Nathan Leslie. Steve Powell is their coach.

R. A. Long's team is Aubrey Johnson, Audrey Hamill, Keenan Calhoun, Maggie Gonzalez, and Taylor Freeman. Sherry Hamill coaches the R. A. Long students.

Mark Morris' team earned its way to the state competition by finishing first at the SW Washington Knowledge Bowl Tournament on Feb. 27th. Previous Mark Morris teams have finished as high as third at the state level in 2010 and 2011.

Special services for children birth to 21

The Longview School District locates, evaluates, and serves children from birth through age 21 with cognitive, motor, social, behavior, speech, language, hearing or vision needs.  If you know a child who may have a need in one or more of these areas or if you would like more information about our services, please contact:

• Birth to 2:  Progress Center  360-425-9810
• Ages 3 to 5:  Broadway Learning Center  360-575-7429
• Kindergarten through age 21:  Longview School District Student Services  360-575-7008

Aviso de “Child Find”

El Distrito Escolar de Longvies localiza, evalúa y sirve a los niños desde su nacimiento hasta los 21 años de edad con necesidades en el área cognitiva, motora, social, comportamiento, habla, lenguaje, audición o visión. Si usted conoce un niño a quien pueda tener necesidad en una o más de estas áreas, o si usted desea más información acerca de estos servicios, por favor comuníquese:

• 0-2:  Progress Center  360-425-9810
• 3 -5:  Broadway Learning Center  360-575-7429
• 6-21:  Longview School District Student Services  360-575-7008

Here's a fun, free learning activity for little ones not currently enrolled in a pre-school: a Read and Play activity time for youngsters and their parents

Held each Tuesday at Mint Valley Elementary school, 2745 38th Avenue, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Read and Play helps parents with activities that prepare preschoolers for kindergarten. Story time and hands-on activities show parents how to help their child develop the skills to become a reader.

All Longview 3, 4, and 5 year-old children who currently don’t attend a preschool program are welcome to come with a parent or caregiver. Information and registration is available at 575-7581. Thanks to Longview Rotary for grant support for the program.

Northlake students are Kids for CAP

Bobbi Sue Wilson’s fourth grade students at Northlake  Elementary School recently lent a hand with the newly-formed “Kids for CAP” (Community Action Program) effort which helps students learn, first hand, their social studies curriculum--cultural diversity, economy, and citizenship.

Kids for CAP also aids the area’s well-known social service organization. Students raised money for CAP’s meals on wheels program, and their money was matched by a grant from Tim Welch and Lee Hutton-Welch. The students’ efforts were recently recognized during a presentation by Supt. Suzanne Cusick to the School Board of Directors.

From the Superintendent
(continued from page 1)

Second semester is in full swing, and staff members and students are working hard. State testing for our high school students has begun with testing for other students later. Our sixth graders are going to be among Washington’s students taking their state assessments on-line this year. New student computer labs were made possible through the community’s support of the Technology and Capital Project Levy.

As we look ahead to the 2012-2013 school year, the district is again faced with the need to shrink its expenses in the face of reduced student enrollments. Budget cutting ideas were developed by school administrators and are being presented to staff members and the community. The school Board of Directors will act on the reductions this spring. Looking farther into the future, the District’s Facilities Advisory Committee is developing a 10-year plan. This plan will rely on a study done by outside specialists who will gather information about building conditions, enrollment trends, and neighborhood populations.  The study will be completed in the next several months.

This spring, I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy a sporting event, music presentation, or the annual art show. The talent of our students never ceases to amaze me! If you would like to join me in this spring’s Community Patron Tour which includes visits to our schools on April 17, please call 575-7016 and make your reservation.

As always, thank you for your interest and support of our Longview Public Schools.

Sincerely,
Suzanne Cusick, PhD
Superintendent