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PLEASE NOTE :For current listings of Mabton School District employment opportunities- Please go to Teacher-Teacher.com Jobs listed under employment at left are out-dated . Sorry for the confusion. We are working to remedy the problem - web editor.
Board of Directors Position Statement on 2008 Graduation We, the Mabton School District Board of Directors, desire that our students work to achieve high standards, and to that end we require that all Mabton District Graduation Requirements be met along with the State Standards (Policy No. 2410). It is our expectation therefore, that every student who has met all of these requirements will participate in the graduation ceremony and receive their High School Diploma. Some students may believe that they have demonstrated their academic achievement in meeting the state standards although they may not have successfully passed one of the required WASL sections. IF a student can provide evidence that they have passed comparable standards, such as MAPs, ACT, SAT, COMPASS, ASSET or other measures of college readiness, the Board of Directors will allow the student to initiate an "appeal" that they may be allowed to walk through the graduation ceremony with their peers. However, students must fully comprehend that an appeal is not a guarantee that the Board of Directors agrees with them on their evidence. Further, if the Board of Directors does agree with the student's appeal and grants them the right to walk in the ceremony with their peers, the student must understand that because they have not yet met State Standards, they will not receive a high school diploma until such time when they do pass the minimum state requirements. All student appeals must be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors or their designee, Superintendent Pasiero-Davis, beginning April 1 and ending no later than May 1, 2008. Appeals received before that closing date will be fully processed and responded to; in the order they are received. It is our desire that every deserving student will walk at the graduation ceremony. We therefore agree to allow "student initiated" appeals to the Board under the above conditions Signed by Board members Elsa Sanchez, Blanche Tobin, Rafael Sagrero, and David Rodriguez and Secretary to the Board Superintendent Sandra Pasiero-Davis Dated 3/24/08 What's Happening in Mabton School District  The portables for the new middle school arrived Monday, March17. The units will be ready for students by the beginning of the new school year - Aug. 2008.Real World Connections and “celebrating partnerships and lifelong learners.”
The Mabton Town Hall 2008 held March 14, focused on how to make math more relevant to our students as the district staff works to improve all students’ math comprehension. For example: students can see how math can help them in real life to create something simple as a create planter boxes or how to estimate the growing season of greenhouse plants. This year’s Town Hall theme was “Real World Connections” and serves to “Celebrate how our partnerships help us excel as lifelong learners.” The District saw the day-long event as an opportunity for the community and the school district to continue the discussion on how to make a real difference for our children. Annually, Town Hall is an opportunity for the community to share community resources and talents to provide the quality education that ensures all our Mabton students are ready for college, work and life. This year's Mabton Town Hall agenda included discussions centered on the transition to the new middle school in the fall of 2008; along with existing programs offered to support our students such as AVID zero-hour, GEAR-Up, and elementary and high school school advisories. Other topics centered on such programs as the 211 resource hotline and gang prevention data. Again this year the popular “The Mabton Experience” returned with sessions focused on math in the home and classroom. The community attended sessions which discussed how families can share the use math in everyday application.
Upcoming Dates of Interest April 14 – Kinder/Pre-Kinder Registration begins April 15 - “Future Kindergarteners Night” 6 p.m. at Artz-Fox Elementary School Gym. April 21 – Mabton School Board meeting at 7 p.m. April 22 - Mabton School District Partnerships and Collaboration Task Force, 6-8 pm MHS library (next meeting May 6) May 5 – MHS Migrant Club will Cinco de Mayo celebration 9:30 a.m. featuring SHS Mariachi Band May 24-26 - FFA Plant Sale at MHS greenhouse. Contact bledgerw@mabton.wednet.edu for plant order forms. May 10 - MHS Prom May 16 - Senior Progressive Dinner May 22 - Senior Trip May 26 – Memorial Day –No School June 6 - Class of 2008 Graduation ceremonies June 10 – Last Day of School June 17 – Summer Enrichment Programs begins July 15 – End of Summer Enrichment Program *Be sure to check district calendar at www.mabton.wednet.edu for meeting dates, program changes and calendar updates. Check out the new Viking website at http://www.mabtonsports.online.com for sport schedules. Mabton voters approve M&O Levy in overwhelming fashion
On Feb. 19, the Mabton voters overwhelming approved the Mabton School District maintenance and operations levy. The levy, used to fund basic services in the Mabton School District, received a 75% "yes" voter approval. The levy monies help fund such items as buses, athletics, upkeep of facilities, and extracurricular activities. The levy amount is set at $195,000. This was a reduction on assessed valuation from $1.69 per thousand dollars in the year 2004 levy to $1.39 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation. The 2008 M&O Levy request represents an estimated decrease of 30 cents per thousand dollars from the last levy, according to District officials. A very important part of the levy proposition is the state equalization money. With the passage,the state will give the district $875,167 annually! This money has always been a very important part of Mabton’s budget and is absolutely necessary for keeping the level of services the district provide in many areas. The district is also asking for this levy to be effective for four years, which will guarantee the taxpayers at least a level tax rate over the next four years. The rate will likely even go lower as evaluations are done on property in the district.  - The Mabton School Board of directors includes (seated L-R) Blanche Tobin, Board Chairman Jeanette Williams, Elsa Sanchez, (standing) Rafael Sagrero and David Rodriguez. As one of Washington’s 296 school districts, your Mabton School Board of Directors is charged with making sure that your children have a safe learning environment. They are also charged with making sure that the staff has adequate funding and materials as well as establishing school policies and budgets that support student learning. The board elected Williams as board chairwoman at the December meeting. Elsa Sanchez was elected vice chairwoman and Rodriguez was elected Legislative representative. The board meets twice monthly at a Board study session will be held on the second Monday of the month. A regular board action meeting will be held on the fourth Monday of the month. The board action meetings are held at 7 pm at the Mabton Junior-Senior High School Library. Artz-Fox student drop-off area relocated Effective January 2, 2008 parents are asked to start using the newly designated student drop-off area on 7th Avenue. The change has been made to minimize the safety risk to our children and to eliminate the traffic congestion. By using the new drop-off area parents may drive through and deliver their student to the school and then turn left on Jefferson Street. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. If you have any concerns please call us at 894-4941*. Dawn Weddle/ Robert Morales *Staff may now park in the parking lot located in front of the Learning Center, leaving the area in front of the Artz-Fox building open to visitors. School is in session – Drive carefully!  Please remember to slow down when approaching the Mabton school zone. The speed limit in near all schools is 20 MPH.Family Fun Alert: Artz-Fox Parent Conferences Week - March 25-27 Early Release at 11:55 a.m. for students. Listen for school closure, delays announcements on radios, TV stations
One more resource for ParentsParents are reminded that they should listen to local radio and television stations for winter school delays or closures. Decisions to close Mabton Schools or to delay the opening of school due to adverse weather conditions are made prior to 6 am on school days, by the School Superintendent and head of the transportation department. Parents are reminded that when school opening delays or closures occur staff will not be available at the school to supervise students until the announced time. For example, if there is a two-hour school delay, say from 8 to 10 am, then staff will be at the schools at 10 am - not before. Parents are urged NOT to drop their children off at the schools prior to the announced time. Parents need to make other child supervision arrangements on school closure or delays due to adverse weather conditions. School Weather Delays will be on these local radio stations!! KNDA – 91.9 FM KFFM – 107 FM KMWX 1460 AM KIT – 1280 AM All local television stations also run announcements about school closures. Mabton School District continues to gain regional and national accolades. In March- The Mabton School District School Nurse Cindy Howe was recognized as a "Real Hero" by the Benton-Franklin Red Cross for her efforts in obtaining major vision surgery for an Artz-Fox Elementary School student. Howe , along with Readiness to Learn case manager Jessica Prietro and the school staff worked along with Sunnyside optometrist and Lions Club member Dr. Jack Hale to provide the student with pro bono surgery to correct a long list of congenital vision problems. (see story below) In the December edition of The Learning Network, a magazine published by the Small Schools Project, the work being done in Mabton was outlined in a full-page article. To read the article, “Preparing Mabton Students for College Success,” in its entirety go to www.smallschoolsproject.org. Check also for an article by MHS teacher Tamara Steen concerning being college-prepared. Sign up now to get student grades, records online Did you know that as a parent you have a right to ask for and receive regular reports on student grades and their daily attendance? Did you know those records are available on-line?
With an increased emphasis on the relationship between academic rigor and daily class attendance, it becomes evermore important that parents and teachers be in regular communication about student academic expectations. Beginning this month, parents can go online to check their Mabton Junior High and Senior High School students’ academic records and daily attendance records. The Mabton Jr/Sr High School’s grading program known as “Skyward” is designed so that parents can go on-line to check on their student’s daily attendance in class, as well as monitor their student’s grades. In order for parents to access the “Skyward” program, each family must be assigned a username and a password. In order to be assigned a family username and a password, parents may contact Assistant Principal Denny Brown at 894-4951 (or in person) between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm.  Eye Surgery above and beyond- Artz-Fox Elementary Ivan Torres brought down the house at an event held in December to celebrate his new vision.The Mabton third grader simply told his story and thanked the adults who gave him his first real view of the world. Born with a series of vision deficits, When Ivan entered school his teachers tried to help with using all means at their disposal. When it became apparent that overlarge flashcards and oversized print readers were not the answer, Mabton School Nurse Cindy Howe and Readiness to Learn case Manager Jessica Prieto sprung into action. Young Torres, pictured left with his adult guardian angels Sunnyside optometrist Dr. Jack Hale, Howe and Prieto, underwent an operation in October, to correct his long list of congenital vision problems. Today he is seeing his world without difficulty. And his smile is almost too big for his face To show hi. s appreciation created simple drawing and note. In little boy artistic detail, Ivan wrote “Thank you for helping me so that kids don’t make fun of me.” In the drawing he is standing next to his school. The “Ivan Story” was celebrated at the Dec. 12 meeting of the Mid Valley Providers Consortium held in Sunnyside. His story was also published in the Northwest Community Action Center newsletter. The boy suffered from nerve damage, cataracts and astigmatism that can’t be corrected by glasses alone. The necessary surgery is not covered by the state’s Basic Health coverage. But, thanks to the aid of Dr. Hale, the boy was able to have the surgery. Dr. Hale convinced doctors and a Seattle hospital to perform the surgery at no cost to the family. Dr. Hale, who has written and numerous research papers on difficult vision problems, is a life-long Sunnyside Lion, and had dedicated many hours to helping cure and improve people’s vision
For more information about WASL resource links and MHS graduation requirements check the Mabton School District website. Parents are also encouraged to check out the following family-friendly website – www.waparentslearn.org which is loaded with publications designed to help parents understand and navigate the education system. The “parentlearn” site is organized and manned by the Office of the Governor’s Education Ombudsman. The materials are available for downloading and are available in several languages including Spanish. The Office of Education Ombudsman also offers aid in resolving conflicts affecting student academic achievement. A state ombudsman can provide assistance in an impartial and confidential manner helping to identify options and find resolutions focused on student academic success. The latest news in State Graduation requirements – Beginning with the graduating Class of 2008 - All public high school students will be expected to meet new statewide requirements in order to earn a diploma. The goal: More students better prepared to become responsible citizens, to contribute to their own economic well-being and to that of their families and communities, and to enjoy productive and satisfying lives. Within these pages, families, students and educators will learn more about each of the new requirements, including what each requirement is designed to do and how students will be supported. Beginning with the class of 2008, students will need to meet four statewide graduation requirements: 1. Earn a minimum of 19 credits in core classes. (Many local school districts, however, require students to earn credits beyond the state minimum.) 2. Complete a Culminating Project to apply learning in a particular area of the student’s interests. 3. Complete a High School and Beyond Plan that outlines how they will make the most of high school to earn their diploma and prepare for their next steps after high school. 4. Earn the Certificate of Academic Achievement or Certificate of Individual Achievement by meeting state reading, writing and math standards on the High School WASL, an assessment for students in special education or the Certificate of Academic Achievement Options. Until 2013, students can earn a diploma without a certificate if they: - Meet the state’s reading and writing standards, and - Earn math credits and test annually until graduation. The three new graduation requirements are focused on the new "applied learning" skills that students need to be successful. The project allows students to dive into a subject that interests them and demonstrate their skills in a creative way. The plan requires students to begin thinking about career and life options before they leave high school. And the WASL places a strong emphasis on short-answer and essay questions that require students to demonstrate they can understand what they read, write a persuasive essay, and understand how to get the answers to real-life mathematic problems, such as calculating the mileage on a long trip and interpreting simple charts and graphs. What’s Happening in Mabton?
Be sure to check District Calendar for meeting dates, program changes and calendar updates. Share news of school activities Please help us fill the newsletter with information of value to you the staff and patrons. Share notes of interest by providing us with the following information - who, what, when, where, why and how. Please return to Julia Hart at the Mabton School District office or e-mail the information to hartj@mabton.wednet.edu Need more school information? PARENTS - WANT HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES e-mailed to your home computer? Call 894-4951 for details. The faces of Mabton School District.   New Report Recognizes Mabton Junior/Senior High School As a National Model That Sets High Expectations for Every Student Mabton Junior/Senior High School Wins Praise for Innovative Strategy to Ensure Students’ Success in College, Career, and Life MABTON JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL has been recognized in a new national report for its model approach to providing all of its students with a high-quality education that lays the foundation for their success in college and later life. As one of five innovative school models recognized in the report, Rethinking High School: Preparing Students for Success in College, Career, and Life, MABTON JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL is cited for creating a college-oriented culture; setting high expectations for success in school; creating an aligned 6-12 college prep curriculum; providing students support to help to transition into college; and providing students with a high school graduation advocate. ”Our school has a clear and focused mission—to help each of our students graduate with the skills needed to succeed in college and in today’s global economy,” said Jay Tyus, principal of MABTON JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, which is representative of schools throughout the Gates Achievers Program network of schools. “We challenge our students with a rigorous curriculum. Our school recognizes college entrance criteria as graduation requirements: four years of English, three years of math, two years of foreign language, and two years of science. Mabton Junior/Senior High School has already increased its offering of AP classes and the number of students in these courses. Additionally more students are taking advanced science classes and we have removed most of our non-college prep math courses. The school also emphasizes Socratic Seminars, student voice (RSVP), student-led conferences and daily advisories, as well as personalized support from teachers and school leaders every step of the way.” The report, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was published by WestEd, a non-profit education research firm. It is the fourth report produced by WestEd in the past five years as part of a series highlighting secondary schools and models across the country that are using innovative approaches to improve curriculum and instruction, and support success for students most at risk of academic failure. The five sites profiled in the report each is used a unique approach to addressing one of five factors described in the report as a “barriers” to students’ academic achievement. WestEd researchers found that students at Mabton Junior/Senior High School: • Have a graduation rate of 80 percent, which compares to the national averages in 2004, of 68 percent for all students and 53 percent for Hispanic students. In 2006-07, the Mabton graduation rate was 90%. • Are enrolled in four-year colleges at the rate of 40 percent of the alumni and 19 percent of the alumni is enrolled in two-year colleges. • Are enrolling in Advanced Placement English, Biology and Spanish classes at ever increasing numbers. Now 85 percent of the students are taking Algebra II and Algebra III (pre-calculus). “This report shows that Mabton Junior/Senior High School is continuing to accomplish what we set out to do: create an environment where all students can achieve academically when held to high expectations,” said Sandra Pasiero-Davis, Mabton School Superintendent. “Our success in helping our students see the connection between their education and success in life is due, in large part, to the support and leadership that comes from Mabton Junior/Senior High School, the Mabton School Board of Directors, dedicated administrators and teachers, parents, the community, and ultimately, our students.” Nationally, only 70 percent of U.S. high school students graduated on time in 2004, according to Education Week’s 2007 “Diplomas Count” report. For Hispanic students, the graduation rate is 58 percent, and for African American students, it is just 53 percent. Even those students who do graduate are too often unprepared for college. Only 23 percent of African American students and 20 percent of Hispanic students who started high school in the class of 2002 graduated prepared for college-level academics, according to the Manhattan Institute. In Mabton, a higher number of students are taking college prep classes, which in turn is resulting in the 94% Hispanic student body enrolling in college. “Schools such as Mabton Junior/Senior High School demonstrate that all students can overcome barriers to success and thrive in an environment that holds them to high expectations and gives them the necessary support,” said Vicki Phillips, Director of Education at the Gates Foundation. (see complete report at www.wested.edu) The Mabton Parent Advisory Committee is working on its mission statement and goals, said Anita Rodriguez (pictured left), the president of the parents group. Also serving on the PAC leadership team are Bertha Macedo, vice president (center) and Amelia Cruz, secretary (right).
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District special features
Past and present symbols of Mabton education are among the images created as part of a three-panel mural on display above the visitor’s bleaches in the MHS Mel Todd Gym.