In The News Archives

2005-2006

Space shake-up wows science teachers
When Don Pruett walks onto his deck at night, he sometimes considers the stars. The 43-year-old Sumner High School science teacher can tell a Big Dipper from a Little and which of those tiny pins of light represent Mars and Jupiter. What he can’t see with the naked eye is Pluto. Out of sight, out of mind, he says.
(Published in The News Tribune, August 25, 2006)

Center coordinator weaves safety net for families, children
The center provides a safety net of short-term social and health services to children and families in the Sumner School District and connects them with longer ...
(Published in The News Tribune, July 16, 2006)

District schools likely to see major growth in next six years
Enrollment in the Sumner School District is expected to grow by 12.7 percent to 9,350 in the next six years, according to a recent projection. The number of new homes has historically increased by about 275 per year in the district, which includes Sumner and Bonney Lake. With Cascadia and other l...
(Published in The News Tribune, June 7, 2006)

High school teams win medals at leadership conference
Two teams from Sumner High School’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America club won gold medals at the state leadership conference. Alexis Lucas and Samantha Moltrun won the chapter service project competition. Jody Petitt, Whitney Raffle and Chris Pankalla earned the top score in ...
(Published in The News Tribune, June 7, 2006)

School levies score a clean sweep
Positions, programs saved in second-chance votes
(Published in The News Tribune, April 26, 2006)

School votes pouring in by mail, officials say
(Published in The News Tribune, April 25, 2006)

Levy elections Tuesday
On the ballot: Maintenance and operations levy renewals for Tacoma, Sumner, White River and Bethel school districts. Construction bond measures in Bethel and Dieringer.
(Published in The News Tribune, April 24, 2006)

Schools on the brink in crucial levy votes
(Published in The News Tribune, April 23, 2006)

Sumner’s ‘plan B’ includes hefty cuts
The Sumner School District has revealed how $5.5 million in budget cuts might play out this fall if a levy isn’t renewed by voters next week. Superintendent Donald Eismann on Wednesday night presented an early version of his next budget, including a “plan B” if the $77 million, ...
(Published in The News Tribune, April 21, 2006)

Helpful students win honors at Community Summit
Two Sumner students were recently honored as “unsung heroes” at the Sumner/Bonney Lake Communities For Families Coalition’s Community Summit. Thomas Buchmiller , a Sumner Middle School student, was honored for being “intuitively helpful to staff and his classmates.” Ben Davidson , a Mountain View Middle School student, was honored for offering help without being asked, having “tremendous” school spirit and being respectful to staff and students. Also honored at the summit were adults and community organizations who contribute to the health and welfare of children and families. They included: Vivian Veer , Sumner senior citizen volunteer; Mary Sorg , a Bonney Lake community volunteer; Carol Wells-Reed , vice president, Columbia Bank; and Creator Lutheran Church.
(Published in The News Tribune, April 19, 2006)

Levy factfinder
David Dow, a resident in the Sumner School District, heard that the amount of money his district would collect each year increases at triple the inflation rate. He wants to know what the exact numbers are, what the district will raise this year and how it justifies the increases. The local tax collections of school districts are restricted by two major factors. One is a “levy lid.” For Sumner, it is usually 24 percent of last year’s revenue. The second is the tax rate. The rate cannot raise more money than the lid allows. Each district sets levy rates at least every four years by projecting how much it will need to collect each year. That includes estimating costs that might rise faster than others, such as health care, fuel, power and upcoming union contract
(Published in The News Tribune, April 18, 2006)

Levy will help district turn out more high-achieving students
BOB DALTON; President Sumner-Bonney Lake Education Foundation
As one of the founding members of the Sumner-Bonney Lake Educational Foundation, it has been my pleasure to review scholarship applications and to have had the pleasure of awarding stipends to deserving and qualified graduates of the Sumner School District.
(Published in The News Tribune, April 15, 2006)

Sumner, Bonney Lake should rally for schools
In the four school levy elections coming up in Pierce County, the Sumner School District’s bid would seem closest to a sure thing. But school supporters in Sumner and Bonney Lake, the cities served by the district, can’t afford to take anything for granted. Sumner’s four-year, $48 million levy proposal failed in February despite 58.7 percent approval. A relative handful of “yes” votes would have put the measure over the required 60 percent mark. Record-low voter turnout, only 30 percent, was a decisive factor. The district’s residents have a strong tradition of supporting school taxes, but too few were paying attention in February. It’s hard to imagine they aren’t paying attention now. The new levy measure is a last-chance proposal. If it fails again, Sumner schools will lose about 20 percent of their budget in each of the next two school years. Unlike other districts, Sumner has avoided outlining what the impact on school programs would be.
(Published in The News Tribune, April 14, 2006)

Sumner high school boys try more personal approach to campaign
Two boys from Sumner High School who supported the February levy election as their senior project are campaigning again — this time they are making it personal.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, April 13, 2006)

Spartan journalist published in national edition
An article written by Kyle Bidwell, a reporter for Sumner High School's online newspaper, Purple Inc., is featured in the April 12, 2006, My High School Journalism, National Edition. The article, "Making Science Cool," is his second story this year to be selected for the newspaper. A music review written by Kyle was included in the November 2005 edition. The National Edition is a weekly collection of stories from around the nation, written by young journalists using American Society of Newspaper Editors' publishing tool to post their school newspapers online. Stories are chosen for the national edition based on their quality and appeal to a broad teen readership and represent stories that were the most interesting or moving of the week.

Making Science Cool
by Kyle Bidwell, Sports Editor
Instead of students coming to class dreading the homework that’s due or the upcoming test, Sumner High School has students motivated to succeed in science. Recently science teacher Mr. Kelly has come up with some interesting projects to keep his students interested. The experiment that is becoming a tradition among students is known as “Liquid Nitrogen Day.”

To read the rest of the story, visit Sumner High School's online newspaper at: http://my.highschooljournalism.org/wa/sumner/shs/

Sumner High School launched the online newspaper, Purple Inc., in the fall of 2005 replacing the traditional printed paper with a Web-based publication.

"Sumner needs to turn out just a few more “yes” votes – the levy got a 58 percent “yes” vote in February, but 60 percent is required – to sustain one of the best all-around school systems in the county. By nearly every important benchmark, including student achievement, Sumner scores well."
Read the entire editorial at:
(Published in The News Tribune Editorials, April 9, 2006)

An author’s adventure
Rae McDonald got her inspiration while riding her bike along Meeker Ditch and watching fallen apples bob down the stream.(Published in The Puyallup Herald, April 6, 2006)

Sumner levy will keep opportunities for kids
It is Round 2 for the Sumner School District levy. On April 25, the district will once again ask voters to send in their ballots and support their schools. We hear questions: Why should they? Why is it necessary for our schools? As a successful graduate of Sumner High School, my experiences and those of my classmates are great examples of how local levy dollars are essential to providing a quality educational experience for all students. Extracurricular activities, including Future Farmers of America, are among the things funded through special levy dollars. To me, FFA was much more than frill. To me, it meant thousands of dollars in scholarships, acquiring valuable real-world skills, social bonding and sports camaraderie. Through FFA, I developed skills in marketing, public relations, public speaking, leadership and group work. I graduated with a full-ride scholarship to Washington State University and later transferred with an attractive financial aid package to Pacific Lutheran University.
Published in The News Tribune, April 4 2006)

School district levy election looms, again
Sumner School District voters will receive ballots for the replacement maintenance and operations levy election April 25.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, March 30, 2006)

Scrapbooking for a good cause
The future leaders of America may be attending Sumner High School.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, March 30, 2006)

Hot salsa for cold cash
Elena Bertolucci started out Friday night “a little” confident in her ability to salsa dance.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, March 30, 2006)

Summit offers chance to discuss underage drinking and other issues
The residents of Bonney Lake and Sumner will examine underage drinking and other community issues at a town hall meeting March 30. The discussion, “Community Challenges – Community Rewards” will feature a speech by Paola Maranan, executive director of the Children’s Allian...
(Published in The News Tribune, March 22, 2006)

Oh, the books they’ll read
Six-year-old Trenton Hansen concentrated on the difference between an exclamation mark and a question mark as he read.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, March 9, 2006)

Students reverse roles at Bonney Lake High School
When 2-year-old Addison Vogt eats a meal at her day care, teenagers help her.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, March 2, 2006)

Walk this way to fitness
Forget Pokemon and Magic cards, the thing to have on the playground at Bonney Lake Elementary are walking cards.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, February 23, 2006)

Play helps Sumner High students realize their potential
“Our Town” was much like Sumner.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, February 23, 2006)

EDITORALS *Note: This editorial is based upon the editor's experience at a Sumner/Bonney Lake Recreation program.
Her ruby red slippers glowed as she promenaded across the dance floor. Short brown hair framed her smiling face. Her red satin dress shined as brilliant lights reflected off its silky sheen as she spun, laughed and sang to romantic tunes.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, February 22, 2006)

EDITORALS
Sumner and Bonney Lake residents are going to have some tough choices to make between now and April.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, February 22, 2006)

School hosts science fair
Zoo keeper Mike Simmons holds a bald eagle up with a gloved hand.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, February 16, 2006)

Making Memories
Fathers, daughters dance the night away in Bonney Lake
Love is in the air in Bonney Lake.But it’s not the kind of love you expect for Valentine’s Day.In Bonney Lake, it’s the kind of love a father and daughter share — a special bond that makes each proud of the other.
On Saturday night, 205 daddy-daughter couples — and even a few trios — attended the ninth annual Father-Daughter Valentine’s Dance at Bonney Lake High School to celebrate that connection.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, February 16, 2006)

Seniors enjoy dancing, amenities at Stafford Suites
Ages ranged from 9 months old to 99 years old. Warren Ryan, 89, swung Taffi Necker, 16, around the room as she twirled to music from the 30’s.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, February 16, 2006)

Schools levy comes back to voters
Without a boost from an operations levy, the Sumner School District faces serious cutbacks in its educational efforts in Sumner and Bonney Lake.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, February 16, 2006)

For the love of school
Two Sumner teens did all they could to help pass the bond and levy in the Feb. 7 election.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, February 9, 2006)

QUICK TAKES IN SUMNER
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, February 9, 2006)

School district science fair will be held Saturday
The annual Sumner School District science fair is scheduled for Saturday. It will feature the winning projects from 11 schools. Winners of the district competition will advance to a regional contest. Guest judges will come from Precision Aerospace and Parametrics, two Sumner-based companies. Zookeepers from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium will offer live demonstrations with bats, eagles, two-toed sloths and other animals. The fair will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mountain View Middle School, 10921 199th Ave. Court E., Bonney Lake.
(Published in The News Tribune, February 8 2006)

Voters decide fates of school levies, bonds
Levy or bond? Maintenance and operation levies fund additional teachers, books, transportation and building maintenance above what the state provides. Levies typically provide about 20 percent of districts’ annual operating budgets. Levies last up to four years.
(Published in The News Tribune, February 8, 2006)

Voters deny some districts, Dome
Three of the South Sound’s largest school districts – Tacoma, Bethel and Federal Way – appear to have lost multi-million-dollar bond requests for school construction and repair projects.
(Published in The News Tribune, February 8, 2006)

Sumner police academy teaches resident what its like to be a cop
LuAnn Ugas has a no desire to be a police officer. She has attended ride-alongs, seen mock-scenes, and gone shooting with police officers, though, because she’s attended an eight-week academy with the Sumner Police Department.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, February 6, 2006)

Activists support schools
Those in favor of the bond and levy issues are busy drumming up support before voters head to the polls Feb. 7.
With the same gusto found at any political party headquarters during a presidential campaign, Sumner and Bonney Lake residents are actively pursing a “yes” vote come Feb. 7.
Citizens for Education members have taken to the phones, calling registered voters in the Sumner School District to encourage them to head to the polls to vote for the upcoming operations levy and $88.5 million bond issue.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, February 2, 2006)

Officials study expansion need at Bonney Lake High School
It’s only been six months since Bonney Lake High School opened with much fanfare.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, January 26, 2006)

Budding scientists
Do dogs prefer Kibble and Bits or Alpo? What vegetable has the largest DNA? Does music affect your mood?
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, January 26, 2006)

Read-hawks can taste Pittsburgh sweets
“We have 200,” he boomed. “That’s TWOOO HUNDRED.”
The McAlder Elementary School fifth-graders around him added up each student’s minutes spent reading in the previous 24 hours as of Tuesday morning.
“300. 298. 129.” He wrote the totals on a projector in green and blue ink. The class figured the average amount per student: 112.1 minutes.
The class’s total average for four days was 341.
(Published in The News Tribune, February 1, 2006)

If students are to compete, they need voter support
The Sumner School District is in the middle of incredible growth. Our state and local property developers in no way pay for the total cost of building new schools and supporting the educational services needed to educate our kids. Local voters have to step up and help by supporting the district’s bond and levy ballot measures Feb. 7.
Thomas Friedman’s new book, “The World Is Flat,” highlights the fact that Americans are not keeping up with citizens in Korea, China, India and Russia in mathematics, science and the use of technology. The only way to reverse that trend is to provide a high-quality education for our children.
Boys and girls in the Sumner School District need voter support in order to be able to compete in the global marketplace. Their future and our legacy are dependent upon support for education. Anything less will send our kids and ourselves to an economic backwater.
 (Published in The News Tribune, January 26, 2006)

Renewal of school levies should be easy ‘yes’
The also-ran on the February ballot in many school districts is anything but second-string.
With the South Sound awash in school construction bond requests, much of the talk about next month’s election is focused on what those ballot measures could do for crowded classrooms and outdated schools.
But many school districts are also asking voters for the most basic show of support — the renewal of a maintenance and operations levy.
(Published in The News Tribune, January 24, 2006)

School tax bill will drop with yes vote on Feb. 7
We are now coming down the home stretch on our work for the Sumner School District bond and levy on Feb. 7. Each vote is critical because we need better than a 60 percent supermajority for passage. These are important funding measures to maintain quality programs and buildings in the award-winning Sumner School District. The levy is nearly 20 percent of our school district’s yearly operating fund. The $88.5 million bond is going to much-needed repairs at six of our 13 schools. Property owners’ school tax rate per $1,000 of assessed value will actually drop by roughly 44 cents per $1,000, or $110 for a $250,000 home. A yes vote will keep funding for bus drivers, school safety personnel, athletic and activity programs and help schools desperately in need of upgrades – all with a lower yearly school tax bill.
(Published in The News Tribune, January 24, 2006)

Teen marketing
Students take on the business world with a venture of their own
It started out with a business plan. Then came sales forecasting, budgeting and market research.
Now marketing students at Bonney Lake High School are preparing to open the business they’ve started from the ground up. While many high schools boast student stores, this one will be quite different, said store manager Miles Eaton, 17. “It’s not going to be your typical student store,” he said. “It’s not a candy shack.”
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, January 19, 2006)

More than just a senior project
Two sumner seniors are teaching X’s and O’s to middle school children for their senior project.
Sumner High School seniors Blake Kimball and Erik Daniels should have no problem coming up with material for the 8-10 minute speech portion of their senior project. They’ve both taken on the commitment of coaching a basketball team composed of fourth- and fifth-grade boys in the Sumner/Bonney Lake Recreation Department league for their senior project. The senior project consists of a learning experience dedicated 15 hours to the project outside of the school curriculum, a detailed log of the research, a portfolio and the speech.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, January 12, 2006)

High school students advance to state, regional competitions
Several high school students will represent the Sumner School District in state and regional competitions.
(Published in The News Tribune, January 25, 2006)

Bilingual beginning
The teacher asked the first-graders what food they liked: “¿Que comidas te gusta?” “Sombreros,” an English-speaking student answered.
Keri Read asked again, emphasizing the “comidas” portion of her question. “Corn!” another child said.
(Published in The News Tribune, January 25, 2006)

Yes’ for school bonds in three more districts
The News Tribune has endorsed several school-construction bond measures appearing on the Feb. 7 ballot in South Sound school districts. Here we call attention to three more equally worthy of voter approval. Bond proposals in the Sumner, University Place and North Thurston districts have...
(Published in The News Tribune, January 21, 2006)

SUMNER SCHOOL DISTRICT
Size, term of bond: $88.5 million over 20 years. Tax impact: $2.57 per thousand (first year); $518 annual tax for owner of $200,000 home. Key projects: Replace Lakeridge Middle School ($23.8 million); modernize Sumner Middle School, ($25.5 million) and Bonney Lake, Maple Lawn and Victor Falls elementary schools ($23 million); buy land for future schools ($9 million). The district would qualify for $22.5 million in matching state funds for the projects. Making the case: Replace or update aging facilities, accommodate growing student population. Supported by Citizens for Education. Election history: Sumner’s last bond measure request, for $44 million, gained approval in 2000. Also on the ballot: A replacement operating levy that would collect $77 million over four years. The proposed tax rate is $2.85 per $1,000. More info: www.sumner.wednet.edu
(Published in The News Tribune January 20, 2006)

Finding Nemo
Too often, schools use text books to illustrate the world around us.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, January 12, 2006)

Schools prep for bond, levy votes
Hazy water at Bonney Lake Elementary School may no longer be a problem if Sumner School District’s $88.5 million bond issue passes Feb. 7.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, January 12, 2006)

Library to display student art; High school producing musical
Two Bonney Lake schools will exhibit their arts programs this month. The Bonney Lake Library Winter Art Show will feature 60 works of art by Lakeridge Middle School students Saturday through Feb. 4 at 18501 90th E., Bonney Lake. Bonney Lake High School will present “How to Succeed in Busine...
(Published in The News Tribune, January 18, 2006)

DECA students
At the Washington Area 5 DECA competition, high school students participated in individual and team business and marketing events to demonstrate their skills and knowledge. The following students garnered spots at the upcoming state convention.

From Bonney Lake High School:
Stephen Jones, Taylor Wilson and Kyle Konsmo earned 2nd place in the Team Advertising Event.
Miles Eaton placed third in the Entrepreneurship Event.

From Sumner High School:
Jessica Rogers placed 9th in Food Marketing, Individual Event.
Brennen Lee earned 5th place, in Quick Serve Restaurant, Individual Event.

And, Justin Campbell placed second in Business Services, Individual Event. Justin also earned the highest score in the region on the written test.

Vocational Industrial Clubs of America
Automotive students Evan Wilhoit and Kyle Wolfe finished in the top 2 positions at the Sumner High School In-House competition. They will represent Sumner at the 2006 Regional Skills-USA (VICA) automotive service competition at Green River Community College and Auburn High School. Shane Hamilton was selected as the alternate.

High School Honor Band
Seven Sumner High School Band students were selected to be a part of the 2006 Northwest High School Honor Band held at Pacific Lutheran University.

Learn about children’s literacy, and have a bite while you’re at it
Sumner and Bonney Lake child-care providers are invited to a workshop Jan. 31 on literacy activities and learning strategies for young children. The event is hosted by the Sumner/Bonney Lake Pre-K Linkages Team, which
(Published in They News Tribune, January 11, 2006)

Banking on the future
January 12 2006 Boys gather in knots around the automatic teller machine at Bonney Lake High School, and Principal Linda Masteller laughs. She watches from a mezzanine above. Why do they gather there? It’s a mystery. Before, they stood together at the edge of the snack bar.
(Published in The News Tribune, January 12, 2006)

New high school joins six others to launch state reform programs
January 12 2006 Bonney Lake High School is one of seven Washington schools selected by the state for a new reform effort. The “High Schools That Work” program helps schools implement 10 proven reform programs.
(Published in The News Tribune, January 12, 2006)

Greetings, Liberty’s bell ring out in morning rituals
The first wave of rosy cheeks starts at 9:15 a.m. It thickens as Bonney Lake SUVs and minivans decant their loads out front. Meeting the tide of Liberty Ridge Elementary School students each morning are teachers and administrators with a greeting for each child. “Good morning, Todd!” ...
(Published in The News Tribune, December 28, 2005)

Tools for the future
For Sarah Parsons, Intro to Engineering Design is more than just a class on her schedule; it’s a step towards her future.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, December 22, 2005)

Bonney Lake fifth-grader selected for state choir
Bonney Lake Elementary School fifth-grader Lauren Ode will perform with the 2006 Washington Music Educators Association All-State Elementary Honor Chorus. She will be representing the Sumner School District in the 52nd annual WMEA All-State events.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, December 22, 2005)

Fifth-grader selected for state’s 2006 Honor Chorus event
Lauren Ode, a fifth-grade student at Bonney Lake Elementary School, will participate in the 2006 Washington Music Educators Association All-State Elementary Honor Chorus. She will sing alto in the Honor Chorus during the 1,100-student WMEA All-State event in Yakima early next year.
(Published in The News Tribune, December 21, 2005)

Comfortable with class work
The desks are gone and the fluorescent lights are dimmed. Students are plopped on pillows, rugs and a rocking chair. Paper-lantern orbs glow overhead. And around the Bonney Lake classroom, second-grade faces are buried in books.
(Published in The News Tribune, December 20, 2005)

The music man
Pigs! Pigs! Pigs!
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, December 9, 2005)

Holiday fun for youngsters proves creative
Every Monday through Dec. 12 from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m., children can actually enjoy a history lesson at the Robert Miller Gymnasium in Sumner.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, December 1, 2005)

P.E. professional
She can be found in the gym at Crestwood Elementary School daily, playing bean bag tag with kindergartners or working with older students climbing the rock wall.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, December 1, 2005)

Report card, grading system get a makeover
It’s been a practice used for years. Take a bunch of numbers, average them out and it’s a student’s grade. A 95 percent is an A and a 65 percent is a C.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, December 1, 2005)

What to wear
He’s not the type of kid who would knowingly violate school policy.
Full Story
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, November 24, 2005)

Local students host Scrapbook Festival
Sumner and Bonney Lake Family, Career and Community Leaders of America clubs host an annual fund-raising event for local scrapbookers from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 17 at Sumner High School, 1707 Main St.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, November 24, 2005)

Curriculum and Activity Showcases Dec. 6, 12
Bonney Lake and Sumner high schools will host Curriculum and Activity Showcases this month to highlight academic programming at both sites.
Bonney Lake High School will host its showcase from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6. A grand opening celebration and tours of the school’s student-run branch of BECU, The Den, The Panther Cub Learning Center and a new display in the Art Gallery will also be featured.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, November 24, 2005)

District to place M&O levy on 2006 ballot
The Sumner School District Levy is planning to place a four-year replacement levy on the Feb. 7 ballot.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, November 23, 2005)

Students in eighth grade, families invited to district’s high schools
Eighth-graders in the Sumner School District and their families are invited to open houses at the district’s two high schools. The events will provide an opportunity for students to learn more about classes, programs and activities at the schools and begin selecting courses. Bonney Lake High School will hold its event from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6. It will include a grand opening celebration, tours of facilities and a new display in the art gallery. Sumner High School’s open house is from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 12.
(Published in The News Tribune, November 23, 2005)

Changing Classrooms
Teachers on Special Assignment train teachers and students
Making math fun for seventh graders isn’t always easy, but teacher Lisa Graham does her best – not only to give students the necessary tools to achieve, but also help them learn to love the nuances of arithmetic.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, November 23, 2005)

State honors school district’s professional development team
Sumner School District’s 13-member team of Professional Development Specialists recently earned the Washington State Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development’s Team Award for helping improve student achievement through professional development. Team members are LueAnn Dec...
(Published in The News Tribune, November 16, 2005)

FFA team takes first place at national convention
Sumner High School’s FFA team took first place in the Agricultural Communications Career Development Event at the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky. Competing against 30 other teams, members Kristin Beck, Mallory Tweten, Rabecca Coyle and Rachel Taylor earned $1,000 scholarships. In addition to winning the top team award, Beck and Tweten placed sixth and seventh nationally.
(Published in The News Tribune, November 9, 2005)

High school marching band earns honors in competition
The 95-member Sumner High School Marching Band won first place in its division for its parade performance Saturday in the 19th Annual Auburn Veterans Day Parade and Field Show Competition.
(Published in The News Tribune, November 9, 2005)

Cultivating spirit
While Bonney Lake High School students are getting comfortable in their new digs, they’re certainly wasting no time in developing the many trends and traditions the inaugural class wants to be known for.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, November 3, 2005)

School district asks voters for $88.5 million to revamp schools
The roof is sagging with age. Leaks have become commonplace. It needs new wiring, as well as new infrastructure. The school population has exceeded building capacity.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, October 27, 2005)

A cup of java and an earful of jazz
For decades, smoke-filled nightclubs were the place to hear great jazz music. Now, a local group is bringing jazz to the youngest and oldest of music lovers at a venue that’s appealing to virtually everyone — Starbucks.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, October 27, 2005)

Kids, candy fill Main Street for parade
Sumner’s homecoming parade rolled through downtown Sumner once again, offering students a chance to thank their community.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, October 27, 2005)

Broadcasting for beginners
Courtney Bartlett, 14, has found her calling in the television studio at Mountain View Middle School. While her peers seek out the spotlight as anchors of daily KMVM news show, Courtney prefers the director’s seat.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, October 20, 2005)

18 students will represent Sumner at national FFA competition
October 19 2005 The Sumner FFA is headed again for the group’s national competition, after a great showing last year. Eighteen students from the Sumner High School team will be going to the event in Louisville, Ky., next week. This year’s projects range from ovine pregnancy detection technology to th...
(Published in The News Tribune, October 19, 2005)

Lt. Governor Brad Owens rocks McAlder
Washington Lieutenant Governor Brad Owens rocked McAlder Elementary Oct. 10 with a message about tolerance and celebrating the differences that make everyone unique.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, October 13, 2005)

Kindergarten prep
Kindergarten has changed. It’s not just about playing with blocks and singing nursery rhymes anymore.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, October 6, 2005)

Health and good deeds, that’s what McAlder students are made of
The staff at McAlder Elementary School are serious about healthy living, so much so they’re asking their students to complete a marathon.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, October 6, 2005)

Sumner FFA preps for breakfast
It’s breakfast time for Sumner High School’s Future Farmers of America club. The group’s Breakfast of Champions fund-raiser takes place bright and early at 7 a.m. Oct. 13 at the Hansen House.
(Published in The Puyalllup Herald, October 6, 2005)

South Sound students raise funds for hurricane relief
Students throughout the South Sound continue to help Gulf Coast victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Among the examples of generosity: Communities in Schools of Washington State collected about $30,000 at the Puyallup Fair through its donation booth, a $5,000 gift from fair performer George Th...
(Published in The News Tribune, October 5, 2005)

Exotic cars meet exotic flowers in Sumner
For the second-straight year, residents can get up close with the finest in Italian automotive design Sept. 17 during the Flowers and Ferraris fund-raising event.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, September 29, 2005)

Sumner School District discusses 2004-05 WASL results
The results are in for the Washington Assessment of Student Learning and the Sumner School District is happy with where they’re heading.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, September 29, 2005)

Bell-ringing tradition continues
Liberty Ridge Elementary students ring in new school year
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, September 27, 2005)

Plans, ticket sales under way for Class of 2006 graduation party
September 28 2005 Graduation is nine months away, but Sumner parents already are planning for the celebration. The SAFE Grad Night Party planning committee meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of the month at Sumner High School. The group is planning a no-drug, no-alcohol event for seniors, and parents and guard...
(Published in The News Tribune, September 28, 2005)

Elvis has a new gig in Sumner, not Vegas
Chuck Eychaner may have entered the building, but Elvis is on hiatus.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, September 15, 2005)

‘Elvis has left the building’ new principal proclaims
Although she has a wacky pair of shoes to fill, the new Victor Falls Elementary School Principal, Beth Dykman, is finding her own style with a pair of experienced pumps befitting a longtime powerful principal.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, September 15, 2005)

High school boasts more than a new building
While teens are swooning over the new building that will be their sanctuary of learning beginning at the end of this month, parents might be more interested to know the changes in curricula the new Bonney Lake High School building brings.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, September 6, 2005)

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