Sumner High School

Spartans In The News

Sumner High School musicians earn top honors
For the second consecutive year, the Sumner High School Symphonic Bands both received Superior (I) ratings at the Valley Region Band Contest, held this year at Thomas Jefferson High School in Federal Way. The grade 9 and 10 Symphonic Band's overall Superior was a result of a I-, I-, and a II+ from the panel of three highly respected music educators, while the grade 11 and 12 Symphonic Band received a I-, I- and I in the selections they performed in front of the same judging panel.

The Valley Region is considered one of the finest regions in the state for Symphonic Bands. "While these same students work very hard to achieve excellence in the Marching Band and Jazz Ensembles, the Symphonic Bands are considered to be the core-element of the band program," says Band Director Joe Carl.

Students will stage talent show to benefit ailing coach, teacher
Sumner students will hold a talent show March 7 and 8 to support teacher Curt Brown. The Mr. Curt Brown Benefit Night will begin at 7 p.m. both nights at Sumner Performing Arts Center, 1707 Main St. Students from Sumner High and Bonney Lake High will perform. Brown teaches seventh grade at ...
(Published in The News Tribune, February 20, 2008)

Six jazz bands to combine for dance and auction fundraiser
Sumner jazz bands will present The Big Band Dance & Auction on Feb. 23. The event will feature performances by jazz bands from Sumner High School, Bonney Lake High School, Lakeridge Middle School, Mountain View Middle School, Sumner Middle School and White River High School. The gathering w...
(Published in The News Tribune, February 13, 2008)

Sumner High drama students run the show
For the first time, Sumner High School students manage the lights, sound and sets of an entire play production
(Published in the Puyallup Herald, January 24, 2008)

Math careers abound
At Sumner High School’s first Math Career Night, 13 professionals who use numbers on the job aimed to take the mystery out of math.
The event drew more than 100 students and parents and offered a glimpse into the way careers such as oceanography and foresting involve math on a regular basis.
“I wanted kids to know how they can possibly use math,” said Sumner High School math teacher Kim Fergus, who organized the event.
(Published in the Puyallup Herald, January 17, 2008)

IB or not to be?
Students enrolled in Sumner High’s International Baccalaureate program reflect on their experience thus far

As the first few months of the school year wind down into winter break, students recently enrolled in Sumner’s International Baccalaureate program maintain their sense of humor — and that’s vital, considering the size of high school junior Robyn Dolson’s enormous binder, crammed with notes and homework.

And that mammoth covers just one day of classes.

“Somehow we’ll all survive,” joked student Erinn Carlson, who is also a junior enrolled in the rigorous program.
(Published in the Puyallup Herald, December 20, 2007)

Sumner High earns Learning Improvement Award

Sumner High School has earned Honorable Mention in the 2007 State Superintendent's Learning Improvement Award for remarkable gains in student mathematics and reading scores. This new award was created by State Superintendent Dr. Terry Bergeson to celebrate students, teachers, administrators, parents, schools and communities for gains made in student achievement and preparing our children to learn, work, live and succeed in the 21st century.

Dr. Bergeson says in a letter to Principal Bill Gaines and the staff at Sumner High School, "When we say honorable mention, we use the term with great respect and pride. Not only did your school meet high standards in mathematics and reading in 2007, but was also among the schools that have moved at least half of their students at least one level in mathematics and reading over the past six years."

"You are doing amazing things in your school. You're helping to revolutionize the way schools help kids learn, and confirming the courageous conviction that all kids can learn. Everyone should recognize that you are changing students' lives and, in doing so, literally changing the world."

"Please share our congratulations, our heartfelt thanks, and our best wishes with the wonderful students and families in your school."

Homecoming goes on, despite windstorm
Sumner High School students, parents and future Spartans enjoy annual parade, carnival, Homecoming game, Saturday dance
Roxanne Cooke / of the Herald
Last week’s windstorm almost put a halt to a time-honored tradition at Sumner High School: Homecoming.
The school lost power last Thursday, resulting in the cancellation of after-school activities that day, said Superintendent Gil Mendoza.
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, October 25, 2007)

Sumner High marching band stays active during the summer
Just because it's summer doesn't mean it's vacation for the Sumner High School marching band. Students are practicing twice a week to prepare for several appearances over the next two months, according to a news release. The band is under the direction of Joe Carl. The band already performed in the Cedar Ridge Neighborhood Forth of July Parade in Bonney Lake. Upcoming appearances include the Capital Lakefair Parade on July 21 in Olympia, the Seattle Seafair Torchlight Parade on July 28 and the Spirit of the Sea Festival Parade in White Rock, B.C., on Aug. 5. Altogether, the band will be seen by more than half a million spectators, according to the news release.
(Published in The News Tribune, July 11, 2007)

Sumner High gears up for advanced program
Donald Eismann’s dream of IB program becomes a reality this September
At the beginning of Eismann's 31-year career in the Sumner School District, schools weren't up to the high academic standards that IB demands, Gaines said. ...
(Published in The Puyallup Herald, July 5, 2007)

Sumner High to offer rigorous program
The News Tribune
Highly motivated teens can satisfy their hunger to learn this September in Sumner High School’s new International Baccalaureate Diploma program. ...
(Published in The News Tribune, July 5, 2007)