To assist you in making informed choices for the school board race, members of the QUEST/PAGE ABC Board developed a brief list of questions for the Puyallup School Board candidates.  We wanted to gain a better understanding of each candidate’s stance on highly capable education, and his or her commitment to preserve and expand programming such as that offered by QUEST, PAGE, and AP.

All six candidates received the questions via email on Thursday, October 27; here are the responses we have received: Pat Jenkins, Therese Ngo Pasquier, and Chris Ihrig. We’ll post additional responses received as they come in.

Pat Jenkins (Position 3) – responses received on Thursday, October 27

1) What will you do as a school board member to ensure that the basic educational needs of our highly capable learners, from kindergarten through 12th grade, will continue to be met?

Perhaps the most important thing is to help hold the state to its constitutional responsibility to fund basic education first. That obligation isn’t being met, and any further cuts in state funding will only make that shortfall worse. The state can’t be allowed to only talk about supporting basic education, including highly capable programs. We need action from the state level, as difficult as it may be, to help carry out our mission locally.

2) What can you do as a school board member to help us better identify and serve students who are not currently being served by our QUEST, PAGE and AP programs?

I would reach out to ABC and any other interested parties to welcome and encourage input on ways that our service of highly capable learners could be improved. I would share that input with the board and the district administration, and then work with the administration and parents to ensure that the needs of students are being met to the best of the district’s ability.

Therese Ngo Pasquier (Position 2)– responses received on Thursday, October 27

1) What will you do as a school board member to ensure that the basic educational needs of our highly capable learners, from Kindergarten through 12th grade, will continue to be met?

As a board member, I will continue to advocate for our children’s education. I know that WA state passed the landmark basic education reform that included protection for the highly capable program. I would work closely with the WA State PTA to ensure this advocacy continues. Strength in numbers, I always say. We need to create relationships with our state legislature, so funding for basic education remains a top priority. I know Bruce Dammeier is a proponent of education reform, and he would be a great champion.

Another idea would be to find private money from foundations that support K-12, and direct this money toward the program. These gifted students are our future leaders and innovators, and we need to provide them with all the tools they need for success.

2) What can you do as a school board member to help us better identify and serve students who are not currently being served by our QUEST, PAGE, and AP programs?

The question has always been about access. We need to advocate for a standard definition of highly capable and remove any accessibility barriers, especially to minority children or ones in the low socioeconomic status or have a disability. These students are highly underrepresented in this program. Even when they are identified, access to these programs has been uneven. I know OSPI has a very fluid definition right now, allowing districts to make its own decisions about access to highly capable program. For me, it about creating an entire curriculum that continues to challenge them, not just one AP class. And we need to develop multiple measures to help identify these gifted students.

I will work with teachers, administrators, parents, and other subject matter experts to ensure this program remains a priority in the district, too.

Chris Ihrig (Position 5)– responses received on Friday, October 28

1) What will you do as a school board member to ensure that the basic educational needs of our highly capable learners, from Kindergarten through 12th grade, will continue to be met?

It is the board of directors’ paramount duty to ensure that the basic educational needs of ALL students be met as we guide the district in its strategic and operational decisions. This includes one of the key learning groups you raise, the highly capable learner. Yesterday’s announcement by the Governor, one of many in recent years, of another 2 billion in cuts is extremely concerning. At the top of her list of cuts are funds that directly support schools. The levy equalization piece being only one of those recommended cuts directly translates into a possible 6.1 million reduction in funds for Puyallup. And that is only the beginning. We are facing significant challenges financially because of our state government’s unwillingness to meet their constitutional responsibilities to fund basic education. As a community we must put all our efforts to not let this travesty continue at the expense of our student. But that is enough of that soap-box. I am sure you and your group are fully aware of these challenges and I look forward to working together to find solutions.

As a board member I see my responsibility in this area falling into two distinct paths: 1) Make sure we do everything possible to maximize the revenues and resources coming into the district and 2) that we are stewards of each and every resource we have. Essential programs that speak to basic education and the classroom learning, including those impacting highly capable students, must be maintained at the highest priority. For the next several years it may be more about preserving, not losing ground, versus expansion and growth.

2) What can you do as a school board member to help us better identify and serve students who are not currently being served by our QUEST, PAGE, and AP programs?

Great question. As a father of 4 in the district, two of my four were identified as potential QUEST participants and each of my older kids has been involved in AP programs when available to them. Each of these is outstanding programs that bring value, opportunity and direct impact in the lives of our students. We absolutely must find ways to better utilize these resources to a broader audience – when there is a need and match.

In some ways, there is a lack of understanding of these programs in the broader community. Parents don’t fully understand nor take on the responsibility of advocating and accessing these programs. Locations of the programs need to be more local to neighborhood schools. As a board member, I see these programs as important, relevant and an exceptional resource in helping us meet the needs of our diverse student population. We need to fight for them, expand them when possible and make them accessible to a broader audience. As we strive for a district of national excellent and educational leadership, programs like QUEST, PAGE, AP and others will be the backbone of our impact and results.

Dane Looker (Position 2) – responses received on Thursday, November 3

ABC, the Academic Booster Club, is a group of students, parents, teachers, and administrators who have joined together to help meet the unique needs of our highly capable children. We provide support for teachers in the QUEST and PAGE programs by helping to pay for continuing education on topics related to gifted children. We have funded classroom needs to meet some of the unusual demands of our students. We advocate for gifted education in our District, State, and Nation. ABC is also a resource for families. We sponsor social events that allow our children and families to get together with their peers, outside the classroom. This year, ABC also plans to sponsor a SENG parent support group. SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted) trains parent facilitators to lead discussion groups of parents who wish to learn more about how to understand and meet the social and emotional needs of their gifted children. Look for more information about ABC and what we’re doing in future newsletters, through this website, or by becoming a fan of the Academic Booster Club of Puyallup on Facebook. We invite you to join us and lend your voice in our community.

Amy Prezbindowski
ABC President
ABC is a nonprofit, 501 (C)(3) organization

Many opportunities for involvement exist in the Academic Booster Club. We have a need for parents to serve on the board and to help with several committees. Whether you have a little or a lot of time to offer, we can use your help. For information please contact us or call the QUEST office at 841-8751.

For the full rules, please see our 2011 ABC Auction Rules.

Item #1 – One Hour Somassage

• Courtesy The Body Beyond
• Valued at $150
• Minimum Bid $50
• No minimum bid received.

Item #2 – Mary Kay Cosmetics Basket

• Donated by Paige Brauen
• Valued at $40
• Minimum Bid $15
• No minimum bid received.

Item #3 – Camp Berachah Primary Camp

• For Ages 6 – 9
• July 7 – 9, 2011
• Valued at $151
• Minimum Bid $75
• No minimum bid received.

Item #4 – Young Writer’s Package

• Donated by Children’s Bookshop & Teaching Supplies
• 
• Perfect for the aspiring young author or journalist
• Valued at $20
• Minimum Bid $10
• Winning Bid $30

Item #5 – Columbia Winery Discount Certificate

• Certificate for 30% off Purchase from Columbia Winery
• Columbia Winery is Washington’s first premium winery, producing distinctive Washington wines from European vinifera grapes since 1962.
• Located in Woodinville
• Value is up to you
• Minimum Bid $15
• No minimum bid received.

Item #6 – Mariners Tickets

• Donated by Dan and Karen Oyama
• 4 Tickets to the Mariners game on Saturday, June 4th against the Tampa Bay Rays, plus a parking pass
• Tickets are valued at $156
• Minimum Bid $80
• Winning Bid $81

Item #7 – Sonicare Toothbrush

• Donated by Dr. George G. Ghosn
• 
• Valued at $120
• Minimum Bid $50
• Winning Bid $50

Item #9 – A Day at the Races at Emerald Downs

• Donated by Emerald Downs
• Certificate for “A Day at the Races”, reserved seating for four. Gift certificate includes admission, official programs, and reserved seating for four on a mutually agreeable date.
• Valued at $60
• Minimum Bid $20
• Valid April 15, 2011 through September 25th, 2011.
• Winning Bid $25

Item #10 – South Sound 2011 Entertainment Book

• 2011 Edition South Sound Region Entertainment Book
• 
• Coupon Savings could easily surpass your generous bid
• Valued at $15
• Minimum Bid $10
• No minimum bid received.

Item #11 – Spa Supplies

• Pamper yourself at home with this basket donated by Kristi Harris, www.mountainsoapworks.com
• 
• Valued at $50
• Minimum Bid $25
• No minimum bid received.

Item #12 – Mel Korum YMCA Family Membership

• Donated by the Mel Korum YMCA
• 3 Month family membership, including initial sign up fees
• Valued at $400
• Minimum Bid $100
• Expires 5/31/2012
• Winning Bid $150

Item #13 – Museum of Flight

• Four admissions to the Museum of Flight.
• Valued at $60
• Minimum Bid $30
• Passes expire December 31, 2011.
• Winning Bid $35

Item #14 – Pacific Science Center

• Four passes to exhibits and an IMAX film at the Pacific Science Center.
• Valued at $60
• Minimum Bid $30
• Passes expire 11/30/2011
• Winning Bid $30

Item #16 – Pioneer Farm Museum and OHOP Indian Village

• Donated by the Pioneer Farm Museum
• Family Pass, good for one tour.
• Valued at $30
• Minimum Bid $10
• Winning Bid $10

Item #17 – Four Hours of Handyman Repair Work (1)

• Four hours of Handyman Repair work from a licensed contractor, Quality Home Repair and Remodel. Have a larger project? Consider bidding on both lots.
• Valued at $160
• Minimum Bid $80
• Location of work must be within 25 miles of Puyallup. Materials not included.
• No minimum bid received.

Item #18 – Four Hours of Handyman Repair Work (2)

• Four hours of Handyman Repair work from a licensed contractor, Quality Home Repair and Remodel. Have a larger project? Consider bidding on both lots.
• Valued at $160
• Minimum Bid $80
• Location of work must be within 25 miles of Puyallup. Materials not included.
• No minimum bid received.

Item #19 – Dental Whitening from Sammy B.D. Pak, DDS

• Donated by Dr. Sammy B.D. Pak, DDS
• Certificate for Dental Whitening System. Impressions and custom trays will be made at initial visit. Trays and materials will be delivered at follow-up visit.
• Valued at $199
• Minimum Bid $100
• Schedule appointment between June 2011 and June 2012.
• No minimum bid received.

Item #20 – Seattle Mariners Promotional Items Collection

• Items include Ken Griffey Jr. Swingman Batting Gloves, 2011 Opening Night Banner, Salute to Armed Forces Night Coin, 2011 – 2012 Calendar, and more…
• 
• A single ticket to each game where these items were available would total at least $50
• Minimum Bid $10
• No minimum bid received.

Item #21 – South Hill Best Western Park Plaza Queen Suite

• One night in a Queen Suite at the South Hill Best Western Park Plaza
• Valued at $120
• Minimum Bid $50
• Winning Bid $51

Item #22 – Sylvan Learning Center Package

• Donated by the Puyallup Sylvan Learning Center
• Complete Skills Assessment; 4 hours of personalized program instruction or homework support; basket of school supplies and puzzles
• 
• Valued at $200
• Minimum Bid $75
• No minimum bid received.

Item #23 – Tacoma Rainiers Tickets

• Four reserved tickets for a 2011 home game at Cheney Stadium.
• Valued at $40
• Minimum Bid $20
• Tickets valid for Sunday through Thursday games only.
• No minimum bid received.

Item #24 – The Children’s Museum of Seattle

• Donated by the Children’s Museum of Seattle
• One Family Fun Pack
• Valued at $30
• Minimum Bid $15
• No minimum bid received.

Item #25 – The Exhibitor’s Mall China Gift Basket

• Includes China serving bowl, platter, cream pitcher, and sugar bowl
• 
• Valued at $60
• Minimum Bid $20
• No minimum bid received.

Item #26 – Trellis Cafe

• $25 Gift Certificate
• Located at the Exhibitor’s Mall
• Valued at $25
• Minimum Bid $10
• No minimum bid received.

Item #27 – Puyallup Fair Admissions

• Four gate admissions to the 2011 Puyallup Fair.
• Valued at $50.
• Minimum Bid $20
• Winning Bid $25

Item #28 – Wild Waves

• Donated by Wild Waves
• Two single day admission tickets
• Valued at $80
• Minimum Bid $30
• Winning Bid $36

Item #29 – Tupperware Gift Basket

• Donated by Margaret Mason
• Chip & Dip Bowl Set, large crystal wave microwave dish, 2 medium storage containers, 2 small containers, misc. tools
• Valued at $74
• Minimum Bid $35
• No minimum bid received.

Item #30 – Custom Made Decorated Cake

• Donated by Katie Stringer
• 
• Made to order, 3 layer, 9″ or 10″ cake, your choice of flavors. Cake pictured is one option: chocolate w/ cookies and cream filling, whipped chocolate ganache frosting. Need 3 weeks advance notice of date needed. Availability based on baker’s schedule.
• Approx value $50.00-$80.00 based on type of cake selected.
• Minimum Bid $25
• Winning Bid $30

Item #31 – Beginning Quilting Kit

• Donated by Carol O’Brien
• 
• Approx value $20
• Minimum Bid $10
• No minimum bid received.

Item #32 – Autographed Children’s Book

• Donated by Carol O’Brien
• Mimi’s Sunrise Surprise by Joan M. Thomas
• 
• Approx value $15
• Minimum Bid $5
• No minimum bid received.

Item #33 – Signed 5×7 Photo Print of “Palouse Dawn from Steptoe Butte”

• Donated by Carolina Smith
• 
• Print is professionally matted and signed by the photographer.
• Valued at $25
• Minimum Bid $10
• Winning Bid $16

Item #35 – Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium Passes

• Two gate admissions to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.
• Valid through 5/10/2012
• Not Valid for Zoo Lights
• Valued at $27.
• Minimum Bid $15
• Winning Bid $15

Item #34 – Make a Donation to ABC!

• Didn’t see anything you want to bid on, but still want to help? Submitted a bid and want to make a donation, too? Any contributions are greatly appreciated. ABC has received a pledge to match up to the first $500 donated by our members. Your $20 becomes $40! Your $50 becomes $100!
• Value – Priceless.
• Minimum Bid: No Minimum.
• ABC is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. Your contribution to ABC Supports our Highly Capable Program. We will contact you at the close of bidding regarding your donation, or you can use our PayPal link now.
• A total of $50 was donated.

While we don’t know for certain what the legislature will decide, or when they will ultimately decide it, the leadership of the Puyallup School District can’t wait and has been hard at work writing their own budget proposal for next year.  The District expects to need to make about $6.5 million in cuts for the 2011 – 2012 school year.  In deciding where those cuts would come from, the District used the Governor’s proposed budget as a starting point.  As the Governor’s proposal contained no funding for highly capable, the District assumed that they would not receive the approximately $195,000 next year that they received from the state this year.    To reflect that reduction, the District’s 2011 – 2012 budget contains a $10,000 cut to highly capable programming.  While we would obviously prefer the QUEST and PAGE programs not be cut, and in a better financial situation would seek for the expansion of highly capable services, we understand that difficult choices have to be made.  ABC will continue to work with the Washington Coalition for Gifted Education and other local parent organizations to try to protect state funding for our students.  We don’t know at this time if a better outcome at the state level may result in the restoration of the $10,000 District cut.