StaffLinks - Auburn School District

V O L U M E
16
I S S U E 4
M a r c h / A p r i l 2 0 1 3
StaffLinks
this issue...
Auburn School District
Adopts University of
Washington Center for
Educational Leadership
5 Dimensions of
Teaching and Learning
Instructional Framework
Directors’ Recognition:
March
Classified Inservice
Highlights
Virtual W-2s
Becoming a World-Class
Education System
New School Websites
Improve Communication
Between Schools &
Families
AHS Project: A New
Chapter Begins
Directors’ Recognition:
April
ATLA Welcomes Guest
Instructor
www.auburn.wednet.edu
Auburn School District Adopts University
of Washington Center for Educational
Leadership 5 Dimensions of Teaching and
Learning Instructional Framework
Auburn School District has
adopted the University of
Washington Center for Educational
Leadership 5 Dimensions of
Teaching and Learning Instructional
Framework (CEL 5D) to support the
professional growth of teachers and
enhance the quality of teaching and
learning district-wide.
Washington State Senate Bills 6696 and 5895 requires districts to select and
implement one of three state-approved instructional frameworks. All three
frameworks align to the eight criteria outlined in the state-required, teacherprincipal
evaluation tool.
In April 2012, a committee comprised of teachers, AEA, principals and
administrators reviewed the 3 state-approved instructional framework
models and recommended CEL 5D to the Auburn School Board for approval
and adoption. The committee continues to meet to ensure the successful
implementation of CEL 5D in Auburn.
District staff members and the Auburn School Board selected CEL 5D because
it complements the work already underway in the classroom to raise student
achievement, including teacher collaboration and PLCs, standards-based
learning and reporting, and the mining of student data to determine where
students are at and how to move them to the next level.
According to Lakeland Hills Elementary School Principal Ryan Foster, “CEL 5D
is a great fit with our work in PLCs and using student data to look at where
students are at academically and then determining how we can get them to the
next level. This is a tool that can help our staff increase students’ ability to learn
and be critical thinkers and problem solvers.”
...continued on Page 2
CEL 5D
Fast Facts
• Washington State legislation
requires districts to select and
implement 1 of 3 state-approved
instructional framework models.
• Auburn selected the University
of Washington Center for
Educational Leadership 5
Dimensions of Teaching and
Learning Instructional
Framework (CEL 5D).
• CEL 5D best aligns with the
district’s current teaching and
learning practices already
underway to increase student
achievement.
• The CEL 5D instructional
framework outlines five
dimensions of high quality
teaching. It helps teachers
and leaders develop a common
language and shared vision
about the five foundational
elements.
• 150 Auburn teachers will be
trained in CEL 5D and serve as
resources in the schools.
• FAQ sheet to be released in the
near future.
• Please email any additional
questions to the TPEP Advisory
Committee at
CEL5D@auburn.wednet.edu

StaffLinks March/April 2013
...continued from page 1
During the 2012-13 school year, 150 teachers received training in the CEL 5D instructional framework (see participating teachers below). Ultimately,
these teachers will serve as CEL 5D knowledge ‘experts’ for staff in their respective schools.
Developed from multiyear research efforts at the University of Washington, CEL 5D is an instructional framework that outlines the five dimensions—
or foundational elements—of high quality teaching. CEL 5D helps teachers and leaders develop a common language of instruction that defines
teaching and learning along the five dimensions: purpose, student engagement, curriculum and pedagogy, assessment for student learning, and
classroom environment and culture.
CEL 5D allows teachers to be more intentional in delivery of instruction and other key teaching and learning practices. For example, the tool can be
used as the “lens” for classroom observations, as a guide for teachers, and as a reference during lesson planning and staff meetings about instructional
practices.
“The framework creates safety to share among peers, increases communication between teachers and principals, and is a guide to ensure we meet
all five foundations of teaching,” says Katie Anderson, Washington Elementary School fifth grade teacher.
CEL 5D Teachers and Administrators in Training
Highlighted names indicate members of the Auburn School District Instructional Framework Advisory Committee, which also includes Arleen
Burkhalter and Tim Cummings.
Auburn High School
Beth Cockcroft, Jason Capps,
Richard Zimmerman, Adam Ladage,
Keith Rodman, Brandi Cole,
Katie Henry, Angie Stubblefield,
Lori Grimm, Roger Lee,
Tom McDermott, Ericka Connelly,
Jim Cleary, Erica Hinson, Lacey Way,
Stacy Jordison
Cascade Middle School
Casey Killett, Dan McNeese,
Darice Johnson, Paulette Fonda,
Eric Howe, Sandra Luettgen,
Kanika Watkins-Gatlin,
Isaiah Johnson
Alpac Elementary
Tana Miller, Diane Collier,
Adrienne Heier, Julie McKenzie,
Suzie Chipps-Freeman
Evergreen Heights Elementary
Marcia Gervin-Gillyard, Anne
Gayman, Leah Littell, Laure Akins
Auburn Mountainview
High School
Anecia Grigsby, Heidi Bendt,
Terri Herren, Tori Ammons,
Douglas Gonzales, Evie Hammer,
Andrea McHenry, Jared Gervais,
Leslie Tauzer, Cary Davidson,
Patti Eckelman, Steve DuBay,
Monte Eckelman
Mt. Baker Middle School
Becky Marcotte, Ann Durham,
Greg Brown, Micala Root,
Vallery McCann, Jana Jo Uhlendorf,
Kathy Lantz, Bruce Jacobs,
Denise Wheeler
Arthur Jacobsen Elementary
Debbie McGaughey, Eric Daniel,
April Jackson, Naomi Elliott
Auburn Riverside High School
Geri Rohlff, Tim Wright,
Dave Halford, Judy Shaw,
Julie Moberg, Gina Sandland,
Kathy Lobdell, Shawna Leonard,
Frank Ramirez, Andrew Monsen,
Shawn Kilgallon, Kaisa Swendall-
White, Corin Malone, Susan James,
Nola Wilson
Olympic Middle School
Tracy Sherin, Molly Richardson,
Paul Cooper, Jason Hill,
Laura Hogenson, Karri Millican,
Seraphine Gerber, John Aiken
West Auburn High School
Thomas Parsons, Lenny Holloman,
Bill Stoliker
Rainier Middle School
Sonya Rempfer, Christy Gullard,
Ben Talbert, Robin Light,
Tracy Brennan, John Erickson,
Cheri Snyder, Kristin Todd, Joni Flory,
Doug Burnham
Dick Scobee Elementary
Beth Raines, Adam Couch,
Amanda Brooks, Jennifer Riestra,
Dara Lindberg, Sarah Lysene
Ilalko Elementary
Cynthia Blau, Tim Carstens,
Jesslyn Kuzaro, Neely Jarrell,
Maribeth Surber
Pioneer Elementary
Laurel Lee, Debra Gary, Jessica Lewis,
Linda Mattox
Chinook Elementary
Lindsey Johnson, Jennifer Davidson,
Lisa Mason, Jill Hopkins
Gildo Rey Elementary
Heather Hartley, Colleen Barlow,
Travis Goodlett, Jim Smith,
Deanna Tompkins
Lakeland Hills Elementary
Kelly Maloney, Ryan Foster,
Sarah Karow, Susan Schuman,
Steven Lewis, Greg Prain
Washington Elementary
Cathy deJong, Pauline Thomas,
Kelli Monagin, John Markwell,
Katie Anderson
Hazelwood Elementary
Jocelyn Luettgen, Sally Colburn,
Amber Carter, Holly Donnelly,
Julie McBane, Gary Morris
Lea Hill Elementary
Kym Nelson, Ed Herda,
Connie Say-O’Donnell, Lori Prince,
Treena Daniels
Annex and Central Office
Rhonda Larson, Tami Petrina,
Clark Crace, Louanne Decker,
Rod Luke, Mike Newman,
Kip Herren, Debbie Leighton,
Heidi Harris, Cindi Blansfield,
Julie DeBolt, Gordon O’Dell
Lake View Elementary
Erika Moore, Mike Weibel,
Megan Orr, Sharon Borton,
Kim Allen, Lisa Berry
Terminal Park Elementary
Leah McIntyre, Tom Dudley,
John Harlor, Marlene Hanson,
Stephanie Anderson
AEA
Dianne Jordan
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StaffLinks March/April 2013
Directors’ Recognition: March
Supporting Students’ Health and
Wellness
Child Nutrition Services
office manager Tammy
Gates supports the smooth
daily operations of the school
district’s breakfast and lunch
programs. She oversees central
office operations including
payroll, budget, management of
sub and floater pools, new staff
orientation, technology, meal
payments and, last but not least,
free and reduced priced meal
student eligibility.
During a school year, the Child
Nutrition Services Department
typically processes over 6,000
free and reduced applications,
which ensure eligible students
receive meal benefits. She extends
compassion to families in need and
guides them through the process.
According to Tammy, “Children
learn better when they are well
nourished. Our goal is to ensure
all students have access to healthy
foods so they are ready to learn.”
Tammy has served as office
manager for one-and-a-half
years and previously as the
CNS administrative assistant for
11 years. She has helped the
department through rigid USDA
and OSPI student eligibility audits.
Additionally, Tammy was the first
administrative assistant in the
Auburn School District to complete
the secretary apprenticeship
through the State of Washington
and has served as the AAEOP chair
for the apprenticeship program.
According to Tammy, “I work
with great people in the district.
We work together as a cohesive
team and support each other in
our various roles.”
Prior to working in the district,
Tammy completed pre-nursing
and business courses, and worked
as an accounting assistant.
Tammy lives near Auburn with
her husband. Her two children
attended Auburn schools.
Currently, Tammy’s daughter is
a NICU nurse at Duke University
Medical Center and her son is
pursuing a master’s degree in
social work.
Upcoming School Board
Meetings
March 25, 2013 at 7 p.m.
April 8, 2013 at 7 p.m.
April 22, 2013 at 7 p.m.
James P. Fugate
Administration Building
915 4th Street Northeast
Public and staff
are welcome!
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Classified Inservice Highlights
On Monday, March 11, classified staff participated in a wide selection
of inservice opportunities during the waiver/inservice day. Along
with the wonderful training opportunities, staff enjoyed a complementary
lunch.
Staff took advantage of the following timely and practical classes:
• Classified Benefits
• Time Clock & Employee Access
• SafeSchools Training
• Microsoft Outlook 2007
• Retirement
• Introduction to Spanish for Support Staff
• Disrespectful Students and How to Deal With Them
Executive director of human resources, Debbie Leighton, and the
Classified Inservice Advisory Committee organized the day’s
agenda and are interested in any feedback staff members
may have about the sessions they attended or possible topics
for future inservice opportunities. To contact Debbie or the
committee, please e-mail dleighton@auburn.wednet.edu or call
253-931-4918.
Virtual W-2s
This year the payroll
department gave
employees the option
of receiving their W-2
electronically.
One thousand one
hundred and nine
employees (45% of staff) chose this method instead of receiving a hard
copy of their W-2. The district saved over $4,500 with employees choosing
to receive their W-2s electronically. Employees that chose the electronic
version received an e-mail on January 9, notifying them the W-2s were
ready. These employees were able to log into Employee Access and print
their W-2s at that time, allowing them to be able to start filing taxes. All
hard copies of W-2s were mailed later in the month.
Employees can access their W-2s by logging into Skyward Web Access/
Employee Information/Payroll/W-2 information. Click on the year you
would like to view, go to the right side of the screen and click on the
box “View W-2.” An information box will appear asking, “Do you want to
open or save this file” Click on the “Open” button. Your W-2 will appear in
Adobe Reader. You are able to print a copy from here.

StaffLinks March/April 2013
Becoming a World-Class Education
System
Auburn School District 2013-2016
Strategic Improvement Plan
The number one priority of the
Auburn School District is student
academic achievement. In January
2013, the Auburn School Board of
Directors adopted and approved
a Strategic Improvement Plan to
guide the district through the next three years. The plan is a blueprint
for continuous improvement and world-class academic success for
every student in grades K-12.
The Auburn School District 2009-2012 Strategic Improvement Plan is
recognized as the catalyst of district transformation and cultural change.
The plan successfully improved student learning and closed achievement
gaps. In October 2012, a committee comprised of teachers, administrators,
parents, community members, and consultants reviewed and realigned
the 2009-2012 Strategic Improvement Plan to address the next three
years, 2013-2016.
The new 2013-2016 Strategic Improvement Plan builds upon the
foundation and is designed to promote and sustain professional learning
communities, align instruction with learning standards, reduce dropout
rates, increase on-time graduation, prepare all students for career
and college, leverage partnerships with parents/guardians and the
community, and focus district policy and resources to support student
learning.
What Are the 2013-2016 Strategic Improvement Goals
Goal 1: Student Achievement
All staff in the Auburn School District provide support, leadership and
guidance to ensure each student meets or exceeds state and district
standards, graduates on time, and is prepared for career and college.
GOAL 2: Community Engagement
All staff in the Auburn School District are accountable for engaging its
diverse community as partners to support and sustain a world-class
education system.
Goal 3: Policies and Resource Management
Auburn School District policies and resources are aligned to the
strategic plan.
The 2013-2016 Strategic Improvement Plan sets the expectation that each
student regardless of ethnicity, language, disability or income level can
achieve high standards of learning. The strategies developed to meet the
goals are designed to accelerate students from where they are in their
learning, ensure they meet and exceed standards, graduate on time, and
are prepared for career, college, and success beyond high school.
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New School Websites Improve
Communication Between Schools
and Families
The new and improved district website and 22 school websites that
launched in August 2012 are improving communication between
schools and families. The easy-to-navigate websites are filled with timely,
relevant information. Check your school’s homepage for breaking news,
upcoming events, emergency school closures and more. You will also find:
• A language translation and search feature
• A bus route and school locator
• A staff directory
• Real-time calendars for each school and district office
• Lunch menus (and pay for school meals online)
• Student Learning information
• Employment opportunities
• Family Access
Additionally, teacher web pages on the new school websites will go live
by May 31. Staff, students and families will have access to course expectations,
homework, resources, class calendars and more.
Each teacher can customize their web page to meet the needs of their
students and families. In fact, the new teacher web pages offer advanced
functionality including:
• Personalized class calendars
• Article and link libraries
• Blogs
• Podcasts
• Forms & Surveys
The new teacher web pages even allow staff to create content on a page
and then “hide” the page until they decide it is ready to go live. They also
feature an app where teachers can create, administer, and quantify quizzes
and assessments.
In the near future, teachers will have the ability to invite and register
students, staff and parents to school events and activities.
Currently, the District’s communications and grants office is training
teachers in all schools on how to transition their SWIFT teacher web pages
onto the new, user-friendly tool.
For more information about the new websites please contact Amy
Spence at aspence@auburn.wednet.edu or (253) 931-4713.

StaffLinks March/April 2013
Auburn High School Project:
A New Chapter Begins
On February 24, Auburn
School District students,
staff, families and community
members gathered to celebrate a
new beginning for Auburn High
School (AHS) during the official
groundbreaking ceremony.
Superintendent Kip Herren and
Auburn School Board President
Janice Nelson welcomed guests
and thanked the community for
their commitment and support to
provide 21st Century teaching and
learning facilities for all students.
Auburn School District studentleaders
were recognized by AHS
Principal Richard Zimmerman.
Additionally, AHS Associated
Student Body President Adam
Luk shared his excitement about a
new facility and how it will impact
future generations of Auburn
students.
The ceremony concluded
as the Auburn School Board,
Superintendent, AHS Principal,
Architect and Contractor turned
the first sod.
The first phase of construction
began on February 25.
For more information visit the
AHS Project website at http://
ahsproject.auburn.wednet.edu/.
Directors’ Recognition: April
Life’s a Musical
Kathy Garrido’s kindergarten
classroom at Gildo Rey
Elementary School resonates
with music and a love of learning.
Kindergarteners often recite their
ABCs, vocabulary and days of the
week in song. According to Kathy,
“I hope to teach young children to
love learning. I use music to engage
the students in their learning, both
academically and socially.”
For 25 years, Kathy has taught
kindergarten at Gildo Rey. And for
the past 13 years, Kathy and MJ
McDonald, founder of the Puget
Sound Musical Theater, have
written, produced and directed
Gildo Rey’s annual spring musical.
This year’s musical, “Love You
Forever,” is loosely adapted by the
book of the same name. The allschool
musical features 40-50
students across grade levels. All
students who audition are cast
into the musical and rehearse
for six weeks after school prior
to opening night. Students
perform for families during
an evening performance and
for the student body during a
school-wide assembly.
Two of Kathy’s favorite musicals
were “Life’s a Musical, Charlie
Brown” and “Broadway Melodies.”
“The spring musical makes an
impact in many of the students’
lives. The positive experience helps
them build confidence,” remarks
Kathy.
Kathy especially enjoys watching
her former students continue
their passion for musical theater.
Recently she had the opportunity
to see two former Gildo Rey
students perform in Auburn
Riverside High School’s musical,
“Oliver.”
Kathy participates in early
learning workshops and summer
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music courses. She graduated from
UC Davis with a degree in sociology
and relocated to Washington State
to start a family. After raising
three children, Kathy attended
Central Washington University
and earned a bachelor’s degree
in early childhood education and
a teaching credential. “Teaching
was my calling,” says Kathy.
Kathy’s father, grandmother and
grandfather were all teachers.
In fact, her grandfather was a
superintendent of schools in
Nebraska.
Kathy plans to retire after the
2013-14 school year and focus
on yoga, gardening and her four
grandchildren. She also plans to
continue to sing with the Federal
Way Chorale. Kathy lives in Auburn
with her husband of 40 years.
According to Kathy, “I’m proud
to have spent my entire teaching
career at Gildo Rey, helping our
students become lifelong learners.”

StaffLinks March/April 2013
Auburn Teacher Leadership Academy Welcomes Guest Instructors
In its third year, the Auburn Teacher
Leadership Academy (ATLA)
continues to provide teachers
professional growth opportunities
to develop collaborative leadership
skills that improve student learning.
ATLA is a partnership between
Auburn School District and the
Center for Strengthening the
Teaching Profession (CSTP). Fifty
ATLA teachers meet as a cohort 12
times during the yearlong academy
and learn key leadership skills
including:
• Working with adult learners
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Knowledge of content and
pedagogy
• Systems thinking
On February 27-28, fifty teachers in
cohort 3 welcomed guest instructors,
Cassandra Erkens with the Pearson
Assessment Training Institute, and
Shannon Braun, Eagan High School
math teacher. Erkens and Braun
provided training on the seven
strategies of assessment for learning.
The seven strategies focus on
how teachers can effectively engage
students in their learning through
the use of formative assessments,
and help students and teachers
alike answer the following three
questions:
strategies,” says Auburn Riverside
High School science teacher Corin
Malone. “Without clear learning
Where Am I Going
targets, the effectiveness of the other
Strategy 1: Provide a clear and
strategies is weakened.”
understandable vision of the
Additionally, students will be able
learning target.
to set specific goals for their learning
Strategy 2: Use examples and models
and be able to communicate their
of strong and weak work.
strengths and goals to others as
Where Am I Now
Strategy 3: Offer regular descriptive
they answer the three questions
during any given unit of instruction.
feedback.
According to Michael Martin,
Strategy 4: Teach students to selfassess
and set goals.
Terminal Park Elementary School
fourth grade teacher, “Students can
use these assessments to determine
How Can I Close the Gap
their progress and set goals. Applying
Strategy 5: Design lessons to focus
these strategies in my classroom has
on one aspect of quality at a time.
helped my students become more
Strategy 6: Teach students focused
aware of their strengths and areas
revision.
of need. The information has been
Strategy 7: Engage students in selfreflection
and let them keep track of
especially helpful in mathematics,
where students have been explaining
and share their learning.
the learning target(s) every day,
Formative—or periodic—assessme- taking formative assessments to
nts allow both student and teacher to
monitor a student’s progress toward
the learning target. Starting with
check progress towards the target,
and reflecting on strengths and areas
for growth.”
Strategy 1, teachers must articulate Another example of these
clear learning targets so students strategies in action comes from
are aware of what they are supposed Michael Bosch’s language arts
to be learning, what it will look like
when they’ve achieved that learning,
and the different levels of progress
classroom at West Auburn High
School. He engages students in
their learning by providing time
towards mastery. “Clear learning for students to self-reflect on their
targets are integral to the other
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formative assessments, adding a
“Confident/Unsure” (C/U) to every
assessment question so students can
identify what areas they need help
on or what areas they have mastered.
According to Associate
Superintendent Rod Luke, “The
seven strategies of assessment for
learning directly align with the work
our teachers are engaged with in
their classrooms and PLC teams. The
strategies are designed to increase
student achievement by developing
a clear vision of the intended learning;
providing students with descriptive
feedback; teaching students to selfassess
and set learning goals; and
preparing students to reflect on,
track and share their learning.”
ATLA teachers received a copy
of the book, Seven Strategies of
Assessment for Learning, a workbook
of resources, and a CD with a
PowerPoint presentation and
materials that they can use to share
the learning with their colleagues.
ATLA training continues to
increase the leadership capacity of
Auburn School District teachers and
provide teachers the skills to work
collaboratively together for student
learning. The focus on teacher
leadership is increasing student
achievement. After five years, more
than 250 teachers will graduate from
the ATLA program.

StaffLinks March/April 2013
Happy
St. Patrick’s
Day!
AUBURN SCHOOL
DISTRICT
STAFF LINKS COMMITTEE
Vicki Alonzo
Andrea Hollister
Janet Nielsen-Homan
April Hurlbert
Dianne Jordan
Rick Kain
Deyanna King
Debbie Strand
SUPERINTENDENT
Dr. Kip Herren
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Janice Nelson, President
Ray Vefik
Carol Seng
Anne Baunach
Lisa Connors
Editor: Amy Spence
253-931-4713
EDITORIAL POLICY
This publication is a monthly
staff newsletter which is
published by Auburn School
District to provide timely,
accurate communication with
staff about educational programs,
activities, professional
growth opportunities and
staff recognition. The deadline
for items such as photos
or article suggestions will be
the first Friday of each month.
Materials may be submitted
to Amy Spence, (253) 931-
4 7 1 3 , J a m e s P. Fu g a t e
Administration Building,
915 4th Street NE, Auburn,
WA 98002. No personal
advertising will be printed.
Gold Star Award
Program
The Auburn School District Gold Star Award Program seeks to
recognize volunteers—individuals or groups—who provide support
to Auburn schools. The award program accepts nominations year-round
and is open to the entire community.
For more information regarding the program or to access the
nomination form, visit: http://www.auburn.wednet.edu/Page/809.
Outstanding Staff Nomination
In an effort to recognize outstanding staff members in the Auburn
School District, the Auburn School Board has established a monthly
staff recognition award. Outstanding staff members are selected and
recognized at one of the monthly board meetings and are featured in
the Staff Links newsletter.
The Staff Links newsletter committee asks you to nominate a person(s)
that has made an outstanding contribution to education, whether it is
through classroom teaching, professional development, etc.
To access the Staff Links Outstanding Staff Nomination Form, please
visit: http://www.auburn.wednet.edu/ under For Families and then
Forms.
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SUGGESTIONS OR
IDEAS
Please let the Staff Links
Newsletter Committee know
what you like,
who you would
like profiled,
what you’d like
to see more of,
etc. This is your
newsletter. Let
the Staff Links
Newsletter Committee serve
you the best way possible.
Please mail your suggestions
to:
Amy Spence
James P. Fugate
Administration Building
915 4th Street NE
Auburn, WA 98002
Or e-mail:
aspence@auburn.wednet.edu
Thank you.