Meeting Sponsor - Pat Steel

 

 

 

October 5, 2017

Tacoma, WA 

President Mark rang the bell at 12:06 pm and introduced Stephen Deal from United Way who provided the invocation. Elliot Stockstad, with his glorious voice, led the anthem sans piano and led us in the Four Way Test. Two guest were introduced; Dan Voelpel and Kathryn McCarthy. Thanks to Whitney Grisaffi and Jeremy Fogelquist for taking around the Mics.

Cards were passed around for Dick Moe who broke his pelvis and Marsha Burns, who had surgery on her leg.

Jim Henderson went through three proposed bylaw changes; To add a family membership category. Moved and seconded. One nay. Motion passed. To make changes to Corporate memberships. Moved and seconded motion carries. Changes how we elect the officers and board. Moved and seconded. Dr Chen spoke against it because he likes that we get a ballot and get to vote. Clarification there will be 7 on the officer nominating committee. A handful of nays. If you voted no or abstained please let Kathi know. All motions passed.

Debbie Regala introduced Kathryn McCarthy as our speaker.  Our school district is award winning nationally and has a slogan. 'Every student. Every day.'

Some innovation going on in our schools: Hilltop Artist program at Jason Lee. We watched a short video about Jack who is in the program. We have choice enrollment so kids can choose where they want to go to school. One in three are not at their neighborhood school.  All levels of education have specific focus to choose from. The school district partners with businesses for internships for high school students.Tech focus: a voter supported levy has allowed for computers and tech training for teachers. It expires in 2018 and will be on the February ballot. Gray Middle School is one of 7 in the US that works with Microsoft. They have a STEM class where students learn coding and created apps. The team from Gray won first, second and third in a regional competition with over 200 entries.  There is a new middle school called Thrive focused on health and fitness.  They also provide a summer program for students falling behind. Start day at pool or doing martial arts. There are bikes in the classroom for ADHD students. It is not disruptive and helps students learn. They have a state of the art gym. Their newest High School is IDEA, Industrial Design Engineering and Art. Kathryn shared a video featuring a student named Josiah. They partner with businesses to learn hands on like Second Cycle. For more information go to TacomaKidsHaveIt.org There were a few questions; They have 30 preschools. Only one that costs is Montessori. Do you still teach cursive? Depends on teacher. Do you have partnerships with local businesses for training? Yes. Can students change schools if it's not working for them? Yes we have them work with their counselor.

Becky Fontaine introduced one of our Outbound Exchange Students from last year, Skye Lanz who was in Japan. She shared a slide show. She had four host families. She is very enthusiastic about her year and now speaks fluent conversational Japanese!

LaTasha Wortham, was the meeting sponsor on behalf of Hilltop Artists. She shared information on the program and is happy to give tours as a board member. She announced their luncheon on Oct 3 at 11 am at the Murano.

Pamela Transue celebrated birthdays. Maria Harlow and Melissa Malott were present. Happy birthday! President Mark announced club  anniversaries.

Jeff Lovely had a paid announcement regarding Honeymoon from Hell, a fundraiser for the Tacoma Little Theatre. It will be held at the Social and Jeff is one of the actors. Dates for the performances are Oct 5, 6, 7 and 8. It’s audience participation. $50 includes a 4 course dinner. Really fun murder mystery.

Maria Harlow asked for hosts and guests for Firesides on October 24. Doesn't have to be in your home!

Debbie Regala announced that on Oct 12, all 6 candidates for Port commissioner will be here. Submit questions now. Mark called for a pin check with a twist!

There was a pent up need for True Confessions with 12 Confessions! Among them: Elliot Stockstad announced that Rachel Cardwell is moving to Bend, Oregon and Mark Starnes just retired from the Boys and Girls Club. Grandchildren, great grandchildren, towels, travels, marriage proposals, cell phones, lost weight, photographs, missed birthdays, growing business and successful events. It was great to hear from our members! Social tonight is at Crown Bar. Next Week we will hear about Rotary International Foundation and present Paul Harris Awards. Meeting adjourned at 1:13 pm. Live Rotary !