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1999 KCTS Golden Apple Award Winners

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INDIVIDUALS

Wendy Ewbank, Social Studies Teacher
Madrona K-8
Edmonds School District

In the words of co-teacher Kathy Moellenberndt, Wendy Ewbank "inspires students to be the best they can be." Wendy's 7th- and 8th-grade classes incorporate learning through service, community networking and real-world problem-solving. Wendy initiated the "Madrona Corps," in which students regularly volunteer at organizations in the community, and serves as the advisor for the Madrona chapter of Students Against Violence Everywhere. Thanks largely to Wendy's efforts, Madrona became the first school in the country to organize a "Day of National Concern for Youth Violence" rally involving the community at large. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Wendy organized a summit attended by students and civil- and human-rights experts. In response to the Littleton tragedy, her students created skits exploring such themes as victimization and gun availability; these skits were performed at a school assembly and followed by a discussion of the issues raised. Wendy's goal is to help students become proactive, rather than reactive-a goal she accomplishes by bringing the real world into the classroom and spreading students' contributions far beyond school walls.

Robert E. Knatt, Music Director
Washington Middle School, Seattle

Among music educators, the music director at Washington Middle School is something of a legend. As parent Bob Roseth says, Bob Knatt brings students "the joy of creating something, of communicating in ways that are both subtle and powerful, and in doing this as an ensemble." Bob takes budding musicians from beginning lessons through junior band to senior band, a process culminating in some of the best public performances by middle school students heard anywhere in the country. Bob's high standards and unshakable belief in the ability of children to learn have yielded impressive results. The Washington Middle School Jazz Band hasn't lost a competition in more than five years; it's the only middle school band to be named best band at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival (which includes high school bands) two years in a row. Even more important, Bob's students love what they're doing. By instilling in his students the excitement of learning, a commitment to high standards, respect for the role of every individual in a community and other important "non-musical" concepts, Bob helps them acquire valuable skills not only for the performance of music but for successful daily living.

Ron Podmore, ASL Instructor
Decatur High School, Federal Way

Ron Podmore teaches American Sign Language at Decatur High School. In the words of principal Gerald Millet, "Ron's high enthusiasm and his ability to connect with students has created an environment that challenges students to learn and be successful." Ron was instrumental in the implementation of a program offering ASL as a foreign language class. Since the program began in the 1997-98 school year, a growing number of hearing students have enrolled. They are able to apply their learning immediately by communicating with fellow students with hearing impairments. Furthermore, they are eligible for college credit, which gives them a jump-start on their post-high school degree program and puts students interested in pursuing a career in interpretation for the deaf well on the path to doing so. Students in Ron's classroom experience an interactive learning style that allows them to become comfortable with the expressive, action-oriented language. His curriculum incorporates experiences outside the classroom and promotes citizenship in a truly global village by instilling in students a deeper understanding of the world of the hearing-impaired and an appreciation for people's differences.

Susan Venable, Principal
College Place Elementary, Edmonds School District

College Place Elementary serves 600 K-6 students. Many of these children are at risk due to poverty and transience. Nearly a third of the culturally rich student population speaks English as a second language. The school has faced many challenges, but under Susan Venable's direction, it has become a model for the district. Described by her staff as an "extraordinary leader," Sue came to College Place three years ago and immediately went to work on building a positive school climate. She adopted a proactive approach, fostering enthusiasm for learning through monthly assemblies and awards recognizing individual student achievements, and building school spirit through Olympics-style ceremonies. Under Sue's leadership, the school created programs to help ESL students improve their English skills and at-risk students achieve academic success. The school implemented a Jump-Start Program to help kindergarten students build school-readiness skills, and established an intensive reading program that meets the needs of all students in grades 1-3. Thanks to Sue's hard work and her belief in her school's ability to deliver an excellent education to all students, the children at College Place are happy and excited about learning, and teachers feel cared about and supported.

Evan Woodward
Physical Science Teacher/Athletics Coach
Hanford Middle School, Richland

According to student Aria Vaishnavi, Evan Woodward has "something extra-a fire, a desire to help, teach and inspire all he can." Science teacher and athletics coach Evan Woodward brings positive energy, enthusiasm and a sense of humor to everything he does. In his 8th-grade science classes, he uses action-packed lessons to engage students in the learning process and helps them discover their ability to be successful by encouraging them to give all they have to whatever pursuit they undertake. By using examples students are familiar with, along with attention-grabbing demonstrations, Evan captures his students' interest and makes learning science fun and exciting. Hands-on labs and activities challenge students to think critically to solve problems. Classroom discussions about a variety of topics and issues, ranging from the war in Kosovo to recycling, foster a larger world view and an appreciation for different viewpoints. As a coach, Evan celebrates successes but also encourages his athletes when something goes wrong; he lets them know that it's not the winning but the trying that counts. Every student and athlete with whom Evan works knows that he wants the best from them at all times, and they know they will always get the best from him.

PROGRAMS

DO-IT
(Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking & Technology)
University of Washington, Seattle

Program director Sheryl Burgstahler describes DO-IT as "a wonderful resource for our state," observing that the unique program "really has made a dramatic difference in education, for both students and teachers." DO-IT helps young people with disabilities develop technical, academic, social and self-advocacy skills so they can achieve success in the academic and career worlds, particularly in fields in which they are underrepresented, such as science and engineering. Through innovative use of the Internet and technology-based peer mentoring, summer study programs on the U.W. campus and work-based learning experiences, DO-IT nurtures enthusiasm for learning and fosters confidence, independence and self-esteem. This innovative program has helped students from more than 60 high schools throughout Washington state successfully transition from high school to post-secondary education and employment. The program's achievements have been recognized with two major national awards, the National Information Infrastructure Award in Education and the President's Award in Mentoring.

The Tribes Project
Seattle, WA

Joanne Anton of the Seattle Office for Civil Rights says she was "blown away" when she saw a Tribes Project performance, which she describes as "one of the most realistic, honest and thought-provoking forums on race" she has ever seen. Founded by J. Paul Preseault, a graduate of New York University's Masters Program in Educational Theater, the Tribes Project brings groups of high school students together for a unique, multi-faceted experience in diversity education. Each year, participants undertake several weeks of research and rehearsal culminating in an original theatrical performance about race relations that tours the state of Washington, performing for audiences of peers and adults of all races and backgrounds. Cast members are given reading materials presenting many different viewpoints and are visited by "Tribes race scholars" who give dynamic presentations about race. By using improvisational theater techniques, the cast is able to broach usually unspoken racial issues within a completely honest and safe environment. Relying heavily upon each other as collaborative playwrights and ensemble cast mates, participants form a bond of respect for their own diversity that carries into all areas of their lives. The Tribes Project earned a 1999 City of Seattle Diversity Award of Excellence and aims to become a national model for diversity education.

TV3
Production Studio
Marysville Junior High School, Marysville

The TV3 project was launched during the 1995-96 school year, with the aim of creating a real on-campus television studio that would provide students with useful information and enrich the school curriculum. Although the project started with few funds, teacher Richard Walsh enlisted the aid of the local community in helping to make the TV3 campus-wide video network a reality. Cable was supplied by TCI Cablevision, equipment donated by KOMO, KTWB, KSTW, KCPQ and KING, and additional support provided by numerous local companies and organizations. Parents and faculty provided volunteer labor to help launch and maintain the service. Today, the TV3 studio is a successful production facility providing hands-on learning opportunities that enrich the lives and academic experience of students. In the course of producing a program seen by more than 1,000 students each school day, along with educational programs and coverage of school events, students learn virtually every facet of television production, from announcing to using a video switcher. They also gain business experience, generating funds to help support video production classes by marketing videotapes of concerts and other events they've taped in the community. The TV3 studio also is a valuable resource for the community at large; it is used to tape programming for the community-access channel and provides services for the Fire Department, Marysville Library and other local agencies.

Writers in the Schools (WITS)
Seattle, WA

April Lindner says that the Writers in the Schools program has had "a profoundly positive impact" on her teaching experience at Nathan Hale and has helped her students "really think of themselves as writers." Established in 1994 by Seattle Arts & Lectures and operated under the direction of Kip Robinson Greenthal, WITS brings authors into the schools to work with teachers and students across the curriculum. Each year, established Northwest writers representing a wide range of cultural backgrounds and writing genres give intensive residencies at the schools participating in the program. In collaboration with the classroom teachers, the writers-in-residence introduce new ideas and literature that help students broaden their understanding of human experience and self-expression. Students expand their imaginations as they learn different writing techniques and gain confidence as they craft their own stories. The program provides them with opportunities to read their work at various public venues. WITS also brings international writers into the schools to discuss their lives and work with students; past guests have included Zimbabwean fiction writer Charles Mudede and best-selling Irish author Frank McCourt. WITS currently reaches more than 70 teachers and 4,000 students each year. Extensive evaluation and multi-year testing have shown that students who have participated in WITS have demonstrated improvement in writing ability and reading comprehension. The program's success has led the school district to request that it be made available district-wide.

STANLEY O. MCNAUGHTON GOLDEN APPLE WINNER

The Young Women's Leadership Institute
YWCA, Seattle

This unique program was instituted at the YWCA in June 1997 to help low-income young women-particularly those of color-realize their personal and career goals. At the core of the YWLI program is Leaders in Progress (LIP). Teenage women are nominated for LIP by their schools-currently Chief Sealth High School and Evergreen High School-on the basis of their potential to benefit from the program, their diversity and their desire to make a commitment to personal development. Participants gather monthly for mini-retreats that explore themes such as "women and art" and "science and technology" from a cross-cultural perspective, through interactive workshops, field trips, dialogue, debate and simulations. Throughout the year, participants have opportunities to experience work site and college campus visits, informational interviews, conferences and other activities related to mini-retreat themes. Personal coaches serve as mentors and role models, helping teens establish goals and access resources, and providing adult support. Under the leadership of program manager Leticia Lopez, YWLI places emphasis on communicating to teen women that they are not only recipients of resources but also contributors, with gifts and life experiences that are of value both to themselves and the larger community. In the words of Dean Ferguson, a teacher at Evergreen who has observed the program's benefits first-hand, "The mentoring, role modeling and camaraderie which the YWLI provides for its participants is...obviously effective. The program does what so many programs wish to do; it empowers."

PemcoPemcoThe KCTS Golden Apple Awards are sponsored by KCTS Television and are made possible through funding from PEMCO Insurance.