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| Last updated on July 23, 2008 |
Vision: So our students will choose to use their knowledge and skills to make a positive difference in this world, we, the staff and families of Beacon Hill School, will provide a safe, nurturing environment in which ALL students will demonstrate: academic success as self-directed learners, responsible citizenship with global perspectives, an appreciation of the rich diversity of others, and positive growth towards emotional maturity, confidence and inner strength.
Description:
Located on the hill that bears its name in South Seattle, Beacon Hill Elementary's students reflect the rich diversity of its neighborhood. We have 365 students, of which 40% are Asian (mainly Chinese), and 45% are Latino. Many come from families who do not speak English, and 65% of the student population receive free or reduced lunches. Despite these challenges, the families do whatever they can to support their children and their school in whatever ways they can. Our fundraisers may not raise huge amounts of money, but when asked to donate food for an event, or give of their time, they rise to the occasion! Our school has an open concept design with no walls separating the classes. This provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for parents and visitors.
The teachers at Beacon Hill are very friendly and dedicated to their craft. They work very well with each other, and are able to team teach with ease, to share their strengths and combine classes to hear special guest and presentations. At Beacon Hill Elementary, students feel safe, loved, receive an excellent education and make many life-long friends. It's a great place to be!
History:
Beacon Hill Elementary was built in the mid-60's. It has a similar architectural design as Maple and Kimball Elementary schools, also located on Beacon Hill. The original Beacon Hill Elementary was first located where the now present El Centro de la Raza, a non-profit organization that serves the Latino community now resides. The secret is out about Beacon Hill! Seven years ago, our student population was 270 and mostly from the immediate neighborhood. Today, our enrollment has risen to 365 students, and now draws also from neighborhoods such as Mt. Baker and Seward Park. We now always have a waiting list for kindergarten. Like many of the Seattle Public Schools, we are really feeling the impact of cuts due to the budget deficit. Because 65% of our students receive free or reduced lunches, our PTA is not able to raise the huge amounts as the more affluent public schools in Seattle. Our main fundraisers are a Read-a-thon and a Cookie Dough sale. Beacon Hill Elementary has had some very proud moments: 1) In 1995, Redbook magazine's "America's Best Schools Award for Overall Excellence. 2) Ranked #1 in Seattle students reporting that they like to "read for fun". (ITBS, 1999). 3) October 2002, Tricia Lewicki, teacher, won the national teaching award, as the Milken Family Foundation Outstanding Educator. 4) June 2003, two Beacon Hill 3rd graders won a writing contest sponsored by the Seattle Public Library. They each wrote a haiku, which will be engraved on stone benches and displayed in the courtyard of the new Beacon Hill Library.
Former governor, Gary Locke, and former Seattle School Board Member, Jan Kumasaka both attended Beacon Hill Elementary. In the spring of 2006, we completed the 1-2/2 year remodel and building addition. We now have a multi-purpose room/cafeteria, 3 new classrooms, and before/after school childcare facility. We love our remodel and it now better serves our growing student population.
Contact people:
Office fax number: (206) 252-2701
Address:
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2025 14th Ave, S. Seattle, WA 98144 (See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.aworldoflearners.org
Directions:
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From North/Southbound I-5, take Exit 163 Columbian Way/West Seattle Bridge. Fork off to the Columbian Way/15th Ave. S. ramp. Get in the far left lane to make a left turn at the traffic light onto Spokane St. (up a hill).
Turn left onto 15th Ave S. at the next traffic light.
At the 2nd traffic light, is the busy intersection of 15th Ave. S. and Beacon Ave. S. Make sure you are in the left lane, to turn left at this light (it angles off to the left).
You will see 2 Shell gas stations right across the street from each other.
Get in the right lane to angle off to the right. (The left lane has a stop sign, you don't but still be careful)
You will now be on 14th Ave. S. Go a few blocks and you will see the school. The address is 2025 14th Ave. S.
Look for 3 portable classrooms right in front of the school and on the sidewalk (until mid 2004).
Nearest Bus Stop: 1/2 block and 1 block, 3 mins. minute walk |
Miscellaneous Information
| Liability |
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Yes
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| Does your organization welcome court-ordered community service volunteers? |
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No
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| Does your organization have volunteer positions for youth 12-18? |
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Yes
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