January 10, 2014 [19]
www.federalwaymirror.com
Community should step up to help school district It is the district’s responsibility to have a system that is understandable, provides information to the district, teachers and parents on each student’s performance. Grades are never the whole story and regardless of the system being used, the challenge is to get students to achieve at their greatest potential. Greatschools.org, the school district rater used by the online real estate marketing company Zillow.com, gives the Federal Way school district a rating of 4 on a scale of 0-10, with 10 being high. They give the Auburn and Kent school districts a 5. Bellevue gets a 9 and Seattle a 7. On my part, this is not
a judgment of Federal Way Public Schools, but a statement that it is being graded. Before any of us draw conclusions, my guess is most of us do not know the grading criteria being used. However, families looking to relocate to an area accept the grade as valid because they believe Zillow.com as a purveyor of information. If you have school age children and live in the district, you may or may not be aware of the district’s rating from Greatschools.org. If you are a part of your children’s daily activities and a cheerleader for them and their school, your children are on their way to getting a great education. If you are involved,
you recognize the rating by Greatschools.org has minimal impact on the education your children are receiving. But, their rating creates a negative impression of Federal Way that affects all of us. The district initiates a new grading system and we have angry parents and negative articles written. Sadly, there is no outcry when the district receives a low rating. It’s much easier to blame leaders when we do not understand or like a new system than it is to ask the questions: “what can we do to improve” or “how can I help?” Where is our collective personal responsibility for the schools and student needs as district parents and residents? The district can set the
table for success. However, they don’t do it alone. They need the cooperation of students, families and community. We need to appreciate their challenge. They have to meet the needs of more than 22,000 students, provide transportation and meals, make sure each classroom is staffed, buildings and grounds maintained, extracurricular activities provided, student safety assured, educate and measure the success of each student. They have an impressive challenge that deserves respect. Add diversity of 105 languages spoken in district schools and the fact that 57 percent of the students live at or near the federal poverty level and the challenge grows. Cultural differences,
screened for HPV. Around 79 million Americans have HPV, or human papillomavirus. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease, and it is a major cause of cervical cancer in women. Most people with HPV have absolutely no symptoms, which is one of the reasons it spreads so widely. Many strains of HPV are naturally cleared by the body over time. Some cause genital warts, and some cause cervical cancer. According to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition and the National
Cancer Institute, more than 12,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with cervical cancer this year, and approximately a third of them will die. A majority of women who get diagnosed with cervical cancer have either never had a Pap test or haven’t had one in the past five years (www.nccc-online. org). Regular Pap tests, supplemented by HPV tests which look for “high-risk” types of HPV that lead to cervical cancer, can detect pre-cancerous changes in cells, as well as detecting cervical cancer. There are many ways to treat
pre-cancerous cells so that they never develop into cervical cancer—but your health care provider needs to know they are there in order to treat them. Another prevention method for cervical cancer is to get vaccinated. Two HPV vaccines are currently approved for use with girls and young women, and one is also approved for use with boys and young men. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends routine HPV vaccinations for both girls and boys, ages 11-12, and also recommends those ages 13-26 get vaccinated if they did not get the vaccine earlier. The vaccines protect against the strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer-
-and guys, listen up— HPV is also a cause of throat cancer (see http:// www.federalwaymirror. com/lifestyle/212513181. html), which is one of the reasons why it’s important for you to get vaccinated too. Since there are other types of HPV that are not included in the vaccines, it’s important to continue to get regular Pap and HPV tests, even if you’ve received the vaccine. In Federal Way, to find out if you qualify for a free or low-cost Pap test (as well as breast and colon cancer screening) under the Breast, Cervical and Colon Health Program, and where to get screened, call (888)438-2247 or (800) 756-5437.
Keith Livingston
MY PERSPECTIVE
How do you measure success? What is your grading system? Do you have one for yourself, your children or their schools? How about your career or your employer? If you had a score pad in your hand how would you rate where you live, your neighborhood or your city? What would be your criteria? As people we are always measuring and being measured. The Federal Way school district recently found itself in a kerfuffle with some in this community with its new grading system. School districts often have problems with change. Parents, students and staff like familiarity.
communication barriers, economic stress, and hunger stretch family resources to the breaking point for many students. But in typical fashion we see the world through the lens of “how change affects me.” Success will come only when we realize we are in this together. As residents and parents, our opinions matter but until we choose to expect more of ourselves, a meaningful dialogue for improvement will not take place. Or as Walt Kelly’s comic strip character Pogo would say: “We have met the enemy and he is us.”
Federal Way resident Keith Livingston: keithlivingstondesign@ gmail.com
Amy Johnson
I
t’s January - do you know where your cervix is? January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, so here’s a little anatomy for you. The cervix is located between the vagina and uterus. This is the area that opens and becomes thinner to allow a baby to exit a woman’s body during labor. It’s also the part of the body checked during Pap tests. I know, I know — it’s not your favorite appointment to make. But it can save your life. Literally. Getting regular Pap tests allows you to be checked for changes in the cervix. Finding precancerous cells makes early treatment possible and can prevent cancer. You will also be
SEX IN THE SUBURBS
Cervical Awareness Month: Do you know where your cervix is?
Thanks! We’d like to thank all of our caregivers for their dedication and compassion to our clients.
• Certified Short Sale Specialist • Experienced Negotiator • Top Selling Agent • Top Listing Agent • Presidents Circle • Gold Medal Winner
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Amy Johnson, MSW, is a trainer, educator and coach in the Pacific Northwest. She is co-author of the books, “Parenting by Strengths: A Parent’s Guide for Challenging Situations” and “Homegrown Faith and Justice.” Amy facilitates classes and workshops in the Puget Sound area and online. She specializes in working with parents and in sexuality education. Amy can be reached at comments@ diligentjoy.com.
Thank You Joni Bragg, owner of my beautiful Lake Tapps listing, for her patience over the holidays while her home is on the market!
In-Home Companion Care • Personal Care Incidental Transportation • Meal Preparation
253-945-1400
You can also contact the Planned Parenthood on 348th Street at (800) 769-0045 or 253-661-0132. Otherwise, contact your OB-GYN today to schedule that appointment. Your cervix will thank you!
253.640.2586
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jking2020@msn.com
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