Rotary Log 1-12-2016 (Jan 12, 2016)

The Rotary Club of Everett

January 12, 2016 - Meeting #5134

Michael Hawks and Rod Moody greeted Rotarians with smiles, handshakes and nice comments.

President Deborah Wright presided over her 26^th meeting and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

PDG Lyle Ryan pulled a “thought” from the box, quoting Zig Ziegler’s thoughts about a good life.

PP Mark Valentine sang the friendship theme song “thank you for being a friend” from “Golden Girls”. The song put us all in a good mood and our table gave a high-5 to each other!

Jerry Tucker noted we did not have any visiting Rotarians. Gail Larson’s guest was Tina Gilson.

After announcements, Jim Staniford awarded President Deb a gift certificate to the Vintage Café for knowing that today is “National Popcorn Day”.

Happy Bucks / Birthday Bucks

PP Larry O’Donnell: NW corner of 38^th & Lombard has a bronze plaque designating Ken Griffey Jr.’s 387’ hit for a homerun! Griffey was playing for Bellingham against Everett. Everett won 7 to 6.
Bruce Timm: happy to be back from severe knee problems
Richard Okrent: happy to be back after 2 lung surgeries & pneumonia
George Bowden: told us that Marybeth Dingledy’s picture was on the Mountaineers cover
PPTom Koenig: gave $ to announce the next Rotary Investment Committee meeting
Gary Meisner: was at the game when Griffey made the historic hit
PN Will McMahan: is the shelter lead for the Red Cross. He found shelter for the people who tragically lost their home in the huge New Year’s Eve fire and is now happy they have found permanent housing.
Mary Toews: grateful to many Rotarians
Zeb Cobbs: told us he’s been in Rotary for 20 years!
Don Steward: had a good experience with recent cataract surgery
Scott Casselman: celebrated a birthday
Gary Cohn: shared the many accomplishments/achievements/awards of the Everett School District
(Sorry Andrea, Photographer missed you, next week)
Andrea Skekora: thanked Jeff Cornish for speaking with Avid students

Raffle prizes included wine, wild wings gift cards, candles, cheese, beer, popcorn and mugs.

Lucky winners were PDG Tom Rainville, Jim Wheeler and PP Mark Nesse.

Gary Cohn introduced our program “Where Can We Find Hope”, presented by Jim Harvey.

Mr. Harvey stated the story of America is the story of public schools. He offered many statistics and comparisons. The USA is now compared to China, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada and Finland. There are many dimensions to public education: economic inequity, social stress, support for families, support for schools, student outcomes and system outcomes. One of Washington State’s demographic challenges show 45% of the students are eligible for free / reduced lunches in 2014.

An interesting note:

Factors accounting for student achievement include 80% out of school, 7% teacher, 13% school.

What we need to do:

Dramatic improvements in school performance and outputs over decades
Need more subtle and comprehensive international comparisons that go far beyond test results
Schools are facing severe demographic challenges, including growing poverty, which affects student achievement. These challenges are largely ignored in public debate.
Americans have a lot of work to do! We need to get on with the next challenging steps!

President Deb concluded the meeting by thanking Mr. Harvey for his presentation and everyone for their participation.