On January 16, staff from the Edmonds School District took a group of 14 guests on a tour of the district and Mountlake Terrace High School. The day started at the district office in Lynnwood, where everyone gathered for a warm welcome and an engaging quiz about the district.
Instead of grades, the guests earned chocolate bars for the top three quiz scores. Questions included interesting facts that help clear up misconceptions about the district’s finances. For instance, many think the district is wealthy just because it shares a name with the city of Edmonds. In truth, the district is underfunded, serving a diverse community.
Some quiz questions were:
- How many square miles does the Edmonds School District cover? Answer: 36.
- Name the six communities served by the district. Answer: Brier, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Woodway, and Unincorporated Snohomish County.
- What percentage of students qualify for free and reduced lunch? Answer: 44%.
- What is the district’s total revenue, within $10 million? Answer: $426,530,000.
The Edmonds School District has a rich history, beginning in a barn in 1884. While the city of Edmonds was incorporated in 1890, the school district evolved alongside it. The cities Brier, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, and Woodway joined over the years, making the district what it is today.
After the quiz, everyone boarded a bus headed for Mountlake Terrace High School. Upon arrival, students acted as tour guides, leading the guests through various programs and facilities.
The first stop was the MTHS Theater, where young students enjoyed a performance by the drama department. Next, guests observed an Advanced Placement Jazz class, where students practiced with vibraphones, exploring the emotional tones of music. Other highlights included advanced STEM tools like virtual cadavers, robotics, and the school’s news outlet, The Hawkeye.
Mark Madison, the director of Career and Technical Education (CTE), shared insights into modern vocational classes. Unlike the woodworking and metal shop classes many remembered from their youth, today’s high schools offer a wide range of subjects, including:
- Aerospace Manufacturing
- Architectural Design/CAD
- Sign Language Interpreting
- Automotive Technology
- Biotechnology
- Business and Marketing
- Construction
- Computer Science
- Culinary Arts
- Health Professions
- Sports Medicine
- Visual Communication
These programs often collaborate with local businesses like Boeing, helping students gain valuable skills and even paid internships.
During lunchtime, Megan de Vries, the Food and Nutrition Services Director, discussed the school lunch program. She mentioned that elementary schools have fewer options to keep lines moving, while high schools offer a variety of meals like sandwiches, salads, and hot lunches, with nachos being a favorite.
The guests raised a concern about the 20-minute lunch period. De Vries explained that efficient scheduling helps ensure students have enough time to eat. The district also offers breakfast options, including a “Second Chance Breakfast” for those who arrive late.
“Teachers are usually pretty relaxed about kids bringing food to class in the morning,” she added, “as long as they don’t make a mess.”
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