My name is Sarah, and I am a parent. My family has enjoyed living in the Evergreen community for almost 20 years, and my two sons attended Highline schools from kindergarten through middle school. When my older son entered 9th grade at one of the Evergreen small schools, we were shocked to discover the incredibly limited course offerings. Courses normally found in high schools like Art, Music, Drama, Computer Programming, Physical Education and hands-on occupational education (wood, metal and auto shops) are not offered to students at Evergreen small schools. I did not want my creative, athletic and multi-faceted son to be limited by severely restrictive course options while in high school. High school kids living just a mile away from our family, however, can take dozens more classes like painting, orchestra, auto shop, lab sciences and journalism at Highline High School unavailable at the Evergreen small schools. Unfortunately my son and students like him cannot transfer to traditional high schools, because they are full. The ONE Evergreen movement believes ALL Highline students deserve an equitable variety of high-quality courses and opportunities so everyone can discover passion, talent, creativity and direction in school! Beginning in January 2016, the Highline School District is inviting parents, alumni, teachers, staff and community members to join an Evergreen-focused “Core Planning Team” which will develop recommendations to ensure an equitable and rigorous high school experience for all Evergreen students! To join the Evergreen Core Planning Team, please email Susanne Jerde, Chief Academic Officer, at susanne.jerde@highlineschools.org no later than Fri, Dec. 11, 2015. Click here to read a copy of the Evergreen invitation letter: https://evergreensuccess.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/smallschoolsconversations2015-16_evergreenenglish.pdf