School news in Mercer Island.

Students post gains in state assessments

Mercer Island students achieved results significantly above the state averages at all levels on the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) administered last spring.

This is the second year students took the Smarter Balanced tests in English Language Arts (ELA) and math. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) recently released the scores.

“We are pleased with our high school ELA results and particularly impressed with the gains at almost all levels for both ELA and math at the middle school,” said Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano.

Check the school district website for charts showing proficiency by grade level and in comparison to other districts in the area.

District works with city on safe routes

After writing a letter to the City Council requesting improvements on Southeast 42nd Street to help students get to school safely, the Mercer Island School Board was informed on Aug. 22 that Brandy Fox, construction manager, was working with the city on a cheaper solution than the one originally proposed.

The project will add an asphalt pathway along the south side of the street from 88th Avenue Southeast to 90th Avenue Southeast along with two raised crosswalks, which will act as designated crossing points and speed bumps. School zone signage will also be added.

School Board President Ralph Jorgensen said the sidewalk would help Northwood Elementary establish a tradition of students walking and biking to school.

The district will divert capital project dollars to the safe route, while the city will help out by raising fire hydrants in the area and removing some trees and hedges.