At Leota we are fortunate to have many caring adults who have your child's best interests at heart. Our teachers include some of the best educators in the district. The teachers at Leota have, on average, 16 years of experience in the classroom and 58 percent hold masters degrees. Last month a three-teacher team from Leota was invited to attend the "2006 Microsoft Innovative Teachers Forum" which took place at Microsoft's Corporate offices in Redmond. The team was recognized for the ability to collaborate and share expertise among teachers and for using technology to improve student learning. The team was one of 27 learning teams invited from across the country.

We also have many parent volunteers who welcome you to join them in the classroom and in the PTSA. Our school community works together to provide educational, social, and recreational opportunities for our students.

Leota offers challenging classes that help students reach their highest potential. We have high standards, but we provide the support students need to achieve. Some of the programs and classes you will find at Leota include Model United Nations, computer technology, video production, and foreign languages. Honors classes are available for highly capable students.

While our students work hard to achieve academically, we also provide opportunities for them to pursue creative interests like music, art, drama, and athletics. At Leota, we offer choral music, band, orchestra, and Youth Theatre.

I hope you take the time to get to know our school better as you consider your choices in the upcoming months. We would love to have your child join us.

Bruce DuBois
Principal

Social studies, language arts, science, health and fitness, and math are core subjects for grades seven through nine. In addition, curriculum enhancements include technology integration, band, guitar, choral music, orchestra, art, video production, computer technology, web creation, Spanish, French, publications, and Youth Theatre.

All seventh-grade language arts and social studies classes are grouped into two-hour blocks. Honors classes are offered for highly capable students, grades seven through nine, in math, social studies, and language arts. Students in eighth and ninth grade participate in integrated projects which are coordinated and aligned to build skills that better prepare them for the district required Freshman Project.

The Freshman Project is developed around the Model United Nations program. Students will study some of the issues chosen by the Model United Nations program as they relate to the Pacific Rim Countries, which ties in well with our ninth-grade Social Studies curriculum.

The Associated Student Council, representing the entire student body, provides leadership and promotes a wide variety of student programs. Academic growth is enhanced through participation in the Math, Video, Computer and Study Clubs.

There are after-school art classes, called Art After Hours, and competitions include the National Geographic Geography Bee. Leota Youth Theatre and Honor Society are successful programs with high participation.

The athletic program is organized into four sports seasons, providing interscholastic competition with the other Northshore junior highs. Girls may participate in volleyball, softball, cross-country, drill team, basketball, soccer, track, wrestling, and tennis. Boys may participate in football, basketball, wrestling, soccer, track, baseball, cross country, and tennis.

Other activities include after-school dances, talent shows, "Battle of the Bands," various House competitions, and Spirit Weeks. The Associated Student Body participates in several community service projects such as the canned food drive for Hopelink.

Student recognition is an important aspect of school life. Academic, Honor Society, honor level events, Lion of the Day awards, and pride/talent assemblies.

The music, drama, yearbook, and art programs are all consistently recognized for their high quality. Band, orchestra, and choir received superior ratings at all district-wide competitions. Last year the Symphonic Orchestra was invited to perform at the Washington Music Educators Conference in February. They were selected from dozens of bands and orchestras that submitted tapes.

One hundred thirty-three students were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society last spring. Also, last spring, Leota hosted "Spring Into The Arts Night," showcasing the visual and performing arts. Each year, art teacher Gerri Rowe enters student art in competitions at the Puyallup Fair. Nine students earned awards this year for their art work. Last year, Rowe was named the Middle Level Art Teacher of the Year by the Washington Art Educators Association.

The Safari, Leota's yearbook, has received numerous awards and recognition. It was one of only 25 middle and junior high yearbooks selected from throughout the U.S. and Canada to be featured in Josten's publications.

• PTSA participation
• Student Store supervision
• Advisory committee participation
• School Improvement Team
• Tutoring opportunities
• Health room assistance
• Library volunteers
• Guest speaking visits
• Field trip assistance
• National Honor Society advisor
• Assembly assistance
• English Language Learner assistance
• Art After Hours participation or assistance
• Math Team co-advisor
• Job shadowing opportunities for ninth graders