Mission

The mission of Graham-Kapowsin High School is to provide a superior learning environment in which all students have access to quality instruction and rigorous coursework. Extensive co-curricular activities and support systems will both enhance personal academic success and prepare all students to become lifelong learners and productive, responsible, global citizens.

Parent and community involvement in learning

One of the most important ways that parents are involved in learning is attendance at student-led conferences. Students develop portfolios of best work during the year and lead a conference with a staff member and their parents. GK has an active Booster organization that supports both academic and athletic programs, as well as many parent volunteers. Call us if you'd like to volunteer!

Raising expectations and standards

We know that high expectations lead to success. That's why we believe in raising the bar for both students and staff. When we believe that people can achieve great things - and expect them to do it - more often than not, they rise to the challenge.

In 2006-2007, about 400 students took AP classes. That number is increasing each semester as we emphasize the importance of rigorous coursework. We expect more than 400 students to take AP exams in the spring of 2007.

Community connections

Our facility is used by many community groups such as Graham Community Learning Center, Graham firefighters, homeowners' associations, Girl Scouts and the Taekwondo Academy. We enjoy sharing our building with the community.

What Makes Us Special

At GKHS we believe that education is both a right and a privilege bestowed upon every citizen of our nation. We have established the following goals to provide, encourage, and promote a quality education:

• Provide rigorous, comprehensive and varied programs in vocational and general education with an emphasis on technology, occupational awareness, and high expectations for all students.
• Offer a multitude of college preparatory courses which enhance intellectual development leading to success in post-secondary education.
• Assist students in developing personal qualities, such as work ethic, goal setting, responsibility, accountability, and self-discipline.
• Support all students in their participation in at least one co-curricular or extra-curricular activity.
• Provide an atmosphere where every student is well known by at least one adult in the building.

Arts & Athletics

We have vibrant arts and athletics programs at GKHS, with the goals of deepening the connection between students to school and fostering student talent. Our band and choir regularly win awards for their professional sound. The choir earned the distinction of traveling to New York City in 2007 to perform at Carnegie Hall. Students actively participate in a wide range of sports. GKHS is a member of the SPSL South League.

WASL & AYP

We're proud of our students' achievement, especially in writing and reading. In 2007, 93 percent of 10th graders met standard on the WASL writing test and 83 percent met standard on the WASL reading test.

At the same time, we know we have work to do in math and science. Among 10th graders, 38 percent met standard in math and 28 percent met standard in science. We are offering a greater selection of math courses to our students, as well as providing increased training to teachers to help them reach struggling students in math and science.

GK did not meet adequate yearly progress, as defined by the "No Child Left Behind‚" Act. Of the 36 areas measured, the school met all but seven of the required benchmarks. We did not make several proficiency goals in math and missed two of the targets in reading.

Bethel School District

Bethel School District serves about 17,500 students in 17 elementary schools, five junior highs (with another opening its doors in 2010), three comprehensive high schools, one alternative junior high/high school, and an online academy. The district has won national awards in technology and communications, as well as state awards in professional development, energy conservation, and the arts. In addition, five district teachers have earned "Washington State teacher of the Year" in the last 25 years - more than any district in the state.

The Bethel School District covers 202-square miles in south Pierce County. The area is one of the fastest growing in the Puget Sound region. In 2006, district voters passed both a four-year levy for operations and a $175 million bond to build new schools. As part of the first phase of the bond, two elementary schools and one junior high (temporarily housing Spanaway Lake High School) were opened in September 2009.

In 2007-2008, the district's budget was $158 million, about 80 percent of which went to salaries and benefits. About 1,050 certificated staff and about 1,000 classified (support) staff work for the district. Tom Seigel joined the district in 2001 as superintendent. He previously worked in Boulder, CO as a superintendent. Prior to his work in public education, Seigel served in the U.S. Navy for 25 years, completing his military career as a Commander.