Nixle: A new way to get urgent info

Government and law enforcement agencies are adding a new networking component to their communication arsenal, and it's not Facebook or Twitter, but quite similar. It's called Nixle, a community information service that enables public entities to blast information—including Amber Alerts, advisories and community and traffic information—directly to residents by email and text. Unlike its counterparts, though, Nixle provides only one-way communications and no advertising.

The platform for police, crime watch groups and other organizations disseminates information based on the user's geographical location. Law enforcement officials say they like the service because it has a secure server. Only users who have been authorized by Nixle can post information on the network, which ensures that residents get information from a reliable source. Many cities that previously used social networking platforms are switching over to Nixle because of its secure communications platform.

There are four types of messages you may receive: Alerts (emergency type information); Advisories (less urgent information); Community Information (day-to-day neighborhood information), and Traffic (very localized traffic information).

To learn more about Nixle or to register for its services, please visit the Nixle website by clicking here.

Mount Vernon School District hosts fifth annual "Principal For A Day"

The Mount Vernon School District hosted its fifth annual Principal For A Day event on Wednesday, October 28. First implemented in New York City Public Schools in 1995, Principal For A Day has been used in communities across the country as a way to involve civic leaders from the private and public sectors in learning about their local schools from the ground floor level.

After an orientation breakfast, participants spend several hours touring and learning about their assigned school. At the end of the day, the group comes together to discuss insights and offer suggestions.

This year's participants included: Wayne Crider, Government Affairs Director for Skagit-Island Builders Association; Jerry Dodd, Lieutenant for Mount Vernon Police Department; Roger Estep, M.D., of North Cascades Family Physicians; Donnie Keltz, Owner of Wyckoff Insurance; Patricia Martin, Executive Director of the Port of Skagit County; Megan Scott, Realtor for Windermere Real Estate; Dana Rindal, Owner of Northwest Chiropractic Clinic; Indira Rouw, Owner of Rouw Insurance; Fay Shane, Director of the Skagit Valley College Foundation; and Norma Smith, Representative for the 10th Legislative District.

To view additional photos of the event, please click here.

MVHS Brass Quartet to perform at City of Mount Vernon Veterans Recognition Ceremony

The community is invited to a Veterans Day ceremony hosted by the City of Mount Vernon on Saturday, November 7 at 9:00 a.m. The event will be held at the Pine Street Plaza Veterans Monument in downtown Mount Vernon. A complimentary breakfast will be served for veterans and their families at 8:00 a.m.

The ceremony will include a performance by the Mount Vernon High School Brass Quartet under the direction of Jacob Scherr. The ensemble members are Nathaniel Voth (trumpet), Mannen O'Brien (trumpet), Collin Wagner (trombone), and Emma Eliason (tuba). The event will also feature an address by guest speaker Peter G. Schmidt, Ph.D., senior associate dean of Edmonds Community College. The Sedro-Woolley American Legion Color Guard will also present.

For more information, please contact Richard Sundance at 420-4046 or Kirk Duffy at 424-1154.

Skagit County Health Department provides H1N1 flu prevention advice to parents

The Mount Vernon School District has continued to work with the Skagit County Health Department to determine we have the most up to date information on prevention of the H1N1 flu virus. Click here to read the Health Department's recent letter to parents.

When transporting school-age kids, cut the engine, cut the pollution

The new school year is underway for Washington's students. If you are a parent or caregiver of school-age children, you're probably familiar with the lines of idling vehicles dropping off and picking up students. As our children get back into the school routine, here's a new routine for the adults to consider—turning off the engine.

When you leave your vehicle running while it's parked, the tailpipe spews fine particles, carbon monoxide and other toxic air pollutants. These pollutants are associated with an increased risk of serious health problems, including respiratory ailments, heart disease and some forms of cancer.

Children are especially vulnerable to air pollutants because they breathe faster (50 percent more air per pound of body weight) than adults. Vehicle exhaust increases many children's asthma symptoms. Asthma is a leading cause of hospitalization for children under age 15.

Stopping unnecessary idling is an easy way to reduce air pollution and protect public health. It will also reduce fuel costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Remember to turn off your engine if you're going to be stopped or waiting out of traffic for more than 30 seconds.

Contrary to popular myth, restarting your engine does not use more fuel or wear out your engine. In fact, excessive idling can actually increase engine wear.

For more information please see this Ecology publication: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0402011.html 

Class of 2010 Graduation Toolkit

The Class of 2010 Toolkit is a resource to help educators and families understand state graduation requirements. The toolkit is periodically updated with new materials and information. In the toolkit, you'll find:

• 2009-10 Key Dates
• 2010 Graduation Requirements
• Alternatives to Passing the WASL: Certificate of Academic Achievement Options
• Important 2010 WASL Information
• Options for Students not Graduating After Four Years of High School

To access the toolkit, please click here.

School District news on TV-10

Join us for the Mount Vernon School District TV show, Focus on Learning, as we explore school-related issues, instructional programs and important community partnerships. Focus on Learning airs at 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on channel TV-10.