December 2007
Dear Shoreline Families:
A book was recently published that examines the rich history of the Shoreline Schools and the past that we as teachers, parents, students, and administrators share as an educational community.
"Shore to Shore and Line to Line: A History of the Shoreline School District 1944-2004" celebrates 60 years of educational excellence and provides a wonderful opportunity for all of us to reflect upon and recognize the foundation of our school district.
It is important to honor and celebrate the shared past that binds us together as a community. I recently attended a memorial service for Gene T. Smith, the first principal of Shorewood High School. Not only were Gene's family and friends present, but they were joined by many of his former colleagues, including both current and retired staff. In addition, there were many former students, now parents of children in our schools.
Gene played an important role in my professional career, but he ultimately touched my life and that of my family in a way that I could not have imagined at the time. As a result of his decision to hire me as a planning teacher for Shorewood High School in 1974, I became a devoted and loyal staff member and eventual parent in the Shoreline Schools community two outcomes for which I am forever grateful.
One can only imagine the many lifelong relationships and deep roots currently being cultivated between our staff, students, and parents that will significantly influence the lives of those connected to the Shoreline School District over the next 60 years.
(Copies of "Shore to Shore and Line to Line" are available for a donation of $30 at the Shoreline Historical Museum and in the Superintendent's office at Shoreline Center. Content includes a pictorial history as well as facts, memories and events that have shaped our district and every school within it.)