Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

04/28/03

NEWS RELEASE
Auburn School Board to Recognize
Evergreen Heights Elementary Librarian Arnie Grab

On Monday, April 28, the Auburn School District Board of Directors will recognize Arnie Grab, Evergreen Heights Elementary School librarian, for his strong connection to students and his consistent support to staff.  In 1978, Mr. Grab earned a degree in elementary education at Central Washington University and, in 1983, his masters at Pacific Lutheran University.  Upon graduation from CWU, he applied to Auburn School District and has spent his 25 years in public education at Evergreen Heights Elementary School; teaching fifth grade for five years and fourth grade for sixteen years.  In 1998, while he was a fourth grade teacher, he was included in the fifth edition of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers because he had been selected by one or more of his former students who themselves were listed in either Who’s Who Among American High School Students or The National Dean’s List.  Four years ago, he became his school’s library/media specialist because the position allowed him to work with more students.  As school librarian, he keeps the library open for students during all recesses.  He works with students on their projects and has an unprecedented number of 47 student library helpers.  He coaches the school’s Global Reading Challenge team and teaches writing and keyboarding in Evergreen Heights’ after school club.  He has also coached school basketball for 25 years.  Mr. Grab sums up his career in education, “I love being with kids.”  As far as staff support, Eric Daniel, principal of Evergreen Heights Elementary, states that Mr. Grab provides great leadership for the school’s improvement plan (SIP) team.  “Mr. Grab works diligently on the team.  Also, he’s always there to support our staff with technology in their program.  He is an instructor for Learning Improvement Days as well.  He just has an extraordinary attitude about children, staff, and the community.”  Mr. Grab always supports the school PTA’s reading celebration at night, book fairs, and other literacy related activities.

For more information, contact Linda Cowan, superintendent, at (253) 931-4914.