Recently I had the opportunity to see first-hand what a wonderful high school and an exceptional staff we have in Silverdale. I got to see it through my clients’ eyes.

I have always raved about our school district to clients relocating into the area, especially when they have school age children and are trying to decide in which area to buy a home. My older son graduated from Central Kitsap High School in 2000 and went on to Gonzaga University on scholarship. The year he graduated, Central Kitsap High School was rated in the top 4% in the nation. I recall going to awards night and being just amazed how many academic scholarships the seniors had received. My younger son is a sophomore at CK and is learning how much support is available from teachers, tutors and guidance counselors. I felt I could talk about the school from firsthand experience. Now I have even more experience to draw from.

I am currently working with a military family that is relocating here from Maryland. There are two teenage daughters. They were going to be in Silverdale for a couple of days to get an idea of the area, the prices of homes, and to show the girls their soon-to-be new home. In corresponding with them, I learned that schools were very important and the girls were not having a very good experience with the school in Maryland. I thought it would be a great idea to get them a tour of the high school while they were here, and it might also help the girls transition. Military life can be very difficult for the children.

I called the school, spoke with the main office and explained what I needed. The secretary was very friendly and helpful. She told me that Mr. Cervinsky, the principal, would do the tour and if I left him a message, he would return my call as soon as possible. (I have to digress a moment and say that recently I had to call my old high school in Massachusetts for my records and let me tell you the voice on the other end was rude, abrupt, and not very helpful. I ended up not getting what I needed and sent for my college transcript instead. Now I remember why, after moving here from Massachusetts where I was born and raised, I stayed!!)

Mr. Cervinksy did return my call and we set up an appointment for 9 AM on Friday; my clients’ first day in Kitsap County. I very much appreciated it as the school was just wrapping up WASL testing and getting ready for spring break. What a great visit we had!  Mr. Cervinsky first talked to my clients a bit before the tour to tell them about the school and programs available. We then set out on the tour. Along the way he introduced us to passing faculty members and students. Everyone was extremely friendly and obviously very proud of their school. My clients thanked me a few times during the tour saying how wonderful and helpful it was and how great for the girls.

One of our last stops was at the gymnasium where students and staff were getting ready for a pep rally. We were invited to stay for the pep rally and told the dance team was going to perform. My interest peaked as recently my husband and I have been taking dance lessons (that is a story for another day!). I thought maybe they could show me how it is done. Unfortunately we had to decline as we still had a full day of  looking at homes and neighborhoods.

Once outside, my clients again said they couldn’t believe how friendly everyone was compared to the East Coast, and how incredible it was to have the view of the water from the school. I realized that we take things for granted sometimes and don’t realize how lucky we are. I also learned more about the school through their visit. Central Kitsap High School is now rated in the top 2% by Newsweek! There are 300 tutors available if the students need them. My sophomore and I will be having a chat soon. I have been paying for a private math tutor!  I hope Mr. Cervinsky, I have that number right if you should read this story. 

In closing, I would like to extend my thanks to Mr. Cervinsky and all those we met that day and issue a warning; I will be back!

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