tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post1182642110696878727..comments2024-03-28T23:38:22.511-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Good News from the City on Two Tier BusingMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-38202620508733899472017-04-26T07:39:49.937-07:002017-04-26T07:39:49.937-07:00NP, please put your moniker either in the name are...NP, please put your moniker either in the name area or on a separate line. I should not have to hunt for names.<br /><br />As well you can "blame" advocates for the later start but to say they didn't consider all angles isn't something you can say. You don't know that and I certainly know that one teacher had worked on this for years and did consider the angles.<br /><br />What you can say is perhaps the district didn't do due diligence (in your opinion) but you are welcome to go back and review Work Session presentations to see what they missed.<br /><br />We're going to end this thread here.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-59278726418537925132017-04-25T23:14:17.098-07:002017-04-25T23:14:17.098-07:00Kill the extra 20 minutes/Weds early release insan...Kill the extra 20 minutes/Weds early release insanity!! SeattleMommanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-24763152707929679632017-04-25T22:27:51.223-07:002017-04-25T22:27:51.223-07:00Let's not blame SPS here. There were a lot of ...Let's not blame SPS here. There were a lot of vocal parents, as well as Liza Rankin at Soup for Teachers who pushed this proposal without thinking through all of the implications for MS and HS. SPS should have kept the schedule AS IS for 2017-18 and changed it for 2018-19 when Core 24 goes into effect. 3 different bell time schedules in 3 years is extraordinarily disruptive to families and school communities.- NPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-19171264636315603842017-04-25T21:35:51.558-07:002017-04-25T21:35:51.558-07:00HS Parent, just stop is not right - actually factu...HS Parent, just stop is not right - actually factually completely incorrect as is your comment. First, there are only a very small handful of schools in tier 3. Elementary schools are not, for the most part, being pulled out of an unfair time slot since the vast majority of them aren't changing times! It's the middle and high schools and, I think, 3 elementary schools that are switching. <br /><br />High school kids shouldn't "get screwed over" just because just stop thinks her kid got "screwed over" in ELEMENTARY school by having a tier 3 start. Petty and short-sighted talk. Plus, I can find 10 other elementary parents who'd claim their kid was screwed over by being in tier 1. The only folks in ALL of SPS not complaining are tier 2. <br /><br />What's the time slot SPS got rid of in this proposal? The MOST desired - current tier 2! So, we're all screwed. greater goodnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-69366001368045428272017-04-25T19:57:47.010-07:002017-04-25T19:57:47.010-07:00Just Stop is right. Moving to 2-tiers pulls eleme...Just Stop is right. Moving to 2-tiers pulls elementary schools out of the unfair time slots they had this year. They deserve this. I am just glad that staff persisted in finding the funding to make that right.<br /><br />-HS ParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-19518022405526596952017-04-25T19:46:19.784-07:002017-04-25T19:46:19.784-07:00I don't have much sympathy for complaining abo...I don't have much sympathy for complaining about late start times for high schools. My kids are in a Tier 3 elementary school. This year, high schools got the late start for themselves, but screwed over some of elementary in the process. You want a late start...you got it!! Why should elementary kids be going to school until 3:45 in the afternoon.<br />Just Stop!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-62254949768025546972017-04-25T15:55:33.553-07:002017-04-25T15:55:33.553-07:00You mean we could possibly have a half day early r...You mean we could possibly have a half day early release once a month in lieu of the extra 20 min/day + Wed early release? Was that under consideration?<br /><br />Oh, SPS. You could make it so much easier on everyone. <br /><br />What's making the day late is the flip - let's be honest, okay? - but agree that a monthly early release makes more sense than the 20 min extension/short Wed combo.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-22454622846481093222017-04-25T15:36:49.232-07:002017-04-25T15:36:49.232-07:00Why do people keep saying Hale gets out at 3:10 wh...Why do people keep saying Hale gets out at 3:10 when they get out at 3:15? Anyway, it seems the issue that is making the day so late is the one day a week early release. Without that we could likely release a bit earlier. Let's get rid of that! Bellevue and Lake Washington School District have it on Wednesdays and most people don't like it but have accepted it. We should nip that in the bud asap! I do like the idea of a half day early release per month. <br /><br />I do think that Pegi McEvoy and her group did spend a lot of time on making two tiers work, because that is what people wanted, so a big thanks to her for not giving up!<br /><br />BTAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-55916052528112754742017-04-25T14:59:10.962-07:002017-04-25T14:59:10.962-07:00I try not to ascribe bad intent where incompetence...I try not to ascribe bad intent where incompetence might really be at play. As with many SPS decisions, they are based on a kernel of good intentions, with little thought given to unintended consequences. There seems to be little follow-up to determine if the change actually provided a net benefit, so we get stuck with the change, good or bad.<br /><br />A very vocal group of parents pushed through the change, despite suggestions to wait another year, knowing additional changes were in the works. The impacts of earlier starts on elementary students were ignored. Sports and afterschool activities? Dismissed as secondary, even though there is a strong correlation between school involvement and student academic success. If you read some of the studies used to support later times, many of the schools had starts of 7:00-7:30 and moved to closer to 8:00. No surprise that they saw improvements, but it's what we already had! <br /><br />I will admit I was never in support of the flip, but am especially bothered that it now has morphed into a 3:50 release for MS/HS. 3 bleeping 50. We are seriously considering Running Start as a means of escaping this insanity and salvaging the last few years of high school. Classes can be scheduled from 8-12.<br /><br />-seeking balanceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-28018411875642628242017-04-25T14:33:21.158-07:002017-04-25T14:33:21.158-07:00By the way, I'm not arguing against a later st...By the way, I'm not arguing against a later start time. I don't think anyone upset about this schedule is arguing against later start times for teens.<br /><br />I'm arguing against pushing 8:45am to 9am, adding 20 minutes to the end of the day, and adding a weekly early release. Those three things add up to a 3:50PM dismissal for all MS/HS kids in SPS. That's getting home around 5pm. That's my beef, not the later start time. This year for my oldest has been so perfect. Figures SPS had to go ruin it. My youngest is still subjected to the 9:30-3:45pm schedule, but there's more flexibility with younger kids.RPMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-46120522891979108292017-04-25T14:27:45.832-07:002017-04-25T14:27:45.832-07:00I hope everyone above making reasonable comments w...I hope everyone above making reasonable comments will write to the school board and inform as many of your friends as possible before it's too late. I need to at least wait until the red in my face goes away before I send my note! I know this isn't true, but it feels like we successfully advocated for reasonable schedules for MS and HS kids and SPS didn't like it. So, they are punishing us by saying, 9am start comes with 4pm dismissal, you wanted late start times for your teens, remember?RPMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-44596926620850024082017-04-25T14:24:32.772-07:002017-04-25T14:24:32.772-07:00"So on": No. I'm justifying the late..."So on": No. I'm justifying the later start time for MS/HS based on the many, many research studies about how to get the best outcomes for teens, along with the extensive community outreach and surveys that SPS conducted over the last two years.<br /><br />And you are right; comparing it to a typical adult workday doesn't make sense. Teens are much more "night owls" than adults. The biorhythms for adults swing back to an earlier sleep/wake schedule.<br /><br />SusanHnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-58277812609239722812017-04-25T14:01:14.268-07:002017-04-25T14:01:14.268-07:00Agree with RPM. 3:50 release is too late and not a...Agree with RPM. 3:50 release is too late and not an insignificant change. What happened with the district promise of predictability? <br />-POPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-65943785770604307192017-04-25T13:58:55.350-07:002017-04-25T13:58:55.350-07:00I can say with almost 100% certainty that none of ...I can say with almost 100% certainty that none of my friends are aware, 12:51anon. I just informed my husband who's appalled. I agree, we must inform as many as we can. RPMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-9361577999686470702017-04-25T13:56:34.500-07:002017-04-25T13:56:34.500-07:00How many parents are even aware of this change?? T...How many parents are even aware of this change?? The Seattle Times article only mentioned the new (again) start times, not the new release times. Spread the news, and if so inclined, have your MS/HS child write to the Board as well.<br /><br />12:51anonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-6002922919145899322017-04-25T13:47:21.082-07:002017-04-25T13:47:21.082-07:00Since HP is not answering the question, I will. H...Since HP is not answering the question, I will. Hale's day is 8:40-3:10pm. Bordering on the perfect schedule for everyone I've seen comment! 9-3:50pm is not OK and not the same as getting out at 3:10PM. RPMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-81252486465032423492017-04-25T13:37:04.411-07:002017-04-25T13:37:04.411-07:00I am all for late start (8:30 - 8:40 am), but 9:00...I am all for late start (8:30 - 8:40 am), but 9:00 am is too late. Student athletes will miss school beginning at 1:30 pm to get to games. That means missing their afternoon classes. I feel blindsided by this change in start time and extension of the school day until 4:00 pm. Maybe games should only be on Wednesday when there is early release.- NPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-43747966034697603862017-04-25T13:29:13.428-07:002017-04-25T13:29:13.428-07:00Comparing a 3:10 release to a 3:50 release and tel...Comparing a 3:10 release to a 3:50 release and telling parents it will be just fine? Did your child need to bus to school, HP? Sounds like your child won't even be impacted by next year's change. While I am happy things worked out well for your child, how can you even speak to how it will be for students next year? <br /><br />-not comparableAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-68058766639160809532017-04-25T13:14:29.050-07:002017-04-25T13:14:29.050-07:00My kid was at Hale until 6 PM most nights. Some n...My kid was at Hale until 6 PM most nights. Some nights, they went from Hale to the gym and weren't home until 9 PM. Homework was done from 9 - done on those nights. Getting up later helped a lot.<br /><br />The biggest problem will be the competition for the fields with the Parks Department. Hale's field, Raider Field, is used by lots of groups.<br /><br />HPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-5940456812149173762017-04-25T13:05:44.465-07:002017-04-25T13:05:44.465-07:00Changing the start time just shifts the schedule. ...Changing the start time just shifts the schedule. Twenty extra minutes does change things, but no more than metro adjustments do. I don't see how 20 minutes makes it impossible to get physical activity during the rest of the day. If secondary students end up sleeping more hours then they probably needed too. And maybe that means changing some ECs. If adults are home & want to spend time with them while kids are still doing ECs, great go do their EC's with them. <br /><br />2- tiers makes school hours more workable for families than 3 tiers. <br /><br />I certainly agree that homework needs to be cut back. We know the research on that one too. <br /><br />-HS ParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-44269510788838864732017-04-25T13:04:54.929-07:002017-04-25T13:04:54.929-07:00HP-Hale will get out at 3:50PM next year. What ti...HP-Hale will get out at 3:50PM next year. What time did your kid get out? I'm pretty sure Hale's day was never until 4pm. <br /><br />Endless Insanity and Anonymous at 12:51pm are correct.<br /><br />I hope people do as suggested above and thank the District for getting two tiers, but let them know 3:50 is too late for MS/HS. They need to get rid of the extra 20 minutes a day and weekly early release. It'd be better to have a 1/2 day off per month.RPMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-32049387498664014272017-04-25T12:55:42.076-07:002017-04-25T12:55:42.076-07:00With Hale's late end time, my kid did sports y...With Hale's late end time, my kid did sports year round and was able to get in studying as well as working on the weekends. Kid graduated with a 3.8 GPA and is now successfully attending college with a 3.5 GPA. Got an A in calculus no less. Kid couldn't fall asleep until after 11 PM no matter how hard they tried. Being allowed to sleep until 7 AM was very helpful.<br /><br />HPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-1807932924200658942017-04-25T12:51:02.354-07:002017-04-25T12:51:02.354-07:00I suggest parents thank the district for their adv...I suggest parents thank the district for their advocacy and a move to 2 Tiers, but also forward their concerns about a late release for MS/HS. Ask about evaluation of this year's bell change. Has there been an increase/decrease in tardies? What about anecdotal reports from students and teachers? How much class is now missed by student athletes? The cumulative changes - bell flips, extended day, and early release - will shift the end time a full 90 minutes. I doubt the vocal proponents of the bell time flip will admit to any shortcomings of the change, and will simply repeat the refrain "You can't please everyone."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-42691578046341510252017-04-25T12:13:43.651-07:002017-04-25T12:13:43.651-07:00Seriously?? You are now justifying it by saying it...Seriously?? You are now justifying it by saying it's no different than an adult schedule? First, they're kids, and second, the "work" day doesn't end when they leave school. They still have hours of homework and studying.<br /><br />-so onAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-30497235458081325962017-04-25T12:00:42.447-07:002017-04-25T12:00:42.447-07:00Lots and lots of MS/HS families are celebrating th...Lots and lots of MS/HS families are celebrating the later start for their teens. It just is so much healthier for their natural biorhythms than getting up at 6 am. <br /><br />I don't see what's so outrageous about a 9 am - 5 pm day. That's what typical office hours are for adults...SusanHnoreply@blogger.com