tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post2350976333610263001..comments2024-03-28T02:21:17.452-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: John Hay Parents/Community Fighting Placement of InteragencyMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-65340245039511162382014-11-18T08:17:48.167-08:002014-11-18T08:17:48.167-08:00I think on that note, we'll end this conversat...I think on that note, we'll end this conversation. (I think we have covered all the bases.) <br /><br />Let's see if we have any more discussion at the Board meeting via public testimony. (The list of speakers will be up by the end of today.)Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-79522674249473067732014-11-18T08:14:49.180-08:002014-11-18T08:14:49.180-08:00It could be a lease, or a cooperative arrangement ...It could be a lease, or a cooperative arrangement with another party. I have heard the University of Washington is also interested in that space. <br /><br />Sherry Carr wrote me back and said she was interested in this type of partnership. I am hoping the head of facilities, Flip Herndon, pursues it. The space is near public transit, water and bike trails, and would be very appealing to families.<br /><br />As far as funding goes, I do not know why the District does not sell its empty building on top of Magnolia. Unless they have plans for it, that view property could give them money to buy space elsewhere. <br /><br />Or, they could move the SPS office spaces to the Amgen space and sell the large building they are in now. I do not know how much capacity is there, so that is a project for them to figure out.<br /><br />On another subject, I was part of the Where’s The Math group that supported better instruction in SPS. You will be better served by the new textbooks instead of the Everyday Math approach that confused so many students.<br /><br />S parentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-87453429470063766792014-11-18T08:06:55.752-08:002014-11-18T08:06:55.752-08:00@ McClure mom
Couple things - QA Elementary does ...@ McClure mom<br /><br />Couple things - QA Elementary does not have a gym. QA has a portable that is being used as a "gym". 28 kindergarten students fill the space. You can imagine how well that works for the other grades. Hay has no gym either.<br /><br />Second, I have talked with parents who have kids at Hay and Coe and QAE and McClure.<br /><br />Third, no matter the eventual use of the old QAHS gym, our community - every community - should have open and honest communication with the district and dialogue when facilities are sited. I can't *make* everyone feel good about what the usage actually is, but, I do feel it's important to try and get a great dialogue going and make sure everyone has answer to their questions and factual information. Myself included. That can't happen if SPS shuts down. If that's "fueling the fire", well so be it. I hope all parents fuel the fire then. But I also recognize that's difficult for many to do, time wise. Anyway, if the Interagency Recovery School ends up in that space, we should all do our best to help the school succeed for the sake of the kids going there.<br /><br />Fourth, If you think small alternative HS are crazy ideas, you are certainly entitled to your opinion. But I'm not so sure that we're going to have the money for $100M+ comprehensives any more, nor do those work as well for the kind of world this next generation will grow up in. Plus, with the new pre-K initiative, every SPS space becomes even more precious. BTW - I always full of crazy ideas. Sometimes, they work.<br /><br />I've lived in Seattle for 30 years - I'm well aware of the history of SPS and have helped to try and make changes over those years. I'm sad to say, many fo those efforts did not succeed. But, it doesn't mean you stop trying.<br /><br />If you want to have a conversation with me about any of this, let me know how to contact you.<br /><br />Finally, one thing I learned as a city councilmember is that people can assume a lot about you from one comment, or rumor, when that's hardly the real story. I'd appreciate it if you would not assume things about me.<br /><br />The one commonality I certainly get from this whole string is frustration with SPS.<br /><br />Thank you for listening.<br /><br />Tina Podlodowskinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-4211647040521846692014-11-17T20:13:27.981-08:002014-11-17T20:13:27.981-08:00@S parent
That is an interesting idea.Would it be...@S parent<br /><br />That is an interesting idea.Would it be a lease? Does SPS have money in its operating budget? They just spent a ton of dollars exiting Everyday Math 3 years early.<br /><br />How many kids are you proposing would go there? Would this be in addition to Lincoln and Center? Does that balance with other kids being served in the district? Would it take resources away from Franklin, Rainer, and Cleveland? Because as tight as it is at Roosevelt, Hale and Ballard, there is still more overall need at the SOTSC schools. <br /><br />McClure momAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-59739475502153091832014-11-17T17:43:21.227-08:002014-11-17T17:43:21.227-08:00McClure Mom,
I have been around longer than you ha...McClure Mom,<br />I have been around longer than you have, since my kids have graduated from high school and college.<br /><br />There were bigger tensions in SPS when our kids were bused all over town. I was part of the group that helped form The Center School.<br /><br />I recently sent a letter to the School Board and facilities management suggesting they consider the Amgen building for high school space. It would certainly help with the overcrowding situation that is evident now and will get worse when your kids get to high school.<br /><br />S parent Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-10012085059492700772014-11-17T16:25:17.374-08:002014-11-17T16:25:17.374-08:00@S parent,
yes, you are right. It was a nasty.
...@S parent,<br /><br />yes, you are right. It was a nasty. <br /><br />I wish I could apologize. But I've been reading the coments on QA view and the posts on the QA Moms listserv. The sky is falling say so many parents when they have almost no information. <br /><br />And frankly, I think that Tina's comments have fueled the flames. (among others) I think that she is giving false home to panicked parents at Hay and who live in the immediate vicinity. And making odd suggestions about using the space for alternative high school programs.<br /><br />If you have been around SPS and paying attention for any amount of time, you know that they are strapped for dollars, time, and buildings. I think that this entire issue is distracting and it is wasting time of staff, and well meaning parents. (FTR, I would put Tina in that category).<br /><br />It will be great if that meeting in December brings some calm, or even resolves this issue. But I think that it is going to make tensions on QA worse. Tensions between schools and parents. And, at the end of the day, it just isn't good for the kids.<br /><br />-McClure momAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-29567579519213607272014-11-17T16:07:28.816-08:002014-11-17T16:07:28.816-08:00@History Buff
Perfect!!! Would love for all the ...@History Buff<br /><br />Perfect!!! Would love for all the parents signing that meshugana petition to read about the 1908 parents. <br /><br />Thanks for lending such a great perspective on tempest in a teapot.<br /><br />-McClure momAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-71737780177021663982014-11-17T16:04:15.423-08:002014-11-17T16:04:15.423-08:00McClure Mom,
Tina has explained her positions in a...McClure Mom,<br />Tina has explained her positions in a calm, rational way. She is entitled to her opinions and viewpoint.<br /><br />You are obviously frustrated but your posting is nasty.<br /><br />S parent<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-43457126318998061592014-11-17T15:51:44.495-08:002014-11-17T15:51:44.495-08:00Tina
You need to get your facts straight. Queen ...Tina <br />You need to get your facts straight. Queen Anne elem. does have a gym. Also, McClure is not at capacity. And SPS does have a plan for overcrowding, and the Recovery School using the gym is part of that plan. <br /><br />You make it sound like you are an informed engaged parent, but you are talking out of your b*tt after being around for like 5 mins.<br /><br />You say that you have talked with lots of QA parents. But you never say parents at your kid's school. Have you asked any PTA reps what the principal/teachers/staff/parent body thinks about Recovery School being assigned to the gym? (My neighbor, who's on their board, said there are zero plans to support the petition.).<br /><br />Why do you care so much about transparency? Seriously? Do you think because you can catch them out on not being PC enough, not doing "community engagement" adequately, that they will be forced to locate the Recovery School in some other neighborhood? <br /><br />What's the real agenda here? Is it capacity at Queen Anne Ele.? That you want SPS to use the gym for a STEM pre-school space? Or is it keeping the wrong sort of kids away from the innocent kids on the Queen Anne Elem. playground? <br /><br />Stop grandstanding, put on your listening ears, and catch-up on the background of the capacity issue. Some of us have been working for years & years on this issue. (While your older kids went to private schools I bet) <br /><br />BTW, "going to be a train wreck." It has been and is a train wreck. Kids have been having classes in the halls for years at Hay & Coe, and even longer at other NOTSC schools. Why don't you use some of your connections around the city to get developers in SLU to partner with SPS on a joint use building for a K-8 or 9-12 school? That would actually be helpful.<br /><br />-McClure momAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-44283394109070088522014-11-17T15:37:13.431-08:002014-11-17T15:37:13.431-08:00Tina, if you ever want to talk about the district ...Tina, if you ever want to talk about the district and its issues, write to me at <br /><br />sss.westbrook@gmail.com<br /><br />P.S. This is the district's fault, not the Board. I say that b/c there is a move afoot to blame the Board for issues that are solely in the hands of staff. Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-85797454996653069202014-11-17T15:28:28.760-08:002014-11-17T15:28:28.760-08:00@ Half Full
Yes, capacity issues include HS slot...@ Half Full <br /><br />Yes, capacity issues include HS slots and I think many folks are worried that the new Pre-K initiative will take current classroom spaces too. <br /><br />Let's be clear - nothing was proposed or discussed. Construction just started happening. Without permits. At night. Not a great way to introduce any program to any neighborhood.<br /><br />@Monday incensed - there are lots of crazy rumors out there about the Interagency program, and the kids that are a part of it. I think it can bring out the worst in some folks, but when you starting having conversations things change. At least that has been my experience in this matter. It's a petition wildfire because that's the only outlet many folks have.<br /><br />I'm not going to claim anyone in this neighborhood, or any neighborhood is perfect. But I do believe the majority of parents reflect values supportive of all kids. <br /><br />But one group can change that conversation and petition wildfire in a hot minute - SPS. With some info. Which has not been forthcoming. Which is driving many parents - myself included - a little nuts. Because this does not need to happen this way.<br /><br />Thank you.<br /><br />Tina Podlodowskinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-71324212181245886542014-11-17T14:55:49.709-08:002014-11-17T14:55:49.709-08:00That Queen Anne petition is now up to almost 350 s...That Queen Anne petition is now up to almost 350 signatures. It's a veritable petition wildfire. Yep, sure...it's all about a capacity concern. <br /><br />SPS might be fueling a crisis, but the tinder for that crisis exists in what can only be described as jaw dropping classism - I won't claim racism but it sure is easy to make the leap - lurking in the shadows of a hella lot of Queen Anne abodes.<br /><br />No, not talking about Tina...but come on! For progressive Seattleites what an embarrassing revelation about the values and attitudes in that neighborhood. <br /><br />Monday Incensed<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-37717582349379117972014-11-17T14:15:24.525-08:002014-11-17T14:15:24.525-08:00@ Tina,
Thanks for trying to clarify things, but...@ Tina, <br /><br />Thanks for trying to clarify things, but your response just reaffirms what I was thinking. If it's primarily a capacity concern for QA folks, you'd think the issue of using the gym for the elementary schools would be front and center (e.g., "We've been asking and pleading for a gym for years..."). Or that there would be stories about how Hay can't fit into the space it has and needs to create additional classrooms across the street. Something like that. <br /><br />Instead, in making the capacity argument you say that parents don't see why it couldn't be used "as a small HS, or as a pre-K program or a myriad of other things." To me, the meaning seems clear--you don't like this particular use. You clearly think that, for capacity reasons, the space should be used, but that really, it should be used any way but as proposed. <br /><br />I hope the district engages with the community for a positive resolution. And I hope QA parents who may not have been paying attention to all of SPS' shenanigans in the past have had their eyes opened and will now help join in fighting for what's best for all our students, wherever they reside.<br /><br />Half FullAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-21829174648395013572014-11-17T13:52:58.605-08:002014-11-17T13:52:58.605-08:00@Half Full - as I mentioned in previous posts, all...@Half Full - as I mentioned in previous posts, all three QA elementary schools are way past full, as are McClure (middle) and Ballard (our HS). Projections have our overcrowding as becoming dire (and I hesitate to use that word now that I've looked further at what some other neighborhoods are dealing with, but I will.)<br /><br />Petition aside - and that is one voice and one aspect of the concerns being raised and something I have not signed - yes, parents DO want to know why the old QAHS gym can't be used for a gym for Hay and QAE (because there is no gym at either facility) or to alleviate overcrowding, or as a small HS, or as a pre-K program or a myriad of other things. I don't think I would use the word "dibs", but I'm sure you see why parents are asking the question. It's across the street. It has space we can use. Why aren't we using it?<br /><br />If I had more information about the Interagency Recovery program, I might be able to chime in with alternatives or good ideas, but I don't. No parents on QA can, really. Because SPS is not talking. It's frustrating, and has created unnecessary fear and uncertainty and it did not need to happen this way.<br /><br />Thanks SPS!<br /><br />I probably will make some of you "old timers" to the blog laugh by saying this, but why can't SPS just talk to the neighborhood in a timely manner, and not hide stuff?<br /><br />@Cherry - I'm not sure of the sweet deal QA has with NSAP, but I do know we are out of space, and don't seem to be getting space, and don't seem to be getting answers about space. That's my motivation here. You talk about the issues at McClure.<br /><br />I think the Interagency Programs are great - I would like to know more about this one before agreeing that the old QAHS gym is the best spot. It may be, and I do think that the neighborhood would be welcoming.<br /><br />Again, can't SPS just stop and talk to folks? You can see all of my previous post for further commentary.<br /><br />Thanks all.<br />Tina Podlodowskinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-75408402965773817902014-11-17T13:07:50.109-08:002014-11-17T13:07:50.109-08:00"Ms. Podolowski has elevated the level of thi..."Ms. Podolowski has elevated the level of this blog to heights I never imagined..." <br /><br />What does that mean?<br /><br />I agree, not fair to say the everyone in QA/Magnolia feels the same way. Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-15926763970092737552014-11-17T11:33:37.636-08:002014-11-17T11:33:37.636-08:00QA/Mag has sweet deal with the NSAP and should wel...QA/Mag has sweet deal with the NSAP and should welcome the opportunity to help students with whatever life issues they are experiencing, whether it's drud addiction or mental health. The district needs to do a good job of keeping all students safe and QA/Mag families can and should volunteer at the Interagency site. Nothing like being there helping to keep an eye on the program.<br />Our own famous rapper Macklemore was in such a program in his youth, and has spoken out about how it saved him. <br />Ms. Podolowski has elevated the level of this blog to heights I never imagined and I'm very happy to see we have her and her family involved in SPS. As a parent of a McClure student, I have heard many, many times how McClure has changed and seen it myself. Is it too white and too rich now that kids aren't bused from SE? <br />Maybe, the diversity is substantially lower but it is doing great things with it's SpEd programs and the students there are the nicest and most compassionate kids I've ever seen. The kids are taught by staff that is very aware of the potential bubble effect of QA/Mag affluence and do a good job of helping the kids understand racism, sexism, classism, all the bad ism's.<br />It's overcrowde, getting more so every year, it's dirty and smelly, no performance space, tiny music room, portables that are from the sixties(old oil stoves inside). It's suffering like every school, but it's the neighborhood school now and that has made a huge difference. I don't think many NcClure parents have any problem with the Interagency school and if some of those students wanted to come to McClure to talk abput the dangers og alcohol, prescription drug abuse, hard drugs, soft drugs, whatever; it would be an asset.<br />There are always people fearful of the "other" and that's OK, but don't paint a community or a school with a brush dipped in such vitriol. It's unfair and inaccurate.<br /><br />CherryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-8204670497577292772014-11-17T09:41:26.097-08:002014-11-17T09:41:26.097-08:00@ Tina,
When you say this is about capacity, what...@ Tina,<br /><br />When you say this is about capacity, what is it you think you mean? I don't see anything in the petition re: capacity issues, and this didn't come up in the few comments I read. Does the QA community somehow feel that they should have "dibs" on the gym, to use as they see fit? Are there suggestions as to alternate SPS sites would be better suited to Interagency? People on this blog often discuss capacity issues, throwing around a lot of ideas for potential solutions (in hope that the district might, on occasion, listen up). But it's not particularly helpful to try to play the capacity card when you don't have any alternate suggestions (and describing the kind of neighborhood it "should" be in isn't enough--SPS needs actual facilities), or when people are focusing on things like fear of drugs/violence, community "fit", etc.<br /><br />Can you provide some concrete examples of how you think this is being presented as a capacity issue???<br /><br />Half FullAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-47687596900249244852014-11-16T20:41:25.151-08:002014-11-16T20:41:25.151-08:00@ Moose
I do have a K student at QAE and I do wor...@ Moose<br /><br />I do have a K student at QAE and I do worry about that kid and all the kids on QA Hill! Yep, that capacity crisis will be a train wreck as currently managed.<br /><br />I really can't speak for the petition, or folks signing the petition. As I said, I have not signed it. I don't even know if QA parents are the ones signing the petition. But I do know that the parents that I have talked to - actual QA parents with kids at SPS schools - are far more concerned about capacity.<br /><br />I don't think the petition speaks for QA as a whole. But I do know that some really great people are saying some really, uh, interesting things based on fear of the unknown. We can fix that with information and discussion. I believe that too. As an out lesbian parent of three, I've had a lot of those discussions about, well, me over the last 30 years and I do think info and dialogue make a huge difference.<br /><br />But I get what you are saying - thanks. <br /><br />@ Just saying' Oh boy. I think you've opened a big topic that goes far beyond any one neighborhood. Our nation needs those discussions.<br /><br />Again, thanks for listening. <br /><br />SPS - get your act together.Tina Podlodowskinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-43408858255579112632014-11-16T19:38:41.574-08:002014-11-16T19:38:41.574-08:00@Tina
I completely agree that SPS blew this one. R...@Tina<br />I completely agree that SPS blew this one. Royally. And that they could have headed off some of the outcry with some basic communication. Completely agree that scheduling a meeting a month out is a terrible, terrible plan. But you lose me each time you insist this is about capacity and not "the other." The comments on the petition and the blog just don't support that analysis. I am really trying to understand what you are saying - are you arguing that the many comments disparaging the population, discussing safety of their young children and plummeting property values are about...capacity? Really? Perhaps you do have some other information, perhaps you have spoken to families all over Queen Anne and it is capacity that is dwelt upon, not the school population. But I can only go on what I am reading on the petition (skewing heavily towards fear and dislike of the IA population) and blogs to come to a different conclusion. <br /><br />That said, I really hope this spurs a new generation of residents to become more engaged in the doings of SPS. If I had a kindergartener in a Queen Anne school right now, I would have a LOT of sleepless nights about where he or she will be going to high school. If you think things are tense now, wait until that capacity crisis hits. Oy. <br /><br />MooseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-30728293757008694802014-11-16T18:23:03.609-08:002014-11-16T18:23:03.609-08:00@ Tina P.
I looked at the petition. It's up t...@ Tina P.<br /><br />I looked at the petition. It's up to almost 275 signatures. A tiny fraction make the point that they theoretically support the program. <br /><br />The district owes the community a dialogue but your neighborhood owes it to the rest of us SPS parents to attend a lecture by Kaaren Andrews on the topic of White Privilege. <br /><br />Just Sayin'<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-17602648096774934022014-11-16T17:59:42.719-08:002014-11-16T17:59:42.719-08:00It's always interesting when folks who have th...It's always interesting when folks who have their kids in private schools get involved with the district other than volunteering in the schools or donating money to them.<br /><br />I wonder what their motivation is.Jet City momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14804841958585043967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-7548129735247650572014-11-16T15:16:59.040-08:002014-11-16T15:16:59.040-08:00@Lift Up - I'm basing my comments on conversa...@Lift Up - I'm basing my comments on conversations I've had over the last several weeks with other QA parents, with kids at QA schools.<br /><br />Aside from "gut", if you've had other direct experiences on this issue with QA parents that don't support my comments, I'd love to hear about it. I really believe that capacity is driving the overall conversation, and a lack of communication or response from SPS on Interagency is making it taking a turn into fear, uncertainly and doubt. That helps no one.<br /><br />I know I'd be asking the same questions of 80+ HS kids of ANY sort were moving into the building.<br /><br />I'm hoping to get information and consideration in a more timely manner from SPS. I'm hoping we can move from an emotionally charged situation to one of mutual understanding. And, I'm trying to be very factual in what I'm saying, based, of course on my own personal experience. You certainly can choose to believe that or not. <br /><br />Again, I would not take the time to post if I didn't think there were better outcomes to be had here, and more engaged parents.<br /><br />Finally, a shout out to all the parents struggling with overcrowding - I get that QA is likely not " the worst". Happy to talk to more parent about that.<br /><br />Thank you.<br /><br />@Melissa - thanks for clarifying about teachers posting - I get that and appreciate the response.Tina Podlodowskinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-31850232509422465552014-11-16T13:53:45.746-08:002014-11-16T13:53:45.746-08:00Tina: "And yet, I do believe for the majority...Tina: "And yet, I do believe for the majority of the parents, it's capacity, not Interagency, that is causing the consternation."<br /><br />I rarely chime in here, but this above--no way, I'm not buying that AT ALL. My gut reaction is that for the QA folks making these offensive and naive comments that this has *everything* to do with the program being Interagency, not about capacity. Capacity is a meager excuse for their fears of kids with difficult and challenging lives moving into their area. If capacity were the actual issue would we still be hearing this desperate plea if it were say, a program for high achieving math students, or extraordinary musicians moving in? I really, really doubt it. Call it what it is--NIMBY attitudes and fear. Capacity is not the main issue here, it's a disservice to the conversation to say so.<br /><br />-Lift UpAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-79378797374244188972014-11-16T13:53:08.257-08:002014-11-16T13:53:08.257-08:00Jack, apparently you have been to a few. My sympa...Jack, apparently you have been to a few. My sympathies. (However, it is fun to make up a bingo sheet with key district phrases. It's pretty fun.)Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-24690302324718827342014-11-16T13:47:16.772-08:002014-11-16T13:47:16.772-08:00Melissa-
What, you mean the hour long meeting on ...Melissa-<br /><br />What, you mean the hour long meeting on the 10th will be a 55 minute vague and pointless power point presentation read out loud, slide by slide? The last 5 minutes will be district staff congratulating and thanking each other.<br /><br />I have been to some of these meetings.<br /> <br />-JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com