tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post3277028003677217251..comments2024-03-28T02:21:17.452-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Northwest Center and Cascade - What Will SPS Do?Melissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-28122284362815448292014-02-26T22:28:47.195-08:002014-02-26T22:28:47.195-08:00It could have been worse. Cascade could have been ...It could have been worse. Cascade could have been exiled to Northgate MALL with the Indian kids. Who in this town cried out when they were banished? No one. Who at SPS looked out for those at-risk kids? No one. Travesty.<br /><br />Most districts do remodels on site with kids in place. The rat infestation and asbestos dust isn't likely to pack in new students during Open Enrollment, though. But, Cascade will probably muddle through for an additional 6 months before they get their "forever home" (which, psssst, won't be forever...because SPS doesn't "do" forever.) <br /><br />If anyone thinks adding on to the QA facility to grow Cascade is a promise SPS will keep in the next 20 years, given the current BEX list, there is some swampland out in Carnation that I'd like to sell.<br /><br />The Van Asselt offer to both parties was a canard. NW Center couldn't move there and serve its families anymore than Cascade could and that's maybe the one thing both programs can agree on at this point.<br /><br />NW Center still has to move with haste if there is any hope to their getting permitted elsewhere. Their operating costs will almost certainly go up. Possibly way up. That program is taking pain too.<br /><br />All in all, a lose-lose situation for students. Go SPS. You've lived up to expectations once again. <br /><br />And finally, if Banda, who hasn't shown his face in public that anyone can much remember in the past 12 months is surprised that he doesn't have a "working" relationship with local politicians or the press, then his term looks to be very short and the employment of his communications staff (how many are there?) looks to be even shorter. <br /><br />And finally, anyone see SPS Board members out there offering leadership with this issue? Don't they cover the entire geography of the city as well as have political relationships? Where especially were the board members who cover the geographic areas in question - Peters for Queen Anne and Peaslee for Wilson-Pacific. Not a peep from either. Like Banda, an unsavory case of Duck and Cover. Bah.<br /><br />DistrictWatcher<br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-80282743973514390392014-02-26T21:37:18.674-08:002014-02-26T21:37:18.674-08:00Second half of:
"Well, that's a lawsuit ...Second half of:<br /><br />"Well, that's a lawsuit waiting to happen." - husband (or Mediaman)<br /><br />Lead - <br /><br />After our second son was born, it was extremely clear that our little tiny home was not going to cut it. We had two choices, remodel or move.<br /><br />We researched remodeling. It would cost about $200K. We looked at moving and it would cost about $200K. <br /><br />We decided to move because moving is easier than remodeling a teeny tiny home, and it would me the kids did not have to deal with construction. <br /><br />The house was old enough that is contained (shock) LEAD PAINT. Which I am sure that WP also has. <br /><br />It isn't just the paint chips that can be ingested that are dangerous, it is also the dust. The dust not only is in the air, but also it gets on clothing and shoes. We could not risk that our children would get lead poisoning from the dust in the air, or once it had settled into the door frames (and then spread in the air every time the door is opened) or in the window frames (which is again spread every time the window is opened.<br /><br />If I was a bad parent - then I would go get a blood and hair lead test done now just in case CPPP stayed at WP next year, then I'd get another one done next June. I'll bet there would be a difference and we'd be rich!<br /><br />Of course my sons would be compromised - but I'm not a bad parent, so I won't put my retirement on my children's health. <br /><br />Numericmama Mediamannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-46199126336675679852014-02-26T21:29:17.804-08:002014-02-26T21:29:17.804-08:00I know many keep saying it over and over, but plea...I know many keep saying it over and over, but please, please Concerned Parent - Don't compare Cascade to NWC for Kids. It just lowers the whole conversation.<br /><br />I totally agree that the NWC media machine and connections are out of control and the news has been one sided.<br /><br />But, SPS has mangled this one and owes BOTH of us a win situation.<br /><br />Cascade has been in a grossly inadequate building for years. Students deserve better. <br /><br />Please, NWC families, know that CPPP is angry about the way it has been treated and the strong-arming by NWC with its legislative connections and large budget, BUT all Cascaders that I know, want your program to thrive. <br /><br />Also, I appreciate the legislators banging on pots and taking a stand, but where is the solution? It's easy to cast stones at SPS (LARGE and EASY target), but here we are - What do YOU have to offer?<br /><br />Side note - We've been at Cascade and Cascade. In Fall 2012 we were told that we would eventually be located at Queen Anne in Fall 2012 (don't think this was officially assigned by Board, though0> This was sidelined and apparently 'lost' with ALL the turnover and then Cascade was sidelined during the BEX conversations.<br /><br />I think that Cascade would WELCOME another site, but there is not another place that meets the need of the families that I have heard of.<br /><br />Cascade family3Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-57912417102538194532014-02-26T21:28:46.671-08:002014-02-26T21:28:46.671-08:00My husband also brought up this point when I expla...My husband also brought up this point when I explained the situation to him. <br /><br />"Well, that's a lawsuit waiting to happen." asbestos:<br /><br />I didn't even think about that. I know there is asbestos in the building. I also know that the building is old enough that there is lead. <br /><br />Asbestos is especially insidious because there is no safe threshold for exposure. I am hedging my bets even being in WP that the fibers are contained. But once they are airborne because of construction, there is no safe place to be. <br /><br />And the effects take between 20 to 30 years to show up. So all of a sudden my 40 year old and/or my 37 year old boys would get a bad cancer that would most likely kill them right at the age that they would be raising their kids. This is not an option.<br /><br />Numericmamanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-71037218022866416632014-02-26T21:17:14.856-08:002014-02-26T21:17:14.856-08:00Well, as a CPPP parent, I feel like my kids are al...Well, as a CPPP parent, I feel like my kids are already exposed to enough. <br /><br />We already carry our own water because the water source is not safe. <br /><br />In addition, we have some pretty "wonderful" allergies coming down from both sides of the family tree, including dust and mold. <br /><br />Our gym has mold int it. That is not a good breathing situation. However, I am so happy to have a building that I am compromising. I let the kids go in the gym for two hours a week. And the PE teacher keeps the doors open so there is air circulation. I watch the kids and look for the black shadows under eyes and eye rubbing that would indicate that they were being triggered. So far I haven't seen enough that it negates the value of learning to move and stretch and run that our wonderful PE teacher brings to them. <br /><br />But I can not be in the gym because my lymph nodes swell within a minute. <br /><br />It's a tough situation, because the program is exactly what my kids need to thrive with their challenges, but at the same time I can not compromise their future health. There has got to be a better solution than this. Numericmamanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-65243488308646070692014-02-26T19:21:47.045-08:002014-02-26T19:21:47.045-08:00Everyone is so concerned with the feelings of the ...Everyone is so concerned with the feelings of the NW Center kids, how they will handle the transition, and how fragile they are and how much they need the routine. <br />Did anyone ever stop to look at how many special needs students are actually there? <br />Here is the break down directly stated on their petition:<br /><br />- Serves 110 children from 89 families<br /><br />-- 38 of the children enrolled have special needs<br /><br />-- 11 also attend developmental preschool at Seattle Public Schools<br /><br />-- 15 SPS students are in the School-Age program. 13 have special needs.<br /><br />-- 15 children receive early intervention services in their classrooms.<br /><br /><br />Cascade services 36 IEP's currently, and majority of those have sensory and attention deficit issues. Can you imagine what the noise will do to them? How hard 2 relocations will be? How upsetting it will be for Cascade kids to watch the demolition of their beloved school?<br /><br />I understand the concern and NW not wanting to uproot so soon, but they will continue the 0-3 program services and the rest of the program is before and after school child care...These students are bussed to QA, they participate in public school classes, they are able to transition and adjust to different extents to transition, just as with Cascade students.<br /><br />NW is really playing up the sympathy component, but they do have options as Van Asselt will be ready for kids this summer. I think we need to ask NW what exactly will take 2 years to get approved, is it the DSHS childcare approval or the City of Seattle Childcare approval? Is it something else? They are pretty non specific.<br /><br />What about Cascade's kids who SPS IS obligated to look out for? We are not talking about before and after school care, we are talking about CORE ACADEMICS and their school day!!Concerned parentnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-27535837486999866492014-02-26T18:55:19.329-08:002014-02-26T18:55:19.329-08:00There are special needs kids, toddlers and babies....There are special needs kids, toddlers and babies. There's no air conditioner and single pane windows. I don't see how kids can thrive during 4 months of constant construction and zero outside space. Cascademomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-12692229305559875522014-02-26T18:52:06.319-08:002014-02-26T18:52:06.319-08:00Wilson pacific is an old building. There are asbes...Wilson pacific is an old building. There are asbestos warnings everywhere. The water is poisonous - kids have to bring water from home. <br /><br />SPS wants to: move Cascade into another building on site. Then demolish all around it. Leaving no gym, no grass. CascadeMomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-3967497318708363332014-02-26T18:32:35.814-08:002014-02-26T18:32:35.814-08:00I cannot believe that this is seriously Banda'...I cannot believe that this is seriously Banda's response. As a NWC parent, I am horrified by this proposal. I am all for NWC getting more time in the building so we can make it work to find another place. BUT this has to be done in a way that harms neither program. Perhaps I am missing something, but I fail to understand how keeping Cascade on site while the building is torn down around them could possibly be done in a safe way. I stand with the Cascade families in being angry/disappointed/frustrated with Seattle Public Schools and the superintendent's foolish false solution. <br />NWC families and Cascade families can (hopefully) agree that SPS is not doing right by anyone. I can't help but assume that this is SPS pitting both programs against each other. Frustrated furthernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-76244599947780467122014-02-26T18:22:24.634-08:002014-02-26T18:22:24.634-08:00That is if Cascade accepts the proposal. That is if Cascade accepts the proposal. watchingnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-73560978700072056632014-02-26T16:50:47.390-08:002014-02-26T16:50:47.390-08:00Mirmac, you made me laugh out loud. Banda's &...Mirmac, you made me laugh out loud. Banda's "solution" seems to benefit no one, really. NWC still has to go, and Cascade kids get to deal with asbestos clouds for 6 months. NW momnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-2670224896087864832014-02-26T16:41:03.482-08:002014-02-26T16:41:03.482-08:00What a load of horse***
Not surprised Banda caves...What a load of horse***<br /><br />Not surprised Banda caves. That should be his middle name.<br /><br />Wonder when he breaks ground on the Amazon school...?mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-41915860462375624962014-02-26T16:33:35.030-08:002014-02-26T16:33:35.030-08:00This is something that you should definitely see: ...This is something that you should definitely see: <br />https://twitter.com/ColleenKIROFM/status/438816070753722368Seattle Tweeternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-70690186901958591262014-02-26T15:19:34.420-08:002014-02-26T15:19:34.420-08:00FWIW, the Slog posted something today about Cascad...FWIW, the Slog posted something today about Cascade meeting with Banda and Herndon at 3 (so right now?).<br /><br />http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2014/02/26/superintendent-banda-meeting-with-cascade-parenting-program-today-continues-to-ignore-northwest-center-school<br /><br />Parent<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-2224919665668901412014-02-25T17:35:38.735-08:002014-02-25T17:35:38.735-08:00Let's clear up some things.
1. QA is not &quo...Let's clear up some things.<br /><br />1. QA is not "inaccessible." It is on a busline, and has been accessed for 28 years by little yellow school buses, cars, and parents riding metro.<br /><br />2. Cascade has functioned for years using 2 buildings at WP, but now that they no longer have the High School program (aside from running start) they don't necessarily need the 2 full buildings at WP. <br /><br />3. Cascade's program is flexible and the days of classes can be worked to fit the space offered at QA. Currently classes and clubs meet various times and days in a 4 day work week, with an open Friday for clubs and field trips. If needed Fridays can be added into the schedule to accommodate classes, and the length and days each class meets can also be adjusted based on needs. <br /><br />3.5. The one thing that cannot be altered when it comes to Cascade is the variety of schedules and down time students have. If a family has an hour between classes then they can do clubs, play, or work on homework or home subjects if they have any.<br /><br />4. Cascade is NOT a homeschool and SPS actually faced legal ramifications because they tried to claim it as a homeschool resource center...that is a long story but if you want to know more I can share a video. Cascade students receive full public school credits for subjects both taken through the fully accredited teachers or for those subjects that the parents facilitate, but are overseen via the consulting teacher.<br />HBI students do not receive public school credits or a diploma, with the exception of classes taken through a public school or declared through and overseen by a consulting teacher. HBI students can attend ANY public school in their district if they have room in their desired class. HUGE difference.<br /><br />5. Lowell, Lincoln, etc. were all an option for placement, but those schools will be filled to capacity. SPS clearly stated that no program placed in any facility will not be housed alone, meaning if the building houses 790 students and AP only takes up 420 then another program will be housed with it.<br />SPS took 2 years to evaluate Cascades needs and agree that Cascade's program does not belong in with a traditional school. <br /><br />Bottom line, Queen Anne, is a perfect choice for Cascade's program and SPS's responsibility.<br /><br />Cascade momnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-72634585004054315932014-02-25T17:24:00.037-08:002014-02-25T17:24:00.037-08:00That's okay anonymous. It is logical that ther...That's okay anonymous. It is logical that there is an accessible entrance currently used by NWC.<br /><br />I don't expect everyone or you to agree with me. It is interesting how much those who disagree with me seek to refute my observations and opinion. If the facts, pure-hearted politicians and public opinion are on their side, what do they care what I think?<br /><br />The costs to provide Birth to 3 services are partially covered by Part C Federal funds. NWC is one of three providers selected by King County DDD to deliver these services. SPS does not provide district facilities to Boyer or the Experimental Education Unit. In the interests of minimizing impact on children, I would support providing some relief to NWC by assisting their move to an interim space at Lowell, at least until 2015. During that time, they can LEASE some NOW (as anonymous puts it) or perhaps Amazon can provide some at no cost.<br /><br />In any case, CPPC should not be thrown under the bus by anyone anymore.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-12193069598130322312014-02-25T16:45:15.151-08:002014-02-25T16:45:15.151-08:00So what to do?
CPPP loses it's space. Constr...So what to do? <br /><br />CPPP loses it's space. Construction contracts are signed. I don't see that changing. It's really expensive. So I am going to assume it doesn't change.<br /><br />WP is gone. Cascade is homeless. Cascade is gone. <br /><br />* Poof *Numericmamanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-5547360144729458092014-02-25T16:37:56.790-08:002014-02-25T16:37:56.790-08:00Right, my kid is at CPPP and he will have an IEP. ...Right, my kid is at CPPP and he will have an IEP. We have moved from homeschooling into public school and are in the process of being evaluated. <br /><br />Unfortunately, it is a long process with a 4.5 month wait for our OT eval.<br /><br />Then another month for our meetings at the school level.<br /><br />But my kid is doing fine with the support at Cascade for the classes he is currently taking. And then when we have our results, the staff and I will figure out a plan.Numericmamanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-88733146829893097692014-02-25T16:28:46.489-08:002014-02-25T16:28:46.489-08:00maybe we are all looking at this problem the wrong...maybe we are all looking at this problem the wrong way. The only ideas that have been thrown out is to find a temproary buillding for both programs when what we are really concerned about is the special needs kids at NW center which totals 38 according to NW Center's petition website. And 15 of those are in the birth to 3 age group in which that program will not be effected so we are talking about 24 special needs students. <br /><br />I think by law the district has to provide services for these kids? And it looks like from the same website, SPS is alreay providing some degree of service to these kids already. Can't they just expand services? I know the district has after school programs, in school programs and at home services. <br /><br />I don't think the district is responsible for providing pre-school service which is 2/3rds of the students. I know no one from the district helped me find a pre school and I know in the past they have closed several pre-schools that were in schools such as Ballard, and Ingraham causing hardships on parents. So I wonder what is this really about and why so many politicians are involved?Outside Box?noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-84906163523261051362014-02-25T15:35:10.708-08:002014-02-25T15:35:10.708-08:00First let me say that I have not read all the post...First let me say that I have not read all the posts because all this anger redux between different school pops is really hard to read.<br /><br />I just have a question and a small comment. When we were at the EEU, we were told about a school on Mercer Island that serves a Sped pop that have highly challenging needs. The tuition is incredibly high there because they need many many aides and doctors and nurses and therapists. It is not a SPS school, but SPS refers children there whom SPS does not have the ability to serve. SPS pays full tuitions and provide transportation from Seattle for these students. I do not know anything about NWC, but if it is a private school & the parents there pay their own tuitions; and this school have to close down, then SPS will HAVE TO provide a "free and appropriate education" for these kids somehow. Does SPS have the money and facility(ies) needed to do this- i.e. find the classrooms, equipt it properly, hire extra teachers, aides, nurses, therapists? It is possible that they would have to hire MANY additional staff, and pay them union rates, depending on how high-need the NWC kids are. ( I once saw a slight 8 yo kid take down two male teachers AND three male aides, and it all happened very quickly, he was calm one moment and then suddenly...). It is not easy to find such staff either, they have to be highly trained to not endanger the kids And be willing to possibly get punched and kicked and bitten.<br /><br />So my comment is, perhaps we should consider ALL facets of this situation, we are talking about TWO populations of KIDS who are vulnerable here. Aside from compassion and ethics, to say we should ignore one group - because they are not SPS students or because they should have seen the eviction coming - could bring many unanticipated problems, considering that WSS & transportation is already being cut (no money) & the rapidly approaching increase in enrollment (no room). NWC is not refusing to move, they are asking for more Time, to find a place and get it licensed. Surely this is not unreasonable?<br />I can't see that forcing them to close will not be disastrous for us also. Those kids will have to come back into SPS schools, they have no other choice, pretty sure the few private schools that can serve them are full. And the staff, they will be unemployed, with bills and families to take care of: good people who CHOSE to work with high need kids.<br /><br />Since, before this fiasco I used to hear Cascade referred to as a homeschooling program even by posters on this blog, that is what I thought the program was also; and I can assure you no NWC parents or staff have spoken to me. Perhaps NWC, if they did tell the Press this, (and they say they didn't, so maybe we shouldn't call them liars unless we can prove it) perhaps the press and the public had the same misconception. Ignorance is not evil intent.<br /><br />The whole thing is painful for everyone, thinking of the other group as evil enemies will prob just make the problem worse.<br /><br />CCAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-39114231265018171082014-02-25T15:33:40.662-08:002014-02-25T15:33:40.662-08:00"That is not counting 504 plans and those who..."That is not counting 504 plans and those who have dropped IEP's because their kids no longer need resource room support due to the structure of Cascade. That is also not counting the number of gifted students who found SPS's programs inadequate for the gifted and talented and did not qualify for IEP's because their grades were "good""<br /><br />It's also not counting a child like mine who is likely on the spectrum, but has gone directly from homeschooling to Cascade. If he were in a conventional classroom, I'm sure he'd have an IEP. But in Cascade, with the small class size, the amazingly supportive teachers, and my presence nearby, his issues don't interfere with his or his classmates' learning. He's thriving at Cascade. It's really an amazing place.<br /><br />-Mama Marmot Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-65534432361471209462014-02-25T14:48:56.222-08:002014-02-25T14:48:56.222-08:00@mirmac1
Don't follow your logic. If the QA ...@mirmac1<br /><br />Don't follow your logic. If the QA building is not readily accessible, and as Cascade does not get buses, then, it is a great fit? That means only families who want/need this ALE AND who have cars can access it? That makes no sense. That is precisely the reason the ALE school should be more centrally located so as to be accessible to more families, i.e, families dependent on Metro.<br /><br />And, your Lowell suggestion. Did you talk to them (parents, PTA, administration), before volunteering their neighborhood's school? Lowell just got a chunk of Hay. Lowell's boundaries just doubled! Plus, with Stevens packed, there will probably be more boundary massages in Lowell's future. AND they just got made into a spectrum school site for the north central region. You sure they have that much space? Really? <br /><br />Long term planning is what is needed. Not patches that can't hold. <br /><br />As Kellie says, the only thing that fixes a capacity problem is MORE CAPACITY. If we can't build anymore than we all ready are, then, LEASE IT NOW.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-59469067711022171462014-02-25T14:00:02.952-08:002014-02-25T14:00:02.952-08:00I understand Cascade's class schedules are sta...I understand Cascade's class schedules are staggered. I'd be surprised if they receive transportation. (Correct me if I'm wrong). If so, then the QA site seems like it could only work for a school like CPPC.<br /><br />And i'm not convinced that it will become some kind of insanely popular draw like STEM or JSIS.<br /><br />Lowell apparently has spare capacity for another year or so. Lowell is ADA compliant. Why could this not work as an interim site for NWC until it secures a permanent non-district facility. Or is the call for more time not the real issue?mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-60670775233669369772014-02-25T13:55:14.192-08:002014-02-25T13:55:14.192-08:00FYI, there seem to be more than one of us posting ...FYI, there seem to be more than one of us posting as @also done. <br />-Also doneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-84908464168346932062014-02-25T13:46:52.305-08:002014-02-25T13:46:52.305-08:00For those looking for a place to daylight these is...For those looking for a place to daylight these issues, please go to the Seattle Neighborhood Summit. <br /><br />http://www.seattle.gov/sns2014<br /><br />Saturday, April 5th <br />9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. <br />Seattle Center, Pavilion Room<br /><br />The city really needs to hear from families and taxpayers that schools matter. <br /><br />- also done.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com