tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post5611677944134504564..comments2024-03-29T02:41:52.718-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Final Vote on ClosuresMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-51066725838154307312009-02-01T21:09:00.000-08:002009-02-01T21:09:00.000-08:00Maureen,In case you are still checking this thread...Maureen,<BR/><BR/>In case you are still checking this thread...I read this post from Director HMM over on his blog,<BR/><BR/>"Dear Central Mom<BR/><BR/>This is what I heard from the staff on siblling preference:<BR/><BR/>There are actually three different categories of students:<BR/><BR/>1. Students at the same school (in the same grade band of elementary, middle, or high school) are being reassigned to the same new school. Reassignments as part of the closure process are based on reference area, so siblings will be reassigned together. No application is needed.<BR/><BR/>2. For a student reassigned as part of the closure process, a sibling from another school who applies to the reassigned school will receive sibling preference as long as the sibling is listed on the standard application form. <BR/><BR/>3. If an incoming entry grade sibling applied through the early sibling application process and the older sibling is being reassigned due to the closure process, the incoming entry grade sibling will automatically be reassigned to the older sibling’s new school. No application is needed."<BR/><BR/>I'm so happy that in this instance enrollment will be processed with common sense and consideration vs. strict adherance to what is written and nothing else.TwinMom2003https://www.blogger.com/profile/13330240199097718321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-27512222820508518952009-02-01T13:34:00.000-08:002009-02-01T13:34:00.000-08:00Students arent 'ahead' or behind'... they are wher...Students arent 'ahead' or behind'... they are where they are it that is 'normal' for them...<BR/><BR/>If we had vertical curriculums and varied learning opportunities delivered through various styles and experiences, (AS#1 - a school attuned to all kinds of minds) where students could learn at their own pace - 2 grades ahead or 2 grades behind or whatever, via the medium that works best for them, we would be accepting people as they are and dealing with life as it really is - unique - and we wouldnt have this problem...Sahilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610179287237833742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-85514754189291108942009-01-31T18:22:00.000-08:002009-01-31T18:22:00.000-08:00Ben,I was trying to suss out (in this and other po...Ben,<BR/>I was trying to suss out (in this and other posts in other threads) how a future SPS would continue to improve services to its students.<BR/>In one sphere of contemplation, we have the "non-traditional" programs and services that, hopefully, meet the needs of students who aren't at-level in a traditional setting, or ARE at-level but need and/or require other services (alt, APP, SpEd. ELL, safety net...)<BR/>So "non-traditional" is one sort of service.<BR/>Another discussion is how we have, and how will we, serve students in terms of academic levels? Some students are "ahead", some are "behind": how do we/will we serve the academic needs of these students?<BR/>Yes, APP is a test-in, all-city draw (or north/south program draws?)<BR/>Is this good? Not saying yes or no, just looking for the conversation.<BR/>What about Spectrum? Why is there not a uniform access in every school to Spectrum?<BR/>AP or IB? ALO or Honors?<BR/>SpEd inclusion, pull-out, or resource room?<BR/>Safety net: do we want students with discipline issues in the trad schools? Should we put them in separate rooms? How will THEY learn?<BR/>Big picture: what's best for meeting the needs of the students? Maybe APP should have these "walk-overs" mentioned in other posts. maybe Gen Ed teachers should be more trained in inclusion and differentiation?<BR/>Let's build a better district.<BR/><BR/>word verifier: "nonsupe"?! Of COURSE I'm not the Supe! If I were, I'm sure I could do all I mention above in less than two weeks! (ha!) PLUS I'd be really enjoying that 240 or 260 thousand...seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-64465317316307489282009-01-30T18:55:00.000-08:002009-01-30T18:55:00.000-08:00I agree, Danny K. And I have proposal for one thin...I agree, Danny K. And I have proposal for one thing we can do to help make sure the district keeps their promises.<BR/><BR/>See <A HREF="http://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2009/01/invitation-to-hold-district-to-their.html" REL="nofollow">An Invitation to Hold the District to Their Promises</A>Beth Bakemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16827919509722526726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-57602280571742453132009-01-30T16:16:00.000-08:002009-01-30T16:16:00.000-08:00I think Charlie is right, the ship has sailed and ...I think Charlie is right, the ship has sailed and now it's time to hold the district to its promises and figure out how to make this work. <BR/><BR/>I also can't help thinking how much the national and local situation has changed just since MG-J came on board. WAMU is gone, Starbucks, Boeing and Microsoft are all laying people off right and left, and the international trade that keeps Seattle thriving is drying up. I think 2009 is going to be a really terrible year economically, and the public at large is not going to have much interest in our troubles in the District.Danny Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07632244455766365141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-88420762157608559072009-01-30T15:21:00.000-08:002009-01-30T15:21:00.000-08:00Charlie,I'm confused by your statement:While the p...Charlie,<BR/><BR/>I'm confused by your statement:<BR/><BR/><I>While the primary moves of this plan (closing AAA, TT Minor, Cooper, Meany and repurposing the Jane Addams building) were sound and defensible - if debatable, many of the secondary moves (Van Asselt to AAA, splitting Lowell, Pathfinder to Cooper, NOVA and S.B.O.C. to Meany, splitting Washington APP, and discontinuing Summit) were bad and indefensible.</I><BR/><BR/>The primary decision wasn't to close Cooper. The primary decision was to close Genesee Hill Building and move Pathfinder. Closing Cooper was collateral damage.<BR/><BR/>Stevesteve in west seattlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17615119680401647551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-69374120561170577762009-01-30T14:42:00.000-08:002009-01-30T14:42:00.000-08:00seattle citizen...thanks for your input...I unders...seattle citizen...<BR/>thanks for your input...<BR/><BR/>I understand the problems of immigration, blue collar social and economic status, English-as-a-second language, cultural differences, survival mode etc... I came from that background and remember that experience very well...<BR/><BR/>Having been an 'outsider' all my life, in five countries, I have had the opportunity to observe while participating and havent had any strong ties to any particular group...and perhaps having had that detachment has given me the opportunity to see how the system in each of those places works...what the relationships are and where the power and equity imbalances still play out...<BR/><BR/>And in my passion, I forget that others have been immersed in it so long that maybe they dont have that perspective...like ants scurrying on the ground with a limited field of vision, rather than eagles flying above with the change in perspective height brings... and then I dont understand why such system failures arent more obvious to more people, or why people allow them to continue...they are after all, only systems, created by people and so they can be changed by people....<BR/><BR/>Except then you run into the reality that when a system works for some people, its hard to enlist their support to change it, even though its not working for a good many others... why give up security and comfort and privilege in order to re-establish balance and equity?<BR/><BR/>I incorporate quite a lot of Buddhist teachings in my world view, but in issues of social justice, find it very hard to develop equanimity!Sahilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610179287237833742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-18148043464685358812009-01-30T14:36:00.000-08:002009-01-30T14:36:00.000-08:00"Other non-traditional programs, such as APP, Safe..."Other non-traditional programs, such as APP, Safety Net, ELL, etc will face similar issues: how will all students be allowed access, around the city, and across class/race lines etc."<BR/><BR/>I don't know if I understand. Right now, all students are "allowed" access to APP if they pass the APP test. They get transportation from anywhere in the city, and the testing is free.Benhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18365355509420961754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-56921588173132884362009-01-30T13:45:00.000-08:002009-01-30T13:45:00.000-08:00I might get chewed up and spit out for this, Sahil...I might get chewed up and spit out for this, Sahila, but many in Seattle aren't "progressives" touted so globally. Many are "merely" working moms and dads, immigrants, people struggling with a variety of issues that bear little connection to progressive thought.<BR/><BR/>It was said years ago, of the hippie movement, that it was a bunch of wealthy children who could AFFORD to do thigs differently, who could AFFORD to be progressive.<BR/><BR/>Many can't.<BR/><BR/>And, unfortunately, I believe that it's a sad bu ineveitable fact that when one has children, one's focus often becomes laser-sharp in regards to those children, but loses the larger focus on how the whole system effects the whole: People advocate for their own. A form of tribalism.<BR/><BR/>There are plenty who advocate for ALL; many are in here. But while the wealthier amongst us can AFFORD to advocate, and also, possibly, have the knowledge to advocate, there are many in the city who don't have that luxury.<BR/><BR/>The squeaky wheel gets the grease.<BR/><BR/>Some are progressive. Some are merely getting by.seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-16242121256639260172009-01-30T13:34:00.000-08:002009-01-30T13:34:00.000-08:00That lovely little gem of insensitivity about the ...That lovely little gem of insensitivity about the AAA name also stuck out like a sore thumb for me, Brian...<BR/><BR/>The breadth and depth of the ignorance being displayed is just bone-chilling, spine-tingling, mind-boggling...<BR/><BR/>I am struggling with huge levels of disappointment... came to this country to be with the father of my youngest child... people said, if you have to go live in the States, Seattle is probably the best place possible for a anarchistic/socialist-leaning/democratic liberal like you, with such a mix of mainstream and alternative life views/experiences... <BR/><BR/>Seattle, they said, is the least conservative/reactionary, most tolerant/accepting/diverse/socially aware, progressive city in the country - you should fit right in, they said...<BR/><BR/>Wow - if this is progressive, enlightened, accepting, socially conscious and diverse, what does the rest of the US look like?Sahilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610179287237833742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-9911930071794100162009-01-30T13:27:00.001-08:002009-01-30T13:27:00.001-08:00What I don't understand is that if Director's Bass...What I don't understand is that if Director's Bass and Martin-Morris were opposed to the plan, why didn't they put forth an admendment that stopped the closures until the assignment plan was in place And called for the district to tap into the rainy day fund to cover expenses that they had due to not closing schools?<BR/><BR/>Director Bass's admendment, which took all her schools off the table appeared to be self-serving, yet last night she revealed that she felt that the entire plan was rushed etc.<BR/><BR/>Now it really feels like we will have a huge territory war on our hands.ParentofThreehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15853045587227159562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-38278384503942769152009-01-30T13:27:00.000-08:002009-01-30T13:27:00.000-08:00"Current AAA K-4 students will be assigned to Van ..."Current AAA K-4 students will be assigned to Van Asselt program and can stay in that building. Name will remain the African-American Academy unless the school community chooses to change it."<BR/><BR/>You're KIDDING.<BR/><BR/>This is very disrespectful of the current AAA....they are being closed, but the name might continue at the new group's whim?<BR/>And the new group is left to discontinue tjhe name? Will they also have to mail the old AAA people and tell them if the name is then discontinued?<BR/><BR/>Unbelievable.<BR/><BR/>word verifier: "dednit" is what I want to do to my screaming psyche after reading of stuff like this...seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-50023041952377318552009-01-30T13:12:00.000-08:002009-01-30T13:12:00.000-08:00This is my favorite part of the discussions last n...This is my favorite part of the discussions last night:<BR/><BR/>"Current AAA K-4 students will be assigned to Van Asselt program and can stay in that building. <B>Name will remain the African-American Academy unless the school community chooses to change it.</B>"<BR/><BR/>This is an example of school board "leadership". Shut down the program, but punt the naming issue onto the new community, which will have a hard enough time getting along.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09408036789006911315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-82381179759257634562009-01-30T13:11:00.000-08:002009-01-30T13:11:00.000-08:00"Don't forget the International programs at Concor..."Don't forget the International programs at Concord, JSIS and Beacon Hill. And the Montessouris."<BR/><BR/>Hence, Central Mom, my "etc." !<BR/><BR/>Yes, ALL non-tradional programs/schools (hence, CM, "non-tradtional"!) would, in my opinion, do well to work hard to define what they are, how they can show what they are and how they "fit" into some common metrics, and how they can have an active voice in discussion with the district to reconfigure systems to meet needs.<BR/><BR/>This can be a good thing. SOME change is good, and where people can advocate articulately for good programs, maybe these can grow and serve more students in a more efficient way.<BR/><BR/>We always need to be moving forward, and making things better. How can we do this and also be economically efficient?<BR/><BR/>(and, of course, how can we do all this and make sure funding is available from sources beyone SPS, make sure that good things get the money they need?)seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-35271187460410146662009-01-30T13:02:00.000-08:002009-01-30T13:02:00.000-08:00Seattle Citizen...Don't forget the International p...Seattle Citizen...<BR/>Don't forget the International programs at Concord, JSIS and Beacon Hill. And the Montessouris. <BR/><BR/>And yes, this should be a new thread. And the time for input is now. The district has some idea of how assignment boundaries are going to fall (even if they aren't ready to release them). They're still working on how to overlay Alt, K-8 and International schools onto that grid. But they want to have the plan together yet this spring.Central Momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05411595538958030193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-5854719047337478352009-01-30T12:54:00.000-08:002009-01-30T12:54:00.000-08:00New Thread (?)Whither Goest Non-Traditional School...New Thread (?)<BR/>Whither Goest Non-Traditional Schools and Programs?<BR/><BR/>This train is coming:<BR/>1) common assessments of some type, besides the WASL or other state tests: ways that the District can use common tools to evaluate both students and teachers;<BR/>2) some increased common curriculum, shared across schools;<BR/>3) less transportation around the city - cluster-only, perhaps<BR/>4) "earned automony" (see #1): where schools demonstrate success, they get to branch out away from commonality, if they can show curriculum and assessment meets the common standards (GLEs)<BR/><BR/>Given the above, the days of a hodge-podge of various and sundry non-traditionals are numbered.<BR/><BR/>Personally, I see:<BR/>One "alternative" per cluster or region, probably a K-8 ("alternative" high schools are a bit more freed from transportation, as the students can get themselves to the school..but now we have only one, anyway.)<BR/><BR/>"Codified"" alternatives in each cluster - more standardization of what an alternative is. This negates the argument that each alt is unique, because, it will be argued, it is impossible to offer students a choice of a variety of alts because it is impossible to get them to the schools around the city. (parents might argue that they will drive them, or whatever, but since ALL of the potential students can't get there this way, the district will make the alts similar, so if a student wants an alt, they can get it in their cluster or region.<BR/><BR/>Other non-traditional programs, such as APP, Safety Net, ELL, etc will face similar issues: how will all students be allowed access, around the city, and across class/race lines etc.<BR/><BR/>It would, methinks, behoove interested parties to address some of these potential issues and work towards ways to work with the district to address them in meaningful ways.seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-37919939631834458962009-01-30T11:52:00.000-08:002009-01-30T11:52:00.000-08:00True that, ZB. Frankly, most of the people, in her...True that, ZB. Frankly, most of the people, in here at least, that are "deciding" (having it decided for them?) to leave the district are adults that are thoughtful about all kids, not just their own, so I see that they may continue to advocate anywhere, including here, even if their kids are "there."<BR/>It's just easy to picture a stampede, and easy to realize that if a kid is at Shoreline, that's where much of the adult's attention will be.seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-22631600303695501622009-01-30T11:47:00.000-08:002009-01-30T11:47:00.000-08:00My view is that it is time to get geared up to dea...My view is that it is time to get geared up to deal with the assignment plan, in addition to making the program/school changes work. I'd like to get as much information now as possible and establish priorities for engagement. I am a newbie, but my armchair view of what just took place is that communities that were organized early fared better than those that were not.<BR/><BR/>Techymom, I have a strong interest in what happens with Madrona because I have a child who will be school-aged for the 2011-12 school year and I can see Madrona from my house (if you'll forgive the Palin reference). I'd be interested in working up data and support for the proposition that the current model would not serve the students who will end up being sent there under the new assignment plan, and in coming up with concrete ways in which that school can be transformed (other than just, "get a different principal," particularly since the district is very happy it appears with her work).<BR/><BR/>And ZB, It is in my view highly unlikely that TM will continue to have uniforms. Possibly the school will continue to have them next year, because I know a lot of Lowell parents coming in (and you can put me in this category) are both not happy about uniforms but also not wanting to come into a new school with established programs and start demanding changes with respect to really really annoying but ultimately comparatively trivial things.djhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01720927162286657378noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-31281702491379823062009-01-30T11:18:00.000-08:002009-01-30T11:18:00.000-08:00"It's a loss to the community as those that can le..."It's a loss to the community as those that can leave, leave, and those that cannot are left with a further diminished district due to the flight."<BR/><BR/>I see the sadness, but leaving to make the best decision for your child doesn't have to mean that you leave the community of people who care about the children in all of Seattle and try to advocate for positive change. Even if one isn't motivated by altruism, families spend a lot of years in school. The decision you make today isn't a decision forever. One might advocate today out of altruism and find oneself benefiting five years down the road.zbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13205346985598789513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-47765838425812188702009-01-30T11:00:00.000-08:002009-01-30T11:00:00.000-08:00Call me an idealist, but it's sad to see people ba...Call me an idealist, but it's sad to see people bail out of the district. The students here are the city's children, and me personally, I'm stickin' with 'em through thick and thin. Nothing's ever perfect: there's plenty of stuff in my life (and in children's lives) that is highly dysfunctional. But this is what we have and by staying we work with it to make it better.<BR/>Not blaming anyone for going, it just makes me sad. It's a loss to the community as those that can leave, leave, and those that cannot are left with a further diminished district due to the flight.seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-79006678689140508792009-01-30T10:52:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:52:00.000-08:00PS: moving forward doesn't mean that we can't cont...PS: moving forward doesn't mean that we can't continue to advocate for more funding for the schools, to fight for better processes for future closures, to advocate in the new school assignment process, to support alternative/non-traditional schools.zbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13205346985598789513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-84318535199677443732009-01-30T10:47:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:47:00.000-08:00I second TechyMom about considering Marshall &...I second TechyMom about considering Marshall & Lowell general for your kids in Central (though my opinion has to be mitigate by the fact that I don't live in Central). I think there are enough families in Central (who didn't make it into the big 3 + TOPS) who might find that with their presence, combined with the APP families, those schools could become vibrant, diverse communities. <BR/><BR/>But, the success depends on buy-in from the higher SES central folks who now do everything they can to avoid the south-end central schools. <BR/><BR/>(and, what they do with the "non-standard" Marshall general program, like uniforms?)zbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13205346985598789513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-35099963323026204602009-01-30T10:15:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:15:00.000-08:00dagnabbit, darn browser lost my first post.Thanks ...dagnabbit, darn browser lost my first post.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the link, adhoc. I know one of the teachers there, and I should ask her if it seems like a good fit for my kids.<BR/><BR/>I hate to flee AS1, and I don't PLAN to, but to survive it appears we'll have to both a) become more mainstream, and b) attract lots more students, probably from the ranks of displaced Summiteers.<BR/><BR/>I can't see us being of much use if we do a), and I sure can't blame Summit families if they don't want to lay themselves open to having another school close out from under them. So I'm not real sanguine about AS1's future. A shame, but that's reality.Josh Hayeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17242600011474990770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-39525588671073010522009-01-30T09:35:00.000-08:002009-01-30T09:35:00.000-08:00Summit and AS1 families you should know that Shore...Summit and AS1 families you should know that Shoreline has a wonderful small alt school called The Room 9 Community School. They are looking to increase their enrollment and have space for Seattle children (though I don't know how much). For Seattle families living in the N and NE this may be an option for you. You don't get bus service from Seattle, but you could get bus service from right over the Shoreline border (145th st), The school is located on 175th right off of the freeway. It is a wonderful litttle public alt school that has been able to hang on to their alt culture and perform very well. You have to have a tour before you can apply, and if interested you let them know and voila you are enrolled. No enrollment center, no waiting until May, nothing. You will need to fill out an out of district transfer form so the state pays Shoreline instead of Seattle for your child but that's it. The only downside is Shoreline does not want to take on children that will cost them extra money, so they generally don't take special ed students, or kids with behavior or attendance problems. <BR/><BR/>http://www.roomninecommunity<BR/>school.org/anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03716725891562757052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-22277078718973852042009-01-30T09:25:00.000-08:002009-01-30T09:25:00.000-08:00Sahila reminds us of an interesting point: $ for j...Sahila reminds us of an interesting point: $ for jails, not schools...on of the bills before the legislature is to decriminalize marijuana. This would save a considerable amount of money. How about if the savings were split fifty/fifty: half to budget reduction, half towards funding schools?<BR/>Make a statement, demand from your legislators that they find money to fully fund schools.seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.com