Here's the agenda for tonight's Board meeting. I note that people can no longer sign up to speak at a Board meeting by phone. It is strictly by online sign-up. Not good. Public Testimony seems to cover two topics. Apparently, the Chinese program at West Seattle High School is in jeopardy and there are several speakers for that issue. The other issue is, of course, school closures. There are six people on the waitlist. Here's the latest from the Times which says that " Seattle Could Close about a quarter of its elementary schools." First, that would be a heck of a lot of schools (17) and two, only elementaries? My cynical side is that the district is throwing out a big number so they can "generously" only close 10-12. The article claims that the district is taking "$32M from its reserves" which is not true; they have no reserves. I think the reporter means capital reserves. I'll be tuning in with updates. 4:15 pm and has the 4:15
Comments
elementary parent (third tier)
I am all for later start time for middle and high schools!
makes Sense
Ringo
There is a national initiative to Start School Later that began in the fall 2011. Historically local groups have had a difficult to impossible time getting school districts to change this, so people across the nation are joining forces. On the website startschoollater.net you can find lots of scientific support for starting school later.
The petition for legislation with >500 Wa state signatures was presented to Senators Murray and Cantwell last week in WaDC. Now is a great time to contact them with your support of this initiative.
I'm a sleep specialist here in Seattle, and greatly support this goal. If you'd like help with this locally please let me know. Unfortunately I can't make it to your meeting on the 26th.
Catherine Darley, ND
Steering Board member, Start School Later
One of the reasons we chose Hale was becaue of its late start time. Competing with other schools doesn't seem to be a problem.
Future Hale Parent
We are a flexible people. Maybe sports will go a little later. Maybe we'll shorten quarters. Maybe not everyone will think sports is the end-all and be-all of life. Maybe kids will actually get a better education.
Students who have jobs - that's the biggest because some families depend on income from kids now. Jobs that provide spending money for gas and activities; well, again I am for health during the growth years and education which will hopefully help provide a better income for a lifetime.
I hope this happens.
n...
HS students are naturally inclined to sleep in. Kids who are involved in sports can get up and go to practice in the morning, like lots of people get up and work out (great lifetime skill). Teens who work after school could get dismissed a period early and receive credit for working. It can be worked out; we can do it!
- HS teacher
ES mom
elementary parent (third tier)
Another 3rd tier elementary parent.
If you are interested, you can also join our mailing list to keep apprised of issues at the national level. I look forward to reading about your meetings and updates regarding starting local schools later.
Regards,
Maribel Ibrahim
Co-Founder, www.StartSchoolLater.net
thanks to all working on getting this changed! R Hill