Sorry Kids, No Superbowl Champion Parade for You
Third Update: Bellevue, Highline, Northshore and Lake Washington are all offering excused absences to students with their parents' permission.
Second Update: The Mayor tweeted: "It is my hope that the school district will excuse absences for students who want to join their family" for this event.
Update: quite the number of stories around this issue.
One, many people unhappy at Banda's use of "historical" versus "historic" and yes, he got it wrong.
Two, Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was asked on Monday if they should allow kids to go to the parade and he said, "Heck yeah, they should."
Three, should teachers carry on no matter how many kids aren't in class? Should it be a movie day or should kids who miss that day just miss out because their parents made a choice about their attendance?
Four, should we just use one snow day?
Five, would it really be fair to parents who cannot have their kids sitting at home alone?
Six, West Seattle blog had a comment that WSHS and Madison will have an "early release" tomorrow.
From SPS:
Seattle Public Schools to remain open on Wednesday.
From Superintendent Jose Banda:
Congratulations to the @Seahawks on an amazing season and Super Bowl win! I It’s been so fun to see our school communities get into the spirit these last few weeks. I've enjoyed seeing the photos and videos of our students and staff celebrating the Seahawks.
We have received questions about the parade on Wednesday, which starts at 11 a.m. Seattle Public Schools will not close or dismiss school early because of the parade. Parents who wish to take their students out of school can, but per state regulation, it will be treated as an unexcused absence. While we support the team, academics must come first and it’s important not to lose a day in the classroom.
We know this is a historical event for our community and we also know that for many of our students, their school community is a place where they will celebrate and come together to talk about pride, sportsmanship and teamwork. We encourage our students and staff to wear blue on Wednesday in honor of the #Seahawks.
We are working with the City on transportation issues for the day and we will work hard to minimize disruptions. However, families should expect bus delays in the afternoon on Wednesday.
Second Update: The Mayor tweeted: "It is my hope that the school district will excuse absences for students who want to join their family" for this event.
Update: quite the number of stories around this issue.
One, many people unhappy at Banda's use of "historical" versus "historic" and yes, he got it wrong.
Two, Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was asked on Monday if they should allow kids to go to the parade and he said, "Heck yeah, they should."
Three, should teachers carry on no matter how many kids aren't in class? Should it be a movie day or should kids who miss that day just miss out because their parents made a choice about their attendance?
Four, should we just use one snow day?
Five, would it really be fair to parents who cannot have their kids sitting at home alone?
Six, West Seattle blog had a comment that WSHS and Madison will have an "early release" tomorrow.
From SPS:
Seattle Public Schools to remain open on Wednesday.
From Superintendent Jose Banda:
Congratulations to the @Seahawks on an amazing season and Super Bowl win! I It’s been so fun to see our school communities get into the spirit these last few weeks. I've enjoyed seeing the photos and videos of our students and staff celebrating the Seahawks.
We have received questions about the parade on Wednesday, which starts at 11 a.m. Seattle Public Schools will not close or dismiss school early because of the parade. Parents who wish to take their students out of school can, but per state regulation, it will be treated as an unexcused absence. While we support the team, academics must come first and it’s important not to lose a day in the classroom.
We know this is a historical event for our community and we also know that for many of our students, their school community is a place where they will celebrate and come together to talk about pride, sportsmanship and teamwork. We encourage our students and staff to wear blue on Wednesday in honor of the #Seahawks.
We are working with the City on transportation issues for the day and we will work hard to minimize disruptions. However, families should expect bus delays in the afternoon on Wednesday.
Comments
--FremontDad
Also, in the throwing stones in a glass house department, in 1978 the Sonics were in the NBA Finals. I was a senior in high school and I blew off a couple of days of school in June to wait in line for tickets. It was one of best times of my young life, so it will be hard for me to mad at any kid who does the same thing.
HIMSmom
-sleeper (who is not a football fan)
Go Hawks!
So it is not desired that students participate in a living history event? Better to learn history from a photocopied handout I guess.
Lifelong memories and community bonds will be created on Wednesday. Worth an unexcused absence. Go Hawks!
-StepJ
If I am reading the Board info correctly, the transportation standards up for a vote now include a 10 min later start - the arrival/departure times have been adjusted by 10 min. So it's all or nothing? This is not good news for 3rd tier schools. The departure time is shown as 4:00(!). As families currently on the 3rd tier know, the actual departure tends to be later than the stated departure.
-parent
-
If I am reading the Board info correctly, the transportation standards up for a vote now include a 10 min later start - the arrival/departure times have been adjusted by 10 min. So it's all or nothing? This is not good news for 3rd tier schools. The departure time is shown as 4:00(!). As families currently on the 3rd tier know, the actual departure tends to be later than the stated departure.
-parent
OTHER EXCEPTIONS:
1. Jane Addams K-8 students that were enrolled during the 2013-14 school years that reside in the
Jane Addams MS and Eckstein MS Attendance Areas and outside of the John Marshall walk area receive district provided transportation for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 school years.
2. Pinehurst K-8 students that were enrolled during the 2013-14 school year that reside in the Jane
Addams MS and Eckstein MS Attendance Areas and outside of the Lincoln walk area receive
district provided transportation for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 school years.
3. TOPS K-8 students that were enrolled during the 2013-14 school year that reside in the Beacon
Hill and Kimball Elementary Attendance Areas will receive district provided transportation for the
2014-15 school year only only.
4. TOPS K-8 will have one (1) express shuttle route in the Hamilton/Whitman MS Attendance Area for students that were enrolled during the 2013-14 school year. This service will be
provided for the 2014-15 school year only.
5. Thornton Creek will have one (1) express shuttle route in the Jane Addams MS Attendance Area
for students that were enrolled during the 2013-14 school year. This service will be provided for
the 2014-15 school year only.
Also, JAMS is still in Tier 1, with Hale in Tier 2.
- North-end Mom
No way will a parade translate to a video clip at home. This less about football than about community coming together. Even my nonfootball family is very excited.
SavvyVoter
DK
Gen Ed Mom
Any JA K8 kids, either new or continuing, outside the Eckstein/JAMS areas, won't get transportation for 2014-15. No one in Eckstein area will have transportation after 2015-16, so parents need to consider this, especially if they are thinking of joining the program now, unless they are slated for the W-P area later.
~ interpreting
The main issue seems to be that people want Mr. Banda to bless their decision to take their kids out of school to see a parade. And since Mr. Banda made a sensible decision about the actual education of all students (which is his job), not just about the desires of those with football-fan families, they are annoyed and are shaming him/the school system.
HIMS mom
"We know this is a historical event for our community ..."
"a" historical event? Don't you mean "an" historical event. Was there a parade on the day they went over that in LA?
Okay, I know the answer is the unions would have to agree, and many families wouldn't have child care available.
However, if kids are doing okay in school otherwise, one unexcused absence isn't going to kill them.
I don't even care about pro sports, but if half the kids are going to be gone anyway, why go through the motions?
Hell, the King of Ed Reform himself (ick) is a huge Chicago Bballer. You think he wouldn't grab Obama, Obama's kids, and skip out to see the Bulls celebrate a national championship?
I expect my kids will be getting into a great college AND they won't bitterly remember that they had to go to finish a dumb MAP test - yes it's that time again - while their best friends and neighbors spent a few hours whooping it up in a whirlwind of civic fun. They won't be 40 years old remembering they were forced to sit on a sticky school bus while the rest of the city danced on a sunny Wednesday in Seattle.
Parade Rainer (is not my name)
Hate to tell you, but sports events like this are historic. These are the events that a vast majority of people will remember all their lives.
Your comment is confusing. Are you dissing the press release or the person who quoted the press release?
Reading Comprehension
The entire Seattle Parks Department proposed budget for operations in 2014 is one hundred thirty-six million dollars.
So, on less than two days' notice, we're supposed to go out and find childcare to cover the day off of school that would be given so that some families -- because not all, probably not even most -- so that some families can go to watch a parade of a team of 53 people that make almost as much money collectively as we spend on parks in this city.
That is nothing short of unconscionable, and I cannot believe people are suggesting and advocating for this.
It is fantastic that they won. If people pull their kids out, perhaps special dispensation can be given for the absence, but closing down the entire school system?
We really do have better things to do.
--FremontDad
If you are referring to me in your comments, I just think there is a bit of a misunderstanding. I have my life experiences so I am approaching it that way. I'm old so can get if you are coming from a different perspective.
I’m not asking for SPS to condone my actions in any way. I just think it is a bit odd for them to declare it “a historical event” but then not want my kid to participate.
If a parent chooses to not have their child participate that is their prerogative and I genuinely respect and agree with what you decide.
For myself, I am an individual that always played by the rules and in so many more instances than I would have liked missed out. In my experience with SPS, ingenuity, creativity, and other great things that are factors to success outside of school are not valued.
For our household this is not just a parade. It is a celebration of unity beyond Seattle. Encompassing the Pacific NW and regions in proximity. It is a celebration of all of those that have been told that “they can’t” but persevered and succeeded despite the most daunting circumstances.
Being deaf, growing up in Compton, being too short, being a fifth round draft pick, living through being hungry and having to wear the same clothes all week.
All of these people were given a chance. They were believed in, and when they were their true selves and were the best they could be, they were a success.
It is inspiring to me as I never had to live with such hardships and I have not achieved what these individuals have achieved.
I want my kids to know that you do not always succeed at first try. Success is not being perfect. And hail your excellent failure if you learn from it, and get up and try again.
This is my personal perspective on the “parade” on Wednesday. I don’t think the Superintendent had any choice according to policy to declare what he declared. But, perhaps he could have tried a little harder to swap a snow day. There are Districts that have a day off for the first day of Hunting Season because they know so many students will be absent. Not so dissimilar here.
It will be an event that will be recorded in the history of Seattle. For my family it is not just about football. It is so much more. I want my kids to always have this in their memory (and they will.) And when they do remember I’ll reinforce the above. Even if you are told you can’t, you can. The lesson of this group from coach to players was they were told could not, and then “they did.”
To each their own, but not to be diminished if you don't agree with either HIMS Mom or me.
-StepJ
SPS Employee
If the city of Seattle wants to celebrate their team's victory in a historical way, why do they do it at 11 am on a Wednesday?
Why can't they do it at 3 or 4pm in the afternoon (if they can't wait for the weekend at all to celebrate)?
People could work almost all day, students could go to school, and they all could celebrate together as a community in the afternoon (weekend?).
Why people have to choose: work/study or celebrate?
For the players, it shouldn't really matter...
IDK
I don't begrudge them Sat in Hawaii or the Wednesday parade. I intend to skip work as does my husband. We're pulling our kids. We are going to have a ball and our kids will be crowing to their East Coast families. Couldn't care less that they'll be unexcused. The only people who give a flying fig about being unexcused tomorrow propbably suck lemons all year. Our family makes lemonade. Go Hawks.
P.S. I have one A student and one B student. We spend hours on homework every night so don't get on yer high horses.
Hawk fan
Below excerpted from: editingandwritingservices.com/
"Associated Press Stylebook says that a historic event is an important occurrence, one that stands out in history.
Many people say, “An historical occasion,” but “an historical” isn’t used regularly in American English. Using “an” is common, but not universally accepted by experts. Here’s how to figure out which article to use:
Before a word starting with a pronounced, breathy “h,” use “a.” Examples: A hotel; A happy time; A historical day; A healthy, happy baby.
You attend a history class, not an history class. Same with “historical.” It was a historical occasion.
Honeymooners go to a hideaway, not an hideaway. The donkey carried a heavy burden, not an heavy burden. “Historical” is no different.
Use “an” with words beginning with an unpronounced “h.” Examples: An herb garden; an hour; an honor; An heir.
Now, let’s combine them: “Look! An herb garden in a historical setting. Let’s stay an hour, then find a hotel.”
-just sayin
This is about as bad communication as I have seen out of SPS. And I have seen BAD in the past years. Dismal. Abysmal. Unexcusable.
Aside from the communication the 3tier plan is an unworkable mess. And joke. No notice of where savings are happening. No admission that buses in the 3rd tier will NEVER be on time in afternoon traffic. Nor should little kids in Tier One be on buses long before dawn. Dumb. Dumb. Dumb.
And that's all before switching high school times later in the next year or two. That will upend everything again. Dumb. Dumb. Dumb.
DistrictWatcher
DistrictWatcher
But as soon as 2 schools figured it out, there was a 300+ signature petition, in I think something like 3 days, to please switch tier 3 to 1, please, anything, just don't make tier 3 worse; it's an incredible hardship even as it is. And that's just really two schools. I can't imagine if word really got out.
You would think with the that sample size, they'd figure out more people probably feel that way, and crazier, maybe even listen to them. But no.
-sleeper
Wow, thanks for the clear explanations, just sayin. (Very helpful for one who is grammatically challenged.)
happy fan
It's a personal decision.
Schools should be open. Parents (and teachers) just need to remember to call their kids in sick before they head out. Not much admin can do if your kid has the flu.
With that said, they could have has the parade on Saturday...
My kids know they are fortunate that we are doing this, they must make up work. They know not all parents can take off work, and some kids even need to go to school so they will have a breakfast and lunch tomorrow.
My kids WILL NOT learn from this opportunity how to "call in sick" they are not sick, and will not lie.
the bigger problem is with district attendance policy and "unexcused" absences. Families should be able to take a week vacation, attend a wedding/funeral, etc and not have a black mark. Whatever happened to having X number of excused absences available (with parent note) a semester?
-Diane
Take your kids to the parade if you can. This just means it's on them to make up the time and if it's unexcused, it's unexcused.
You don't close anything based on the prediction of half-full classrooms. You stay open because you WILL have students to teach.
Like the many 'expert' predictions that called the Seahawks doomed to fail, arrogant, thuggish, etc, the prediction that it will be nothing but crickets in these dark and dreary classrooms is total crap.
Go Hawks!
Westside
HP
Go Hawks
PS: Hey - the Robot Identifier word for me for this post is 'principles'. Indeed!
The players are here because they are paid a shameful amount of money -- not a love or loyalty to Seattle. If another city offered players a more lucrative contract, do you honestly think they'd turn it down because they are loyal to the Seahawk brand?
The team itself is as much ours as the Sonics were. If we don't bow to their corporate demands, the owners can and will pick up stakes and move elsewhere. This sense of loyalty is a figment of the imagination in the minds of fans.
To take your kids out of school to celebrate a corporate money machine is absurd. If this was a case of local boys working hard, making it onto the local team, playing hard and winning, my comments would be very different. That is not the NFL.
Bottom line, the Seahawks are not SEATTLE. The Seahawks (professional sports in general) don't care about you. They care about money. Period.
puhleeeese. you think we don't know they play for money? you think we don't know about pro sports? did you see this team? bunch of kids the rest of the sporting world called lame, untalented etc etc. my kids learned more about teamwork from the seahawks than any cruddy social awareness worksheets given out by SPS in the past ten years. sure the players will go off and do their own thing in the coming years. sure they have various blemishes on their personalities. sure the team made a mint. but they gave us not only a lesson this year on drive and determination but a lot of gray weather fun. sometimes it is just plain fun to celebrate living in a cool place with cool professionals of all types from computer nerds to social service workers to fishermen to football players. can't help it that most of our professions won't get parades...so will enjoy this one even more. it ain't hero worship, it's hometown fun. the mayor and the guv are going. hundreds of thousands of people are going. FUN. but hey...hope your kids enjoy a day of tests, worksheets and never-on-time buses.
Go Hawks
I have to agree with you on this:
"To take your kids out of school to celebrate a corporate money machine is absurd. If this was a case of local boys working hard, making it onto the local team, playing hard and winning, my comments would be very different. That is not the NFL."
"The players are here because they are paid a shameful amount of money -- not a love or loyalty to Seattle."
"The Seahawks ... care about money. Period."
Still no real explanation why didn't they do it on an afternoon or the weekend?
IDK
Seattle Mayor Ed Murray tweeted his thoughts on the topic late Tuesday morning:
It is my hope the school district will excuse absences for students whose families want to join their families during the #celebrate48 events.
EdVoter
The Superintendent met with principals this morning and gave us the leeway to decide whether absences to attend the Seahawks celebration should be excused or not.
As this is a unique, cultural celebration for our City, I have decided that I will accept written notes submitted to our attendance office and excuse students who miss school tomorrow to attend the celebration.
Students will need to seek out the work that they miss with their teachers, but they will have access to making up the points.
School will remain open and activities will be offered to all students who attend school.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at kswynkoop@seattleschools.org
Keven Wynkoop
Principal
-Franklin Parent
and the city is held hostage to the demands of the NFL. They have no problem eradicating all of those jobs you speak of by moving to another city. It is a BUSINESS, not a community group. They do not feel a sense of obligation to the workers of Seattle. Big Sports does not deserve the fanaticism it receives. They play on your desire for community but bail when they get a better offer elsewhere. All of this attention and hoopla is absurd.
However, as a teacher, this is a frustrating no-win scenario. Avoid teaching new material and fall prey to the criticisms of the haters that we're slacking unionized teachers (BTW, I came from industry)... do teach and we'll be regarded as being oblivious to history and somehow dense about unique once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
No Win
Our kids do not exist for the purpose of going to school 180 days a year. They go to school so that they may lead richer, fuller, more useful, productive and interesting lives than they would lead if we just kept them at home and started them working at age 7 or 8. For virtually all of the ones who want to go, the value of participating in tomorrow's celebration will far outweigh what they would have learned in one day of class (especially since they can still learn whatever it was -- it is not like there is a wormhole on that knowledge that will close if they don't absorb it from 11 to 1 on Wednesday.
Go Hawks!
It's nice to know that Jan is still reading and I am happy when she posts!
out of the 50,000 students, 13,000 were not in school this morning - according to the attendance Office of SPS.
IDK