Seattle Schools Renames Programs

 Editor's note: They renamed PROGRAMS and not the buildings that will house these programs.  I also hope that one of the buildings at Wilson-Pacific will be named after Native American leader, Robert Eaglestaff.  It is unclear to me in the naming of the Pinehurst K-8/Indian Heritage program if any Native American parents, staff or leaders were consulted.  I'm checking.

Update: I confirmed that yes, Native American leaders and parents were on the Pinehurst K-8/Indian Heritage program, did work together and the vote was to name the program, Licton Springs K-8.

From SPS:

Superintendent José Banda has approved new names for the Jane Addams K-8 program and the Pinehurst K-8/Indian Heritage program.
• Jane Addams K-8 is newly named Hazel Wolf K-8
• Pinehurst K-8/Indian Heritage combined program is newly named Licton Springs K-8 
As a result of the voter-approved Building Excellence IV (BEX IV) capital levy in 2013, a number of schools are being built or renovated.
The Jane Addams building is becoming a neighborhood Middle School and as a result, Jane Addams K-8—now Hazel Wolf K-8— is moving to the John Marshall building for two years while their new home, the Pinehurst building, is being newly constructed.
The Pinehurst K-8/Indian Heritage combined program — now Licton Springs K-8 — is moving to the Lincoln building for three years while their new home in the middle school building on the Wilson-Pacific site is being constructed.

Jane Addams K-8 principal Debbie Nelsen and Pinehurst K-8 principal Roy Merca have worked with their respective students, staff, program’s leadership and partnerships teams and PTSA to identify and vote on possible new names. Each principal then sent a letter of recommendation with suggested names to Superintendent Banda for his review and decision.
“I am pleased to approve the new names of these two school programs, which were identified as a result of a collaborative effort that included students, staff and families,” said Superintendent José Banda. “It’s clear that the naming process was thoughtful and took into consideration the legacy of these programs and what they represent.”
Hazel Wolf was a Seattle-based environmental and social justice advocate whose causes ranged from the rights of workers, immigrants, women and minorities to the protection of wilderness, wetlands, and wildlife. She eventually became one of the most respected figures in the Northwest environmental community, passing away in 2000 at the age of 101.
Those participating in the naming process noted that Hazel Wolf bridges the social justice movement represented by the Jane Addams K-8 school program’s original namesake, Jane Addams, with the environmental focus of its program. Licton Springs, the neighborhood where the Wilson-Pacific site is located, takes its name from Liq'tid or Licton, the Salish word for the reddish mud of the springs and is one of the few Puget Sound Salish words still used as a place name.
The actual source of the springs is in a small park not far from the Wilson-Pacific site and has deep spiritual significance to the Duwamish people first settled the area. Building naming process to begin this fall. The new middle school and elementary school buildings on the Wilson-Pacific site will open for the 2017-18 school year and the naming process for each of these two buildings will begin this fall.
Community residents, families, school staffs and PTSAs will be included in the naming process for each building. The School Board will then vote on and approve the two new names.